Showmax Introduces Free, Ad-Supported Streamer

Showmax has introduced a subscription-free streaming service in South Africa: Showmax Free.

No account is needed to stream the ad-supported service, which is currently only available in South Africa. Ad-supported Showmax features a limited content slate and doesn’t include all the functionality available with a paying subscription, like downloads and watchlists.

At launch, titles on the service include local movies, series and sports shows. Users will be able to stream movies and binge-watch the first few episodes of available series for free.

Showmax’s subscription-free offering will feature adverts during playback, and users will be prompted to upgrade to paid Showmax plans. Customers will be able to easily upgrade to the full ad-free Showmax entertainment catalog to access complete seasons of the latest local and international series, movies and kids’ content. For live sports, users will need to subscribe to Showmax Pro.

Yolisa Phahle, CEO for general entertainment and connected video at MultiChoice Group, said: “Ad-supported streaming services are a growing trend internationally. 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.”