UK viewers search to stream Netflix for free

• Netflix tops the chart for searches to gain free access to streaming content
• According to research by CasinoScores, Netflix accounts for half of all searches looking for ways to stream for free, with Amazon Prime in second and Sky in third place. 

A new study by CasinoScores shows Netflix is the most popular search term for those looking to stream content for free. The streaming giant logged the most searches when accompanied by phrases such as “free” and “how to get free”.

With most of the world stuck at home during the Covid-19 lockdowns, streaming services took centre stage for people looking to stream the time away. The streaming wars raged on, with platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV+ gaining millions of new subscribers – but not all of them paying viewers.

“The streaming wars are frequently discussed as more companies launch their services, but at the moment, there’s only one winner in the UK. Despite the big-budget launches of the likes of Disney Plus, Netflix is still the streaming service that people want to access – especially if it’s free,” said a CasinoScores spokesperson.

Netflix, the home of smash hits such as Bridgerton and The Crown, accounted for half of Google searches for no-cost streaming, followed by Amazon Prime at 27% and Sky at 11%.

Sky’s streaming service Now TV came in fourth, accounting for just under 5%, followed by Disney+ with 4% of searches from people looking to find ways to stream without a subscription.

On the other end of the scale, BBC iPlayer, free for license fee payers in the UK, stood at 1%, beating Apple TV Plus (0.5%) and ITV Player (0.1%).