Netflix and Chill
A lot of people in Nigeria, especially, those active on social media, have heard of the phrase at least a dozen times, especially, with the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing lockdown.
While Netflix, easily comes to mind, when Video On Demand (VOD) services come up, it does not change the fact that Nigerian-owned VOD platforms, such as iROKOtv, Ibaka TV and SceneOne TV are making waves in Nigeria with their services.
Video On Demand in Simple Terms
Video On Demand (VOD) is a service that allows users to select and view videos and audios when they choose instead of watching them when they are broadcast.
This is vastly different from the normal television services, which have scheduled content throughout the day.
With VOD services, there is time flexibility and users choice, as people can decide when they want to consume specific content, as opposed to consuming them at a specific time.
This is made possible with the VOD features basic controls, such as Play, Fast Forward and Rewind.
Closely associated with this is the SVOD. The subscription-based video on demand offers a system where a monthly payment is required to view the content.
Companies that offer SVOD services, usually, offer a week, or a month free, as well as a flexible commitment.
This enables subscribers to cancel their subscriptions, with only a month’s notice.
In Nigeria, we have platforms like iROKOtv, SceneOne TV, ibakatv and LITV that offer such service.
Why Nigerians may not Be ready fo VOD/SVOD
Content diversity
VOD service providers have to keep in mind the increasingly competitive market and that consumers are always on the prowl, for better and diversified content.
The dominant streaming company, Netflix, recently announced the “NetflixNaija,” with plans to commission original content, by partnering with local creatives in Nigeria and investing in the space.
Asides from ensuring that its tentacles are far-reaching, much more is the fact that varying contents will be introduced.
While platforms like iROKOtv are at the forefront in Nigeria and even, Africa, the bulk of the contents revolve around Nigerian/Ghanaian movies.
The same goes for platforms like ibakatv and SceneOne TV.
While this sort of content may be the chosen niche for these platforms, it may not really help with the competition that is prevalent in the VOD industry.
Even AirtelTV, by the telecommunications giant, Airtel, with its claims to rival Netflix, has not made good on its promises.
Users have cited old content and limited channels, among other complaints.
Data Problems
Internet connection is super important to online video content.
Till date, Nigerian telecom subscribers are, consistently calling on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to look into the cost of Internet subscriptions in the country.
In addition to data, being more expensive in Nigeria, compared to other African countries, there is still the issue of strong internet connection to really enjoy the streaming services.
With the issue of telecoms right of way reduction costs in Nigeria yet to be fully resolved, there seems to be no end in sight for poor internet connection in Nigeria.
Asides from the importance of the reduced right of way cost/ broadband connection to commerce, health and education in Nigeria, the effects could, also, pose a problem to VOD platforms.
Broadcast Service
Without an active subscription, one can register and stream on direct broadcast satellite platforms, like DStv and StarTimes.
While you can view limited channels on them without an active subscription, the latter does not, necessarily, require registration.
Of course, there is still the limit to the number of channels a user can access, without signing in.
With data-related problems, content diversity and much more ease in operation compared to VOD platforms, broadcast services, could pose a better choice for people.
Featured Image: liberaldictionary
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