South Africa: pay-TV and streaming video forecast 2025–2031

23 September 2026 | Research

Martin Scott

Forecast report | PPTX and PDF | Global Pay-TV and Video Metrics and Forecasts


"Streaming video will have more RGUs than traditional pay-TV services in South Africa immediately after the forecast period."

South Africa’s pay-TV and streaming video industry is emerging from a period of significant change. We expect satellite pay TV to maintain much of its customer base over the forecast period due to its reach outside of fibre’s footprint and its sports content.

This report provides detailed 5-year forecasts for the adoption of pay-TV and streaming video services in South Africa. It includes data on key metrics, describes key market developments and analyses operators’ strategies. 

Geographical coverage and key metrics

Geographical coverage Key metrics

Country modelled

  • South Africa

Companies discussed in this report

  • Amazon
  • Canal+
  • MultiChoice (DStv)
  • Showmax
  • StarSat
  • Revenue-generating units (RGUs)
  • Retail revenue (spend)
  • Average retail revenue per RGU (ARPU)

Pay TV is split into the following access technologies:

  • cable (CATV)
  • pay digital terrestrial TV (DTT)
  • satellite (DTH)
  • operator streaming video
  • third-party streaming video.

Streaming video is split as follows:

  • RGUs and households
  • Retail revenue
    • operator D2C
    • third party via operator sales channels
    • third-party D2C.
  • Ad tier or full-price tier.

 

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Author

Martin Scott

Research Director