7plus Dominates Commercial BVOD Market with Record-Breaking April Growth

Seven Network’s streaming platform, 7plus, has captured the #1 position in the Australian commercial free-to-air Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD) market following a massive surge in viewership during April 2026.

The service reported a 43.4% share of all commercial BVOD viewing for the month, outperforming its rivals on the back of a 50.5% audience increase.

The growth is a mechanical necessity for Seven West Media as it navigates the rapid shift from linear television to digital-first consumption. The network’s aggressive investment in live streaming technology has paid dividends, with live viewing jumping 77.5% in April—the highest increase of any commercial network in the country.

Rapid Digital Acceleration in 2026

Across the first trimester of 2026, 7plus has solidified its status as the fastest-growing commercial streaming service in Australia. Performance metrics for the year-to-date (January to April) show a significant trajectory compared to 2025:

• Total Audience Growth: +50.6%
• Live Viewing: +71.7%
• VOD (Video on Demand): +22.3%

The data suggests that the “live” component of BVOD is becoming the primary driver of digital reach, particularly for sports and news programming which require real-time engagement.

Content Drivers: The AFL Effect

The primary catalyst for this digital explosion has been the AFL Premiership Season, which saw its 7plus audience skyrocket by 134%. This surge reflects the successful implementation of Seven’s full digital rights for the AFL, allowing fans to stream matches live and free across all devices.

Other key programming highlights driving the 100%+ growth category include:

• The Chase Australia: +111%
• 7NEWS Australia: +109%

Standard entertainment and morning programs also recorded significant digital gains, with The Front Bar (+76%), Home and Away (+74%), and Sunrise (+60%) all contributing to the platform’s dominant market share.

Strategic Market Positioning

By securing a 43.4% share, 7plus has effectively moved ahead of 9Now and 10 play in the competitive monthly rankings. 

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.