UKTV’s new U app is launching on Sky Glass and Sky Stream in the UK as part of a new agreement.
UKTV pay channels, Alibi and Gold, together with its free channel portfolio, will continue to be available to Sky and NOW customers.
Jon Simkin, Managing Director, Content Partnerships, Sky, commented: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with UKTV. UKTV’s distinctive content across channels such as Alibi and Gold is loved by Sky customers. This agreement reinforces our commitment to providing the best entertainment experience to our customers across the UK and Ireland.”
The launch of the U app – previously known as UKTV Play – is the first time it has been made available to Sky customers and marks the latest evolution of a long-term partnership between UKTV and Sky. Broadband TV News understands there is no immediate confirmed timeline to launch U on Sky Q but a spokesperson for UKTV said it continued to hold its distribution strategy for the app under review.
Sam Tewungwa, Managing Director, UKTV, said: “We’ve enjoyed a fruitful relationship with Sky over a number of years and we are delighted to be extending our partnership so that Sky customers can continue to enjoy the rich mix of content that UKTV has to offer.”
U (as UKTV Play) enjoyed record-breaking growth in 2023, with direct-to-consumer views increasing by 56% and monetisable views by 47% year-on-year. Since the U rebrand, average weekly sign-ups have increased by +71%.
The launch follows the transition of the streaming service to U, from UKTV Play in July, as part of the new U Masterbrand uniting UKTV’s streaming service and free-to-air linear channels, with a line-up of nearly 8,500 hours of content.
UKTV’s free-to-air channels U&Dave, U&W, U&DRAMA and U&YESTERDAY will also continue to be available for Sky customers to enjoy for the duration of the deal, as will Eden which joins UKTV’s free-to-air portfolio as U&Eden in the coming weeks.
