BBC iPlayer Radio app for iOS and Android gets offline listening at last

The BBC announced in a blog post this morning that mobile downloads are coming to its iPlayer Radio app just in time for the BBC Proms. For the first time – using the iPlayer Radio app – customers will be able to download radio shows (and the Proms) to listen offline and keep them for up to 30 days.  To make use of this new service, all you need to do is ensure you have the latest version of the BBC iPlayer Radio smartphone or tablet app for iOS, Android or Kindle.

This move will make iPlayer Radio a direct competitor to many podcast apps and shows. Previously, you could only stream the shows or music live when you had a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. With offline listening, you can get all your favorite shows — whether that be Nick Grimshaw or Live Lounge on Radio 1 or even Essential Classics on Radio 3 — lined up and downloaded ready to listen whenever you like. Regardless of whether or not you have an internet connection.

Andrew Scott, General Manager of Product, Radio & Music, BBC Digital, says: “With over 860m requests for radio streams across all devices on BBC iPlayer Radio in 2014, we’re thrilled to bring offline listening to our audiences. We know this is something they’ve been asking for and we have been working hard to make it possible. Now they will have more choice than ever to listen to their favourite programmes, with all downloads available for 30 days and no need to worry about mobile data limits.”

iOS users in the UK can download the iPlayer Radio app here. Android users can download it from the Play Store here. It’s free to download on both platforms and free to use.