Regularly watch Netflix and YouTube on your Amazon FireStick or Roku device? You may still be required to pay for a BBC TV Licence, which is going up to £174.50 from April 2025
Brits with streaming subscriptions to sites like Netflix and YouTube have been warned over a hefty fine. The way we consume media has rapidly evolved in recent years. Gone are the days where films were rented from Blockbuster, TV channels didn’t exceed the number four, and YouTube wasn’t even in our vocabulary.
Many Brits these days don’t watch live TV on a strict schedule, and access apps like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ and Paramount + through their Amazon FireStick or Roku devices. But, with the TV Licence fee slated to increase, confusion remains about who needs to pay the annual cost – which will total a whopping £174.50 from April 2025.
Contrary to popular belief, you still need a TV Licence fee if you watch live TV on sites like YouTube and Netflix. If you only use these platforms to watch videos or clips on demand, you do not need a TV Licence (with the exception of BBC iPlayer – which always requires a licence).
“An example of this would be watching Sky News live [on YouTube],” TV Licensing said. “But it isn’t just live news or sport which needs a licence – it’s any programme which is part of a TV channel, shown or transmitted for everyone to watch at the same time.”
Last month, Netflix UK aired live the highly-anticipated boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. This is a great example of where users would need a TV Licence, even though they’re watching it through a subscription site they already pay for. However, if all you do is watch old episodes of Friends everyday – there’s no need to pay the annual fee.
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If you’re found watching live TV, or anything on BBC iPlayer, without a TV licence – you can end up with a fine of up to £1,000 (£2,000 if you live in Guernsey). While you cannot be imprisoned for not paying the licence itself, you risk being imprisoned for non-payment of a fine imposed by the court.
However, those aged over 75 and in receipt of Pension Credits, or those who live with a partner who gets Pension Credit, are entitled to a free TV Licence. If you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation and are retired and over 60 or disabled – you can get a TV Licence for just £7.50. Those who are registered blind or live with someone who is are also eligible for a 50 per cent discount.
Thinking of cancelling your TV Licence? Check out our explainer on your rights when it comes to cancelling your TV Licence – as well as if an officer come knocking on your door.
Is the TV licence good value for money? Have your say in the comments section below