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 2,300+ others who receive it directly in their inbox every Monday.
Today’s program
This article is the 13th edition of my FAST in MENA series. You can read all the previous ones here.
The latest development in FAST across MENA
January’s newly launched FAST Channels
Amagi global FAST report analysis
And… Action!
The latest development in FAST across MENA
January in the world of FAST in MENA isn't just about new beginnings, but also about big cleaning. For the first time, I’m seeing fewer channels this month compared to December. Looks like this trend mainly comes from the platforms with the most FAST channels: Shahid and STARZ ON.
The reasons? Could be anything from how well a channel's doing to tech issues or just how many channels they have the capacity to handle.
But I don’t think it's all bad. Dropping a channel is a chance to learn and get better. What matters in MENA is not just creating exclusive channels or acquiring new channels from third-party providers, but being smart about it.
The goal? Keep finding those channels that viewers really want. It's all about staying sharp and giving the audience what they're into.
But Shahid and STARZ ON need to watch their backs, because Roya TV is sneaking up fast. They've already rolled out 42 FAST Channels, and I have a feeling this is just the beginning for them.
One more news about STARZ ON, the new FAST offering from STARZPLAY: They're now live on web and CTV platforms. Looks like they're all set to make a big splash.
Take a look at my updated chart showing the trend from January 2023 through January 2024:
January’s newly launched FAST Channels
Here’s the updated number of FAST channels available on MENA local platforms in January 2024. 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 2 new channels this month, including:
Desi Play TV: Heads up our South Asian viewers! This is your 24/7 channel for exciting Indian shows – drama, comedy, cooking, and more, all with English subtitles.
Smurf TV: Welcome to the spectacular world of the Smurfs! Join these little merry blue pals as they live it up in their cozy mushroom houses, setting off on the most spellbinding adventures that will whisk you away on a whirlwind of laughter!
STARZ ON
STARZ ON also added 2 new channels in January:
Kalimat Almentor: Embark on transformative learning with Almentor Talks, where experts share invaluable ideas across diverse topics. Seamlessly integrated into STARZ ON, it's a powerful tool to inform, inspire, and empower.
NOW 80s: Your eighties party channel - 24/7. Expect synth pop, soft rock, leg warmers, lycra and lots of big hair! This channel is the home of classic pop that has stood the test of time. Includes classics from Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and many more.
Tarfeeh TV
It looks like TarfeehTV recently added several channels from Rotana: Rotana Cinema, Rotana Comedy, Rotana Drama and Rotana M+.
Amagi global FAST report analysis
Amagi just released a new Global FAST report called “The untapped gold mine of ad dollars”. I analyzed below the top genres per region, based on the total Hours of Viewing (HOV).
My observations:
APAC: News leads the genre rankings with a 43% share. Movies are in second place, representing 8% of the total, while Music and Sports makes a 6% contribution each.
US & Canada: News ranks first at 44%, with Nature & Wildlife channels following at 8%, and Movies and Entertainment holding a 5% share each.
EMEA: Movies are the top genre, representing 18% of the total HOV. News is the second most popular genre with an 11% share, then Music at 8%.
LATAM: Movies continue to dominate in Latam with a 52% share. Lifestyle is the next favorite at 16%, and Sports come in third with a 7% share.
You can access the full report HERE.
That’s all for today, the state of FAST in MENA in January 2024. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues!
I hope everyone has a great week, see you online next Monday. Until then, enjoy Solo Leveling on Crunchyroll. They say whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but that’s not the case for the world’s weakest hunter Sung Jinwoo. After being brutally slaughtered by monsters in a high-ranking dungeon, Jinwoo came back with the System, a program only he could see, that’s leveling him up in every way.
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 2,300+ 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.