What Counts as "Live TV" for TV Licence Purposes?
The definition is broader than most people think. It is not just BBC. Here is a platform-by-platform breakdown of what counts and what does not.
Direct answer
Live TV is any programme you watch as it is broadcast or streamed to the public at the same time — on any channel (not just BBC), any platform, and any device. If you watch live TV, you need a £180/year TV licence. You also need one to use BBC iPlayer at all, even on-demand. You do not need a licence to watch only on-demand catch-up on ITVX, All 4, Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video.
The Legal Definition
"Live TV" means any programme broadcast or streamed as part of a television service, at the same time as it is being shown to the public. This applies to any channel (not just BBC), any platform, and any device. The "simultaneously broadcast" test is the key.
Common Misconceptions
Many people believe the TV licence only covers BBC content. This is wrong. The licence covers live broadcasts on all channels, including ITV, Channel 4, Sky, and international channels.
Wrong: "I only watch Sky, so I don't need a licence"
Wrong: "I only watch sport, not BBC programmes"
Wrong: "I watch on my phone, not a TV"
Platform-by-Platform Guide
| Platform | Live Content | On-Demand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Go | Yes - live channels | No | Live Sky Sports, Sky News, etc. need a licence. On-demand library does not. |
| ITVX | Yes - live streams | No | Watching ITV live needs a licence. Catch-up does not. |
| Channel 4 / All 4 | Yes - live streams | No | Watching Channel 4 live needs a licence. On-demand catch-up does not. |
| Netflix | Yes - live events | No | On-demand films and box sets need no licence. But Netflix now streams some live events (NFL games, boxing, live shows) and watching those as they air does need one. |
| Disney+ | Yes - live events | No | On-demand films and series need no licence. Some live sport/events on Disney+ are live TV and do need one. |
| Now TV | Yes - live channels | No | Live channels (Sport, News) need a licence. On-demand cinema/entertainment does not. |
| YouTube | Sometimes | No | Only if the live stream is a simulcast of a TV broadcast. Standard videos are fine. |
| Amazon Prime | Yes - live sport | No | Live Premier League, tennis, etc. need a licence. On-demand Prime Video does not. |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes | ALL iPlayer use needs a licence, including catch-up and on-demand. Unique among services. |
| Twitch | No | No | Gaming streams are not TV broadcasts and do not need a licence. |
| +1 channels | Yes | N/A | +1 channels (ITV+1, Channel 4+1) are still live broadcasts and need a licence. |