Discovery+ has emerged as the fastest-growing paid streaming service in the UK, thanks to its near-£1bn deal with the International Olympic Committee to secure the rights for the Olympics from the BBC. This deal, signed six years ago, required viewers to have a TV or streaming subscription to watch all Olympic events for the first time. While some viewers initially expressed frustration at the reduced coverage on the BBC, the service has seen significant growth ahead of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Kantar Entertainment on Demand report hailed Discovery+ as the standout performer in the UK streaming market, outpacing competitors like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The service has seen increased subscriber growth and engagement, with plans to launch the full Max streaming service in the UK in 2026 to offer a broader range of content.
Despite previous concerns about high churn rates on Discovery+, the service has seen success in attracting new subscribers and retaining them, particularly in the UK. The upcoming Paris Olympics has seen a surge in viewership across Europe, with more live TV coverage and streaming feeds than previous Olympics. The company has expressed confidence in its ability to retain subscribers by offering a variety of content and focusing on long-term engagement.
With the launch of the Max streaming service on the horizon and continued success in attracting new subscribers, Discovery+ is poised for further growth and success in the UK streaming market. The company’s ongoing partnership with the Olympics and the positive reception of the Paris 2024 Games suggest a promising future for Discovery+ in the competitive streaming landscape.
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