MultiChoice is ploughing more resources into its streaming efforts, updating the online version of its DStv service to include new features that it hopes will entice people to watch more of its programmes.
The group has 22-million customers consuming content of its various platforms: DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv and Showmax.
In August 2023, the group relaunched the online version of its biggest service from DStv Now to DStv Stream.
According to Google’s online marketplace, Play Store, the DStv Stream app has been downloaded more than 10-million times. Unfortunately, MultiChoice does not publish how many active users it actually has on the platform.
For the six months ended September 2023, the group said the relaunch of DStv Stream had “more than tripled its subscribers since March 2023, albeit off a low base. Encouragingly, over 90% of DStv Stream subscribers added in the period are new subscribers to DStv, who find the connected product without hardware installation more appealing.”
New features
On Friday, DStv announced new features for the platform, including one that allows users to restart any live event by clicking a button. “This is a first step in bringing full Cloud PVR functionality [recording live events from any device, to watch later] to Stream customers, who could previously only access this If they were a PVR decoder viewer.”
PVR, which refers to “personal video recorder” is a functionality that DStv has had on its satellite-based decoders for a number of years.
The “watch from start” feature is available in SA and the group’s rest of Africa operations on Apple’s iOS, Android Mobile, web, Hisense, tvOS, and most Samsung TVs. Other platforms “will be rolling out soon”.
DStv said it had also redesigned its interface on smart TVs to make the app “simpler for the customer to use and navigate.” These updates have been rolled out on LG, Samsung and Hisense and will also be rolled out to DStv’s Streama device soon.
“These are just the first in a list of innovative improvements on our road map for the year,” said Daniel Courtenay, executive head of DStv Stream.
“These features not only improve convenience but also allow our subscribers to enjoy their favourite shows and live events exactly how and when they want”, said Rochani Steenkamp, executive head of DStv Stream product.
Streaming investment
MultiChoice has continued to double down on its video streaming services, recognising the shift towards people consuming film, TV and live programming online.
After more than 20 years of tying its DStv service to a satellite dish and decoder, MultiChoice created a “dishless” version in 2020, with prices now lower than the decoder version, which is cheaper for each package.
More recently, a new, updated version of Showmax, underpinned by technology from US giant NBC Universal, began operating in February. The R3bn project has helped the group to defend Showmax’s place as the largest streaming platform in Africa, ahead of international rivals such as Netflix.
The group has also been securing agreements with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, Disney, NBC Universal, Canal+, Sky and Paramount to bring all streaming content under one roof so consumers do not have to pay multiple subscriptions.
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