Netflix users need a TV licence in the UK if you watch one specific thing
Don't think you automatically avoid the TV licence if you only use Netflix...
Netflix subscribers may think they can get away without having a TV licence – but if you watch one type of show, you definitely need one.
As outlined by the government website, “you need a TV Licence to watch or record programmes on a TV, computer or other device as they’re broadcast, and to watch on-demand BBC programmes on iPlayer”.
So, what if you want to watch the best shows on Netflix? After all, you already pay anywhere between £5.99 and £18.99 per month for a subscription. Why should you need to pay more money?
If you’ve received one of the scary TV Licensing letters through your door and you’re thinking, “I’m not paying that, I only use Netflix”, you should keep reading.
Do you need a TV licence for Netflix?
You don’t need a TV licence to use Netflix… unless you plan to watch any live events.
It’s fair to feel a little confused. The government website says: “You do not need a TV Licence to watch streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus.”
However, the FAQs on the TV Licensing website contain an important caveat.
“If you are watching a TV programme that is being broadcast live on Netflix, you need to be covered by a TV Licence,” it explains.
“You don’t need a TV Licence to watch on-demand programmes on Netflix.”
If you’re only watching the Harry Potter movies and shows like Friends (before they leave Netflix), you don’t need a licence.
However, if you watch any live Netflix broadcast – like Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua on December 20 – you do need a TV licence.
Do you need a TV licence to watch YouTube?
YouTube is similar to Netflix’s TV licence rules… but there are some sneaky differences.
“If you are watching a TV programme live on YouTube, you need to be covered by a TV Licence,” the website explains.
“A licence is not required to view user-generated content, clips and videos on YouTube. This includes live-streamed content that is not part of a television broadcast. Or being broadcast at the same time by other means.”
So, let’s say an episode was made available to stream via YouTube for free after it airs on TV. Technically, you wouldn’t need a licence to watch it.
Also, livestreams for TV events (a Line of Duty series 7 watch-along, for example) wouldn’t necessarily fall under the requirement for a licence. You’d be watching a YouTube user’s stream with embedded footage, rather than a direct feed from the channel.
How much does a TV licence cost?
A TV licence costs £174.50 per year, but there are multiple ways you can pay for it.
You can do a monthly direct debit. “We’ll usually spread the cost of your first Direct Debit licence over six months, at around £29.10 a month. From then on, you’ll pay around £14.54 a month,” the website explains.
You can also pay four quarterly payments of around £45, or you can pay the bill in full every year.
Read more: BBC TV License fee could be scrapped for millions with legacy shows put behind paywall
