Streaming television is the digital distribution of television content, such as TV shows, as streaming media delivered over the Internet. Streaming TV stands in contrast to dedicated terrestrial television delivered by over-the-air aerial systems, cable television, and/or satellite television systems.
TV Streaming Services In South Africa
Did you know that the top three streaming services in South Africa held a market share of 82% collectively in Q4 2024? That is a lot!
The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely changed the viewing patterns of South Africans, providing wider viewing choices with streaming video services and on-demand subscriptions becoming hugely popular. The streaming services are also expected to continue to gain popularity as viewing patterns are changing in the population.
The biggest streaming platforms in South Africa are Netflix and Showmax, with an estimated subscriber base of over 400 000 and about 595 000 respectively. These figures are expected to continue to skyrocket, with Statistica projecting that the number of video streaming subscribers will reach 9 million by 2025.
Streaming Drivers
While the pandemic has most likely helped drive more people to use streaming services, there are a number of factors that have supported this viewing change with people.
Some of these are:
- The Pandemic as documented in the Journal of Open Innovation Technology Market and Complexity. This was also supported by the #DataMustFall campaign, which also cited a future decrease in costs saying “predict a further reduction in data costs in the future.” It adds that: “There has already been a reduction in data costs, as MTN and Vodacom announced a data price reduction in South Africa by almost 30% following the competition council pronouncement.”
- Free public Wi-Fi zones
- Reduction in data costs
- Improvements in broadband technology
- Increase of 5G networks
- Changing lifestyles.
Choice
Subscription growth and lifestyle changes only tell some of the stories. The streaming platforms cater to a variety of viewer needs. Netflix boasts about 3 000 titles including new movies and series, while Showmax showcases 1 000 different titles, and Prime Video about 2 000.
All three services offer a range of options with movies, series and documentaries. However, content is King and is what separates the service offerings. In the series category, Netflix has the most options and Showmax the least.
Netflix offers a broad range of quality and unique content, but it is heavily saturated with international or American productions. Showmax on the other hand is in a better position to win over South Africans because it provides local and culturally diverse content.
While both streaming services offer packages starting at just under R100, viewers can prioritise video-quality, speed and data costs. Netflix is more flexible, even being able to stream on a slower network to access the platform. A strong selling point for Showmax on the other hand is that DStv Premium subscribers automatically gain access to the platform.
Moneyweb reports that Netflix and Showmax own a 35% and 24% share of the market, respectively, with Amazon Prime Video competing for third place, holding 23% of the market.
The user penetration in video streaming in the country currently stands at 13.1% and is expected to grow to 14.4% by 2025.
While Netflix and Showmax may bring up the front, there are other options for the viewer in South Africa, including:
- Acorn
- Apple TV
- DSTV now
- Prime Video
- Quibi
- Showmax
- Viu
- Vodacom video play
Streaming requirements
So what do you need to stream TV in South Africa? In a simple explanation, you need reliable speed internet. You can test your speed at https://www.speedtest.net.
There are a few different recommended minimums for streaming:
- To stream videos in standard definition (SD), at least 3 Mbps is recommended.
- To stream videos in high definition (HD), at least 5 Mbps is recommended.
- To stream videos in HDR or 4K, at least 25 Mbps is recommended.
Are you unsure what speed you will need for streaming? It is most likely that it will be HD. Most TVs still fall into the HD category. You should aim for at least 5 Mbps of download speeds, but that number will need to go up even higher if more than one device is connected at a time.
If you are looking to do some streaming in your downtime, get in touch with us to connect you to the right internet package, at https://bundunetworx.co.za.
Which streaming service is best in South Africa?
The best streaming services in South Africa
According to MyBroadband, Prime Video offers the largest number of titles among major subscription video streaming services like Netflix and Showmax.
How can I stream TV in South Africa?
Free TV Streaming Services in South Africa
TV2Go.
Vudu.
Crackle.
Which service is best for streaming TV in South Africa?
Our Best Live TV Streaming Services Rating
- #1 YouTube TV.
- #2 Hulu + Live TV.
- #3 fuboTV.
- #3 Sling TV.
- #5 Philo. #6 DirecTV Stream.
Can I get BritBox in South Africa?
South Africans can take Britbox for a spin on a free 7-day trial, after which a monthly plan is priced at R99. 99 or an annual plan at R999. 99. BritBox has apps available for Android and Apple smartphones and tablets, Samsung and LG smart TVs, and media boxes like the Apple TV.
Is CBS available in South Africa?
CBS Drama is a UK television channel which was broadcast in South Africa on the DStv satellite platform which brands itself as the destination for iconic and unforgettable series and their gritty storylines, tense thrillers, passionate love affairs and cliff-hangers.