SVOD Overview: Philippines

Video-on-demand subscriptions continue to grow in the Philippines despite limited capabilities of broadband infrastructure and a preference for free content. The entrance of multimarket players has helped establish the notion of paying for premium content, strengthened by partnerships among device manufacturers, local telcos, and OTT services.

Iflix was launched in the Philippines in May 2015 as a partnership between Evolution Media Capital LLC and Catcha Group. In 2017 it released its first original production in the Philippines. "Hoy! Bibig Mo" is an eight-episode stand-up comedy series featuring Filipino comedians. iflix has also maintained licensing agreements with various international and local content partners including major Filipino broadcasters ABS-CBN Corp., and GMA Network, Inc.

HOOQ began operating in the Philippines in February 2015. Its launch was a coordinated effort with local telco Globe Telecom, of which Singtel was a major stockholder as of December 2017. It maintains a content catalog with a substantial list of Hollywood titles with the help of joint venture participants Sony Corp.'s Sony Pictures and Time Warner Inc.'s Warner Bros., as well as through partnerships with DreamWorks Animation LLC., and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.

Netflix Inc. entered the Philippines as part of its global expansion in January 2016. It operates a subscription revenue model offering unlimited access to its library of on-demand titles. The service has pioneered the use of original content within the SVOD platform, but still had to turn to establishing local partnerships to widen its customer reach in the country.

Viu attracts Filipino consumers by providing locally relevant Asian content and affordable pricing. Owned by PCCW Ltd., it launched in the Philippines in November 2016. It offers a content catalog of popular programming from across Asia, especially South Korean dramas and variety shows. It has maintained content licensing agreements with major broadcasters in South Korea including CJ E&M, SBS, MBC and KBS.

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