.svg) Logo used since 2024 | |
| Other names | UKTV Play (2014–2024) |
|---|---|
| Original author(s) | UKTV |
| Initial release | 4 August 2014; 10 years ago (2014-08-04) |
| Platform | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, YouView, Virgin Media, Now |
| Available in | English |
| Website | u |
U (formerly known as UKTV Play) is a video on demand service owned by UKTV, which is operated by the BBC's commercial subsidiary BBC Studios. The service launched on 4 August 2014 and offers catch-up programming and live broadcasts from UKTV's free-to-air channels (U&Dave, U&Drama, U&W, U&Eden, and U&Yesterday).
History
UKTV Play was first announced in June 2014. Prior to its launch, each UKTV channel had their own on-demand services.
UKTV Play launched on iOS in August, on PC, YouView and Virgin Media in November and on Android in February 2015. The service would then launch on Freeview Play in August 2016, on Roku and Sky UK's Now in February 2018, and on Freesat and Samsung smart TVs in September 2018.
Following the relaunch of W as a free-to-air service, the channel's shows would become available to watch for free on UKTV Play.
Rebrand to U
In November 2023, UKTV announced that UKTV Play would be renamed as U, as part of the unification of UKTV's channels and service under the new masterbrand. UKTV Play rebranded as U on 16 July 2024.
References
- Finbow, Katy (31 March 2015). "Drama channel launches on UKTV Play on-demand service". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- Alexander, Susannah (23 June 2014). "UKTV launching first interactive digital service UKTV Play". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- Barker, John (21 November 2014). "UKTV Play arrives on YouView and PC". Broadband Choices. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- "UKTV Play app launches on Android". Digital TV Europe. 10 February 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015.
- "UKTV Play launches on Freeview Play | Freeview". www.freeview.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
- "UKTV Play launches on NOW TV and Roku streaming players | News | UKTV Corporate Site". corporate.uktv.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
- "UKTV Play launches on Freesat | News | UKTV Corporate Site". corporate.uktv.co.uk. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
- Middleton, Richard (29 November 2023). "UKTV channels and streaming service to rebrand under new banner U". Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- Kasule, Melissa (6 June 2024). "UKTV to launch masterbrand U on July 16". Retrieved 12 June 2024.
