A TV Licence is not just for BBC channels — it can affect how you use Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. With many people gaming, watching DVDs or streaming boxsets, knowing the rules is essential to avoid a fine.
Cost of a TV Licence
A colour TV Licence costs £180 per year, while a black-and-white licence is £60.50, following a price rise on April 1, 2026. TV Licensing warns: “You could be prosecuted if we find that you have been watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally.” The maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine plus legal costs and compensation, or £2,000 in Guernsey.
Gaming and DVDs
TV Licensing states: “No. You don’t need a TV Licence if you only use your TV for gaming or DVDs.” This applies as long as you never watch TV channels on any TV service, watch live TV on streaming services, or use BBC iPlayer. A licence is not needed to watch S4C programmes on demand.
Disney+
You do not need a TV Licence to watch on-demand programmes on Disney Plus.
YouTube
If you watch a TV programme live on YouTube, you need a TV Licence. User-generated content, clips and videos do not require a licence. This also covers live-streamed content that is not part of a TV programme. TV Licensing says you need a Licence if this applies and you pay for Premium.
Netflix
Watching a programme live on Netflix requires a TV Licence. However, shows and films watched on demand do not need one.
Amazon Prime
Live TV shows on Amazon Prime require a TV Licence. On-demand programmes do not.
