The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) streaming video market is on the verge of a significant milestone, with projections pointing to $1.5 billion in revenue by the end of 2025. This growth is being driven by a rapid increase in subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) uptake, which is expected to top 27 million subscriptions in the region by year-end.
Omdia’s latest research, presented by Maria Rua Aguete at the Comcast Technology Summit in Dubai, highlights how both regional and international platforms are shaping the MENA streaming scene. As of December 2024, the top SVOD platforms by subscriber count are:
- Shahid: 4.4 million
- YouTube Premium: 3.7 million
- Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX): 3.0 million
- StarzPlay: 2.3 million
Shahid continues to lead, but YouTube Premium’s subscriber base now surpasses Netflix, reflecting a shift in what viewers want from their streaming services. The appeal of YouTube Premium lies in its ad-free experience and its ability to blend video, music, and mobile access, which is especially popular in Saudi Arabia, now among YouTube Premium’s top ten global markets.
StarzPlay’s recent move to combine its sports and entertainment offerings into a single “Max” bundle is another example of how platforms are responding to evolving consumer expectations. This consolidation in 2024 led to a 30 percent jump in average revenue per user and helped keep subscriber churn low, showing that simplifying choices and adding value can pay off.
Several factors are converging to make the MENA region a hotbed for streaming growth, including expanding digital infrastructure, widespread mobile device use, and a youthful, digitally active population.
These conditions are not just boosting subscription numbers but also encouraging platforms to rethink their strategies. Localized content, flexible subscription models, and seamless user experiences are becoming the norm as platforms compete for attention.
Consumers in the region clearly prefer content that reflects local culture and interests, subscription options that provide flexibility and value, and ad-free experiences that work seamlessly across multiple devices.
YouTube Premium’s climb and StarzPlay’s successful bundle both underscores how important convenience and relevant content are to MENA’s audience.
Omdia’s forecast suggests that the MENA online video market could expand more than fivefold, reaching $8.4 billion by 2029. The next few years will likely see even more competition and innovation as platforms try to capture the attention of a growing, tech-savvy audience.
For companies like Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), regional leaders such as Shahid, and platforms like StarzPlay, the challenge will be to keep evolving. The winners will be those who can anticipate what viewers want next and deliver it with clarity and value.
The MENA streaming market is entering a new era, shaped by changing consumer habits, technology, and a competitive mix of local and global players. The next chapter promises to be as dynamic as the audience it serves.
