FAST in MENA Series - May 2024
Al Liqaa Min Al Sifr Channel, Wedo Big Stories, Majid Children Channel, Curiosity Stream, STARZ ON Baby Shark TV, ICC WorldCup 2024
Hey streamers 👋
Welcome to my “FAST in MENA Series”, monthly articles exploring the local FAST platforms across Middle East & North Africa. You’ll get the most recent FAST channels updates and trend analysis, delivered directly to your inbox on the last Monday of every month.
Today’s program
Do you know all the channels that launched in the MENA region in May 2024?
Recent updates and trends in MENA FAST
New FAST channel launches
Spotlight Platform: Pluto TV (France)
And… Action!
Recent updates and trends in MENA FAST
Last month, I was excited to share that the number of FAST channels on local platforms in the MENA region was on the rise again. But this month, there's not much to report. The trend is... flat.
But when we look into the details, there's still some news to share:
Shahid removed 3 channels and added 2 new ones.
STARZ ON removed 4 channels and added 4 new ones, continuing to improve its catalog with premium IPs.
Weyyak added a new channel for the second consecutive month.
ADtv finally added a channel dedicated to its premium kids IP Majid TV.
So, while the overall trend may be flat, there are still some interesting updates on specific platforms.
Here is my updated chart showing the number of FAST channels on local platforms from January 2023 to May 2024. I guess you can see the flat trend ;)
STARZ ON is still the platform with the highest number of channels, followed by Shahid and Roya TV.
I don't want you to be disappointed this month, so here's some exclusive data: the number of unique FAST channels per country:
Most of this data comes from the amazing presentation by 3Vision during the AVOD & FAST summit at MIPTV. I only added the MENA part using The Streaming Lab FAST tracker.
My analysis: FAST is still a new model in the MENA region and needs more channels to reach the level of mature markets.
New FAST channel launches
Here’s the updated number of FAST channels available on MENA local platforms in May 2024. As a reminder, I consider a FAST channel any streaming linear programming available for free to consumers, with commercials.
What are the new FAST channels that launched this month?
STARZ ON
ICC WorldCup 2024: Get ready to relive the most epic moments from previous T20 World Cups before the new one explodes onto the scene!
Curiosity Stream: Whether you're into mind-bending space deliveries, cutting-edge technology, or uncovering the real Wild West beyond the silver screen, we've got your curious nature covered.
STARZ ON Baby Shark TV: Dive into endless fun with our Baby Shark FAST channel. Hit tunes and cool adventures await the little ones!
Shahid
Al Liqaa Min Al Sifr Channel: Join Mofeed Al Nowaiser on this great show, as he invites the crème de la crème of Saudi and Arab society who started from scratch and hustled their way to the top.
Weyyak
wedo big stories: A world of big weather, big animals and big characters, in big adventures on a big planet, looking for big answers to the big questions that affect us all.
ADtv
Majid TV: Stream the Live Broadcast of Majid TV Cartoon Programs Online on ADtv. Subscribe Now and Immerse your Kids In a World of Entertainment and Education.
Spotlight Platform: Pluto TV (France)
This month, join me in France as I explore the FAST channel categories of one of the top platforms, Pluto TV:
Featured
Nouveau sur Pluto TV
Séries Internationales
100% Français
Cinéma
Crime & Mystère
Animation & Gaming
Documentaire + Lifestyle
TV Réalité
Divertissement
Kids Max
Kids
Comédie
Musique
Fight
Sports & Auto
News & Info
Can you figure out why some categories are in French while others are in English?
That’s all for today, the state of FAST in MENA in May 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 the FAST channel ICC WorldCup 2024, exclusively on STARZ ON. Cricket fans can take a trip down memory lane at T20 World Cup's finest hour.
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 receive it directly in your 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.