BBC: World News & Stories: Trusted Journalism for a Global Perspective

Break away from the echo chamber. Access award-winning reporting, live international coverage, and in-depth documentaries from our world-leading network of journalists.

Publisher

BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

The World in Focus

Discover the interface used by 12M+ users.

The BBC News app interface displaying global headlines and journalism categories on a mobile screen

BBC News app interface showing a live stream with three news anchors

Smartphone screen showing the BBC News app podcast player interface in dark mode

BBC app screen showcasing on-demand documentaries with titles like A Very Royal Crisis and Queens that changed the world

BBC app interface showing live coverage of global news stories in real time

Interface of the BBC app showing a list of saved news stories and podcasts.

BBC News app breaking news notifications on a mobile phone lock screen

BBC World News app showing a list of saved articles and podcasts in the Saved section

The BBC News app interface showing a live breaking news headline about a tsunami warning and a global map

A video player in the BBC app showing a nature documentary scene with mountains and llamas.

A World of Insight, Verified for You

The tools that make this app stand out, trusted by 12M+ users.

🔍

Journalistic Integrity You Can Trust

Go beneath the surface with BBC Verify. We fact-check the stories that matter, providing transparent, unbiased reporting in an increasingly polarized world.

🎧

News for Your Life on the Move

Listen to the BBC World Service live or download award-winning podcasts. Seamless background audio and offline listening are designed for your daily commute.

📽️

Beyond the Daily Headline

Access a premium library of documentaries on history, science, and global affairs. Experience deep-dive storytelling that provides context to the news.

Review Analysis

Insights from user reviews.

Sentiment Score

15%

Negative

Summary

General feedback indicates significant dissatisfaction with the app, especially after recent updates in October 2025. Many international users deeply lament the removal or significant degradation of BBC Sounds functionality, making audio content, on-demand radio, and podcasts difficult or impossible to access and navigate due to geo-restrictions. Common complaints include persistent font size issues for article body text, intrusive and glitch-inducing advertisements, and accidental link activations. While some users commend BBC's journalism quality, the app's overall usability, stability, and audio feature set receive overwhelmingly negative feedback.

Common Themes

Journalism Quality/Bias(3)

Font Size Issues(1)

About the app

Everything you need to know about BBC: World News & Stories.

Description

THE BBC APP: News, stories, audio, videos, documentaries and live coverage from our trusted global network of journalists. BBC STORIES: The latest breaking news headlines, articles, podcasts and videos, including coverage of world News, UK News, elections, BBC Verify, BBC In-Depth and more. Stories and videos covering business, innovation, culture, arts, travel, Earth, and much more. LIVE COVERAGE: Get live news and live global sport updates. WATCH BBC NEWS: Live stream the BBC News channel for 24/7 world news coverage right from the app. BBC RADIO: Listen live to BBC World Service and Radio 4 while using the BBC app or background audio when switching to another app. Catch up on demand with some previously aired radio shows via the radio schedule page. BBC PODCASTS: Listen to, save and follow on-demand podcasts such as The Global Story and World of Secrets. For offline listening, download episodes to your mobile device. Find current and past episodes from news, politics, culture, true, crime, history, science and sport. BBC VIDEOS: Watch BBC News videos, BBC Sport videos and video stories about climate, sustainability, science, health, technology, entertainment and history. BREAKING NEWS ALERTS: Turn on breaking news notifications from BBC News. *NEW* DOCUMENTARIES: Now you can watch on-demand documentaries right in your BBC app. Stream acclaimed series and films from the BBC and beyond, including history, true crime, royalty, natural history, biographies and global affairs. (In-app purchase required) MORE FEATURES: - Save articles, podcasts, and videos for later in app on BBC.com - Watch videos and listen to audio over cellular and wifi - Share articles, stories, podcasts, and videos to social platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, and send via SMS and email - Audio playback controls with sleep timer and live rewind - Increase your font size for improved readability - Dark mode available for a dark-background reading experience - Opt-in or opt-out of breaking news alerts SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS: A paid subscription includes unlimited access to: - Live stream the BBC News channel - Watch documentaries - Podcasts and videos - News, analysis and features Access your subscription on devices where the BBC app is available and on BBC.com. Choose a monthly or yearly plan. Your subscription will auto-renew unless you cancel at least 24 hours before renewal. You can manage your BBC subscription in the App Store. ADDITIONAL INFO: If you choose to receive breaking news alerts, a unique identifier relating to your device will be stored by Airship on behalf of the BBC to provide you with the service. You can choose to unsubscribe from breaking news alerts from BBC in your device’s ‘Notifications’ screen. Our data processor AppsFlyer collects information on behalf of the BBC for attribution and analysis purposes. You can opt out from AppsFlyer tracking by filling out their ‘Forget My Device’ form: https://www.appsflyer.com/optout The BBC will keep your information secure and not share it with anyone else in accordance with the BBC’s Privacy and Cookies Policy. To read the BBC’s Privacy Policy go to: https://www.bbc.com/pages/privacy-policy If you install this app you accept the BBC Terms of Use at: https://www.bbc.com/pages/terms-of-use Subscription terms may apply: https://www.bbc.com/pages/subscription-terms

Latest Version

2025.9.1

Size

87.8 MB

First Released

Apr 1, 2010

Expand Your Worldview with Trusted Global Reporting

Join millions who look beyond the local headlines. Download the BBC app for an unbiased, 24/7 perspective on the stories and documentaries that shape our world.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about BBC: World News & Stories

What content does the BBC app offer?

The BBC app provides a wide range of content including news, stories, live coverage, audio (radio and podcasts), videos, and on-demand documentaries. It covers global and UK news, sports, culture, and more.

Can users watch live news on the BBC app?

Yes, users can live stream the BBC News channel 24/7 directly from the BBC app. It also offers live global sport updates and real-time story feeds.

Does the BBC app support podcasts and radio?

Yes, the BBC app allows users to listen live to BBC World Service and Radio 4. Users can also listen to, save, and download on-demand podcasts for offline listening.

Are documentaries available on the BBC app?

Yes, the BBC app offers on-demand documentaries from the BBC and beyond. Accessing these documentaries requires an in-app purchase or a paid subscription.

How do users get breaking news alerts from the BBC app?

Users turn on breaking news notifications from BBC News within the app. They can also opt-in or opt-out of these alerts anytime through the settings.

What is included with a paid subscription to the BBC app?

A paid subscription to the BBC app provides unlimited access to live streaming the BBC News channel, documentaries, podcasts, videos, news, analysis, and features.

How do I manage my BBC app subscription?

Users manage their BBC app subscription in the App Store. The subscription auto-renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the renewal date.

Does the BBC app offer an offline listening feature?

Yes, the BBC app offers offline listening. Users download podcast episodes directly to their mobile device. This includes both current and past episodes for convenient access.

Can users customize their reading experience in the BBC app?

Yes, the BBC app allows users to customize their reading experience. Features include increasing font size for better readability and activating dark mode for a dark-background view.

Does the BBC app collect user data?

Yes, the BBC app collects limited user data. For breaking news alerts, a unique device identifier is stored. AppsFlyer collects data for analytics, with an available opt-out option.

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