The fine for not having a TV Licence when needed is pretty hefty
People who watch Amazon Prime, Netflix and Disney+ may need a TV Licence. But what are the rules for Paramount+?
TV Licensing rules state that a TV Licence covers all TV channels, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave and international channels, as well as pay TV services such as Sky, Virgin Media and EE TV. It also covers watching live TV on streaming services like YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, plus BBC iPlayer. This includes watching, recording and downloading on any device.
Fresh TV Licensing guidance confirms that Paramount+ provides only on-demand content in the UK and does not offer live TV channels. Therefore, a TV Licence is not needed to watch content directly through this streaming service.
The Mirror approached officials for a comment. A TV Licensing spokesperson said: “A TV Licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel and when using BBC iPlayer.
“Further information is available on the TV Licensing website or via our customer services team, who can help with any queries.”
Do I really need a TV Licence to watch Netflix, YouTube, Prime and Disney?
Yes, you may need a TV Licence, with may being the key word. TV Licensing states: “Live TV means any programme you watch or record as it’s being shown on any channel, pay TV service or streaming service.”
Because of this, if you watch live TV on any of these streaming platforms, you will need a licence.
YouTube
If you watch a TV programme live on YouTube, you must be covered by a TV Licence. You don’t need a licence to watch user-generated content, clips or videos on YouTube. This also applies to live streams that aren’t part of a TV broadcast, or being shown simultaneously via another service (such as on TV or an online TV channel).
Disney+
You don’t need a TV Licence to watch on-demand programmes on Disney+.
Amazon Prime
If you watch a TV programme live on Prime, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. You don’t need a TV Licence if you only watch on-demand programmes on Amazon Prime.
Netflix
If you watch a TV programme being broadcast live on Netflix, you need to be covered by a TV Licence. You don’t need a TV Licence to watch on-demand programmes on Netflix.
How much is a TV Licence in 2026?
A TV Licence costs £180 per year in 2026 for a colour TV, while a black-and-white licence costs £60.50. This follows a price rise on April 1, 2026.
It is worth noting that if you need one and do not purchase it, you could get fined. TV Licensing guidance states: “You could be prosecuted if we find that you have been watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally.
“The maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay. The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey.”
