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The Dark Horse of SA Streaming: Viu’s Rise to Power
French broadcasting giant Canal+, which is currently trying to devour MultiChoice Group, has been quietly building a stake in Viu, the Hong Kong-based streaming platform. And it’s not just a minor investment – Canal+ now owns a whopping 36.8% of Viu.
But what’s behind Viu’s rapid growth in South Africa? The company’s country leader, Elouise Kelly, claims it’s all about providing a dual revenue model that caters to both advertisers and subscribers. But we’re not buying it. The real secret to Viu’s success is its ability to offer a mix of local and international content that’s simply irresistible to South African audiences.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Viu now boasts an impressive 6.1 million monthly active users in South Africa, with a near doubling of its viewers in the last six years. That’s a staggering increase, and it’s no wonder that Canal+ is keen to get in on the action.
Local Content is King
But Viu’s success isn’t just about foreign content. The company’s local titles, such as Skeem Saam and uBettina Wethu, are driving 40% of the traffic on the platform. And it’s not just about the shows themselves – it’s about the way Viu is catering to the local audience’s preferences.
Piracy is a Growing Concern
But despite Viu’s success, piracy remains a major problem for the company. Kelly claims that the most common way Viu content is pirated is via illegal YouTube uploads, and the company has a team dedicated to scouring the internet and requesting takedowns. But it’s clear that piracy is a growing concern, and Viu needs to take more drastic measures to protect its content.
The Future of Streaming
So what does the future hold for Viu? With Canal+ on board, it’s clear that the company is gearing up for a major push into the South African market. But will it be enough to take on the likes of Netflix and Showmax? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, though – Viu is a force to be reckoned with, and it’s not going away anytime soon.