KSA Video Streaming Services Market Outlook to 2032

The report titled “KSA Video Streaming Services Market Outlook to 2032 – By Business Model, By Content Type, By Device Type, By Monetization Model, and By User Segment” provides a comprehensive analysis of the video streaming services industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The report covers an overview and genesis of the market, overall market size in terms of value, detailed market segmentation; trends and developments, regulatory and content governance landscape, subscriber and viewer-level demand profiling, key issues and challenges, and competitive landscape including competition scenario, cross-comparison, opportunities and bottlenecks, and company profiling of major players operating in the KSA video streaming ecosystem. The report concludes with future market projections based on digital consumption trends, demographic and lifestyle shifts, localization of Arabic content, government-led media and entertainment initiatives, telecom infrastructure evolution, and cause-and-effect relationships illustrating the major growth drivers and risk factors shaping the market through 2032.

KSA Video Streaming Services Market Overview and Size

The Saudi Arabia video streaming services market is valued at approximately ~USD ~ billion, representing revenues generated through subscription-based video-on-demand (SVOD), ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD), transactional video-on-demand (TVOD), and hybrid streaming platforms delivering content across smartphones, smart TVs, tablets, laptops, and connected devices. The market encompasses international OTT platforms, regional Arabic streaming services, telecom-bundled offerings, and emerging niche content platforms focused on local, religious, sports, and youth-oriented programming.

The market is underpinned by Saudi Arabia’s high internet and smartphone penetration, rapid rollout of 5G networks, a young and digitally native population, and strong government focus on expanding the entertainment and media sector under Vision 2030. Video streaming has become a core component of daily media consumption, driven by on-demand viewing preferences, flexible pricing models, multilingual content libraries, and increasing production of Saudi and Arabic original content.

Urban centers such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam form the primary demand hubs due to higher disposable incomes, advanced digital infrastructure, and strong adoption of smart TVs and connected home ecosystems. Secondary cities and smaller towns are witnessing accelerated adoption as fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) coverage expands and telecom operators aggressively bundle streaming subscriptions with mobile and broadband plans. While expatriates and younger Saudi consumers dominate early adoption, family-oriented and Arabic-language platforms are increasingly penetrating broader demographic segments, including older age groups.

What Factors are Leading to the Growth of the KSA Video Streaming Services Market:

Young population, high digital penetration, and changing entertainment preferences drive sustained demand: Saudi Arabia has one of the youngest populations in the region, with a large share of consumers under 35 who are highly engaged with digital media. This demographic exhibits strong preference for on-demand, mobile-first entertainment over traditional linear television. High smartphone usage, widespread Wi-Fi access, and growing smart TV penetration enable seamless consumption of long-form series, movies, live sports, and short-form content. Streaming platforms benefit from binge-watching behavior, personalized recommendations, and multilingual interfaces that cater to both Saudi nationals and expatriate communities.

Government support for media, entertainment, and local content creation strengthens platform ecosystems: Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is actively promoting the development of a domestic media and entertainment industry. Investments in local film production, studios, talent development, and international partnerships are expanding the availability of Saudi and Arabic original content on streaming platforms. Regulatory clarity around content licensing and classification, along with initiatives to attract global media players, has improved market confidence. Platforms that invest in culturally relevant storytelling, Arabic originals, and locally produced series are seeing higher engagement and subscriber retention.

Telecom bundling, flexible pricing, and hybrid monetization models accelerate adoption: Telecom operators in Saudi Arabia play a critical role in scaling video streaming adoption by bundling subscriptions with mobile data plans, home broadband, and 5G packages. These bundles reduce effective subscription costs and simplify payment for consumers, particularly in price-sensitive segments. At the same time, the rise of ad-supported and hybrid monetization models is lowering entry barriers for new users who are unwilling to commit to full monthly subscriptions. This mix of SVOD, AVOD, and promotional bundles allows platforms to address diverse income groups while maximizing user reach and lifetime value.

Which Industry Challenges Have Impacted the Growth of the KSA Video Streaming Services Market:

Content regulation, cultural sensitivity, and censorship requirements influence content availability and release timelines: Video streaming platforms operating in Saudi Arabia must comply with local content regulations related to cultural norms, religious sensitivities, and social values. This requires content review, editing, age classification, and in some cases removal or modification of international titles before release. These compliance requirements can delay content launches, reduce the depth of global libraries available in the KSA market, and increase operational costs for platforms managing parallel content catalogs across regions. For global OTT players, the need to balance creative integrity with regulatory compliance can constrain programming flexibility and affect user perception of content completeness compared to other markets.

High content acquisition costs and escalating competition for premium rights impact profitability: The KSA video streaming market is becoming increasingly competitive, with international platforms, regional Arabic services, and telecom-backed offerings competing for subscriber attention. This competition has driven up costs for premium international content, Arabic originals, and exclusive sports and entertainment rights. Securing long-term licenses or producing high-quality local originals requires significant upfront investment, while pricing sensitivity among users limits the ability to fully pass these costs onto consumers. As a result, platforms face margin pressure, particularly during subscriber acquisition phases, and must carefully balance content spend against achievable scale and retention outcomes.

Subscriber churn and price sensitivity challenge long-term user retention: While digital adoption is high, user loyalty in the KSA streaming market remains fluid, with consumers frequently rotating between platforms based on promotional offers, exclusive releases, or bundled telecom plans. Many users maintain multiple subscriptions temporarily and cancel once flagship content is consumed. This behavior increases churn rates and raises customer acquisition costs for platforms. Price sensitivity—especially among younger users and families managing multiple subscriptions—further constrains pricing power and makes sustainable subscriber growth dependent on continuous content refresh and differentiated value propositions.

What are the Regulations and Initiatives which have Governed the Market:

Content licensing, classification, and media governance frameworks shaping platform operations: Video streaming services in Saudi Arabia operate under regulatory oversight governing content licensing, age classification, and distribution rights. Platforms are required to obtain appropriate licenses, adhere to content classification guidelines, and implement parental controls to ensure age-appropriate access. These frameworks aim to align digital content consumption with national cultural and social standards while allowing controlled growth of the entertainment sector. Compliance affects content curation strategies, platform interfaces, and internal review processes, influencing both cost structures and operational timelines.

Vision 2030 initiatives supporting local content creation and media sector development: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places strong emphasis on expanding the media and entertainment industry as part of economic diversification. Government-backed initiatives encourage local film production, Arabic-language content development, talent training, and partnerships between global platforms and Saudi creators. Incentives, funding programs, and infrastructure investments—such as studios and production hubs—are improving the viability of locally produced originals. These initiatives are gradually shifting platform strategies toward greater localization, increasing the share of Saudi and regional content in streaming libraries.

Telecom regulation and digital infrastructure expansion enabling wider platform reach: Regulatory support for broadband expansion, fiber connectivity, and nationwide 5G rollout has significantly improved the technical foundation for video streaming adoption across Saudi Arabia. Telecom operators are permitted and encouraged to bundle digital services, including video streaming subscriptions, with mobile and home internet plans. This regulatory environment supports rapid user acquisition and lowers barriers to entry for consumers, particularly in secondary cities and emerging urban areas. However, it also increases platform dependence on telecom partnerships, influencing pricing structures, revenue sharing models, and long-term customer ownership dynamics.

KSA Video Streaming Services Market Segmentation

By Business Model: Subscription-based video-on-demand (SVOD) holds dominance. This is because SVOD platforms align strongly with evolving consumer preferences for uninterrupted viewing, premium content libraries, and exclusive originals. Saudi users increasingly value ad-free experiences, high-definition streaming, and early access to international and regional releases. Global OTT platforms and leading regional Arabic services have anchored their strategies around monthly and annual subscription plans, often supported by telecom bundling. While ad-supported and transactional models are growing, SVOD continues to benefit from higher average revenue per user (ARPU), deeper engagement, and stronger brand stickiness driven by flagship series, movies, and sports content.

Subscription-based VOD (SVOD)  ~55 %
Ad-supported VOD (AVOD)  ~20 %
Hybrid SVOD + AVOD Models  ~15 %
Transactional VOD (TVOD / Pay-per-View)  ~10 %

By Content Type: Entertainment and series content dominates overall consumption. Movies, episodic series, and original shows account for the largest share of viewing time and subscription drivers in Saudi Arabia. International content—particularly Hollywood, Asian, and Turkish series—continues to attract strong viewership, while Arabic originals are gaining importance for differentiation and cultural relevance. Sports and live events represent a smaller share by volume but play a strategic role in customer acquisition and retention, especially when tied to exclusive broadcasting rights. Religious, educational, and children’s content serve as important engagement pillars for family-oriented households.

Movies & Series (International + Arabic Originals)  ~60 %
Sports & Live Events  ~20 %
Kids & Family Content  ~10 %
Religious, Educational & Niche Content  ~10 %

Competitive Landscape in KSA Video Streaming Services Market

The KSA video streaming services market exhibits moderate-to-high competitive intensity, characterized by the presence of global OTT platforms, regional Arabic streaming services, and telecom-backed bundled offerings. Market leadership is driven by content library depth, exclusivity of originals and sports rights, pricing strategy, localization quality, telecom partnerships, and platform usability. Global players dominate premium international content, while regional platforms compete through Arabic originals, culturally aligned storytelling, and localized user experiences. Telecom operators play a pivotal role by shaping subscriber acquisition through bundling, billing integration, and promotional access.

Some of the Recent Competitor Trends and Key Information About Competitors Include:

Netflix: Netflix maintains a strong premium positioning in Saudi Arabia, driven by its extensive global library, consistent release of high-quality originals, and growing investment in Arabic-language and Middle East–focused content. The platform benefits from strong brand recognition and high engagement but faces pressure to balance subscription pricing with local affordability and increasing competition from bundled alternatives.

Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video leverages aggressive pricing and ecosystem bundling to drive adoption, positioning itself as a value-led alternative to premium-only platforms. Its inclusion within broader Amazon Prime memberships enhances perceived value, while selective investments in regional content and sports are strengthening relevance in the Saudi market.

Shahid: Shahid remains the dominant Arabic-language streaming platform in Saudi Arabia, supported by deep integration with regional TV content, exclusive Arabic originals, and strong cultural alignment. Its hybrid monetization model allows it to capture both ad-supported and subscription users, making it particularly competitive in family and mass-market segments.

Disney+: Disney+ competes on franchise strength and family-oriented content, anchored by globally recognized IP across animation, Marvel, Star Wars, and family entertainment. While its library depth supports strong household penetration, growth is influenced by pricing sensitivity and competition from broader-content platforms.

STARZPLAY: STARZPLAY differentiates through regional partnerships, curated international content, and selective sports offerings. Its positioning is strongest among price-conscious users seeking a mix of global and regional entertainment without committing to higher-priced premium platforms.

stc tv: stc tv benefits from direct integration with Saudi Arabia’s largest telecom operator, enabling rapid subscriber acquisition through bundling and billing convenience. The platform plays a strategic role in the ecosystem by anchoring local content, live channels, and value-driven access, though it competes with global platforms on content scale and exclusivity.

What Lies Ahead for KSA Video Streaming Services Market?

The KSA video streaming services market is expected to expand steadily through 2032, supported by sustained growth in digital media consumption, a young and increasingly content-driven population, rising disposable incomes, and continued government focus on developing the entertainment and media ecosystem under Vision 2030. Growth momentum is further reinforced by widespread 5G adoption, expanding fiber broadband coverage, and the normalization of on-demand viewing as a primary entertainment format across households. As consumers increasingly prioritize convenience, personalization, and flexible pricing over traditional broadcast schedules, video streaming platforms will remain a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s evolving media landscape.

Transition Toward Localized, Arabic-Led, and Culturally Aligned Content Portfolios: The future of the KSA video streaming market will see a continued shift from reliance on imported international libraries toward deeper investment in Saudi and Arabic original content. Platforms are increasingly commissioning locally produced series, films, and reality formats that reflect Saudi culture, language, and social narratives while maintaining international production quality. This transition is critical for long-term subscriber retention, regulatory alignment, and brand differentiation. Platforms that successfully balance global franchises with culturally resonant local storytelling will capture higher engagement and stronger household penetration.

Growing Importance of Exclusive Content, Sports Rights, and Event-Based Programming: Competition through 2032 will increasingly be shaped by access to exclusive content, particularly premium sports, live events, and first-window releases. Sports streaming, combat sports, international leagues, and regional entertainment events are becoming powerful acquisition tools, driving spikes in subscriptions and platform stickiness. While these rights are capital-intensive, they provide strategic leverage in a market where consumers frequently rotate subscriptions. Platforms that combine exclusive live programming with robust on-demand libraries will strengthen long-term positioning.

Expansion of Telecom-Bundled and Hybrid Monetization Models: Telecom partnerships will continue to play a defining role in market expansion. Bundling video streaming services with mobile data, home broadband, and 5G plans reduces price sensitivity and accelerates adoption, particularly in secondary cities and emerging urban areas. At the same time, hybrid monetization models combining subscription and ad-supported tiers will gain traction, allowing platforms to address diverse income segments while expanding total addressable audiences. Through 2032, pricing flexibility and bundle-driven scale will be as important as content depth in shaping competitive outcomes.

Increased Use of Data Analytics, Personalization, and Platform Localization: Digital maturity will deepen across platforms, with greater emphasis on recommendation algorithms, user behavior analytics, and localized user interfaces. Platforms will increasingly tailor content discovery, language options, payment mechanisms, and parental controls to Saudi consumer preferences. Improved personalization reduces churn and increases time spent, while localized UX design strengthens accessibility across age groups. Providers that integrate data-driven decision-making across content commissioning, marketing, and user engagement will gain a measurable competitive advantage.

KSA Video Streaming Services Market Segmentation

By Business Model

• Subscription-based Video-on-Demand (SVOD)
• Ad-supported Video-on-Demand (AVOD)
• Hybrid SVOD + AVOD Models
• Transactional Video-on-Demand (TVOD / Pay-per-View)

By Content Type

• Movies and Series (International & Arabic Originals)
• Sports and Live Events
• Kids and Family Content
• Religious, Educational, and Niche Programming

By Device Type

• Smart TVs and Connected Devices
• Smartphones
• Laptops and Tablets

By Monetization Model

• Direct Subscription Revenue
• Advertising-Supported Streaming
• Telecom Bundling and Revenue Sharing
• Transactional Rentals and Event-Based Purchases

By User Segment

• Individual Subscribers
• Family and Multi-Profile Households
• Youth and Student Users
• Expatriate Population

Players Mentioned in the Report:

• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• Shahid
• Disney+
• Apple TV+
• STARZPLAY
• OSN+
• beIN CONNECT
• stc tv
• Regional Arabic content platforms and telecom-integrated streaming services

Key Target Audience

• Global and regional video streaming platforms
• Telecom operators and digital service providers
• Content production houses and studios
• Media and entertainment investors
• Advertising agencies and brand marketers
• Regulators and policy stakeholders in media and digital services
• Technology providers supporting OTT delivery, analytics, and monetization

Time Period:

Historical Period: 2019–2024
Base Year: 2025
Forecast Period: 2025–2032