Guide on accessing BBC Sounds worldwide - listen to BBC radio outside UK borders
In the second quarter of 2025, the podcast landscape in the United Kingdom saw a significant shift with 'Newscast' and 'Americast' claiming the top spots as the most-played podcasts. But BBC Sounds, the UK's national public service broadcaster's streaming service, has much more to offer.
One of the standout offerings on BBC Sounds is 'Radio 2's The Piano Room', a programme that presents one-off live performances from some of the most iconic artists in the music industry. The service also hosts 'The Fort', a podcast about a daring rescue mission in Afghanistan, which has captured the attention of many listeners.
BBC Radio 4 classics like 'The Archers' and 'Desert Island Discs' continue to be popular choices, featuring heavily in the On-Demand lists. With over 1,000 current and archived BBC podcasts available on the BBC.com website or BBC app, there's no shortage of content for those outside the U.K. to enjoy.
However, it's important to note that BBC Sounds is only available within the United Kingdom or to U.K. residents on vacation as of July 21, 2025. For those living abroad who wish to access BBC Sounds, a VPN service like NordVPN is recommended. By signing up to NordVPN, changing your location to the U.K., and following the necessary steps, you can access your usual BBC Sounds content without any issues.
NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 70% discount, making it an attractive option for those seeking to access BBC Sounds from abroad.
Elis James and John Robins' award-winning series holds the sixth position as the most-listened-to On-Demand radio programme overall. Meanwhile, Vernon Kay's Saturday weekday late-morning show on BBC Radio 2 remains the most listened-to with 6.6m tuning in.
Despite the favourites not being explicitly identified in the current search results, it's clear that BBC Sounds continues to dominate the podcast landscape in the U.K., offering a diverse range of content for listeners to enjoy.
Read also:
- Mural at blast site in CDMX commemorates Alicia Matías, sacrificing life for granddaughter's safety
- Is Maruti's reign over the SUV market being challenged by Mahindra's aggressive move to snatch the top spot?
- Social Security Administration Abandons Plan for Electronic Payments: Important Information for Recipients of Benefits
- "Industrial Smart Cities: A Key Component in India's Progress Path"
