MENA SVOD Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2023-2030)

SVOD stands for Subscription Video on Demand. It is a model where users pay a fixed monthly or annual fee to access a vast library of video content on demand. This includes TV shows, movies, documentaries, and other types of digital media. SVOD platforms provide a wide range of content genres, allowing users to stream and consume content whenever they want.

The MENA SVOD Market is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of 15.56% during the forecast period (2023-2030). With the expansion of internet infrastructure and the rise in smartphone usage, more people in the MENA region now have access to high-speed internet. This has created a larger user base for SVOD services. According to projections, in 2022, the MENA region is expected to have approximately 36.70 million SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) subscriptions by the year 2027. Among these subscriptions, Netflix is anticipated to hold a significant share, accounting for 30% of the total. Moreover, The surge in original content production by SVOD platforms in the MENA region has led to a boost in cultural representation (original Arabic series).

Based on type, the market is segmented into TV, smartphone, and others. The smartphone held a dominant share of the market in 2020. This is mainly due to the leading in an era of personalization and on-the-go entertainment. By 2030, the share of smartphones as a percentage of total connections in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) was forecasted to reach 92 percent, up from 76 percent in 2022. Adding to this, the convenience of watching movies, series, and documentaries on a handheld device, coupled with the flexibility of on-demand streaming, resonates strongly with the dynamic lifestyle of MENA's modern technology population.

Based on the platform the market is segmented into Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Apple TV+, LIONSGATEPLAY, Shahid VIP, OSN, and others. LIONSGATEPLAY is expected to grow with a higher CAGR during the forecast period in (2023-2030). STARZPLAY is now LIONSGATEPLAY offers a wide range of high-quality content from various genres, including movies, TV series, and documentaries. This diverse selection appeals to a broad audience and helps to attract subscribers from different demographics in the MENA region which is driving growth.

Based on the application, the SVOD market has been classified into entertainment, commercial, and others. Entertainment held a significant share of the market in 2022. With an increasing demand for diverse and on-demand content, SVOD platforms offer a wide array of entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and original productions, catering to the diverse cultural preferences within the Middle East and North Africa. This expansion is fueled by the region's modern technology population, rising internet penetration, and the popularity of smartphones.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the SVOD industry, the MENA market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, and the Rest of MENA. The SVOD market in Qatar has witnessed a significant share in 2022. This is mainly due to the government of Qatar has been actively investing in infrastructure development, including broadband connectivity and digital technology. Qatar's SVOD market reflects the nation's commitment to positioning itself as a global player in various sectors including entertainment with a technologically advanced population and a high level of disposable income country. Qatar presents an attractive market for SVOD platforms. The Qatar National Vision 2030, emphasizing the importance of a knowledge-based economy, aligns seamlessly with the growth of SVOD services in the country.

Some of the major players operating in the market include Netflix, Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., Apple Inc., STAR, MBC Group, LIONSGATEPLAY, OSN, BluTV, Hulu, LLC, Home Box Office, Inc.