The company said eligible users will get free access to DStv Stream Compact from April 1 until the end of May. After that, they can continue at R99 ($5.90) a month for 12 months. The standard price is R299 ($17.83).

The offer is aimed at keeping viewers as Showmax closes on April 30. From that date, all content, including Showmax Originals, will sit on DStv Stream.

Subscribers must sign up for DStv Stream, create a new profile and follow instructions sent to their registered email. MultiChoice said the process takes less than five minutes, but it still requires users to opt in.

That step could affect how many people make the switch. The company has not shared current Showmax subscriber numbers, so it is not known how many users may drop off.

The R99 price is lower than several competitors. It sits below Netflix’s standard plan in South Africa and includes live sport through SuperSport, which other platforms do not offer. DStv Stream also combines live TV, films, series and children’s content in one app.

Still, the discount lasts for a year. After 12 months, the price returns to R299 a month. That jump could test how many customers stay on beyond the promotional period.

The offer comes with conditions. Subscribers must keep their accounts active and payments up to date throughout the 12 months. If payments lapse, the price resets to the standard rate.

The promotion is open to Showmax users who do not already have an active DStv subscription and who pay for Showmax directly. Existing DStv Compact, Compact Plus and Premium customers are excluded, as they already have access to Showmax content on DStv Stream at no extra cost.

Customers who decide not to move can request a refund for any unused portion of their Showmax subscription. Automatic payments will stop once the platform shuts down.

MultiChoice is also using the transition to push new and returning content on DStv Stream. These include the true-crime series The People vs VBS, available from 1 April, the final episode of Die Kantoor on 14 April, and a live broadcast of the Soweto Derby on 26 April.

This is its second U.S. increase in less than two years as the company leans on higher fees to protect profits.

The change applies to current users, with the new price kicking in on individual billing dates next month. 

Spotify said affected subscribers will be notified by email before the adjustment takes effect. New users are already being shown the updated price on the company’s website.

Investors welcomed this development as shares of the Swedish streaming group climbed almost 3% in premarket trading on Thursday, trusting that the company can push through higher prices without losing too many users.

This latest increase follows Spotify’s decision in June 2024 to lift the U.S. Premium price from $9.99 to $11.99, its first rise in more than a decade. The jump to $12.99 means American subscribers will have seen prices climb by 30% in roughly 18 months.

In a message sent to customers, Spotify explained the decision. “Occasional updates to pricing across our markets reflect the value that Spotify delivers, enabling us to continue offering the best possible experience and benefit artists.”

The company also told subscribers: “Thank you for being a valued Premium subscriber. Starting on your billing date in February, your subscription price will change from $11.99/month to $12.99/month.”

Spotify stressed that premium users who are unhappy with the new price can cancel at any time or switch to other plans available through their account settings, noting that the service stays optional.

The increase is not limited to the United States. Similar increases have been rolled out across parts of Europe, South Asia and Latin America over the past two years. This shows a similar global strategy rather than a one-off response to local conditions.

After years of losses, Spotify reported its first quarterly operating profit in late 2025. That achievement eased issues about the sustainability of its business model, but it also raised expectations. To keep that momentum, the company needs more revenue per user.

Music licensing is expensive, and costs continually increase as labels renegotiate deals. At the same time, Spotify is spending heavily to expand beyond music. 

Audiobooks are being rolled out more widely, and the platform is investing in new discovery tools and recommendation features designed to keep users engaged for longer.

Subscription fees are the most direct lever Spotify can pull. Advertising helps, but Premium subscriptions still account for the bulk of revenue. From that perspective, the latest increase looks less like a gamble and more like a necessity.

Spotify is not acting alone as Apple Music, YouTube Music and Amazon Music have all increased prices in recent years, softening the risk that users will defect purely on cost. 

For many listeners, the difference between services now comes down to habit, playlists and perceived value rather than price alone.

Still, there is little room for complacency. Consumers are facing higher prices across many digital services, and tolerance for repeated increases is not unlimited. We have seen subscription fatigue set in elsewhere, and music streaming may not be immune.

In Nigeria, technology has changed how these moments happen. Families have moved from DVDs and cable TV to streaming platforms that offer easy access to both Nigerian and international movies and shows.

The idea is the same: spending time together, laughing, and making memories. What has changed is how stories are watched?

Today’s streaming services offer a strong mix of Nollywood Christmas movies, popular Hollywood titles, and children’s content. All you need is a stable internet connection and a subscription plan that fits your budget.

Top Choices for Family-Friendly Viewing

Netflix Nigeria

Netflix Nigeria provides several plans, from about ₦2,500 per month for the Mobile plan to ₦8,500 for the Premium plan. The Premium option allows Ultra HD viewing and supports up to four screens at the same time, which works well for larger families.

Netflix is always outstanding during Christmas because of its growing Nollywood collection and wide range of international movies and series.

Families can enjoy titles like A Naija Christmas, Netflix’s first Nigerian Christmas original, which blends comedy, romance, and family drama in a way that suits general audiences. There are also classic Hollywood Christmas movies and cartoons for children.

Netflix includes dedicated kids’ profiles with parental controls, helping parents manage what younger children can watch.

Although prices have increased in recent times, many families still prefer Netflix because of its wide content library and ease of use across different devices.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video costs around ₦2,300 per month in Nigeria and offers a seven-day free trial. This makes it one of the more affordable options in the market.

The platform has also been investing more in Nigerian content, with titles such as Christmas in Lagos and A Danfo Christmas showing its interest in local stories.

Prime Video is suitable for families because it combines affordability with good-quality content. Alongside Nigerian movies, it offers Amazon Originals, international blockbusters, and a range of family-friendly shows. One subscription allows streaming on multiple devices without extra charges.

Its X-Ray feature, which shows cast details and extra information when a movie is paused, can also be a fun and educational addition for curious viewers.

Showmax

Showmax focuses mainly on African content, with some international titles included. Subscription plans start from about ₦1,600 per month for the Mobile plan, while higher plans that include sports cost more.

For families that enjoy Nollywood, Showmax is a strong option. It features titles like School Run, its first Nigerian original, alongside many classic and recent local movies. One key advantage is its link with DStv.

DStv Premium subscribers get Showmax at no extra cost, while other DStv users can access it at a discounted rate.

Showmax also allows offline downloads, which is helpful for families dealing with unstable internet or high data costs. On the standard plan, two people can stream at the same time, making it suitable for couples or small families.

Other Good Options for Christmas

YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium has become a solid choice for family entertainment. The individual plan costs about ₦1,700 per month, while the family plan is around ₦2,800 for up to six people. Even after the price increase in April 2025, the family plan remains good value.

Beyond ad-free viewing, YouTube Premium gives families access to Nollywood movies, local creators, comedy skits, music, and educational content without interruptions.

Videos can also play in the background, and downloads are available for offline viewing, which is useful during travel or in areas with poor internet.

IbakaTV (Honourable Mention)

IbakaTV may not be as popular globally as Netflix or Prime Video, but it is a good option for families that prefer Nollywood content.

The platform offers a large collection of Nigerian movies and TV shows, covering drama, thrillers, and family-friendly titles.

Because it focuses on Nigerian cinema, IbakaTV sometimes provides access to local movies before they appear on bigger platforms. It is especially useful for families who want to stay connected to Nigerian culture or prefer mostly local films.

Conclusion

Choosing the right streaming service depends on your budget, viewing habits, and content preferences. For lower-cost options, Prime Video and Showmax Mobile stand out at around ₦2,300 and ₦1,600 per month.

Netflix is more expensive, but it offers a wider content library that may justify the price for some families. If your household already spends a lot of time on YouTube, the YouTube Premium family plan at ₦2,800 is also good value.

Families that mainly want Nigerian content may prefer Showmax or IbakaTV, while those looking for a mix of local and international titles may find Netflix or Prime Video more suitable.

In Nigeria, data costs are also important, so platforms that support offline downloads, such as Showmax and YouTube Premium, can help reduce expenses.

To keep everyone happy, mix Nigerian and international movies, balance long films with short comedies, and include cartoons or documentaries that suit all ages.

Streaming options in Nigeria continue to change as platforms adjust prices and content.

The best service is not always the most expensive one, but the one that fits your family’s needs, budget, and taste.