S4C reports record streaming growth as digital-first strategy gathers pace
July 8, 2026 11.49 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Welsh-language broadcaster S4C has reported record streaming figures as its transition to a digital-first broadcaster begins to deliver results.

In its latest annual report, S4C said monthly viewing hours across YouTube, S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer increased by 22% year-on-year to their highest level on record. The broadcaster also recorded strong growth across social media, with monthly impressions rising 83% to 35.6 million and engagement increasing 47% to 1.39 million across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

The figures come less than a year after S4C launched its five-year strategy, More Than a TV Channel, which places digital distribution at the centre of its future development.

The broadcaster also reported significant progress in reaching Welsh learners, with the audience for its S4C Dysgu Cymraeg social media accounts growing by more than 50% during the year while follower numbers more than doubled. Weekly users of the Newyddion S4C news app also increased.

Sport remained an important driver of streaming, accounting for three of the five most-watched programmes on S4C Clic and seven of S4C’s top 10 programmes on BBC iPlayer.

Among the year’s standout programmes were Y Cyfweliad, based on the international format Les Rencontres du Papotin, which has already been recommissioned for two further series, alongside the documentary Y Crwydryn and the second series of talent show Y Llais. Dating series Amour & Mynydd also attracted younger audiences through social media.

Chief Executive Geraint Evans said: “We’ve set out ambitious plans at S4C for the next five years as we transition to a digital-first broadcaster, and the figures in the annual report show that we’re already making good progress.

“The increase in streaming hours and engagement across digital platforms highlights the importance of adapting to new viewing habits, and demonstrates S4C’s role in making the Welsh language relevant and vibrant on multiple viewing platforms.”

S4C Chair Delyth Evans added: “As a public service broadcaster, it is our duty to deliver for our viewers and meet them where they watch. S4C’s digital growth across the board shows a clear appetite for our content and that our viewers are hungry for more.”

The results reflect a wider trend among European public service broadcasters, many of which are accelerating digital-first strategies as audiences continue to shift from traditional linear television to streaming and social media platforms.