THE LOCAL & FLY

In recent years, foreign streaming services, including Netflix and Amazon Prime, have begun offering Nollywood movies. On the other hand, African streaming services such as IROKOtv, iBAKATV, DemandAfrica, and Nollyland have always served local viewers.

The international services do not have the largest collection of Nollywood movies yet. IROKOtv, iBAKATV, DemandAfrica, and Nollyland can offer a much wider selection.

The international services obviously also come with some benefits. So, for potential subscribers, not sure whether to choose an international or local streaming platform, we will help you make that decision by comparing one from each realm – Netflix and IROKOtv.

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Is Netflix the Right Choice for Streaming Nollywood Movies?

Netflix may be the right service for many because this platform is spread out across the globe. For a few dollars per month, you can subscribe to Netflix and watch a variety of Nollywood Movies.

However, the selection of Nollywood movies on Netflix is limited, regardless of region. The number of films you have access to also depends on where you are.

For example, the Nollywood movies available to someone in the US, will not necessarily be available if you travel to Europe. It can be annoying when you hear a film is on Netflix only to log in and find out it’s not available in your region.

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Most of the brand new movies will also not be available on Netflix unless it is a Netflix Original. So far only one Nollywood Netflix Original movie has been made. Expect other movies to be at least 1-2 years old.

Netflix requires a strong internet connection to play. This, in turn, consumes your data quicker than a Local streaming platform such as IROKOtv. However, there is a download feature on the mobile app that can help circumvent this for those with access to unlimited WiFi.

Netflix account sharing is an amazing feature every Nigerian youth will love. No local streaming platform is able to offer this option. You can share the same account with at least five other people. Everyone you have shared with will have access to the unlimited monthly collection with no additional cost.

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IROKOTV – The Native Challenger

For a few years now, IROKOtv has become synonymous to Nollywood movies. It is the biggest online platform for streaming African movies.

Subscriptions are much cheaper than for its international counterparts. For about five dollars per month, you can get the Premium package. They also offer a basic package for just above three dollars per month. The premium package comes with both TV series and movies, while the Basic only comes with movies – with a 90-day delay on new releases.

IROKOtv service works better at low-speed internet connections than its international competitors. They have also provided a download feature, similar to Netflix, for the ones with the app installed on their phone. This will help reduce costs for those with regular access to WiFi.

Conclusion

Whether to choose an international or domestic streaming service all comes down to personal preferences. If a large selection of Nollywood movies is the main criteria, then probably a local service is the way to go. For those who like to watch both Nollywood and Hollywood movies, Netflix could be the best bet.

Most streaming services also allow pausing the subscription and payments, so alternating between different services from month to month can offer the best of both worlds for no extra cost.

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