Showmax, the Multichoice streaming platform, has launched its revamped app in Kenya. The app offers more local content, international partnerships, and mobile-friendly options.
The new app, Showmax 2.0, replaces the previous version and requires users to download it from app stores.
“What happened at the time was a changeover, not an update of the previous app. As expected, we had teething issues because this is an iterative process,” said the General Manager of Showmax East Africa, Emma Gichonge.
“We know there is room for improvement, and that is why we are looking to launch in other major towns to not only get people to know there is fantastic content but also allow us to know what they want.”
Local Content and International Partnerships
Showmax 2.0 aims to capture viewers, focusing on Kenyan and African-made shows produced in local languages. This complements the library of international content from Comcast NBCUniversal, including shows from Telemundo, DreamWorks Animation, Warner Bros., and HBO, which wasn’t available before.
Showmax has already been a driving force behind popular Kenyan shows like “Single Kiasi,” “Crime and Justice,” and “The Real Housewives of Nairobi.” The launch also saw the introduction of a new series, “Big Girl Small World.”
Showmax Rebrands
Consumers to Access Premier League Live Games.@ShowmaxKenya @k_wawira #KBCniYetu pic.twitter.com/TYDrbgJohH
— KBC Channel1 News (@KBCChannel1) May 8, 2024
Mobile Focus and Premier League Package
Recognizing the rise of smartphone use in Africa, Showmax 2.0 offers tiered subscription plans with a mobile focus. The most basic option allows users to watch shows and movies on their smartphones for KSh 300 per month.
The KSh 650 plan provides access to the full Showmax library for a wider range of devices. The Showmax Premier League package is a unique offering which allows mobile-only streaming of all 380 Premier League matches for KSh 500 per month.
M-PESA Integration
Showmax has reintegrated M-PESA as a payment option for Kenyan subscribers alongside credit cards.
Looking ahead, Showmax coexists with traditional Multichoice models like DStv and GOtv. These services cater to areas with limited data access, while Showmax offers on-demand content and mobile convenience.
“Showmax’s ambition is to be the number one streamer on the continent, including Kenya, and a lot of investment has been made into the business, not only with the new platform that we migrated the customers to but also, more importantly, with the additional local content that we will see this year,” Gichonge added.
