Notifying an on-demand service

Published: 8 September 2021
Last updated: 8 July 2026

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.

Providers of ODPS and Tier 1 Services should complete the notification form below.

This form includes guidance that provides information about how a provider should notify Ofcom once they have determined that they are providing an ODPS or a Tier 1 Service. Please read this guidance carefully before completing the notification form.

Notification form for ODPS and Tier 1 Service providers