STV Player Achieves Record 16.4 Million Streams in January 2026
In January 2026, STV Player reached a historic milestone by achieving 16.4 million streams. This figure surpasses its previous record of 15.9 million streams set in November 2024 by approximately 500,000 streams.
Key Factors Behind the Record Streams
The surge in viewership can be attributed to a combination of strong network programming and a strategic mix of both archive and newly acquired titles. This blend has successfully attracted both returning and new viewers throughout the month.
Soap Power Hour Launch
- STV introduced the Soap Power Hour, featuring back-to-back episodes of Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
- This programming innovation airs from 8-9 pm, Monday to Friday, boosting interest in these popular shows.
- Streaming of the soaps increased by 59% compared to January of the previous year, aided by a 7 am drop on STV Player.
Popular Programs in January
Two new dramas, After the Flood and Red Eye, proved popular, accumulating a total of 2.6 million streams. Additionally, several acquired titles made it to the platform’s top 10, showcasing diversity in content.
Notable Acquisitions
- Murder One, a US legal drama.
- 19-2, a Canadian police procedural.
- Brookside, acquired in 2023, maintained an average of 1.2 million streams over the last three months.
The renewed interest in Brookside can be partly attributed to its connection with Hollyoaks, which was established in October. To date, Brookside has secured over 36 million streams, with viewers enjoying more than 800 episodes on the service.
Looking to the Future
Richard Williams, managing director of audience at STV, proudly noted that January’s performance “smashed all previous records.” He emphasized a strategic focus on network programs and selective acquisitions as driving factors behind this success.
In 2026, STV plans to leverage upcoming events such as the Six Nations rugby tournament and the FIFA World Cup. These major sporting events are expected to be significant contributors to STV Player’s ongoing growth and viewership expansion.
