Netflix, one of the leading video streaming service providers, has launched a new free Android mobile plan in Kenya. This new plan will allow users to watch a limited selection of its catalog, including full seasons of select shows.
The new ad-free Netflix mobile plan for Android gives users the option to sign up without having to enter any payment information. However, they will need to verify that they’re at least 18 years old and will also need to submit an email address to create an account.
It’s noteworthy given that this is the first time Netflix is offering a free tier. This new free tier, which is currently only limited to Kenya, includes almost a quarter of its library. Shows that are not included in the free plan will be marked with a lock icon. Clicking on one of those titles will encourage the user to sign up for a paid option.
The company says that it is hoping that users who enjoy the service will eventually upgrade to one of its paid subscriptions. Netflix has also said that the subscribers of the free-tier plan in Kenya will not be counted in the paid total the company reports each quarter.
To attract more customers in Africa, Netflix is also investing in locally made programming such as “Queen Sono” and “Jiva!” and has also partnered with production studios in Nigeria.
At the end of June this year, Netflix had around 209 million paying customers worldwide. However, new members signups have slowed in the first half of 2021 after a boom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
