Trends defining content streaming in 2026
The article argues that streaming will keep growing across East Africa in 2026 because phones are more common, connectivity keeps improving, and data plans are becoming more flexible, making streaming feel immediate, accessible, and affordable for discovering entertainment.
It highlights that competition will push viewers to be pickier about what they pay for. Platforms that do not offer a deep catalog and consistent refreshes risk losing loyalty, so maintaining a strong, regularly updated library becomes central to perceived value.
A major trend is rising demand for homegrown and hyperlocal stories. Audiences want content that mirrors local culture, language, and everyday realities, and they respond more to narratives that feel familiar and authentic.
Personalisation is another key shift. The piece says AI will keep driving recommendations, targeting for advertising, and algorithms that better match individual taste, making discovery easier while enabling interactive formats, dynamic advertising, and commerce related experiences built around user behaviour.
Sport, especially football, is described as a major driver of streaming adoption in Kenya and the wider region. Because sports are premium and highly demanded, fans will continue seeking reliable viewing from official services such as SuperSport.
Piracy remains a persistent threat, particularly for live sports. The article says security and anti piracy efforts are strengthening, citing providers such as Irdeto and tactics like high frequency key cycling to help track illicit distribution, enable rapid takedowns, and redirect viewers toward legitimate streams.
Finally, the article points to product and business model innovation. Platforms are adjusting pricing, bundling services, and improving technology so legitimate content stays accessible across different income segments. It also notes a more informed user base that increasingly understands the risks and wider damage of piracy, and is learning to identify illicit streams and choose legitimate platforms that support creators and the broader ecosystem.
