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Dplay
DeveloperDiscovery, Inc.
Available in
Websitewww.dplay.com Edit this on Wikidata

Dplay (stylized as dplay) was one of the brand names of online video on demand services operated by Discovery, Inc. Discovery operated such services under the Dplay name in Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) and Spain. In October 2020, Discovery announced that it would rebrand its Dplay service as Discovery+ (stylized as discovery+) in the United Kingdom and Ireland,[1] the new service commenced in November 2020 and also offers paid content as well as the free content from Dplay. In December 2020, Discovery announced that a separate version of Discovery+ would also be launching in other European countries and the United States in January 2021. On January 5, 2021, Dplay was replaced by Discovery+ in Europe.

History

[edit]

The British version of the service (also available in the Republic of Ireland) was originally launched as QuestOD in 2018 as a Video on Demand to Discovery's free-to-air television channels Quest and Quest Red. The launch of QuestOD, along with the HD simulcast version of Quest on July 31, 2018, was to coincide with the 2018–19 EFL season, which Quest had rights for free-to-air highlights beginning from that season.[2][3]

In October 2019, QuestOD announced that the service would change its name to Dplay by the end of that month.[4] The renaming coincided with the addition of programmes from Discovery's free-to-air sister channels in the UK, DMAX and Food Network, in addition to Home (later renamed HGTV) and Really — the latter two were then-recently acquired by Discovery, Inc. following the split of UKTV (who operates UKTV Play). The rebranding took place on October 22, 2019.[5]

In October 2020, Dplay announced that the service would be renamed Discovery+ (stylized as discovery+) in the United Kingdom and Ireland in the following month.[1] The rebranding coincided with the launch of a subscription tier, bringing Discovery's pay-TV and free-to-air channels all together.

In December 2020, Discovery announced that a separate version of Discovery+ would be officially launching in the United States in January 2021.[6]

On January 4, 2021, Dplay was shut down in Japan.[7] It was relaunched as Max on September 25, 2024 before it reverted into HBO Max on July 9, 2025.[8][9]

On January 5, 2021, Dplay was replaced by Discovery+ in Europe.[10]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Dplay

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Dplay was an ad-supported video-on-demand streaming service operated by Discovery, Inc., offering access to programming from the company's portfolio of non-fiction television networks, including live sports and entertainment content. First launched in Norway in 2014 and expanded in June 2015 to Denmark, Sweden, and other select European markets such as Italy, it provided free streaming of shows from channels like Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, and Eurosport. The platform emphasized real-life genres, encompassing lifestyle, adventure, true crime, and natural history programming, with a focus on on-demand episodes and select live events. Over the following years, Dplay expanded to additional territories, including the , , , , and the , becoming available in over 10 global markets by 2019. In these regions, it operated primarily as a free service supported by advertisements, though some markets introduced premium features like ad-free viewing for a fee. The service's content library grew to include thousands of hours of programming, highlighting Discovery's signature unscripted storytelling in areas such as home renovation via , culinary arts through , and investigative documentaries from . In October 2020, Discovery announced plans to rebrand Dplay as across multiple regions, starting with the and in November 2020, followed by a broader global rollout in early 2021. This transition integrated Dplay's offerings into a unified subscription-based streaming platform, adding exclusive originals, partnerships like natural history series in select markets, and tiered pricing options starting at around $4.99 per month with ads. By 2021, the rebranding was complete in and the , where replaced Dplay and other regional services, amassing over 70,000 episodes and continuing to expand with new weekly content. Following Discovery's merger with in April 2022 to form , the service continued to operate and expand under the new entity. As of 2025, remains active amid announced plans for a corporate split in 2026.

Overview

Service description

Dplay was an ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) streaming platform operated by Discovery, Inc., later integrated into Warner Bros. Discovery following the company's 2022 merger. Stylized in lowercase as "dplay", the service functioned as a brand offering free access to full episodes and content from Discovery's linear TV channels, emphasizing on-demand viewing without any upfront costs to users. Introduced in European markets around 2015 and expanded significantly in 2018–2019, dplay centered on programming, including TV, documentaries, and shows drawn from Discovery's portfolio of factual channels. Its relied on , providing ad-interrupted streaming at no subscription fee during its operation, and was closely tied to Discovery's broadcast channels to extend their reach digitally.

Geographic availability

Dplay operated primarily in select European markets and , offering localized streaming services tailored to regional audiences. The service was available in , the , , the , , and the , including , , , and . In the and , Dplay launched as an ad-supported streaming service in October 2019, accessible via web browsers and mobile apps on and Android devices. The platform provided on-demand access to content from Discovery's UK channels, including options. European operations featured variations with localized content feeds, such as in where the service began as a beta in 2015 before expanding with premium subscription tiers in 2019. In the Nordic region, launches occurred progressively starting with in 2014, followed by Denmark, Sweden, and in 2015, and in 2018, emphasizing region-specific programming from Discovery's portfolio. saw its rollout in November 2017, while the introduced a premium version in February 2019. In , Dplay expanded to in September 2019, providing access to over 5,000 hours of Discovery content adapted for local viewers through and where applicable. The service concluded operations across its markets in early January 2021, coinciding with the global rollout of on January 4, which replaced Dplay in existing territories including and .

History

Origins and launch

Dplay originated as an over-the-top (OTT) streaming service developed by Discovery Communications to extend its linear TV portfolio into digital platforms, targeting European markets with ad-supported video-on-demand content. The service debuted in Norway in 2014, providing subscribers access to Discovery's local channels through a dedicated online platform. In 2015, Dplay launched in beta form across additional Nordic countries—Sweden and Denmark—along with Italy, utilizing country-specific sites such as dplay.dk to deliver full episodes from Discovery's regional channels. These initial rollouts emphasized free access supported by advertising, available via web browsers and mobile applications, as part of Discovery's strategy to capture growing online viewership and complement its broadcast operations. In the and , a precursor platform named QuestOD was launched on July 25, 2018, offering catch-up viewing and live streams of EFL football highlights alongside episodes from Discovery's channels Quest and . This service evolved into the full Dplay platform on October 22, 2019, through a and expansion that incorporated content from DMAX, , , Really, and Home, while retaining the ad-supported, free-to-access model with comprehensive episode libraries accessible on web and mobile apps.

Expansion in Europe and Asia

Following its initial Nordic launches, Dplay expanded further across , entering the Spanish market in 2017 with a free ad-supported streaming service offering on-demand documentaries, TV series, and lifestyle programming from Discovery Networks, including content tied to for sports enthusiasts. In , the platform emphasized localized content to appeal to local audiences, focusing on genres and event highlights to differentiate from traditional broadcasters. By early 2019, Dplay had consolidated its presence in the Nordic region—including , launched in August 2018—unifying operations across , , , and under an ad-supported model with expanded content libraries. This consolidation built on the service's established free model to drive user engagement in these core markets. Later that year, the service launched in the in 2019 as a premium video-on-demand platform, providing live and on-demand access to channels like Discovery, TLC, and , with Dutch-localized interfaces and subtitles to support broader adoption. Dplay's Asian expansion began with its entry into in September 2019, operated by Discovery Japan as a dedicated streaming service offering subtitled episodes from the and Discovery libraries, targeting viewers interested in international non-fiction and reality programming. The platform partnered with local distribution channels to ensure accessibility, marking Discovery's first major push into the Asian market with curated content selections adapted for Japanese preferences. Key enhancements during this period included the addition of capabilities in select European markets, such as events via Eurosport integrations in and general channel feeds in the , allowing real-time viewing of major broadcasts. Device compatibility also improved, with Dplay apps and browser support enabling integration on smart TVs and streaming devices like in European territories, facilitating easier access on connected home setups.

Content and features

Programming

Dplay's programming centered on non-fiction content, with a strong emphasis on reality television, documentaries, lifestyle programming, home improvement, and adventure/survival genres. In the UK, representative examples included reality TV series such as Katie Price: My Crazy Life, documentaries like Gold Rush, lifestyle shows from Food Network, home improvement content from HGTV, and adventure/survival programs on Quest and DMAX. The platform integrated full episodes from several free-to-air channels, including Quest, , Really, , DMAX, and , allowing users to access recent broadcasts on demand. Additionally, it offered early access to select titles, such as World's Greatest Cars, ahead of their linear TV airings. Regional versions of Dplay featured localized adaptations to cater to local audiences. In , the service included Italian-dubbed Discovery shows alongside content from channels like Real Time for reality programming and DMAX for adventure series. Across the Nordics, it provided Scandinavian reality series drawn from local channels such as Channel 5, Channel 9, and . In , programming consisted of subtitled U.S. content from Discovery's global catalog, focusing on factual and adventure genres. Overall, Dplay offered thousands of episodes organized into box sets and franchises, functioning primarily as a catch-up service without producing original content exclusive to the platform. Its library remained closely tied to linear channel schedules, prioritizing on-demand availability of aired episodes across all genres.

User interface and features

Dplay was accessible across multiple platforms, including web browsers on desktop and mobile devices, dedicated apps for and Android, smart TVs from manufacturers like and , and streaming devices such as and . The service did not support gaming consoles. The platform provided key features such as search functionality to locate specific titles and personalized recommendations derived from users' viewing history to suggest relevant content. Navigation was facilitated through category-based browsing, allowing users to explore content organized by channel or , along with guides that included synopses for individual ; integration with social sharing enabled users to share content directly from the app. Ad-skipping options were not available, with the ad-funded model requiring users to view full advertisements. Accessibility features included subtitles in multiple languages to support international audiences. Performance supported streaming quality up to 1080p with adaptive bitrate streaming to adjust for varying internet connections, but no 4K resolution was offered.

Rebranding and legacy

Transition to discovery+

In October 2020, Discovery, Inc. announced the rebranding of its Dplay streaming service to discovery+ as part of a broader global strategy to expand in the competitive streaming market following the launches of Disney+ in November 2019 and HBO Max in May 2020. The move aimed to consolidate Discovery's unscripted and lifestyle content under a unified global brand while transitioning from an ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) model to include subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) options with ad-free viewing tiers. The primary motivations included enhancing offerings by aggregating premium content, such as live sports from and exclusive early access to series like , to attract subscribers in a fragmented market. In the UK and , discovery+ launched on November 12, 2020, initially retaining Dplay's free tier alongside a new £4.99 monthly premium subscription that added ad-free access, coverage, and next-day episodes from Discovery channels. Across , the transition involved a phased shutdown of Dplay beginning in December 2020, with full replacement by on January 5, 2021, in markets including the Nordics, , the , and ; this included seamless content migration and integration of Player into the new platform. In , Dplay operations ceased on January 4, 2021, resulting in a brief service gap before users were directed to alternative Discovery content options.

Current status

Dplay has been fully discontinued under its original branding worldwide, with no active operations continuing under the name as of 2025. In Europe, the service was phased out by January 5, 2021, following a rebranding announcement in late 2020 that integrated its offerings into the newly launched discovery+ platform across multiple markets. The content library from Dplay was primarily folded into discovery+, Warner Bros. Discovery's subscription video-on-demand service, which offers tiers such as $5.99 per month for ad-supported access and $9.99 for ad-free viewing in the United States, with comparable pricing in Europe starting at around €4.99 for basic entertainment plans. Following the April 2022 merger of Discovery, Inc. and WarnerMedia to form Warner Bros. Discovery, discovery+ expanded to include extensive libraries from HBO, DC Comics, and Warner Bros., enhancing its appeal with a broader range of premium scripted and unscripted programming. In certain European markets, discovery+ has been winding down as of mid-2025, with its content further integrated into the HBO Max platform following launches there. In Japan, where Dplay originally launched as an ad-supported video-on-demand service in September 2019, the platform ceased operations in early 2021 without a direct rebrand to discovery+. Instead, Dplay-era Discovery content has been incorporated into the Max streaming hub, which debuted on September 25, 2024, through a partnership with local provider U-NEXT, before the service rebranded globally to HBO Max on July 9, 2025. While no dedicated archives exist for the original Dplay service, select legacy episodes and series from its catalog remain accessible via discovery+ subscriptions or linear television channels operated by . This evolution has significantly bolstered the company's streaming ecosystem, contributing to a total of 128 million global subscribers across platforms like discovery+, Max, and HBO Max by the third quarter of 2025.

References

  1. https://www.nexttv.com/news/discovery-launches-streaming-service-across-europe-141458
  2. https://deadline.com/2019/10/dplay-discovery-launches-streaming-service-in-uk-ireland-1202765739/
  3. https://variety.com/2020/streaming/global/discovery-rebrands-dplus-discovery-plus-1234810509/
  4. https://deadline.com/2020/10/discovery-rebrands-dplay-subscription-1234600228/
  5. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/discovery-to-rebrand-u-k-streaming-service-and-launch-subscription-tier-4079453/
  6. https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/warner-bros-discovery-split-two-companies-1236079287/
  7. https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/discovery-launching-free-streaming-service-dplay-in-uk-avod-1203378593/
  8. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/discovery-launches-dplay-streaming-service-uk-ireland-1249204/
  9. https://www.avforums.com/news/discovery-launches-dplay-avod-service-in-uk-and-ireland.16753/
  10. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2019/04/08/discovery-launches-svod-service-dplay-plus-in-italy/
  11. http://www.thedrum.com/news/discovery-has-joined-the-ranks-broadcasters-offering-streaming-tier
  12. https://www.samenacouncil.org/samena_daily_news?news=72835
  13. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/discovery-streaming-service-dplay-europe-800039/
  14. https://www.muvi.com/industry-updates/discovery-launches-ott-service-dplay-spain/
  15. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2019/02/14/discovery-benelux-launches-premium-streaming-vod-service-dplay/
  16. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2015/06/04/discovery-goes-ott-in-nordics-and-italy-europe-next/
  17. https://www.advanced-television.com/2017/11/15/discovery-spain-launches-ott-service-dplay/
  18. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2020/03/22/people/unique-programs-target-broad-spectrum-viewers/
  19. https://ir.corporate.discovery.com/news-and-events/financial-news/financial-news-details/2020/Discovery-Announces-The-Global-Launch-Of-discovery-The-Definitive-Streaming-Service-For-The-Best-Real-Life-Entertainment-in-The-World-Debuting-January-4-2021/default.aspx
  20. https://variety.com/2015/digital/global/discovery-expands-reach-into-ott-space-with-dplay-and-immersive-eurosport-player-1201512342/
  21. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2018/07/25/quest-launches-on-demand-player/
  22. https://ir.corporate.discovery.com/news-and-events/financial-news/financial-news-details/2020/Discovery-Inc-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-And-Full-Year-2019-Results/default.aspx
  23. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2018/08/20/dplay-launches-in-finland/
  24. https://nl.thenextad.com/customer-case/dplay-how-a-lockdown-led-to-an-sudden-explosion-of-subscriptions
  25. https://www.avforums.com/threads/how-do-i-get-dplay-on-my-smart-tv.2264940/
  26. https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/discovery-launches-premium-streaming-service-in-italy-1203182932/
  27. https://apkcombo.com/dplay-sverige/se.kanal5play/
  28. https://www.c21media.net/news/discovery-unveils-streamers-in-india-japan/
  29. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/discovery-and-starzplay-partner-to-launch-dplay-in-mena-301024770.html
  30. https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/international/discoverys-dplay-to-launch-in-the-uk/5144062.article
  31. https://www.advanced-television.com/2019/10/22/discovery-launches-dplay-in-the-uk/
  32. https://sites.google.com/view/dplaysmarttv/
  33. https://dplaysmart.webflow.io/
  34. https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/discovery-joins-uk-streaming-wars-ad-funded-app/1663258
  35. https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/discovery-stream-tv-shows/id395972146
  36. https://www.televisual.com/news/discoverys-dplay-rebranded-as-discovery/
  37. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2020/10/20/discovery-channel-uk-rebrands-dplay-streaming-service/
  38. https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2020/11/12/discovery-goes-live-in-the-uk/
  39. https://nordiskfilmogtvfond.com/news/stories/discovery-nordic-ceo-nicklas-norrby-steps-down
  40. https://www.discoveryplus.com/
  41. https://support.discoveryplus.com/gb/Answer/Detail/000004067
  42. https://deadline.com/2025/07/hbo-max-expands-europe-asia-nears-100-markets-1236464522/
  43. https://worldscreen.com/max-to-launch-on-japans-u-next/
  44. https://press.wbd.com/us/media-release/warner-bros-discovery-announces-max-become-hbo-max-summer
  45. https://streamingbetter.com/warner-bros-discovery-ended-q3-2025-with-128-million-streaming-subscribers/
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