It’s not exactly a surprise, but it’s still fascinating to hear how much more we’re streaming video as people are stuck at home during the pandemic lockdowns.

People across Southeast Asia are now spending 60% more time watching streaming services like Netflix, Hooq, iFlix, and Viu, according to a survey by consultancy firm Media Partners Asia. That’s the leap from January (aka The Before Times) to April.

Netflix, streaming
Photo: Charles Deluvio

More streaming data for Southeast Asia:

  • 36.4 billion minutes per week in mid-January rose to 58 billion minutes by April 11
  • Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines have a combined 7 million paying subscribers
  • YouTube, already popular, is still growing
  • Viu, run by Hong Kong telco PCCW, saw the biggest surge in growth this year among the top players, but Netflix remains the most-watched service
  • New entrants like HBO Go and iQiyi have a rare chance to shine

Cash crunch

Despite the captive audiences, recent news that iFlix is cutting jobs and Hooq has filed for liquidation (though the service remains online) show that streaming firms reliant on advertising are in for a rough ride this year as businesses curtail ad spending.

data series Hooq iFlix media Netflix Southeast Asia streaming streaming startups streaming video Viu