Netflix has introduced a new affordable mobile plan across 43 sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, allowing users to stream movies and shows for as low as ₦1,200 per month. This represents a 60% reduction from the standard basic plan, which costs ₦2,900.

The mobile plan is offered alongside existing subscription tiers: Basic (₦2,900), Standard (₦3,600), and Premium (₦4,400). Netflix stated that the initiative aims to provide consumers with more choices, catering to both users who prefer Ultra HD streaming across multiple screens and those who primarily watch content on mobile devices.

Alongside the new plan, Netflix is rolling out an innovative ‘Play Partial Download’ feature. This functionality allows users to start watching titles, such as Fatherhood or episodes of Elite, even if the download is not yet complete, building on Netflix’s previous offline viewing tools.

Netflix’s global Downloads feature debuted in 2016, followed by Smart Downloads on Android in 2018 and iOS in 2019, which automatically downloads the next episode while deleting watched content. Earlier this year, Downloads for You launched on Android, proactively downloading recommended shows and movies.

The ‘Play Partial Download’ feature provides key benefits:

• Saves time by allowing immediate playback without waiting for the full download, often cutting waiting times by over 10 minutes.

• Minimizes cellular data usage by enabling users to complete downloads later, ideally on Wi-Fi.

• Prompts users to download the remainder of a movie or episode when connected to Wi-Fi or cellular networks.

Users can access the feature from the ‘download’ menu on mobile devices or through the ‘continue watching’ menu.

Statistics show that users in sub-Saharan Africa watch Netflix on their phones twice as much as the global average, highlighting the relevance of mobile-centric innovations.

Despite the lower cost, Nigerian subscribers on the mobile plan will still have full access to Netflix’s library. Keela Robinson, VP of Product Innovation at Netflix, emphasized that these updates ensure users can enjoy their favorite series and movies regardless of language, device, connectivity, or location.

Currently, the ‘Play Partial Download’ feature is available only on Android, with iOS testing expected in the coming months.

This rollout demonstrates Netflix’s commitment to making streaming more accessible across Africa while enhancing the user experience for mobile-first audiences.