BBC Sounds Archives

BBC Sounds up 8.5% as on-demand listening hits new highs

02/11/2025

BBC Sounds enjoyed a strong summer quarter, recording 675 million plays between July and September 2025 — up 8.5 % year-on-year, according to new BBC figures. The platform saw record podcast engagement, a surge in sports coverage, and continued growth among under-35 audiences, as live radio, on-demand programmes and music mixes all contributed to its best Q3 performance to date. Live radio listening RAJAR data for the same period confirms the BBC remains the UK’s […]

BBC Sounds continues to grow in Q4 2024

06/02/2025

BBC Sounds continues to grow in Q4 2024 with 644 million plays of all content across radio, podcasts and music mixes in the quarter October to December 2024. This is up 22 million plays on the previous quarter and an increase of more than 3% from the same period last year, as digital listening continues to grow. This quarter also saw the launch of two new music streams, Radio 3 Unwind and Radio 1 Anthems, giving listeners on […]

BBC Sounds launches first integrated in-car app

28/12/2024

BBC Sounds launches first integrated in-car app so that it is available directly from an in-car entertainment system for the first time. Where previously listeners needed a phone to access BBC Sounds in a car through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, they can now listen to music, radio, and podcasts from the BBC directly from the car’s display. Initially, the BBC Sounds in-car app is rolling out in select BMW and MINI vehicles with BMW […]

Radio 1 Anthems launches on BBC Sounds

15/11/2024

BBC Radio 1 Anthems launches on BBC Sounds with a wide range of music and acts supported by Radio 1 in the 2000s and 2010s, available to stream 24×7. The new stream features a dynamic presenting line-up that combines favourite Radio 1 voices with fresh new talent who have emerged from the Student Radio Association (SRA). Joining Radio 1 Anthems are exciting new hosts Chrissy Cameron, Lauren Redfern and Tyler Selby, all of whom have made their […]

BBC Radio 3 Unwind launches on BBC Sounds

12/11/2024

BBC Radio 3 Unwind launches on BBC Sounds showcasing a broad and eclectic range of calming classical music available to stream 24×7. The channel which launched on Monday 4th November is carefully curated to provide listeners with the best restorative classical music, with selections spanning the centuries from the medieval to the present day. In addition to a diverse range of music, the stream will also include content promoting focus and relaxation, and contributions from […]

BBC Sounds continues to grow in Q3 2024

29/10/2024

BBC Sounds continues to grow in Q3 2024 with 622 million plays of all content across radio, podcasts and music mixes. There were over 622 million plays of all content across radio, podcasts and music mixes in this quarter (July – Sept 2024). This is up 14 million plays on the previous quarter and an increase of more than 3% from the same period last year, as digital listening continues to grow. The busiest week of […]

BBC commissions new shows for BBC Sounds

25/10/2024

BBC commissions new shows for BBC Sounds music streams, Radio 1 Anthems and Radio 3 Unwind. Following highly competitive commissioning rounds, a raft of production teams across the audio sector and different parts of the UK have secured shows on the new music streams for BBC Sounds, launching in early November. Lorna Clarke, Director of Music, BBC says, “Our new music extensions provide invaluable creative opportunities for the audio sector to win more commissions, and […]