Catch up on your favourite SBS programs and watch hundreds of great movies for free with SBS On Demand.
SBS, the Special Broadcasting Service, is an Australian public broadcasting network that was founded in 1978. SBS is one of Australia’s five main free-to-air TV networks and its purpose is “to provide multilingual and multicultural radio and television services that inform, educate and entertain all Australians and, in doing so, reflect Australia's multicultural society”.
SBS Online is the network’s online portal and plays host to SBS On Demand, a video streaming service. This service allows Australians to watch more of their favourite SBS programs anytime and without having to pay a fee. Users can browse through thousands of TV series, documentaries, movies, news and sport programs and watch them whenever they wish.
Streaming
SBS On Demand offers a free video streaming service to people all over Australia. Streaming provides a special technique for transferring multimedia data, allowing it to be sent in a steady uninterrupted stream. This means that users can watch videos from a provider in real time, as opposed to downloading a video file to their computer for later viewing.
SBS On Demand offers thousands of programs for viewing. Some of the programs available through SBS on Demand include:
- Documentaries
- Comedy series
- Drama series
- Cooking shows
- News programs
- Sports highlights
- Movies
The best part about SBS On Demand’s video streaming service is that it is entirely free. There are no subscription costs and there is no need to fork out any money at all to utilise the service, plus you can use it whenever you want. There’s also no limit to how many times you can view a program, but keep in mind that shows and films will expire after they have been featured on the website for a certain period of time. Videos expire because SBS only has the rights from each production company to offer programs for a limited period.
To watch a video, all you have to do is click on it and it will start playing. You can search for a particular program, or browse through categories such as Programs, Film or News & Sport. You can view programs that have been recently added or that may be expiring soon, while you can also search for shows in your favourite genre, for example, the arts or comedy.
Signing up to an SBS On Demand account
To stream SBS On Demand, users must create a free account using their personal email address. SBS On Demand's new account system allows you to queue your streams and subscribe to upcoming TV shows. It also allows you to pick up where you left off when you sign into another device, much like Netflix or Stan.
Compare streaming video services below
| Name | Service | Content | Price Per Month | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Streaming | TV, movies | From $10 depending on package | Free TrialMore info |
 | Streaming | Reality TV | $5.99 | 30 Day Free TrialMore info |
 | Streaming | TV, movies | US$5.99 | See Content |
 | Streaming | TV, movies | Single - $8.99, Double - $11.99, 4 Device - $14.99 | See content |
 | Streaming | TV, movies | $10.00 | See Content More info |
 | Downloading | TV, music, movies | TV - From 99¢/episode or $10/season | Movies - From $10 to buy and 99¢ to rent | Go to site More info |
Compatible devices
SBS On Demand is available on a wide range of devices, allowing you to watch your favourite shows in your preferred format. Compatible devices include:
- Phones and tablets. You can watch SBS On Demand on iOS devices and iPod Touch, Android phones and tablets, Samsung Mobile, Kindle Fire devices, and Windows Phone 7 and 8 devices.
- Personal computers. SBS On Demand is available on all PCs.
- Internet-enabled TVs. Watch on Samsung TVs and Blu-ray players, LG TVs, Panasonic TVs, Hisense TVs, TCL TVs and HbbTV-enabled TVs and devices.
- Gaming consoles. You can view your favourite SBS programs on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3 and Playstation 4.
- Set-top boxes. You can also access SBS On Demand through Telstra T-box set-top boxes, FetchTV set-top boxes and Humax set-top boxes.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How can I save a video to watch later?
To do this you will need to access your playlist, which can be done on any device that allows you to watch SBS On Demand. You can add a video to your playlist by clicking the ‘+ Add to playlist’ button in the description dropdown for each video. Once you see a green tick appear, the video has been successfully added to your playlist.
Q: How do I know which devices are compatible with SBS On Demand?
A: See a full list above under the ‘Compatible Devices’ heading.
Q: Is SBS On Demand available outside Australia?"]
A: No. Rights agreements mean that SBS On Demand can only be accessed from within Australia.
Q: How can I find the program I want?
A: You can search for a particular program by typing its name into the search box at the top of your screen. If it doesn’t show up in results, the program may have expired or SBS may not have the rights to screen it through its On Demand service.
Q: How long are programs available for?
A: This varies depending on the rights agreement in place for each program. Some shows, for example RocKwiz and Go Back To Where You Came From, are available indefinitely. Others may be available for seven days, 14 days or even 30 days. Movies are available for one year and new titles are regularly added.
Q: Is unmetered viewing available?
A: No, SBS does not have any deals in place with internet service providers to offer unmetered viewing. Watching programs on SBS On Demand will count towards your monthly download limit.
Q: How much data will I use when I watch a video?
A: SBS provides the following guide for data usage:
- 60 minute video: up to 675MB of data
- 30 minute video: up to 340MB of data
- 10 minute video: up to 115MB of data
- 5 minute video: up to 50MB of data
Check with your ISP to confirm what your monthly download limit is.
Q: How fast does my internet connection need to be?"]
A: You’ll need an internet connection speed of 1.1 Mbps or above to use SBS On Demand.
Q: Which web browsers does SBS On Demand support?
A: You’ll need to use Firefox 3.5 or above, Internet Explorer 8 or above, Google Chrome or Safari.
Q: How can I enable closed captions on my video?
A: Once the advertisement at the start of your video has finished, click the ‘CC’ icon in the video’s control panel. At the time of writing, closed captions were only available through the SBS On Demand website and not through any of the SBS On Demand apps.
Q: Can I watch SBS On Demand on my Samsung Smart TV?
A: Yes you can. If you’re experiencing any problems with video playback, you may need to update the software to the latest version.
Q: What are the minimum technical requirements for using the SBS On Demand app on an Apple device?
A: You can use the SBS app on the following Apple devices:
- iPad: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Generations (iOS 5 and above)
- iPhone 4 & 4S (iOS 5 and above)
- iPod Touch 4th Generation (iOS 5 and above)
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Have I got to have an app on my iPad to access sbs on demand
Hi Sunny,
Thank you for your inquiry.
1. Phones and tablets. You can watch SBS On Demand on iOS devices and iPod Touch, Android phones and tablets, Samsung Mobile, Kindle Fire devices, and Windows Phone 7 and 8 devices.
2. Personal computers. SBS On Demand is available on all PCs.
3. Internet-enabled TVs. Watch on Samsung TVs and Blu-ray players, LG TVs, Panasonic TVs, Hisense TVs, TCL TVs and HbbTV-enabled TVs and devices.
4. Gaming consoles. You can view your favourite SBS programs on Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3 and Playstation 4.
5. Set-top boxes. You can also access SBS On Demand through Telstra T-box set-top boxes, FetchTV set-top boxes and Humax set-top boxes.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
Hi thank you so much for replying – How do I update the latest software for SBS On Demand – I was under the impression that I already had the latest update as my TV is only 2 yrs old. The Samsung Smart TV is also in our bedroom (smaller version) and nothing is wrong with SBS On Demand????
Hi Janet,
Thank you for your comment.
If On Demand videos aren’t loading, there may be an issue with your network connection or device. Updating to the latest version is one of the troubleshooting steps. If you are unable to update it, try deleting and reinstalling the SBS On Demand app. You may also:
- Restart your network connection (including unplugging your modem from its power source for at least two minutes)
- Try connecting your smart TV directly to your modem. If this works, there’s likely an issue with the router itself
- Restart your network connection
- Make sure you’re not using a custom DNS or VPN
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
We have a
Samsung Smart TV and have been happily watching shows and movies via SBS on demand – about 1 week ago the picture size dramatically increased and is so large will nit fit on screen – this only happens with SBS on Demand and not on TV I view or any normal channels – how can I fix the picture size?
Hi Janet,
Thanks for reaching out.
If you’re experiencing any problems with video playback, you may need to update the software to the latest version. You may read further on here.
Cheers,
Joanne
I used to watch sbs on demand now i find that account is required.
as i understand sbs is founded by australian taxpayers that means me i don’t want to have an account with sbs don’t want give sbs any of my details to me that means i am getting nothing for my money, how the hell does sbs get away with this, isn’t there some minister elected to protect my interest and my privacy, tell me sbs what the hell are you doing
Hi Djed,
Thanks for your inquiry.
ou now need to sign in to access SBS On Demand — it’s free, quick and easy. This login can be used across all of your favourite SBS apps and devices and will help us to build a more personalised viewing experience for you — connecting you to more of what you love and giving you access to exclusive and fast-tracked premium series and movies as soon as they’re available.
Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to manage your favourites, which lets you queue and subscribe to your favourite shows and over the coming months, you’ll be able to search programs by language, country, or category and resume playback from where you left off across multiple devices.
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Arnold
Hi Arnold,
thank you for quick reply,
as i understand it, sbs is free to air broadcaster and that is exactly my point i would like it to be just that – free to air.
I am of the opinion that sbs was never meant to become “nanny state benevolent institution” who for the price of my personal details is willing to enhance my viewing experience.
Hello djed,
Thank you for your question.
We understand that you have concerns about your information. Please take note that this is finder.com.au., and we don’t represent SBS on Demand.
SBS collect your details to get a clearer picture of the type of viewership their clients have, which will help them design or create the shows, responsive to your interests. Also, this is to provide relevant advertising to you.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy is published on their webpage vis-a-vis with what they do with customers’ data.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
How do I sign in to become a member, tried to activate but with no success?
Hi Brian,
Thank you for reaching out to us here at Finder. We are a financial comparison website and general information service designed to help consumers make better decisions. Please note that we are not affiliated with any company we feature on our site.
Just to confirm, are you trying to subscribe to the SBS on Demand internet TV service? If so, you’d need to visit the official site of SBS on Demand. You can create a free account using you personal email address. However, if you still having problems with signing up or activating your account with SBS on Demand, you’d be best to contact them directly.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle
I have enjoyed sbs on demand for some time and now find that I must log on /sign in so how can I do this on my Sony TV?, The on screen is no help and a phone call to sbs was of no use at all.Kevin.
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, SBS no longer support Sony TVs at the moment. We have yet to receive updates if SBS will restore their app back on Sony TVs. Once we do have them, will surely post them on our page.
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Arnold
I am trying to find this documentary on SBS on demand. I cannot see or find it anywhere. It viewed on SBS last weekend.
Hi Bob,
Thank you for your inquiry.
You can further check and compare the documentary programs for each provider by clicking the button located at the last column.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
How do I delete a favourite from SBS on demand?
Hi Tim,
Thank you for your inquiry.
It will always depend on the device that you are currently using. But you can always clarify this information directly to the providers technical support team.
Cheers,
Harold
Can I watch Boyhood on sbs
Hi Anne,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, Boyhood is available on SBS on Demand.
Cheers,
Anndy
Your ‘compatible devices’ list states that SBS On Demand is available on Sony TVs. However, it is no longer available on Sony Bravia (and also Panasonic TVs). The SBS website provides very little detail about why it is no longer able to maintain the app. Is SBS going to restore Sony Bravia and other major brand TV access?
Hi James,
Thanks for your comment and for raising this. Our page will be updated soonest.
At the moment, we do not have details if SBS will restore their app back on Sony TVs. Once we do have them, will surely post them on our page.
Cheers,
May