Help & FAQs

BBC iPlayer Help

How long should it take to download a programme?

The main factors that can have an effect on download speeds include:

  1. Speed of your line - broadband is generally available at speeds between 512Kbps and 8Mbps, which in turn will affect your maximum possible download speed. Test your speed at the BBC iPlayer Diagnostics page.
  2. Local network performance - wi-fi hotspots, shared connections and whether you are using the line for other downloads.
  3. ISP network performance, which may mean that the line is congested with other download traffic in your network neighbourhood.
  4. ISP throttling during peak times (which can be 4pm to midnight) and/or peer-to-peer limitations which may slow or even block access to the download service. Please check with your ISP for further details on throttling.
  5. Throttling by your ISP when download or upload limits have been reached, such as when you have hit your monthly quota.

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For further help you can Contact Us, or you can discuss this issue at the BBC iPlayer messageboard.