BBC launches iPlayer internationally

The BBC has launched an international app for catch-up platform iPlayer that is priced at €6.99 per month or €49.99 for a year. The service is initially launching on iPads only and is available in 11 European markets – Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

The project is being overseen by BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the public broadcaster, which said the international version of the iPlayer app will look and feel similar to the UK version but would function differently. Instead of offering content for seven days after initial broadcast, it will offer various new and classic series, including Only Fools and Horses, Sherlock and Doctor Who. BBC Worldwide said hours of new programming would be added to the service every week. The global app also enables users to download content to view offline. The UK version of the app does not allow this.

John Smith CEO BBC Worldwide said: “I’m proud that we’re one of the first international broadcasters to give access to our shows in a perfectly packaged app. This launch is an important route to market in our strategy of pursuing multiple platforms for our programmes and brands, taking British programmes to new digital audiences around the world. Today marks a significant next step on a digital journey that has already seen 12 million BBC Worldwide apps downloaded across brands as diverse as Lonely Planet and Good Food.”