First Local Streamer Launches in Kazakhstan

September 18, 2025 Mansha Daswani

Kazakhstan has welcomed its first local streaming player with the launch of Unico Play.

Launched by Uni-Q Group, the venture is backed by the Presidential Initiatives Foundation Dara and several private investors from the region. It aims to showcase Kazakh storytelling, debuting with six original series and more than 20 additional titles in production.

The venture also launches with global premieres, Turkish and Korean dramas dubbed in Kazakh, 100-plus live TV channels, sports broadcasts and the largest library of Kazakh-language kids’ programming. It went live with 1,800 titles on day one, with rights secured for 5,000 overall.

“We want to entertain and inspire millions across Central Asia—and show the world the power of Kazakh stories,” said Dmitry Gudumak, co-CEO of Uni-Q Group. “By combining creative talent with digital innovation, we’re building an ecosystem that can take local content from idea to screen, and from Kazakhstan to global audiences.”

Key premieres include Black Caviar, an eco-drama/thriller set on the shores of the Caspian Sea; the historical drama Bikesh and the high-concept thriller Target. The platform is in development on TWO, the pilot for which was the first Kazakh project selected for MIPCOM’s Fresh TV showcase in Cannes.

The platform is looking to commission more than 40 original titles in the next three years, with a target of one million domestic users. International expansion is also a priority, with the company pursuing partnerships with global studios.

“The Kazakh people possess a rich and unique culture and set of values that deserve global recognition,” added Anara Zhunussova, co-CEO of Uni-Q Group. “Our goal is to present the world of the steppes, showcasing the legacy of a civilization that has long been a crossroads of cultures. At Unico Play and throughout Uni-Q, we’re committed to driving Kazakhstan’s creative industry forward at home and on the global stage.”

Unico Play is now available in Kazakhstan and abroad on smartphones, Smart TVs and browsers.