Everything You Need to know About Multichoice Showmax 2.0 Relaunch

MultiChoice’s relaunched Showmax video streaming service has expressed its ambition to become the premier platform in Africa. Despite this aspiration, research forecasts indicate the new Showmax becoming Africa’s second-largest video streaming service within five years.

Introduction

According to Digital TV Research, Sub-Saharan Africa’s SVOD subscriptions are projected to rise from seven million in 2023 to 16 million by 2029.

Netflix is expected to lead with 6.9 million subscribers, while Showmax follows with 3.7 million.

In 2029, Amazon Prime Video is expected to have 2.97 million subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa, placing third. The research firm predicts Disney+ will reach 905,000 subscriptions due to its limited rollout, mainly in South Africa. Simon Murray, Digital TV Research’s principal analyst, notes the SVOD competition centers on Netflix and regional player Showmax.

Showmax, enriched with local content and sports rights, now enjoys access to NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, and HBO content. Furthermore, Showmax’s parent company, MultiChoice, recently rebuffed a takeover offer from Canal Plus. Digital TV Research predicts that South Africa and Nigeria will contribute 59% (9.4 million) of the region’s total SVOD subscriptions.

Nonetheless, the research notes that SVOD penetration will remain relatively low by 2029, with only 7.1% of TV households subscribing to at least one service, although this marks an increase from 4.7% at the end of 2023.

Multichoice Showmax 2.0 Relaunch: A Multi-billion Dollar Ambition

The report follows the recent relaunch of its Showmax platform, also known as Showmax 2.0, by video entertainment firm MultiChoice. Calvo Mawela, the group CEO of MultiChoice, expressed his confidence to ITWeb that the revamped Showmax streaming service will drive the company to generate revenue of $1 billion within the next five years.

In March, MultiChoice forged a partnership with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky to introduce a streaming service aimed at the African continent. Through this collaboration, Showmax aims to directly challenge the US-based streaming giant Netflix.

New Showmax Emerges as Africa’s Second-Biggest VOD Platform

Showmax 2.0 was officially launched on 12 February in Johannesburg. MultiChoice’s relaunched Showmax video streaming service has articulated its aim to become the premier platform in Africa.

Despite its ambition, research forecasts the new Showmax as Africa’s second-largest video streaming service within five years. Digital TV Research predicts Sub-Saharan Africa will have 16 million SVOD subscriptions by 2029, with Netflix leading at 6.9 million subscribers, followed by Showmax at 3.7 million.

Amazon Prime Video’s Growth and Disney+ Limited Rollout

Amazon Prime Video is projected to reach 2.97 million subscribers in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2029, securing third place. Conversely, due to rollout limitations, Disney+ is forecast to only amass 905,000 subscriptions by the same year.

Simon Murray, principal analyst at Digital TV Research, characterizes SVOD as a battleground between Netflix and regional player Showmax. Enriched with local content and sports rights, Showmax now boasts access to NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, and HBO content. Moreover, Showmax’s parent company, MultiChoice, recently declined a takeover bid from Canal Plus.

SVOD Market Insights

Digital TV Research predicts that South Africa and Nigeria will contribute 59% (9.4 million) of the region’s total SVOD subscriptions. However, SVOD penetration is projected to remain relatively low by 2029, with only 7.1% of TV households subscribing to at least one service, though this marks an increase from 4.7% at the end of 2023.

Billion-Dollar Ambition and Strategic Partnerships

The report follows the relaunch of its Showmax platform, also known as Showmax 2.0, by video entertainment firm MultiChoice. MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela expressed his belief to ITWeb that the revamped Showmax streaming service will drive the company to achieve revenue of $1 billion within the next five years.

In March, MultiChoice collaborated with Comcast’s NBCUniversal and Sky to introduce a streaming service targeting the African continent, aiming to directly challenge the US-based streaming giant Netflix. Under the partnership, the new Showmax Group will be 70% owned by MultiChoice and 30% by NBCUniversal, with NBCUniversal holding an indirect 23.7% stake in the local subsidiary in Nigeria.

Leadership and Technical Enhancements

At the event, Marc Jury, MultiChoice South Africa CEO, shared Showmax’s goal to lead Africa’s streaming platforms. Jury leads Showmax amid a leadership transition. The relaunch incorporates Peacock’s technical platform, expanding Showmax’s capabilities globally.

From January 23rd to February 12th, Showmax transitioned its existing customers to the streaming service Peacock’s platform. Marc Jury commented on this development, stating, “Something that excites us is the partnership with the Premier League, where we will launch a Showmax Premier League offering on mobile phones. We also have a completely new brand construct.”

He further elaborated, “There has been a lot of talk about the migration to the new platform. What this means is we had to move all our existing customers across to the new tech stack. It hasn’t been without its challenges over the past few weeks, but I’m very proud to say every single one of our existing customers has been migrated to the new Showmax platform.”

Jury highlighted Showmax’s key differentiation, stating, “We localize content and payments, understanding the local market, setting us apart to become the top streaming platform.”

The New Showmax Update

The new Showmax features a new app, a revamped appearance, expanded content, and its standout offering: the first standalone mobile plan for the English Premier League, highlighted by MultiChoice.

The English Premier League, broadcast in 212 territories to 643 million households, potentially reaches a TV audience of 4.7 billion viewers.

In collaboration with MTN, Showmax is introducing three new bundled offerings tailored for South African customers. Catering to avid football enthusiasts, the Showmax Premier League standalone mobile plan will offer access to all 380 games live on Showmax for a monthly fee of R69.

Furthermore, customers in 44 African countries can choose from two Showmax plans: Showmax Entertainment on mobile, starting at R39/month, and the multi-device plan, now priced at R89/month, down from R99.

The mobile bundled offering, combining Showmax Premier League and general Showmax Entertainment, will be accessible to customers for R99 a month.

FAQs: Showmax’s Relaunch and Offerings

1. What changes have been introduced with the new Showmax platform?

• The new Showmax platform includes a redesigned app, interface, expanded content, and the first standalone mobile plan for the English Premier League.

2. What makes the English Premier League offering significant?

• The English Premier League on Showmax offers die-hard football fans access to all 380 live games for R69 per month.

3. How does Showmax collaborate with MTN to enhance its offerings?

• Showmax and MTN introduced three bundled offerings for South African customers, including a standalone Premier League mobile plan.

4. What geographical reach do Showmax’s offerings have?

• Showmax extends its reach to 44 African countries, offering entertainment plans on mobile and multi-device platforms for flexible content consumption.

5. What distinguishes Showmax from other streaming platforms in Africa?

• Showmax’s commitment to localizing content and payments caters to African audiences’ unique preferences and needs.
• Additionally, its strategic partnerships and diverse content offerings contribute to its competitive edge in the market.

Conclusion

Showmax’s relaunch, led by MultiChoice, introduces a revamped platform with new features and partnerships, aiming for industry leadership. Furthermore, through strategic alliances, Showmax expands its audience and content offerings, aiming to captivate African viewers.

Moreover, Showmax stays ahead in the evolving streaming market, offering unmatched viewing experiences and enriching content to subscribers.

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