All 4: Bringing Channel 4 programming online

Thursday 3 August 2023 by Jonathan Victoria  Guides

Channel 4’s video-on-demand streaming service brings the TV channel’s content online, much like in the way BBC iPlayer and ITVX work.

Find out all the details you’d want to know about the service formerly known as All 4 (and for ease, we shall be calling it All 4 throughout).

What is All 4?

All 4 puts all Channel 4 TV into one place for viewers to watch online. It is similar to BBC iPlayer and ITVX but also follows ITV’s example of offering a premium service as well.

The service was launched in 2006 and was the first UK broadcaster to provide all their original programming available on an on-demand basis.

This was during a time when streaming wasn’t as popular as it has become now - in fact, the full capabilities of the internet at the time were still being found out, so introducing this service was quite revolutionary in the UK.

Since its inception, All 4 has gone through various rebrands. When it was introduced in 2006, it was called 4oD, which stood for 4 on Demand. 

It was then renamed to All 4 in 2015, then given a rebrand with a new logo, website and app design in 2019, before finally rebranding once again into the service we know now as simply Channel 4 in April 2023.

This latest rebrand has seen Channel 4 become the “first UK broadcaster to adopt one brand identity across its digital and linear channels” (source: channel4.com).

The idea behind this, as explained on their site, was “to help audiences better navigate the abundance of choice in the digital world and find their favourite Channel 4 shows wherever and whenever they choose to watch content”.

What channels are included on All 4?

All of the channels that fall under the Channel 4 public broadcast television channel. This includes the namesake main channel, as well as the popular E4 and Film4. 

Here is the full list of channels included with All 4:

• Channel 4
• E4
• More4
• 4seven
• Film4
• E4 Extra

Exclusive content from programming such as Adult Swim is also available on the service.

It should be noted that some programmes and movies are not available due to rights issues.

Can you watch live TV on All 4?

Live TV is available to watch on the service, providing viewers with the opportunity to catch up on their favourite shows but also have the choice to watch what is being broadcast on the channel at that time.

Can you watch All 4 without a TV licence?

You are not required to have a TV licence to watch All 4 on-demand services, unlike with BBC iPlayer where a TV licence is required for live viewing and on-demand.

However, a TV licence is required to watch live programming, regardless of the device you are watching it on. This includes viewing on your computer, laptop, console, tablet, or phone.

Do I have to register to watch All 4?

To be able to access programming on All 4, you must complete the free registration to sign up with an account.

Registering allows you to access more of the service, such as programming. But it also comes with the benefit of the service remembering and recognising your watch patterns and will personalise it towards you.

What platforms is All 4 on?

All 4 can be found on various platforms. The most obvious and original one is online at channel4.com.

There are also apps for various devices such as your phone or tablet. These can be found on the App Store or Google Play Store.

There is also an app that can be found on Xbox and PlayStation across their various iterations of consoles; Xbox 360, One, Series S/X, PlayStation 4 and 5. 

How do I get All 4 on my TV?

All 4 is also available as an app on any smart TV that has an app store (which really is most if not all smart TVs).

If you own an Apple TV or Amazon Fire Stick you can also access it as an app there, as well as YouView, which is a hybrid TV platform that is partnered with Channel 4 as well as BBC, ITV and Channel 5.

How to get All 4 on Sky

The All 4 app is only available on Sky Glass. You can access the All 4 app via the Apps section.

Can I watch All 4 for free?

All 4 is a free VOD service, all you need to do is become a registered user and you’ll be able to watch Channel 4 content.

There is, however, a premium service provided as well known as Channel 4+ (previously All 4+). It is not required to sign up to, but you will get some better benefits such as no advertising on on-demand streaming. Ads will still be shown on live programming.

How much is an All 4 subscription?

All 4+ subscriptions are charged either on a rolling monthly contract or annually.

For the monthly subscription, you will get a seven-day free trial, after which it will cost £3.99 a month.

With the annual subscription, it is £39.99 - that is 12 months for the price of 10.