Britain’s Got Talent YouTube channel hits one billion views

Britain’s Got Talent’s YouTube channel has chalked up a huge one billion views – making it the most watched YouTube channel for a British television series ever.

The channel (http://www.youtube.com/britainsgottalent) for the hugely popular ITV1 show was only launched in 2009, so has reached this remarkable milestone in just three years. It is also in the top 50 of most viewed YouTube channels in the world.

Peter Cassidy, Head of Fremantle Media UK Interactive, says: “With one billion views worldwide, Britain's Got Talent is not just a national treasure but a global sensation. Along with The X Factor UK, it’s one of the most successful YouTube channels in any country, in any genre. We look forward to the next billion.”

Tom Dolan, Head of Entertainment at ITV.com adds: “ITV has always worked hard to find the stories and moments that matter most to audiences, and we’re absolutely delighted at this landmark in social media engagement - the first for any UK broadcaster. Our huge thanks to the TV and digital teams at Fremantle and Syco for all their hard work in this fabulous achievement.”

Theo Luke, Head of Digital at Syco Entertainment, says: “This landmark achievement is testament to our hard work and ability to produce programming that resonates with audiences worldwide. We want viewers to enjoy our shows wherever they are and YouTube is a magnificent platform to reach them.”

Ben McOwen Wilson, Director of Content Partnerships for YouTube, Northern Europe adds: “YouTube is a great place to reach a worldwide audience and connect with fans. Britain's Got Talent has given the YouTube community access to many exciting performances and heart-warming moments through their channel. Congratulations to Britain's Got Talent for passing one billion views.”

The most popular videos on the Britain’s Got Talent YouTube channel include Diversity and Susan Boyle’s performances in the 2009 Live Final, schoolgirl Natalie Okri’s rendition of Alicia Keys’ No one, and Ronan Parke’s 2010 audition.

This year’s runners-up on Britain’s Got Talent, Jonathan & Charlotte are already the eighth most watched video, clocking up 18 million viewers with their audition for the Judges.

Notes to Editors:

The most watched videos on the Britain’s Got Talent YouTube channel:

Natalie Okri's audition - 54m  - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7_k5tUeoUc
Mr Methane's audition - 22m - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFLw8aH-M2w
Susan Boyle - I Dreamed a Dream - Final performance - 22m - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BvBkTmDWBA
Diversity - Final performance - 21m - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtwVfJqBfms
Ronan Parke's audition - 20m - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzUl2eiKx5E

The list of the top 100 most viewed YouTube channels in the UK can be viewed here: http://vidstatsx.com/youtube-top-100-most-viewed-great-britain-gb

For more information please contact:

Caren Davies, Britain’s Got Talent, Press Office, 0207 691 5980; bgt.press@thames.tv

8 August 2012