What used to be “catch-up” TV has become mainstream, with more than a third of Australians watching BVOD services.

New data from Roy Morgan shows that broadcast video on demand audience – which grew strongly during the early stages of the pandemic – has held on, with 7.5 million Australians watching services such as 7plus, 9Now, 10 Play and ABC iView.

In 2020, about 2.1 million more viewers (+39.5 per cent) used the service than in the previous quarter, but despite fears the level of growth would be hard to maintain, 130,000 more viewers streamed BVOD services last year, an increase of 1.8 per cent.

ABC iView – which is about to demand viewers log-in as members – continues to be the clear market leader with 4.13 million viewers in an average four weeks, up 985,000 (+31.3 per cent) from two years ago, although down 633,000 (13.3 per cent) on a year ago.

SBS On Demand remains in second place and is now viewed by 2.86 million Australians representing an increase of 217,000 (+8.2 per cent) from two years ago although down 653,000 (18.6 per cent) from a year ago.

The leader of the three traditional commercial broadcasters is the Seven Network's 7plus which is now viewed by 2.6 million Australians, an increase of 727,000 (+38.8 per cent) from a year ago. Close behind are the Nine Entertainment Company's 9Now which is viewed by 2.38 million Australians, up 318,000 (+15.4 per cent) on a year ago and Network 10's 10 Play, now viewed by 1.7 million Australians, up 358,000 (+26.7 per cent).

This new data comes from Roy Morgan Single Source consumer survey, derived from interviews with more than 60,000 Australians each year.