IFC (originally the Independent Film Channel) has quietly evolved from a niche arthouse cinema destination into a broader home for various programming. The brand is still keeping one foot in the festival and indie world via IFC Films and the IFC Center.
Here is exactly what the IFC channel actually offers today, followed by every way you can stream it live or on demand.
What the IFC channel offers
IFC today brands itself as “Always on, Slightly Off.” The channel programs a mix of:
1. Original series and flagship titles
IFC has a reputation for off-center original series. Their original programming tends to lean toward sketch, parody, and alternative comedy rather than long-form prestige drama. That editorial identity is consistent across its linear channel and online presence.
Examples are:
- Documentary Now!
- Portlandia
- Sherman’s Showcase
- Maron
These titles are the network’s calling cards for the comedy/off-beat audience.
2. Films, IFC Films, and IFC Channel Center
IFC channel is closely tied to IFC Films and the IFC Center. IFC Films distributes award-winning independent films via theatrical release and also through digital windows.
Individually, IFC Films Unlimited, abbreviated as IFCFU, is a standalone streaming catalog built from IFC Films, Sundance Selects, and IFC Midnight libraries. It is a paid VOD channel focused on theatrical and indie films.
This is not the same as the linear IFC cable channel: IFCFU is a subscription streaming channel for films only.
3. Web content and social presence
Apart from the live feed we know, the IFC channel also hosts episodes, clips, interviews, and bonus features on its web and mobile apps.
It provides you with an up-to-date schedule, episode pages, and shortform extras. Much of that catalog is accessible with a pay-TV provider login.
IFC’s YouTube and social channels publish promos, highlights, and sample episodes for discovery.
4. Special programming blocks and festivals
IFC channel routinely programs themed nights, marathons, director retrospectives, and genre weekends.
Because of the distributor link (IFC Films), you’ll often see specialty programming that revolves around Sundance Selects, IFC Midnight, and indie auteurs. That festival-to-TV pipeline is a unique IFC strength.
Streaming options for the IFC channel
Below are the ways to get IFC live or on demand:
1. Philo
- Starting price (Per month): About $33.
- Availability: Just the United States.
- Channels: 70+.
- Device support: Available on app stores for streaming sticks, most Smart TV Operating systems, mobile apps, and supports any other device that can access the internet.
- Simultaneous streams: 3 on standard.
This is a strong choice if you want the cheapest path to the IFC channel plus a lineup of entertainment and lifestyle channels.
The provider includes cloud DVR and multiple streams. You can record IFC shows or watch on mobile while someone else uses the living-room TV.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly way to get IFC and many companion entertainment channels.
- Easy apps on Roku/Fire/Apple TV.
- Simple pricing and straightforward channel lineup.
Cons:
- Philo is US-only; not useful if you’re outside the U.S.
2. Sling TV
- Starting price (Per month): $40.
- Availability: Only in the United States.
- Channels: 45+.
- Device support: All new or older smart TV hardware and streaming sticks, plus mobile apps and modern web browsers.
- Simultaneous streams: Up to 4.
IFC usually appears in the Entertainment/Extras set of channels or in hybrid Orange/Blue mixes, depending on the current program grid.
This is a useful pick if you want selective live channel access without a big bundle. The platform also offers cloud DVR and add-on packages.
Pros:
- Highly customizable bundles, as you pick the channels you actually want.
- Reasonable price when you target a small set of networks.
- Works on a wide range of devices and older TVs.
Cons:
- Channel availability can shuffle between packages.
3. YouTube TV
- Starting price (Per month): $82.99.
- Availability: Countrywide in the US.
- Channels: 70+.
- Device support: All devices with internet.
- Simultaneous streams: 3 concurrent per account. 6 household accounts.
This is the provider that most cord-cutters choose when they want a near-cable replacement with strong DVR and multiple profile allowance.
You get IFC bundled in with a broad set of channels. This is handy if you want both niche indie programming and mainstream live sports or news in the same service.
Pros:
- Comprehensive channel lineup including IFC and many local stations.
- Broad device support and stable apps.
- Household sharing with multiple profiles included.
Cons:
- The price is higher than skinny bundles like Philo.
4. DIRECTV Stream
- Starting price (Per month): $80+.
- Availability: Countrywide.
- Channels: 160+.
- Device support: App available for major smart TVs, mobile phones, and can be used on Roku via casting.
- Simultaneous streams: Varies by plan.
If you’re replacing a full cable/satellite bundle and want to keep channel parity, DIRECTV Stream is a safe option.
It’s priced accordingly and offers a familiar channel grid and DVR features. It’s not the cheapest route to IFC, but it’s comprehensive and minimizes juggling multiple niche services.
Pros:
- Broad channel lineups that mirror classic cable packages.
- Good DVR and multi-device support.
- Familiar channel order and guide for cable refugees.
Cons:
- Not the best for single-channel-focused viewers.
5. Cable and Satellite
- Starting price (Per month): Varies by provider and package.
- Availability: Nationwide.
- Channels: Full cable lineups with IFC typically being a basic-tier cable channel.
- Device support: Set-top boxes provided by the operator, provider mobile apps (Xfinity Stream, Spectrum app, Fios Mobile), and TV Everywhere sign-in for IFC.com.
- Simultaneous streams: Varies.
If you already pay for any cable or satellite service in the country, this channel is often bundled into their base plans.
Also, you’ll usually get the IFC linear feed plus on-demand access through your provider’s set-top box or apps.
Pros:
- One-stop billing and broad linear access.
- Provider apps often unlock IFC on-demand and the live stream.
- No need to juggle separate skinny bundles.
Cons:
- Generally higher monthly cost than streaming-only alternatives.
6. IFC.com / IFC apps
- Starting price (Per month): Free.
- Availability: Global
- Channels: None.
- Device support: Web browsers, iOS/Android apps (IFC content viewable via app when authenticated), smart TV web views (varies).
- Simultaneous streams: Controlled by your TV provider account.
IFC’s own website and apps live stream is locked behind TV-Everywhere authentication. That means you’ll need a subscription from Philo, Sling, YouTube TV, DirecTV, etc..
IFC’s site also hosts free clips, episode guides, and schedule information to help you plan your viewing.
Pros:
- Best place to find official promos and program pages.
- Uses the TV Everywhere standard, so most provider logins work.
- No extra fee beyond your provider subscription.
Cons:
- Live/on-demand is gated by provider login
- International viewers face geo-blocking for full content.
7. AMC+
- Starting price (Per month): Around $6.99.
- Availability: Australia, Canada, and the United States.
- Channels: None.
- Device support: Web plus apps for all major operating systems except consoles.
- Simultaneous streams: 3.
AMC+ bundles the IFC Films Unlimited VOD catalog alongside AMC originals. It is cheaper if you also need access to the famous films from the brand.
It also gives you ad-free viewing across many tiers.
Pros:
- Ad-free tiers and offline downloads on many plans.
- Good device support and a strong curated library.
- Often includes same-day streaming access for certain IFC premieres.
Cons:
- Not a pure “IFC live” replacement for some viewers who only want the linear channel.
8. IFC Films Unlimited (IFCFU)
- Starting price (Per month): Average of $4.99.
- Availability: Depends on your storefront.
- Channels: None.
- Device support: Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Channels, Apple TV Channels, web (via participating storefront apps).
- Simultaneous streams: Controlled by the hosting storefront (Prime/Apple/Roku rules apply).
As mentioned earlier, IFCFU is IFC’s film-distribution streaming product that focuses on the distributor’s catalogue rather than the channel’s linear schedule.
If you’re primarily a movie person who loves indie and auteur cinema from the IFC channel, IFCFU gives you that catalog cheaply and as an add-on to the platform you already use.
Pros:
- A cheap add-on to the platforms you already use.
- Great for movie lovers who want curated U.S. indie releases.
- Often surfaces titles not found on Netflix/Prime’s main catalog.
Cons:
- Not a replacement for the live IFC linear channel.