Video streaming, a technology that has profoundly changed the way people watch online content such as movies, television shows, sports, and so on. In Nigeria, the prevalence of video streaming services has become increasingly popular in recent years.
In fact, according to recent statistics, 70% of Nigerian adults are now using video streaming platforms to watch their favorite video content either on their smartphones, tablets, laptops, or other connected devices.
From heavyweights like Netflix and Hulu to up-and-coming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Showmax, the Nigerian online video market is ever expanding.
In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 video streaming platforms in Nigeria. We will be looking at different aspects of each platform, such as pricing, content selection and user reviews. We will also be discussing the key features that make these platforms stand out from the competition. We hope that this article will help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing a streaming platform in Nigeria.
Video streaming platforms in Nigeria
Netflix:
Netflix is a video streaming platform that has been around since 1998 and is available in more than 190 countries, including Nigeria. It is one of the most popular video streaming services in the world and offers a wide range of films, TV shows, documentaries and other media content.
Netflix also has a selection of Originals, which include beloved series such as “Stranger Things,” “Narcos,” “Orange is The New Black,” “Jessica Jones,” and many more. The platform also boasts an extensive library of Nigerian content, including films, shows, and documentaries. In terms of pricing, Netflix offers three tiers of subscriptions.
The Basic Plan is the most affordable and provides access to one screen at a time with standard definition content. The Standard Plan provides access to two screens at a time with high definition quality content. Finally, the Premium Plan provides access to four screens at once with ultra-high definition 4K content.
Showmax:
Showmax is a South African video-on-demand streaming service owned by Naspers. It has gained popularity among Nigerian users, mostly due to its extensive library of movies and TV shows from across the African continent. The platform offers a selection of content from Nigerian stars, such as Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Toni Tones, and Ibrahim Suleiman.
The platform also provides access to a variety of genres, ranging from action/adventure to comedy and romance, and more. Showmax has native apps for Android and iOS, as well as a web version, which allows you to watch content on any device.
Showmax has two tiers of subscription plans, a basic plan with limited access to content and an upgrade plan with access to the full library. Each plan has a seven-day free trial option before users must pay for a subscription.
Amazon Prime Video:
Amazon Prime Video, the video streaming service from the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon, entered the Nigerian market in 2017. It offers a wide variety of content from legendary Nigerian and international producers, such as Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and more. Nigerian viewers can watch a variety of films, TV shows, documentaries, and exclusive Amazon Original Series, such as the popular “The Grand Tour”.
It also has a selection of Nigerian productions, including “Yemoja Rise” and “The Wedding Party 2”. In terms of pricing, Amazon Prime Video offers a free 30-day trial before requiring users to subscribe to one of their three subscription plans. The first plan is the basic plan, which provides access to a limited selection of content and can be watched on one screen at a time.
The second plan is the Standard Plan, which provides access to the entire library of content and can be watched on up to three screens at a time. The third plan is the Premium Plan, which provides access to the entire library of content and can be watched on up to four screens at a time.
Hulu:
Hulu is an American video on demand (VOD) streaming service, owned by The Walt Disney Company and Comcast. The platform offers thousands of movies and television shows, including exclusive content from major TV networks like ABC, Fox, and NBC, as well as children’s programming, anime, and documentaries. Additionally, Hulu has acquired rights to stream some critically acclaimed movies, such as “Crazy Rich Asians” and “The Shape of Water.”
Hulu has a selection of movies and TV shows from both Nigerian and international studios, making it a great platform to explore different cultures and genres. The platform also offers a selection of subscription plans. The basic plan gives access to a limited selection of content and can be watched on one screen at a time. The more expensive plan, however, provides access to the entire library of content, and can be watched on up to three screens at a time.
Afrinolly:
Afrinolly is Nigerian-based video streaming platform which made its debut in 2012. The platform is primarily focused on African movies, TV series and music videos. It also offers a wide range of international films from Hollywood and Bollywood.
Afrinolly also offers a range of subscription packages for its users. The platform is renowned for its diverse content selection, which includes both local and international films, TV series and music videos. Additionally, the platform is known for its user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily find and watch their desired content. Moreover, Afrinolly also offers an ‘Afrinolly Learning Hub,’ which allows users to stay up to date with African culture and history.
PlayTV:
PlayTV is a relatively new entrant into the Nigerian video streaming market, having been established in 2014. The platform specializes in offering access to live sports events as well as a range of Nigerian and international movies, TV series and music videos. It also offers a range of subscription packages for its users.
PlayTV has made a name for itself through its unique offering of live sports streaming. Additionally, the platform has earned praise from users for its user-friendly interface and diverse selection of content. Moreover, the platform offers one of the best price plans for its streaming services, making it an affordable option for users
DStv Now:
DStv Now is the video streaming option from the popular satellite TV provider, MultiChoice. It offers a diverse selection of films, shows, and sports from both Nigerian and international networks.
The library includes sports programming from SuperSport, the DStv channel showcasing Nigerian and continental entertainment programming, as well as news and documentary movies.
For those looking to watch on the go, DStv Now provides a variety of native apps for Android, iOS, and Windows. Additionally, users can stream on the web, Chromecast, and Apple TV. The platform also allows users to download content for offline viewing.
Kwese:
Kwese is one of the most popular streaming platforms in Nigeria. It was founded in 2016 and is owned by a Nigerian conglomerate, Econet. The platform offers a wide selection of movies, series, and exciting shows from around the world. It also has an extensive collection of local Nigerian movies and series.
With Kwese, you can watch live sports, news, music, as well as enjoy educational content and lifestyle shows. The service can be accessed through a Kwese set-top box, the Kwese Play mobile app, and online on the Kwese website.
IRokoTV:
IRokoTV is the largest and most popular streaming platform in Nigeria. It was founded in 2011 by Jason Njoku and offers a vast selection of Nigerian movies and TV series, as well as international films.
Users can access the service online, through the iRokotv mobile app, or through the official iRokopop set top box. With IRokoTV, you can creatively express your love for Nollywood movies and series.
YouTube:
YouTube is the most popular online streaming platform in the world and it has a presence in Nigeria as well. With YouTube, you can watch movies, music videos, educational shows, news, and more.
YouTube also has a paid subscription service called YouTube Premium, which offers additional content. You can access YouTube either through the official mobile app or through the website.
Conclusion:
Video streaming is quickly becoming the go-to way for Nigerians to watch their favorite films, TV shows, and other on-demand video content. There is a plethora of video streaming options available to choose from, ranging from international giants like Netflix and Hulu to local favorites like Showmax and DStv Now.
In this article, we discussed the top 10 video streaming platforms in Nigeria, including Netflix, Hulu, Showmax, DStv Now, and Amazon Prime Video. Each platform offers a unique selection of content, features, and pricing plans to suit anyone’s viewing needs.
We hope this article gave you enough information to choose the best platform for you.
