BBC Sounds is a media streaming and download service from the BBC that includes broadcasts, podcasts, and music. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including mobile phones and tablets, personal computers, cars, and smart televisions. Media delivered to UK-based listeners does not feature commercial advertising.
The BBC Sounds logo used from 2018 until 2021. The BBC Sounds website replaced the Radio service for UK users in October 2018. An initial beta version of the BBC Sounds app was launched in June 2018, with both the new app and the iPlayer Radio app supported until September 2019, when the iPlayer Radio app was finally decommissioned in the UK.
BBC Sounds differs from iPlayer Radio by acting as a place for original podcast material created by the BBC specifically for the app in addition to live and catch-up listening of its linear radio services. The service also features a wide variety of new podcasts, music mixes, and live sets.
The BBC Sounds app is available for download on the App Store and features a range of functionalities, including the ability to listen live to all BBC Radio stations, pause and rewind live radio, download and listen to shows on the go, and continue listening from where you left off on any device.
The app also supports Google Talkback as an accessibility service and uses standard Android app permissions that are defined by the Google Android platform. The BBC uses cookies and similar technologies to understand how audiences interact with their services, content, and marketing messages.
For more information about how and why the BBC uses information about you, please visit the BBC Sounds App Privacy Notice.
