Afrostream
Afrostream was a streaming service focused on African, Afro-Caribbean, and African-American content, offering over 2000 hours of legal streaming content across multiple devices. Despite initial success and partnerships with major studios, it ceased operations in 2017 due to financial challenges.
History of Afrostream
Afrostream was launched with the goal of providing wider distribution for African, Afro-Caribbean, and African-American films and series. The company aimed to address the needs of an audience looking for representation and access to aspirational content. Initially part of the Y Combinator S15 batch, Afrostream secured investments from Orange, Cross Culture Ventures, and ACE & Company. Despite enthusiasm from fans, Afrostream faced financial challenges leading to the cessation of its subscription service on September 13, 2017, and the eventual closure of its service in multiple countries, including France, the UK, and several African nations.
Services Offered by Afrostream
Afrostream provided a legal streaming service by subscription, offering over 2000 hours of content accessible on computers, phones, tablets, and smart TVs. The service debuted on set-top boxes in over 12 million households in France as part of Bouygues Telecom's offer and on Orange TV starting in the summer of 2016. Afrostream also launched Afrostream Life, a portal with free articles dedicated to Afro pop culture, and produced its first original podcast 'Le Tchip', a talk show offering unique perspectives on current events.
Strategic Partnerships and Licensing Deals
Afrostream signed strategic partnerships with major American studios like Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, Viacom, Lionsgate, and Disney. The company also collaborated with African channels such as RTI in Ivory Coast and the BET channel. Licensing deals were secured with entities like Sky Vision, TF1, Orange, and Bouygues telecom, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive content offering for their users.
Content Availability and Reach
Afrostream's international library included over 1000 hours of premium content, available in 28 countries across Europe and Africa. The content was either subtitled or dubbed to cater to local markets. The service targeted 15 million people of African descent in Europe and 936 million Africans in sub-Saharan Africa. Afrostream's VOD section, launched in partnership with MYTF1VOD, brought Afro films to a broad audience through Europe's largest media platform.
Challenges and Closure
Despite initial success and fan enthusiasm, Afrostream experienced significant financial challenges. The commercialization of its subscription service was halted on September 13, 2017, leading to the suspension of its French subsidiary, Afrostream Studio France. The company ceased service in multiple countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and 24 African countries. The Afrostream brand and developed technology remained the property of the American parent company, Afrostream Inc, allowing for the possibility of future sales.