Channel 4 reports it has trebled its YouTube episode in the UK by 2024 – driven by the likes of Immeasurable, Hollyoaks, Murder Case: The Digital Detectives and Football cops – is leading the way to reach digital natives on new platforms while building on its status as the fastest growing streamer this year.

Its social output has racked up 1.8 billion views in the UK so far this year, helped by a tripling (+309 per cent year-on-year) in UK views of full episodes of Channel 4 shows on YouTube. Channel 4 documentaries have been a key to growth, including 24 hours in police custody draw in record-breaking YouTube audiences.

Kanal 4’s current affairs strand Twelvewhich delivers digital-first surveys to viewers between the ages of 16 and 34, has also proven to be a hit among e.g. The Secret World of Boy Racers: generating 0.9 million views in the UK.

In 2023, the Channel 4 program adopted a digital-first schedule for Hollyoaks with episodes airing on YouTube at the same time as streaming and linear – and in 2024 there have been 3.5 million global views to Hollyoaks full episodes on YouTube.

Views of all types of Channel 4 content on YouTube are up 43 per cent year-on-year, with entertainment programming from Channel 4, plus US acquisitions such as Malcom in the middle thriving.

Elsewhere on social media, Channel 4’s coverage of Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 generated 41 million views on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. More than 2.4 million live streams and 2.1 million non-live streams were recorded on Channel 4’s YouTube streaming platform.

Meanwhile, Channel 4.0 has more than doubled UK views (+120 per cent) across all social platforms combined, to 120 million. Channel 4.0 focuses on entertaining formats such as the funny Dropped outthe jaw drops King Konan’s trap doorand Worst in the class where Harry Pinero brings A-List digital talent back to school.

Across all social platforms on Channel 4, TikTok is the fastest growing this year, with views in the UK up 86 per cent year-on-year to 480 million. The viewing was boosted by a partnership between Channel 4’s digital content and 4Studio and TikTok to create a digital experience for the Paralympic Games on TikTok, releasing several pieces of TikTok content each day during the Games.

On Instagram, views in the UK increased by 39 per cent to 349 million. Top performing Instagram content includes channels for hollyoaks, Made in Chelsea and Celebrities go on dates.

The social growth comes as Channel 4 streaming continues to outperform the market, with year-to-date growth (+21 per cent year-on-year) the strongest of the top six commercial streamers as defined by viewing minutes.

Matt Risley, CEO of 4Studio, commented: “Channel 4’s UK views across all social platforms and content have amassed a massive 1.8 billion this year, putting us on track to double our social viewing by 2030. Our recent audience growth underlines how Channel 4 and 4Studio are leading the way in embracing social audiences at scale.”

The data in this article was collected between January 1 and October 7.