Hey streamers 👋
Welcome to the 51st edition of The Streaming Lab. Thanks for reading me.
A big thank you to my sponsor of the week: KWIKmotion, the complete online video suite by White Peaks Solutions
This article is all about FAST, a model that has the potential to redefine the way audiences enjoy digital content, providing a sustainable way that benefits viewers, content creators, and advertisers alike.
KWIKmotion now integrates FAST to offer channels that can be streamed on OTT platforms and social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
White Peaks Solutions' FAULIO, a customizable and scalable Content Management System, has also won the Best in Content Management Award at the Broadcast Pro Manufacturer Awards 2023. This recognition highlights FAULIO's remarkable impact on the broadcast industry and reinforces White Peaks Solutions' position as a leader in content management.
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This week’s program
Welcome to the 5th FAST in MENA update of the year. And this time, I won’t be the only one sharing data: I need your help to map the CTV market with IAB MENA.
My top FAST learnings from CABSAT Dubai
The FAST channels in MENA - May 2023
Mapping the CTV market with IAB MENA
My top FAST learnings from CABSAT Dubai
This 29th edition of CABSAT was very interesting, with broadcast/OTT tech providers and content creators coming from all over the MENA region & the world.
This edition was special to me: I represented a major content distributor with a dedicated stand, and I presented my research about Streaming in MENA during the Co-Production salon.
Like MIPCOM & MIPTV, the trending topic this year at CABSAT was Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST). Let me share with you my main FAST learnings from CABSAT:
SVOD services are switching to hybrid models with linear content
Register to get my full presentation HERE
Local AVOD platforms are aggregating third-party FAST channels
Track FAST in MENA every month with me: January, February, March, April and May (this edition)
CTV eCPMS are growing across the region
Presentation from Stephen L.Hodge, CEO at OTTera
Independent Ad companies are challenging Google’s supremacy
FAST revenues in MENA will reach $40m in 2028 (Omdia)
Contact Maria Rua Aguete to get the full presentation HERE.
The FAST channels in MENA - May 2023
Here’s the updated number of FAST channels available on MENA services in May 2023. As a reminder, I consider a FAST channel any streaming linear programming available for free to consumers, with commercials.
This month, I’ll focus on FAST channels coming from local streaming services in the MENA region.
My main observations:
TarfeehTV
OTTera MENA, the joint venture between OTTera and SAWA Rights Management, is about to launch TarfeehTV, the first FAST dedicated platform for the MENA region.
The service will contain linear FAST streaming TV channels in English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, and other regional languages reflecting the Middle East demographics.
Here are some examples of channels we should find on TarfeehTV, as mentioned on their press release: SmurfTV, Toon Goggles, Weyyak Drama, Weyyak Action, Weeyak Mix and Weyyak Nawaem as well as the upcoming Zee TV FAST channels, on top of Al Araby, Al Araby2, SyriaTV, 2M, Medi1, M24, El Hiwar Ettounsi, ChadaTV, Rotana Cinema US and FR, M+, Rotana Kids, Rotana Comedy, Mosalsalatna El Helwa, Aflamna El Helwa and wedo big stories from wedo.
Shahid
The streaming service of MBC launched several single IP & genre-based FAST channels this month: Abdul Majeed Abdullah, Movies Thriller, Rashed Al-Majed, Movies Action, Latin, ABtalks, Jinaya and Ghomoud.
Roya TV
Roya TV added 4 FAST channels this month, including the single IP channel Nadine Njeim. The Jordanian service already reached a total of 20 FAST channels.
Weyyak
Are you nostalgic of the adventures of small blue creatures living in a forest village? The Smurfs FAST channel is finally available on Weyyak. The Advertising-based streaming service also launched a cooking channel this month: 60 Recipes.
Do you want to report any new FAST channels in MENA? Answer this email and let me know.
Mapping the CTV market with IAB MENA
The CTV market in MENA is developing rapidly and like a lot of streaming professionals, I’m trying to define the state of CTV in the region.
IAB MENA is inviting us to participate in a survey to understand the current usage of CTV advertising in MENA and its potential. Responses will be strictly confidential 👇
That’s all for today, the state of FAST in MENA in May 2023.
See you online next week. Until then, enjoy the Arabic FAST channel ABtalks on shahid: Anas Bukhash interviews various A-listers, which can sometimes lead to daring revelations. Get ready for his first question: How are you REALLY doing in your life?
well Done Yann 👏👏
instructive