How to watch CBeebies live online
In the UK, CBeebies streams live on BBC iPlayer, on the web and in the iPlayer app. You need a TV licence to watch iPlayer, live or on demand. Outside the UK, iPlayer does not play.
The CBeebies page on BBC iPlayer shows what is on now and next, with a button to watch live or from the start.
BBC iPlayer says you need a licence to watch content on iPlayer, live or on demand. The TV licence costs £180 a year from 1 April 2026.
- 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
- 3 November 2026
Can you watch CBeebies abroad?
BBC iPlayer works only in the UK, also for TV licence payers on holiday, so the live CBeebies channel does not play abroad.
A petition asked Parliament to open iPlayer to licence payers abroad. The petitions site rejected it in May 2023: decisions about iPlayer in other countries are a matter for the BBC, not for the government or Parliament.
No official way abroad
Watch CBeebies in the USA, Australia, Canada and more
CBeebies in the USA, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Spain and France
No. CBeebies does not stream live in the USA, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Spain or France: it is blocked outside the UK, and we found no official alternative.
UK TV abroad: the full guide, channel by channel
Apps for CBeebies: TV, phone and laptop
What is CBeebies?
CBeebies is the BBC's channel for young children. Its shows include Bluey, Hey Duggee, Numberblocks, Supertato, Balamory and CBeebies Bedtime Stories.
It shows no adverts in the UK, because the BBC is paid for by the TV licence.
CBeebies: common questions
Can I watch CBeebies live online?
Yes, in the UK: CBeebies streams live on BBC iPlayer, with a TV licence.
Can I watch CBeebies without a TV licence?
Not on BBC iPlayer: it says you need a licence to watch content on iPlayer, live or on demand.
Can I watch CBeebies abroad, in the USA or Canada?
Not on BBC iPlayer: it works only in the UK, also for licence payers on holiday.
Do I need a TV licence to watch CBeebies online?
Yes, in the UK. You need a TV licence to watch or record any channel live, on any device, and to use BBC iPlayer. It costs £180 a year from 1 April 2026.
Which app do I need to watch CBeebies live?
BBC iPlayer (UK only): web, phones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming sticks, games consoles.
Can I watch CBeebies on a smart TV?
Yes. BBC iPlayer has an app for smart TVs and streaming sticks (UK only).
Is CBeebies free to watch?
In the UK: TV licence, £180 a year, on BBC iPlayer. Abroad: no (iPlayer works only in the UK).
Where the facts come from
We check every fact on the broadcaster's own pages, or on two independent sources that agree.
- BBC iPlayer: CBeebies live
- BBC: CBeebies
- GOV.UK: cost of the TV licence fee set for 2026/27
- GOV.UK: when you need a TV Licence
- UK Parliament petitions: 637777, BBC iPlayer for licence payers abroad (rejected 10 May 2023)
- Wikipedia: CBeebies
Last checked: 3 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
