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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Annabel Nugent

BBC officially surpassed in viewership milestone

Barb
  • YouTube has officially surpassed the BBC in British viewing figures for the first time, ending the national broadcaster's near-century-long dominance of UK entertainment.
  • According to official ratings agency Barb, YouTube attracted almost 52 million viewers in December, exceeding the BBC's 50.8 million across all its channels.
  • The rise of smart televisions is identified as a key factor in YouTube's increased viewership, allowing direct access to the platform on TV sets.
  • The BBC is adapting its strategy by committing to creating YouTube-specific content, moving beyond just posting trailers and clips, following an Ofcom warning.
  • While acknowledging the Barb figures, the BBC highlights that its own 15-minute engagement metric, which it considers more reflective of long-form content, still shows it comfortably ahead of YouTube.

IN FULL

An opportunity or a threat? How YouTube rose and rose to overtake the BBC

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