BBC iPlayer iPad App Launches Internationally with Subscription

BBC iPlayer Expands Internationally with Subscription Model

The BBC’s widely used on-demand platform, iPlayer, has now been made available to international audiences through a subscription service. While the application download is free, accessing its content requires a monthly commitment from users.

The subscription costs €6.99 per month, or alternatively, €49.99 for a full year of access. This provides a convenient and cost-effective option for dedicated viewers.

Initial European Launch

Currently, the international iPlayer service is limited to viewers within Europe. Supported countries include Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.

Plans are underway to extend availability to the United States, though a specific launch date remains unconfirmed. The BBC anticipates significant interest in the US market.

Capitalizing on Growing On-Demand Consumption

The service will grant subscribers on-demand access to a wide range of popular BBC television and radio programs. Many of these programs are presently available for individual purchase through platforms like iTunes.

Data indicates a substantial increase in downloads from paid content providers – a rise of 45.7% between 2010 and 2011. The BBC aims to leverage this growing trend with its subscription-based iPad application.

The global iPlayer will present a distinct experience compared to the UK version, as explained by the BBC to paidContent:

Unlike the UK service, which heavily relies on catch-up viewing of linear channels, the global BBC iPlayer will feature a carefully selected collection of both current and classic programming. Content will not be automatically transferred from UK broadcasts.

Significant UK iPlayer Usage

The popularity of iPlayer within the UK is considerable. In May 2011 alone, the service processed an impressive 159 million requests. This demonstrates the strong demand for on-demand content.

Download: BBC iPlayer @ The App Store (iPad Only, iOS 3.2 or later required)

Source: paidContent