Notifying an on-demand service - Ofcom

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services.

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

TV, radio and on-demand

We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
Advice for businesses

How to make the most of communications services as a small business.

Advice for consumers

How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.

Consultations and statements

Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.

Enforcement

How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.

Information for industry

Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.

Licence information

If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

News and updates

Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.

Research, statistics and data

Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Complaints
- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint we deal with
- Get in touch by phone or post
Licences
- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
- Help with your spectrum licence
- Help with your broadcast licence

Cymraeg

TV, radio and on-demand Video on-demand Information for industry

Published: 8 September 2021

Ofcom regulates editorial content (programming) on UK video-on-demand services.

Providers of on-demand programme services (ODPS) are required by law to notify us before their service begins, and to let us know if the service closes or undergoes significant changes. These criteria and the content standards requirements are set out in Section 4A of the Communications Act 2003 (“the Act”).

Ofcom has published guidance (PDF, 299.3 KB) on the statutory criteria for determining whether a service is an on-demand programme service and how and when a provider will be expected to notify.

This guidance reflects changes to the regulatory framework which came into force on 1 November 2020.

This guidance provides information about how a provider should notify to Ofcom once they have determined that they are providing an on-demand programme service. Please read this guidance carefully before completing the notification form.

Guidance notes on how to notify an on-demand programme service to Ofcom (PDF, 195.7 KB)

Notification form for ODPS providers (ODT, 46.3 KB)

Related content

Rules, procedures and fees

Ofcom has published Interim Procedures for handling complaints and investigations. We are currently consulting on long term procedures.

Advertising on ODPS

Ofcom has designated the ASA to be the appropriate regulatory authority to carry out certain duties in relation to advertising on ODPS.

Regulatory fees for on-demand programme services

On 1 January 2016, Ofcom became the sole regulator (other than in relation to advertising) for on-demand programme services (“ODPS”) under Part 4A of the Communications Act 2003 (the “Act”).