GCC Over The Top Content Market Research Report By Type (SVOD, AVOD, TVOD, Others) and By Application (Movies & TV Shows, Sports, Education, Others)-Forecast to 2035

GCC Over The Top Content Market Overview

As per MRFR analysis, the GCC Over The Top Content Market Size was estimated at 1.86 (USD Billion) in 2023.The GCC Over The Top Content Market is expected to grow from 2.5(USD Billion) in 2024 to 13.5 (USD Billion) by 2035. The GCC Over The Top Content Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 16.569% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).

Key GCC Over The Top Content Market Trends Highlighted

The GCC Over The Top Content Market is experiencing significant trends fueled by increased internet penetration and mobile device adoption across the region. The government's efforts to boost digital infrastructure and enhance connectivity have led to an increased consumption of online content. This environment fosters the growth of local and international streaming platforms, which are increasingly popular among consumers looking for diverse content options.

Additionally, the rise of original local content production reflects a key trend where GCC nations are investing in culturally relevant material, attracting viewership, and engaging audiences more effectively.This market has a lot of chances to be taken advantage of. As people move away from traditional media and toward OTT platforms, brands can take advantage of this change by making ads that appeal to the different groups of people in the GCC.

The young and tech-savvy people in the area offer a unique opportunity for content providers to get people's attention by using new ways to share content and make experiences more interactive. In addition, partnerships between telecom companies and OTT services open up new ways to offer bundled services, which add value for customers. Recent trends also show that more and more people want subscription-based services because they want to avoid ads.

The demand for sports content, particularly during major events, is increasing, offering lucrative opportunities for platforms to attract viewership through exclusive rights and premium offerings. The rise of regional content and localized offerings is shaping the future of the GCC OTT landscape, indicating a shift towards more personalized viewing experiences while tapping into local cultures and interests. Overall, the GCC Over The Top Content Market is poised for continued expansion as it adapts to evolving consumer demands and technological advancements.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

GCC Over The Top Content Market Drivers

Increasing Internet Penetration in GCC Countries

The growth of the GCC Over The Top Content Market is significantly fueled by the rapid expansion of internet connectivity across the region. According to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the United Arab Emirates, internet penetration rates reached 99% by 2021. This high connectivity not only facilitates easy access to Over The Top services but also encourages local content consumption, particularly among the youth demographic.

Furthermore, with an investment focus from companies like STC and Etisalat on enhancing broadband infrastructure, especially in remote areas, a broader audience can access content platforms such as Netflix and Shahid. This seamless access will likely translate into increased viewership and subscriptions, thereby accelerating the growth of the market. The GCC countries are observing substantial digital engagement, which supports content consumption growth in this market at a promising CAGR.

Rise in Demand for Local Content

The GCC Over The Top Content Market is also witnessing a surge in demand for localized content, with platforms like OSN and Starzplay leading the way in producing Arabic-language programming. This demand for regional content aligns with the cultural heritage and preferences of the local audience, further driving subscriptions.

A report from the Saudi Ministry of Media indicates that 75% of viewers prefer watching content in their native languages, promoting more investment in regional productions.This trend not only caters to the tastes of local consumers but also promotes cultural narratives that resonate deeply with viewers, enhancing viewer satisfaction and loyalty within the market.

Adoption of Smart Devices

The proliferation of smart devices in the GCC has emerged as a significant driver for the growth of the GCC Over The Top Content Market. Data from the Gulf Cooperation Council's Digital Economy Report shows that smart device penetration in the region has increased to over 70% as of 2022, with consumers increasingly using smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs to access streaming services.

This trend is bolstered by leading manufacturers like Samsung and Apple, who continuously innovate their devices to enhance streaming experiences.The accessibility provided by these devices enables consumers to enjoy content on-the-go, thereby expanding the potential audience for OTT platforms, leading to greater revenue generation and market growth.

GCC Over The Top Content Market Segment Insights

Over The Top Content Market Type Insights

The GCC Over The Top Content Market, characterized by diverse types of content distribution models, is rapidly evolving and gaining traction in the region due to digital consumption trends and changing user behaviors. The market encompasses several types, namely Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD), Advertising Video on Demand (AVOD), Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD), and various other models. SVOD has emerged as a dominant model, capitalizing on consumers' willingness to pay for premium content and exclusive releases.

With the surge in internet penetration and mobile usage in the GCC, there exists a burgeoning demand for quality content that can be accessed conveniently, leading to significant growth in SVOD subscriptions. With the rise of local content providers and partnerships with international streaming services, the region is witnessing heightened competition, which is driving innovation and enhanced service offerings. AVOD has gained popularity as a cost-effective option for consumers who prefer free access to content, albeit with advertisements embedded within.

This model is particularly appealing in the GCC, where a growing audience is exploring new content without the financial commitment of subscriptions, creating an extensive advertising opportunity for brands. TVOD caters to niche audiences, allowing viewers to pay for specific titles rather than a subscription, appealing to those who may not wish to commit long-term. The flexibility offered by TVOD can draw in viewers who prefer occasional high-quality movie rentals or the purchase of select titles.

Other models in the GCC Over The Top Content Market are also emerging, reflecting the need for diverse content consumption patterns. Overall, the GCC Over The Top Content Market's segmentation into these types showcases its dynamic nature and the adaptability of providers to consumer preferences. By understanding the nuances of each type, industry stakeholders can tailor their content and marketing strategies to better align with audience expectations, ultimately fueling market growth and transformation in this competitive landscape.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Over The Top Content Market Application Insights

The GCC Over The Top Content Market is experiencing notable growth, driven by an increasing demand for diverse applications such as Movies and TV Shows, Sports, Education, and others. As consumers in the GCC region show a strong preference for digital content, the Movies and TV Shows segment continues to attract significant viewership, bolstered by local and international productions.

The Sports category plays a crucial role as well, capturing the attention of a sports-centric population and fostering fan engagement through live streaming. Education has gained importance in recent years, particularly with the rise of e-learning platforms, which cater to a growing preference for online learning solutions.

The Others segment reflects various niche applications, contributing to the overall versatility of the GCC Over The Top Content Market. With the increasing penetration of high-speed internet and smartphones, market growth is driven by the convenience and accessibility of digital content across these diverse applications. As such, understanding the GCC Over The Top Content Market segmentation and dynamics is crucial for stakeholders aiming to capitalize on the expanding opportunities within this vibrant market.

GCC Over The Top Content Market Key Players and Competitive Insights

The GCC Over The Top Content Market has been experiencing remarkable growth, driven by an increasing demand for online streaming services and a shift in consumer preferences towards digital content consumption. This dynamic landscape is characterized by intense competition among various players striving to capture market share. The region's unique demographics, with a high percentage of young, tech-savvy consumers, have spurred innovation and expansion in content offerings.

As service providers continuously enhance their platforms, they compete on factors such as user experience, content variety, pricing models, and strategic partnerships with production houses, which collectively shape the market's evolution.Starzplay, a prominent player in the GCC Over The Top Content Market, has positioned itself as a formidable competitor through its extensive library of movies and television series, catering to diverse viewer preferences across the region.

The company has leveraged partnerships with local telecommunications providers, allowing it to penetrate the market effectively while enhancing brand visibility. With a focus on high-quality content, Starzplay has not only secured exclusive rights to various film franchises and series but also continually adapts to meet regional content demands.

Its user-friendly interface, flexible subscription plans, and investment in original productions have solidified its reputation and viewer engagement levels, thereby bolstering its market strength within the GCC.Shahid, another key player in the GCC Over The Top Content Market, has established a strong foothold with its unique offerings and commitment to regional content creation.

As a leader in Arabic content, Shahid has built its platform around a vast selection of movies, TV shows, and exclusive series tailored to local audiences, significantly enhancing its appeal in the region. The company boasts strategic alliances with various production houses and has invested in original content, enabling it to broaden its viewer base and maintain a competitive edge.

Shahid's proactive approach to mergers and acquisitions further strengthens its market presence, as it continuously seeks synergies that enrich its service portfolio. With its focus on providing culturally relevant content combined with seamless streaming experiences, Shahid effectively addresses the evolving needs of consumers in the GCC, positioning itself as a significant player in the over-the-top content landscape.

Key Companies in the GCC Over The Top Content Market Include

• Starzplay
• Shahid
• OSN
• TikTok
• Etisalat
• Amazon
• beIN Media Group
• Apple TV
• MBC Group
• YouTube
• Google Play
• Netflix
• Du

GCC Over The Top Content Market Developments

The GCC Over The Top Content Market has seen significant recent developments, particularly with major players like Starzplay, Shahid, and OSN intensifying competition in the streaming sector. In August 2023, Starzplay expanded its content library, partnering with various studios to release exclusive shows and movies, aiming to boost subscriber growth. Concurrently, Shahid launched a new tiered subscription model, increasing its appeal among diverse demographics.

TikTok's continued popularity has led to increased use of short-form video content in advertising for other streaming services, affecting viewer engagement strategies. In terms of mergers, no notable acquisitions involving the specified companies have been reported recently. However, the market valuation for platforms like Netflix and beIN Media Group has shown growth due to shifts in consumer behavior, with a rising demand for on-demand content.

Notably, in December 2022, Amazon launched Prime Video in multiple languages to cater to the GCC market, while Etisalat and Du have expanded their partnerships with international platforms, enhancing their streaming service offerings. The ongoing advancements in infrastructure, particularly 5G rollout by telecom companies in the region, areexpected to further stimulate growth in the OTT landscape.

GCC Over The Top Content Market Segmentation Insights

• Over The Top Content Market Type Outlook
  • SVOD
  • AVOD
  • TVOD
  • Others
• Over The Top Content Market Application Outlook
  • Movies & TV Shows
  • Sports
  • Education
  • Others

 

Report Attribute/Metric Source:	Details
MARKET SIZE 2023	1.86(USD Billion)
MARKET SIZE 2024	2.5(USD Billion)
MARKET SIZE 2035	13.5(USD Billion)
COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE (CAGR)	16.569% (2025 - 2035)
REPORT COVERAGE	Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
BASE YEAR	2024
MARKET FORECAST PERIOD	2025 - 2035
HISTORICAL DATA	2019 - 2024
MARKET FORECAST UNITS	USD Billion
KEY COMPANIES PROFILED	Starzplay, Shahid, OSN, TikTok, Etisalat, Amazon, beIN Media Group, Apple TV, MBC Group, YouTube, Google Play, Netflix, Du
SEGMENTS COVERED	Type, Application
KEY MARKET OPPORTUNITIES	Growing demand for localized content, Increasing smartphone penetration rates, Rise of affordable internet access, Expansion of subscription-based services, Emergence of original content production
KEY MARKET DYNAMICS	growing internet penetration, rising consumer demand, increasing mobile device usage, diverse content offerings, favorable regulatory environment
COUNTRIES COVERED	GCC