Netflix is bringing its streaming service to Kenya, allowing a new audience to watch on Android mobile devices, completely for free.
The company announced that the free, ad-free Netflix plan will be available for Android mobile phones and that subscribers won’t need to enter any payment information when signing up. New users will just need to enter an email address, password, and confirmation that they are 18 or older. After signing up, subscribers will have the option to upgrade to a paid plan to get access to the full catalog of content and to watch on a laptop or TV.
Netflix has tried out offering content for free in the past. Last year, a new free section was launched, giving potential subscribers access to the first episode of some of its most popular shows including Stranger Things, Love is Blind, and Grace and Frankie, as well as some popular movie titles like Bird Box.
The free plan in Kenya goes beyond that free section. Netflix told Reuters that the free plan will look similar to a paid account, showing users all of the content Netflix has to offer. A lock icon will indicate which titles require a paid account. Free accounts will miss out on some Netflix features including the ability to download content.
The new free plan is rolling out in Kenya over the next few weeks.