An increase in tablet and smartphone users watching or listening to shows on BBC iPlayer has led to the on-demand service having had another record year.

More than 2.3 billion shows were watched on BBC iPlayer during 2012, with a quarter of all users doing so via smartphone or tablet platforms.

According to the BBC, Danny Boyle’s London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony was the most popular show on BBC iPlayer with 3.3 million user views. The sporting extravaganza clocked up over half a million more views than the second favourite, an episode of Top Gear.

Episodes of BBC favourites Doctor Who and Sherlock were requested over two million times.

“2012 was a ground-breaking year for BBC iPlayer with a record 2.32 billion requests for programmes across over 650 platforms,” said Daniel Danker, general manager of programmes and on-demand.

“Last year, the use of iPlayer shifted from PCs and early adopter devices like game consoles to screens used by all audiences. Mobile, tablet and connected TV skyrocketed, with a particular emphasis on audiences taking iPlayer on the go.”

“This year we’re looking forward to turning iPlayer into an entertainment destination, with a relentless focus on making iPlayer as easy and enjoyable as television,” Danker added.

Now available on a wide variety of platforms, BBC iPlayer has recently been added to Sky boxes, Virgin and Freesat services with Live Restart features and has signed a content deal with film on-demand service LoveFilm.

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Via: Telegraph