100m Programme Downloads For 4oD

Channel 4 has said that its video-on-demand service, 4oD, has served more than 100 million programme streams and downloads since its launch in December 2006.

The broadcaster said that its most popular programmes have been Hollyoaks, Skins, Shameless, Big Brother and Peep Show.

It has seen rapid growth since January 1, with six million full-length PC programme downloads, while active users of the 4oD PC service have risen 110% over the same period.

Channel 4 added that there was a 69% increase in the number of programmes streamed or downloaded between December and January.

The total number of 4oD users, including those accessing the service through Virgin Media, BT Vision and Tiscali, as well as online, is now 3.3 million.

4oD offers a 30 day ad-funded catch up service, with films and other premium content available to own or rent from 99p to £1.99.

A report on MediaGuardian.co.uk quotes Sarah Rose, head of video-on-demand and channel development at Channel 4, as saying: “The huge boost is partly because of the popularity of the iPlayer boosting use of online video viewing – there is no question about that – but it is also because we have launched some great programming this year and become more efficient in the way we market 4oD.”

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com