Please note
Belmadeng is an independent guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by MultiChoice, DStv, GOtv, StarTimes, SLTV, IROKOtv or any TV/streaming provider. Prices, packages and channels change frequently — every figure here is indicative only; always confirm the current price and package on the provider’s official website or app before subscribing. We don’t sell subscriptions.
The IROKOtv story
IROKOtv, launched in 2011, was a pioneer — once called the “Netflix of Nollywood” — building one of the largest online catalogues of Nigerian films for a global audience.
Where it stands now
For viewers in Nigeria, IROKOtv is effectively no longer a practical option. It stopped accepting Naira payments in 2023 and shifted focus to diaspora audiences paying in US dollars, with the vast majority of its revenue from North America and Europe. Its founder has said it isn't a full shutdown but is no longer his main focus. Either way, if you're in Nigeria, don't plan around subscribing to IROKOtv — look at the options below.
Why subscription streaming struggled
Paid Nollywood streaming has been hard to sustain in Nigeria — subscription costs compete with expensive mobile data, and audiences gravitated to free platforms. Showmax shut down across Africa in 2026, and Netflix/Prime became more cautious about local originals. The market has shifted from paid apps toward free, ad-supported and mobile-first viewing.
Your Nollywood options now
- YouTube Nollywood channels — huge amounts of free, ad-supported Nollywood; many producers now release here first.
- Ad-funded streaming platforms — newer free, advertising-supported Nigerian services (a model replacing paid subscriptions).
- Netflix / Amazon Prime Video — for those who can pay, with some Nigerian titles alongside global content.
- Pay-TV Nollywood channels — DStv/GOtv/StarTimes carry dedicated Nollywood channels if you already subscribe.
How to choose
Watch on a budget? YouTube and ad-funded platforms are free (they cost data — see night/social bundles). Want a polished catalogue and can pay? Netflix/Prime. Already have pay-TV? Use its Nollywood channels.
Tips
- Don't rely on IROKOtv in Nigeria anymore.
- Free Nollywood lives largely on YouTube now.
- Streaming costs data — budget for it.
The IROKOtv story
IROKOtv launched as a pioneering Nollywood streaming service — often described as “the Netflix of Africa” — giving fans on-demand access to a huge library of Nigerian films. It played a major role in bringing Nollywood to a global, largely diaspora, audience online. Over time, though, the economics of streaming to a data-cost-sensitive local market proved hard, and the company shifted its focus repeatedly, including pivoting away from the Nigerian market toward the international diaspora.
Where it stands today
IROKOtv's local offering has scaled back significantly from its heyday. If you're considering it, check its current status and availability directly — whether the service, app and subscriptions are active for your location — rather than relying on its historic reputation. The wider lesson is that streaming services in Nigeria evolve fast, so confirm what's actually on offer now before you pay for any of them.
Where to watch Nollywood now
The good news for Nollywood fans is there are more places than ever to watch Nigerian content. Mainstream streamers like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Showmax now carry substantial Nollywood catalogues and originals; YouTube hosts a vast amount of free Nigerian film and content; and pay-TV bouquets include Nollywood channels. See streaming alternatives to compare, and factor in data costs since streaming eats data.
Frequently asked questions
Is IROKOtv still working in Nigeria?
For viewers in Nigeria it's effectively no longer a practical option — it stopped accepting Naira payments in 2023 and shifted to diaspora audiences paying in US dollars. The founder says it isn't a full shutdown but is no longer his main focus.
Why did IROKOtv leave the Nigerian market?
Paid Nollywood streaming proved hard to sustain in Nigeria — subscription costs competed with expensive data and audiences moved to free platforms — so IROKOtv focused on the diaspora, where most of its revenue comes from.
What can I use instead of IROKOtv for Nollywood?
Free YouTube Nollywood channels, newer ad-funded Nigerian streaming platforms, Netflix or Amazon Prime Video for those who can pay, and the Nollywood channels on DStv/GOtv/StarTimes if you have pay-TV.
Is Showmax still available in Nigeria?
No — Showmax shut down across Africa in 2026, part of a broader retreat of subscription streaming from the Nigerian market.
Where do Nigerians watch Nollywood for free now?
Largely on YouTube, where many producers release films first, and on newer ad-supported streaming platforms — both free to watch but consuming mobile data.
What is IROKOtv?
A pioneering Nollywood streaming service — once dubbed 'the Netflix of Africa' — that gave fans on-demand access to a large library of Nigerian films and helped bring Nollywood to a global online audience.
Is IROKOtv still available?
Its local offering has scaled back significantly from its heyday, and it shifted focus over time toward the international diaspora. Check its current status, app and subscription availability directly before relying on it, since streaming services in Nigeria change fast.
Where can I watch Nollywood movies now?
On mainstream streamers like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Showmax (which carry Nollywood catalogues and originals), on YouTube (a vast amount of free Nigerian content), and via Nollywood channels on pay-TV bouquets.
Why did IROKOtv change its focus?
Streaming profitably to a data-cost-sensitive local market proved difficult, so the company shifted focus repeatedly over time, including pivoting toward the international diaspora audience.
Is streaming Nollywood expensive on data?
Streaming consumes significant data, so factor in data costs when choosing a service — using Wi-Fi, night data plans, or lower video quality helps. See our data-plans guides to keep costs down.