FAST in MENA - December 2023
Feel good movies starring Jennifer Lopez or Christmas songs by Mariah Carey - the choice is yours
Hey streamers 👋
Welcome to The Streaming Lab, a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and join 2,200+ others who receive it directly in their inbox every Monday.
Today’s program
This article is the 12th edition of my FAST in MENA series. You can read all the previous ones here.
The latest development in FAST across MENA
December’s newly launched FAST Channels
My projections for FAST in MENA for 2024
And… Action!
This newsletter is sponsored by Sandbox Group, the global leader in edutainment with video streaming and smart gaming products.
Sandbox Group has successfully reached over 60 million customers worldwide, thanks to their new digital offerings: PlayKids+ for kids and Focus for adults.
Recently, the company expanded into the MENA region, an area keen on high-quality intelligent entertainment and gaming. They formed a partnership with the leading mobile game platform Tamatem to introduce PlayKids+, Sandbox’s educational app designed for children aged 2 to 12.
Additionally, Sandbox Group has adapted their award-winning VOD catalogue to Modern Arabic, in collaboration with the regional giant, Tarjama. They are ambitious about 2024, aiming to set new standards in quality content for children and smart gaming for all age groups.
Get in touch with Shan below to discover the solutions Sandbox Group can offer in MENA 👇
The latest development in FAST across MENA
As we approach the end of the year, the FAST platform seems to be slowing down in preparation for 2024, with only 9 new channels added in December so far.
Having collected data throughout 2023, I now have a good understanding of this year's trends. In the MENA region, local platforms witnessed an impressive growth in their channel count, surging by over 200% in 2023. Will 2024 bring even more growth?
Let's break down the growth, platform by platform:
Shahid observed a 35% increase, adding 17 channels since January.
STARZ ON expanded significantly, with 48 new channels since November.
Roya TV saw a remarkable 150% growth, with 24 new channels since April.
Weyyak increased by 130%, adding 13 channels since January.
El Shasha grew by 62%, with 8 new channels since June.
Awaan remained steady, with no change.
Rotana experienced a decline of 13%, losing 2 channels since January.
Tarfeeh TV increased by 120%, with 6 new channels since September.
ADTV grew modestly, adding 1 new channel since January."
Presenting the final graph for this year:
December’s newly launched FAST Channels
Here’s the updated number of FAST channels available on MENA local services in December 2023. As a reminder, I consider a FAST channel any streaming linear programming available for free to consumers, with commercials.
My main observations:
Shahid
Shahid added 5 new channels this month, including:
Feel Good Movies: Out of ideas for movie night? Dim the lights and ready the popcorn. The rest is on us with this collection of feel-good movies for the whole family to enjoy.
We all need to watch feel good movies during Christmas time Wifi Channel: Enjoy the sarcastic comedy of Hassan Al-Ballam, Asaad Alzahrani and Abdullah Al Sanani as they hilariously recreate memorable moments from your favourite shows and series.
Al Hisn Channel: The iconic Japanese game show Takeshi’s Castle just arrived to Saudi shores. We dare you not to laugh while watching this special spin on the hilarious concept.
Selfie Channel: Get ready for unending laughs as Nasser Al Qasabi is joined by the best comedians for hilarious episodes about common issues in Saudi society.
Masrah Al Saudia Channel: Immerse yourself in the most captivating theatre plays as Masrah Al Saudia gives you a front-row experience from the comfort of your home.
STARZ ON
The new FAST offering from STARZPLAY launched a pop-up channel focused on Christmas songs.
NOW Christmas: NOW Christmas crosses the generations and genres, with wall-to-wall Xmas tunes for the whole family to enjoy - Lots of Christmas music classics, and we re-live festive party favourites, from Wham’s Last Christmas to Mariah’s All I Want For Christmas, plus guest presenters and music stars aplenty to give you the best Christmas party playlist of the season!
STARZ ON also previously launched a Christmas curated FAST channel, STARZ ON BELLZ: Where the holiday spirit comes alive! Celebrate with heartwarming tales and festive cheer. Make every season bright!
Roya TV
The streaming platform from Jordan launched 2 new channels this month:
Alaraby News: An Arabic news TV channel Broadcasting from Qatar. Alaraby follows developments, presents news, and analyses the various dimensions and implications of the latest events.
Alaraby 2: A multi-platform entertainment and cultural channel, offering Arab audiences a range of programs ranging from music, art, society, comedy, drama, films and documentaries.
My projections for FAST in MENA for 2024
As we approach the new year, it's time to anticipate the future of the FAST ecosystem in the Middle East & North Africa. Here are the five trends I foresee:
Increased channel offerings: The trend is clear, a jump from 80 channels in January 2023 to 244 in December. The upcoming year promises even more vigorous growth. By the end of 2024, I predict we'll see the total number of FAST channels on MENA platforms surpassing 500.
Enhanced collaboration: The true worth of FAST in MENA lies in partnerships, such as the integration of Asharq Documentary with Shahid and the showcasing of Rotana channels on Roya TV. I anticipate a surge in such distribution partnerships among local platforms.
The emergence of third-party channels: Currently, the majority of channels in the region are owned and operated (O&O) by the platforms themselves, leveraging existing content deals. However, STARZ ON has disrupted the market by introducing premium FAST channels such as Baywatch, Fear Factor, DAZ Combat, Powder or YRF Music. The coming year should welcome an increase of third-party channels to the region.
Diversification of platforms: With nine local platforms already dedicating resources to developing and aggregating FAST channels, I'm confident we'll see new entrants coming from the region in 2024. A major development to watch out for next year is the potential entry of global platforms backed by manufacturers. Rest assured, I’ll keep you updated.
Improved advertising models: Presently, most platforms engage in direct deals facilitated by a network of established agencies, with programmatic advertising depenfing on Google Ads. The expectation is for independent Ad tech firms to step in, demonstrating their strengths and ensuring the sustainability of the FAST model in this region.
What are your predictions for the FAST ecosystem in 2024? Hit reply to this email and share your thoughts!
That’s all for today, the state of FAST in MENA in December 2023. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues!
I hope everyone has a great week, see you online in 2024. Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Until then, enjoy Yanal, distributed by Phoenicia Pictures International and scheduled to hit theatres on December 21 in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
A young man in his twenties, who grapples with the devastating return of his illness. As the disease takes a toll on his appearance, Yanal, faced with the grim reality of his condition, contemplates suicide. His decision is intertwined with a poignant love story, compelling him to give his eyes to a lookalike young man with the help of his only friend Dahab, as they strive to fulfill the love story’s completion.
The Streaming Lab is a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and join 2,200+ others who receive it directly in their inbox every Monday.
Read all the previous edition of The Streaming Lab here.
Interested in advertising with The Streaming Lab and reach a qualified audience in MENA? Email me.
Get access to my exclusive data & insights about FAST in MENA. Contact me here.
Download my market reports STREAMING in MENA and STREAMING in INDIA.
I also work with streaming services, content creators, platform providers or media consultants and help them diversify their revenues. Contact me here.
Hi Yann, how do I reach you by email? I'd love to talk for a story I'm writing about the Middle East media market. Best, Claire Atkinson