U (streaming service)

U (formerly known as UKTV Play) is a video on demand service owned by UKTV, a subsidiary of BBC Studios. The service launched on 4 August 2014 and offers catch-up programming from UKTV's free-to-air channels, which include U&Dave, U&Drama, U&W and U&Yesterday.

History
In 2013, prior to the launch of UKTV Play, each channel had their own on-demand services such as Alibi OD, Dave OD, GOLD OD, Good Food OD, Home OD and Watch OD.

UKTV Play was first announced in June 2014. The service first launched on iOS in August, on PC, YouView and Virgin Media in November and on Android in February 2015. In addition, it launched on Freeview Play in August 2016, on Roku and Now in February 2018, and on Freesat and Samsung smart TVs in September 2018.

Following the addition of W to UKTV's free-to-air packages, the shows from the channel became available to watch for free on UKTV Play.

Since 2019, the UKTV brand is fully owned by BBC Studios.

In August 2023, UKTV launched four FAST channels utilising the UKTV Play brand and content on platforms including Samsung TV Plus and Pluto TV.

In November 2023, UKTV announced that UKTV Play would be renamed to U as part of UKTV unifying their channels and service under the masterbrand of the same name. UKTV Play Rebranded to U on 1 July 2024.