Subscribers to streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime may be required to pay the UK TV Licence fee of £180 per year, depending on their viewing habits. The fee, which covers a colour TV licence, increased on April 1, 2026, from its previous rate. A black-and-white TV licence costs £60.50 annually.
What the TV Licence Covers
Many people assume the TV Licence only applies to BBC programming, but it actually permits access to a wide range of television content. According to TV Licensing, the licence covers all TV channels including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave, and international channels. It also covers pay TV services like Sky, Virgin Media, and EE TV, as well as live TV on streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, it covers everything on BBC iPlayer, and watching, recording, or downloading content on any device.
Do You Need a TV Licence for Netflix?
TV Licensing states: "If you are watching a TV programme that is being broadcast live on Netflix, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. You don’t need a TV Licence to watch on-demand programmes on Netflix." This means that if you only watch pre-recorded shows or films on Netflix, you are not required to have a licence.
Do You Need a TV Licence for YouTube?
Officials confirm: "If you are watching a TV programme live on YouTube, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. A licence is not required to view user-generated content, clips and videos on YouTube." This includes live-streamed content that is part of a television broadcast or being broadcast simultaneously by other means. A YouTube Premium subscription does not replace the need for a TV Licence.
Do You Need a TV Licence for Amazon Prime?
Similar to Netflix, the requirement depends on what you watch. TV Licensing notes: "If you’re watching TV showing live on Amazon Prime, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. You don’t need a TV Licence if you’re only watching on demand programmes on Amazon Prime."
Do You Need a TV Licence for Disney Plus?
No. TV Licensing clarifies: "You don’t need a TV Licence to watch on demand programmes on Disney Plus."
Do You Need a TV Licence for Freely?
Yes, for live broadcast TV. TV Licensing states: "Freely is the newest way to stream live and on demand TV, all in one place. If you’re watching broadcast TV on Freely, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. You don’t need a TV Licence to watch on demand programmes via Freely, except on BBC iPlayer."
The TV Licence fee can be paid in instalments, and some households may qualify for a free or discounted licence, such as those over 75 receiving Pension Credit or people who are blind or live in care homes.
