The Streaming Lab Podcast Yann Colleter & Vinit Metha

In this episode, recorded on March 8th, Yann and Vinit explore several key updates from Streaming in MENA & India.
1. GoPlay market's launch by Ooredoo Group
2. Kerala's state-owned OTT platform launch
3. 1001 becomes a super SVOD aggregator
4. Paramount in talks with Jio
5. Streaming 360 report - Ramadan edition
6. Streaming growth beyond metros


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestreaminglab.com

In the latest episode of The Streaming Lab Podcast, recorded on the first day of March 2024, we discuss about a series of significant announcements. From sports broadcasting deals to Ramadan content lineups and insightful market trends, this episode unpacks the "March Madness" that's transforming streaming in these vibrant regions.
1. F1 major announcements in MENA & INDIA
2. First Ramadan Lineup announced
3. Non-English content demand surges in MENA region
4. Transformational week in Indian media
5. India Today Group Originals


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestreaminglab.com

Recorded on February 20th, 2024, this week's episode of The Streaming Lab Podcast, hosted by Yann Colleter and featuring co-host Vinit Mehta, dives into the latest streaming news from the Middle East, North Africa, and India. From groundbreaking super media apps in the Middle East to significant strategic moves in India, we covered an array of topics that signal the dynamic shifts and continuous evolution within the streaming industry.
1. Yango Play Unveils in the Middle East
2. Ullu's Bold Public Move
3. SVOD Subscriptions Forecast in MENA
4. Jio's IPL 2024 Advertising Strategy
5. Celebrating International Mother Language Day
6. Franco Film Festival at Cinema Akil


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestreaminglab.com

In this week's edition of The Streaming Lab Podcast, recorded on February 9, 2024, we talk about groundbreaking alliances in the sports streaming domain in the US to the unveiling of Netflix MENA's latest offerings.
1. A new era in sports streaming emerges in the US
2. Netflix MENA’s expanding slate
3. The rise of rugby Premier League in India
4. Integral and Sandbox Group’s educational content collaboration
5. Non-Fiction shows on the rise in India
6. Disney Plus Hotstar’s subscribers increase


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestreaminglab.com

On the "Retention Zone" podcast hosted by Carlo De Marchis, I had the opportunity to delve into the intricate world of streaming in the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and India. My journey in this dynamic industry has been both enlightening and challenging, revealing the unique aspects of these diverse markets.
My Journey in the Streaming Industry:
My story begins in Marseille, France, but it's in Dubai where I've spent over a decade shaping my career and building a family. It was here that I founded The Streaming Lab, driven by a need to understand the complexities of MENA's streaming services. The project started modestly on LinkedIn, where I posted about the myriad of local streaming services. Surprised by the community's response, I realized there was much more to explore. This led to the launch of my newsletter and podcast, where I analyze a mix of over 60 local and international streaming services active in the region.
Streaming Market Dynamics in MENA
The MENA region, with its 8% streaming penetration, presents a landscape vastly different from Western markets. Local streaming services, numbering around 45, have a deeper connection with their audience than global giants. These international platforms often find themselves at a disadvantage, lacking the localized strategies and on-ground teams essential for success in these diverse markets.
Challenges in Customer Loyalty and Retention:
A personal experience with a streaming service's loyalty program, or the lack thereof, led me to ponder the industry's approach to customer retention. Despite being a loyal customer, I noticed a discrepancy in how streaming services treat their long-term subscribers. The revelation of Shahid's subscriber numbers and churn rates, which became public following its IPO, shed light on the effectiveness of hybrid AVOD-SVOD models in minimizing churn impacts. This balance between retaining existing customers and attracting new ones is a critical issue facing streaming services today.
Looking Ahead: Future Prospects and Strategies:
I'm optimistic about the growth potential of streaming in MENA, though it requires a nuanced approach. Streaming services must not only understand but also embrace the region's unique characteristics. International vendors aspiring to succeed here need to show their commitment to the region, not just through temporary engagements but through sustained efforts and local representation.
The conversation with Carlo was a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of streaming, media, and sports technology. As we navigate these industries, adapting to regional peculiarities remains key to success. Carlo's suggestion to revisit this discussion later in the year reflects the rapid changes and ongoing developments in these sectors. As for myself, I continue to explore these dynamics through The Streaming Lab, constantly learning and sharing insights into this fascinating industry.
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 join 2,400+ others who receive it directly in their 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.
I also work with streaming services, content creators, platform providers or media consultants and help them diversify their revenues. Contact me here.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestreaminglab.com

Welcome to the latest episode of The Streaming Lab Podcast with Yann and Vinit. This episode dives into significant trends and announcements that are shaping the streaming landscapes in the Middle East, North Africa, and India.
MENA Region Updates
Amazon Prime's Content Production Shift: Amazon Prime Video announces a strategic shift away from producing content in Africa and MENA, focusing instead on European originals. This decision, coming amid the growth of local productions in MENA, raises questions about the future of regional content on global platforms.
Netflix's $5 Billion WWE Deal: Netflix secures a massive deal with WWE, promising to become the central hub for WWE content starting January 2025. This groundbreaking partnership signals Netflix's venture into live sports streaming, a significant move in the industry.
Shahid's Ad Tech Innovations: Shahid, MBC’s streaming service, announces the enhancement of its advertising technology. The focus is on creating more engaging ad formats for brands, especially during the crucial Ramadan period, highlighting the growing importance of ad-supported streaming models in the region.
Indian Streaming Landscape
Zee and Sony Merger Fallout: The highly anticipated merger between Zee and Sony falls through, shaking up the Indian media industry. This development could reshape the competitive landscape and the sustainability of media businesses in India.
Jio Cinema's Free Streaming Strategy: Jio Cinema's approach to offering free ad-supported streaming for major sports events, like the India versus England cricket series, reflects the evolving strategies in Indian streaming, where accessibility and advertising play key roles.
Netflix's Plan Changes in India: Netflix’s decision to remove its cheapest subscription plans could significantly impact its subscriber base in India. This move suggests a shift in strategy, possibly making way for an ad-supported tier, aligning more with Indian consumers’ viewing habits.
Join us for more in-depth discussions on The Streaming Lab Podcast and stay updated on the latest trends in streaming, and remember: keep streaming!
The Streaming Lab podcast breaks down the latest headlines and trends shaping the future of streaming in MENA & India.
Listen all the previous episodes of The Streaming Lab podcast here.
Interested in advertising with The Streaming Lab podcast and reach a qualified audience in MENA & India? Email us.
Download our market reports STREAMING in MENA and STREAMING in INDIA.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestreaminglab.com