How to watch CBBC live online
In the UK, CBBC streams live on BBC iPlayer. You need a TV licence to watch iPlayer, live or on demand. Children use iPlayer with a child profile or child account: there is no separate iPlayer app for children. Outside the UK, iPlayer does not play.
CBBC's live page on BBC iPlayer says: 'You need a licence to watch content on BBC iPlayer, live or on demand. It's the law.'
The Child Experience on iPlayer brings CBBC, CBeebies and other suitable BBC programmes together; children sign in with a child profile or child account, as there is no BBC iPlayer app for children.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Run by
- The BBC, the UK's public broadcaster
- Type
- Kids
- Language
- English
- Watch live
- BBC iPlayer
- Cost at home
- TV licence, £180 a year
- Abroad
- No: iPlayer works only in the UK
- Checked
- 12 November 2026
Can you watch CBBC abroad?
The BBC says that, because of rights agreements, you need to be in the UK to stream programmes or watch BBC TV channels on iPlayer, and that iPlayer is restricted to UK residents.
A programme downloaded in the UK can be watched anywhere in the world.
No official way abroad
Watch CBBC in the USA, Spain, Australia and more
CBBC in the USA, Spain, Australia, Canada, France and Ireland
No. CBBC does not stream live in the USA, Spain, Australia, Canada, France or Ireland: it is blocked outside the UK, and we found no official alternative.
UK TV abroad: the full guide, channel by channel
Apps for CBBC: TV, phone and laptop
What is CBBC?
CBBC is the BBC's brand for children aged 6 to 12. Its live channel and its programmes are on BBC iPlayer.
CBBC: common questions
Is there a CBBC app?
There is no BBC iPlayer app for children: children watch CBBC in the BBC iPlayer app or website with a child profile or child account.
Can I watch CBBC without a TV licence?
Not on BBC iPlayer: its CBBC page says you need a licence to watch content on iPlayer, live or on demand.
Can I watch CBBC abroad?
Not on BBC iPlayer, which works only in the UK. Programmes downloaded in the UK can be watched anywhere.
Can I watch CBBC on a smart TV?
Yes. BBC iPlayer has an app for smart TVs and streaming sticks (UK only).
Is CBBC free to watch?
In the UK: TV licence, £180 a year, on BBC iPlayer. Abroad: no (iPlayer works only in the UK).
Can I watch CBBC in the USA?
No. CBBC does not stream live in the USA: it is blocked outside the UK, and we found no official alternative.
Where the facts come from
We check every fact on the broadcaster's own pages, or on two independent sources that agree.
- BBC iPlayer: CBBC live
- BBC iPlayer help: do I need a TV Licence?
- BBC iPlayer help: the Child Experience
- BBC iPlayer help: can I use iPlayer outside the UK?
- BBC iPlayer help: I live outside the UK
- GOV.UK: cost of the TV licence fee set for 2026/27
- GOV.UK: when you need a TV Licence
- Wikipedia: CBBC
Last checked: 12 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
