by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice's Showmax subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service has launched an advertising-filled free option currently only available in South Africa, with limited content and functionality to help drive sampling and upselling.
The free Showmax option allows users to watch the first few library episodes of some locally-produced series for free, including some films, and in some cases full seasons of certain local shows.
The "free" Showmax doesn't allow users to watch any of the HBO shows acquired by M-Net or any of the other major international TV series available in the Showmax catalogue. Downloads and watchlist functionality are also blocked on the free Showmax version.
Showmax says users of the free version see adverts during playback and are also prompted to upgrade to Showmax's paid
plans. No account is needed to use the free Showmax version.
"Ad-supported streaming services are a growing trend
internationally," says Yolisa Phahle, CEO for General Entertainment and Connected Video at MultiChoice Group.
"The great thing about this is you don’t need a credit card, or
to make any payment; you can literally try before you subscribe. We’re proud to
have an extensive collection of the continent’s most-loved original African
content to share with our customers and introduce them to the world of
streaming on Showmax."