BBC News Channel Launches Live on YouTube in UK and US

The BBC has launched a live stream of its BBC News channel on YouTube in the UK and United States, as part of a trial designed to reach new and younger audiences through digital platforms. The service became available on 15 October 2026, expanding the broadcaster’s distribution beyond its existing television and digital services.

The stream provides round-the-clock coverage of domestic and international news, politics, business, technology, culture and breaking events, supported by BBC News’ global network of journalists and correspondents. The expansion follows the channel’s launch on YouTube in Australia, Kenya, Nigeria and Poland.

Anjali Kapoor, BBC News Director of AI, Innovation and Growth, said audiences increasingly expect news to be available on the platforms they use throughout the day. The broadcaster said the move would make its journalism more accessible while helping it connect with audiences in the places and at the times that suit them.

The launch forms part of the BBC’s wider digital strategy, as viewing habits shift towards online video and streaming platforms. YouTube said viewers watched more than 18 billion hours of news content on the platform during the first half of 2026, highlighting the scale of online news consumption.

In the UK, the BBC News channel remains available through BBC iPlayer, the BBC News website and app, as well as traditional television distribution. The YouTube stream adds another route for audiences to access live coverage without needing to switch between platforms.

The move reflects growing competition among broadcasters to reach digital-first audiences and maintain the visibility of established news services as viewing increasingly takes place across connected devices and online platforms.