American streaming service Netflix has provided free access to all Kenyan residents over the age of 18. Anyone who has an Android smartphone can subscribe to the service. Kenyans have access to about 25% of Netflix TV shows and shows with no subscription fees or ads. This move of the service is intended to attract new users in Africa, Reuters reported.
In order not to worsen sales statistics, the platform will not include free subscribers in its quarterly reports. Netflix plans that some of these users will want full access to the content and purchase a paid subscription, the company said.
“If you've never watched Netflix before – and many people in Kenya haven't watched it – this is a great way to find out what services we offer,” explained Katie Konk, director of product innovation at Netflix.
The company is also going to invest in the creation of local shows and series. The service is already collaborating with studios in Nigeria.
Netflix has experimented with providing free content in the past. For example, in 2020, he opened free access to some episodes of the series “Stranger Things”. And during an ad campaign in India, the platform announced free access over the weekend.
After the subscription boom associated with the pandemic, Netflix has almost reached its growth limit in the United States. In the spring of 2021, he lost leadership in the number of new subscribers, Forbes wrote. The company is now looking for ways to enter new markets.
Netflix is also considering options for expanding its business. The online cinema has already launched an online store, started creating podcasts and video games. In March, the service launched in its smartphone application a feed of short comic videos taken from films, TV series and performances of famous comedians presented in the service's catalog.
In June, the company announced that it plans to release toys and other merch for fans of its shows, as well as hold its own festivals.
In July, it became known that Netflix plans to enter the video game market. To grab a stake in this rather competitive space, Netflix hired a former executive at Electronic Arts Inc. and Mike Verdu's Facebook.
Photo: Pixabay, Pixabay License
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