SBS On Demand offers free, unlimited access to programs & films
Catch up on your favourite SBS programs and watch hundreds of great movies for free with SBS On Demand.
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SBS On Demand quick facts
What is SBS On Demand? A video streaming service for watching a wide range of movies and TV shows from SBS's catalogue.
Where can I watch SBS On Demand? SBS On Demand is available on most mobile devices, smart TVs, set-top boxes and computers.
Does SBS On Demand cost anything? No, but you'll have to sign up for a free SBS account before you can watch anything.
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.
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 content
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
How much is SBS on Demand?
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.
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 Apple devices running iOS 9.3.5 and above and Android phones and tablets running Android 4.4 and above.
- Personal computers. SBS On Demand is available on all PCs.
- Internet-enabled TVs. Watch on select models of Android TV's, Samsung TVs and Blu-ray players, LG TVs, Panasonic TVs, Hisense TVs, Sony TVs and HbbTV-enabled TVs and devices.
- Gaming consoles. You can view your favourite SBS programs on Xbox 360 and Xbox One.
- Set-top boxes. You can also access SBS On Demand through Telstra TV and Fetch set-top boxes.
- Apple TV. Available to download on 4th generation platforms and above.
How do I get SBS On Demand on my smart TV?
To enjoy SBS On Demand on the big screen, first make sure that your television's software is up to date and you already have an SBS On Demand account. Then, download and install the SBS On Demand app from the store.
Once that's done, you will need to activate your TV. Not to worry, it's very simple. You'll be asked to log in when you access a video and a 6-digit code will appear on the TV.
Keep this screen open and use a mobile device or desktop browser and navigate to sbs.com.au/activate. After that, enter the 6-digit code displayed on the TV screen and log in. From this point on, you'll be able to watch SBS On Demand with ease.
Frequently asked questions
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Ask an Expert
Why is the menu for ‘SBS on demand’ different on my PC (Windows 10) compared to my Hisense smart TV? In particular the search function on the TV is in a different place and does not work? Any suggestions?
Hi Yvonne,
Thanks for your inquiry.
I’m afraid that we do not have the specific information regarding the Menu content of “SBS on-demand” on PC and Smart TV. It’s best to contact SBS directly instead to give you further assistance on this.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Bella
I now have a Simple Site website. How do I now connect to SBS On Demand movies on my TV? I do have Foxtel Now connected for Drama and Sport and I am connected to the internet with an ethernet connection. What additional equipment will I require to connect?
Hi Geoffrey,
Thanks for your question!
A streaming device would work to connect your TV to a mobile device where you’re viewing SBS on Demand.
Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.
Best,
Nikki
Could you please tell me how do I get SBS on Demand through a Fetch box, just bought one, as I am technologically challenged with all this new technology.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
To watch SBS on Demand, please go Menu, then TV , catch up then select SBS ON DEMAND.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I want to stream SBS on my iPad. How?
Hi Barry,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
You can stream SBS on your iPad by downloading the SBS On Demand app. Once you have the app on your iPad, log into your account and start watching SBS.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Hi
Can I send a link to a friend in the USA so that they can watch an episode of Great British Train Journey with Michael Portillo?
Warm regards,
Graeme
Hi Graeme,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
Yes, you may do so however you friend in the US must sign up with SBS on Demand page online.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni