

According to RTÉ, it is "one of the first broadcasters in the world to launch a comprehensive international online TV catch-up service." But in January 2010, news, sport and flagship entertainment programming were released to worldwide audiences. More than 200 hours of programmes from all categories of RTÉ broadcast schedule are available on RTÉ Player, most of which are not available to web users outside the island of Ireland. The on-demand service also features content from international broadcasters such as CBS, ABC Australia, arte, Epix, Lionsgate Television and Warner Brothers Television. The player also hosts additional channels including RTÉ Archives and RTÉ Food. In December 2018, a new html5 version of the RTÉ Player was revealed featuring content which is exclusive to the online player. The service became available to all Sky Ireland customers on 8 July 2016.

RTÉ Player was made available to Virgin Media Ireland (previously UPC Ireland) customers through their televisions from. On 2 September 2011, RTÉ announced it would launch a similar platform of its digital radio stations under the name "RTÉ Radio Player". RTÉ Player was launched on 21 April 2009.
