The household penetration of SVoD services in Malaysia is predicted to increase from 26 per cent in 2023 to 43 per cent in 2028, driven by the increasing consumer preference towards OTT platforms as broadband services continue to improve in the country, forecasts GlobalData, the data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s Malaysia Subscription Video on Demand (SVoD) Forecast (Q1 2024) reveals that SVoD subscriptions in the country will increase at a CAGR of 11.8 per cent over the forecast period 2023-2028, in line with the accelerated cord-cutting trend among the traditional pay-TV viewers and their increasing migration towards on-demand video services. The competitive pricing strategies adopted by OTT service providers and their investments in premium local content will also drive the growth in SVoD subscriber base over the forecast period.
Kantipudi Pradeepthi, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, commented, “Increasing coverage and availability of broadband services, and promotional multiplay service bundle plans with free subscriptions to OTT platforms will additionally lend traction to the SVoD service adoption in the country.”
Netflix held the largest share in Malaysia’s total SVoD subscriptions in 2023 and will continue to lead through 2028. Heavy investments in high quality regional content, and affordable mobile-only plans at $4 per month will help the company maintain its leadership in the market over the forecast period.
Pradeepthi added, “Malaysia is a price-sensitive market and hence many streaming players are adopting innovative pricing strategies to add new subscribers. iFlix and Viu, for instance, allow their basic plan subscribers to watch some content for free in exchange for viewing advertisements while the ad-free shows and movies are usually locked for premium subscription plans. Operators are also differentiating their services through their content offerings. While iFlix and Viu focuses on Asian and local content, Netflix brings Hollywood blockbusters and exclusive shows to viewers.”