Netflix surpasses ITV in UK revenue for the first time

How Netflix built its UK advantage

Netflix has overtaken ITV as the UK's top commercial broadcaster by annual revenue, reporting £2.06 billion ($2.81 billion) for 2025. This milestone marks the first time the global streaming service has generated more income in Britain than the country's leading advertiser-supported television network. The achievement comes amid continued growth in Netflix's subscriber base and content investment across the region.

The figure places Netflix well ahead of other UK broadcasters, including Channel 4 at £1 billion and Paramount-owned Channel 5 at £318 million. While the BBC remains the largest overall broadcaster due to its licence fee funding, its public service model means it does not report commercial revenue in the same way. Netflix's performance reflects its expanding library of original productions and increasing adoption of its ad-supported tier in the UK market.

What does this mean for traditional TV?

Netflix's revenue growth in Britain has been driven by sustained investment in locally relevant content, including dramas like The Crownand Baby Reindeer,which have resonated strongly with domestic audiences. The company has also benefited from price adjustments and the rollout of its lower-cost, ad-supported subscription plan, which attracted millions of new users in 2024 and 2025. Analysts note that Netflix's ability to scale globally while tailoring offerings to regional tastes has given it an edge over traditional broadcasters reliant on linear advertising.

The shift signals a broader transformation in how UK audiences consume media, with streaming platforms increasingly dominating viewing habits and advertising spend. ITV and other legacy broadcasters face mounting pressure to adapt their business models, invest in streaming capabilities, and compete for both viewers and ad dollars in a fragmented landscape. While public service broadcasters like the BBC retain structural advantages through licence fee support, the commercial sector must innovate to remain viable.

How much revenue did Netflix report in the UK for 2025? Netflix posted £2.06 billion, equivalent to $2.81 billion, in UK revenue for the full year 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Netflix now the largest broadcaster in the UK overall? No, the BBC remains the largest broadcaster due to its licence fee funding, but Netflix has surpassed ITV as the top commercial broadcaster by revenue.

What factors contributed to Netflix's UK revenue growth? Growth was fueled by popular original content, subscription price increases, and the success of its ad-supported tier, which expanded its user base significantly.