We know Valentine's Day is still a couple of weeks away, but we couldn't wait to share the love. And best of all, it’s a gift we know many of you have been eagerly anticipating…
That's right – YouTube has arrived on the T4 range in our v2 update, and you'll find it exactly where it should be – on our Top Apps row. The world's biggest video platform is now seamlessly integrated into your Manhattan experience, bringing unlimited entertainment into your living room.
The timing couldn't be better. According to recent Ofcom data, YouTube has become an essential part of British entertainment, with a staggering 9 in 10 of us using the service regularly. We're not just dipping in and out either – the average Brit spends nearly an hour each day enjoying YouTube content.
And while many of us started watching YouTube on our phones and laptops, there's been a clear shift towards the big screen experience. Today, 34% of YouTube viewing happens on the telly – up from 29% in 2022. While your first instinct might be that younger viewers are glued to their phones, the reality is even more striking: nearly half of under-16s do their YouTube watching on the big screen.
It’s little surprise why Brits are flocking to YouTube – the vast library offers something for everyone, with content you simply won't find anywhere else. Music lovers can enjoy everything from The Rolling Stones rocking out in stadium shows to Adele's intimate Tiny Desk performance. More of a sports fan? Catch up with recent highlights and re-live classic moments like Jonny Wilkinson's World Cup-winning drop goal. And if you fancy a laugh, there's everything from stand-up specials and classic bloopers to panel show highlights. Shows like Taskmaster offer an incredible range of content – we can't get enough of clips like this one where fan favourite Kerry Godliman pieces together her dream episode.
Here's the cherry on top: you can instantly share videos from the YouTube app on your phone or tablet to your TV. Just tap the TV icon when you find something great, select your T4 or T4•R, and like magic, your box will power on and start playing. You can then control playback from your mobile device or Manhattan remote – whichever you prefer.
If it's connected to the internet, your box should have automatically updated to v2 with YouTube and be ready to go. If it hasn't, please check the T4 software update page or T4•R software update page for information about updating.
Not a T4 or T4•R owner and want to see what else you’re missing out on? Visit the T4 and T4•R product pages, and check our in-depth series of blogs: