As the digital entertainment landscape undergoes a massive transformation, platforms like meWATCH.sg are quietly carving out significant value in Southeast Asia. While global giants like Netflix and Disney+ dominate headlines, homegrown platforms that understand local markets—like meWATCH—present compelling opportunities for investors seeking high-growth media tech ventures. If you’re looking to invest in the next wave of digital streaming innovation in Asia, here’s a blog on how does meWatch work and generates revenue.
Rise of Local OTT Platforms
Before diving deep into how does meWatch work, let’s understand the local OTT platform market. The OTT media market will exceed $400 billion by 2030, with Asia-Pacific being the fastest-growing segment. While global players focus on scale, a platform like meWATCH offers:
- Localized content
- Cultural relevance
- Regulatory alignment
- Language-specific programming
That’s a competitive moat foreign platforms can’t easily replicate.
Exploring Investment Potential in Singapore’s Leading OTT Platform
Video or audio streaming platforms gained great popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finder analysis shows that the majority of streaming apps and websites analyzed have seen huge traffic over a couple of years. Streaming websites and apps experienced a 35% increase during February and March. meWatch has gained massive popularity among users as well. Check how does meWatch work, what it offers you, and much right away.
According to Statista, revenue from digital album downloads is estimated to reach around 204.7 million U.S. dollars. Meanwhile, the streaming and subscription revenue is projected to reach 14.36 billion in 2023, making up the vast majority of revenues for the whole music industry.
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During the May 2020 survey, around 62% of respondents concluded that they or any other member of their household might be subscribed to a streaming service. Compared to that, only 10% had previously subscribed to a video or audio streaming service to enjoy it in their free time from anywhere and at any time.
The price for most has increased steadily during the COVID-19 pandemic. The HBO Go Asia experienced an increase in visits of a whopping 94.4% during the time from February to March 2020. MeWatch ranks second to the drastic rise; it has experienced a 49.64% jump, while Netflix stood third with 40%. Singtel also noticed a significant jump; the platform saw a 31% increase in page views, ensuring its fifth position in the market.
What is meWatch?
meWATCH is owned by Mediacorp. It’s a Singaporean video-on-demand service brand that was launched in 2013. The platform was initially launched as an OTT service and as a lifestyle and entertainment website under its original name, Toggle.
Singapore’s largest media company, meWATCH.sg offers:
- On-demand local dramas, movies, and original content
- Mediacorp’s TV channels live streaming (Channel 5, 8, CNA, etc.)
- Premium subscriptions via meWATCH Prime
- Movie rentals and transactional video-on-demand (TVOD)
It’s more than just a content library—meWATCH is a hybrid OTT platform with both advertising-supported (AVOD) and subscription-based (SVOD) revenue streams.
How Does meWatch Work: Explore Everything Right Here!
Now you might be thinking, which is the most popular platform overall among the customers? Finder’s analysis reveals that Netflix is leading with the highest comparative search volume in Singapore, followed by Starhub, Singtel, and meWatch.sg. Besides this, Viu and Amazon Prime Video also saw massive traffic; they didn’t experience an increase in search volume, according to data.
Not only that, but the report also shows that around 35% of Singaporeans agree that they are streaming TV to keep themselves occupied during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, it is concluded that around 19% of Singaporeans spend more time streaming TV these days. Let’s explore how does meWatch work to offer you a fantastic streaming experience.
Download the App or Browse on the Website
If you want to use meWatch.sg, then you can directly use its website or download the app on your smartphone from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Once you complete the downloading process, you can explore the screen of the meWatch.sg platform right away.
Sign in/ Create Account
If you register users, then you can directly go ahead with the login process. But if you are not a registered user on the platform, you can complete registration to create an account. Click on the create account option and enter all the details required, such as name, email ID, password, etc.
Search for Content of Your Choice
You are allowed to search any of the content at your convenience. Just click on the search option available on the top side of the screen, type the name of the show to get the instant result, hassle-free.
Explore Menu
You can explore the menu to explore different categories of the content on the platform; you have availed to numerous categories such as kids, LiveTV, Dramas, Comedies, Entertainment, Movies, News, etc. Tap on any of the categories to check all the content available on the platform with a single tap on a particular category.
For example, if you like to watch live shows, go to the live TV option. Click on Live TV to view shows list that are ongoing on the platform. You can explore any as per different dates of your choice.
For instance, if you want to enjoy the drama, then explore it right after tapping on the Drama option.
meWatch.sg also provides you with a wide variety for kids. You can tap on the Kids content category to entertain your kids with engaging and useful content that they love to watch.
Subscription Plan
You subscribe to any plans of your choice. Click on the View Plan option to explore the subscription plan right away. The subscription plan for one month starts from $9.98, while a 3-month subscription starts from $ 25.90. You can choose any subscription plan right from the platform.
Help Center
If you have a doubt related to working with meWatch, then you can get support from the meWatch help center. Click on the help center option to get help right away. Get your problems solved, check the answer about the subscription plan, etc, directly from the platform.
About Us
Check all the information about meWatch right on the platform. Click on the About Us option to have a quick look at the platform.
Download List
If you want to check your download list, then explore it right away with a simple tap on the download icon available in the topmost right corner of the platform.
Play Content
Enjoy the content on the platform right on the device you use. Click on any category to enjoy the content available on the platform.
Create WatchList
You can create a watchlist right from the platform. Choose content and click on the + watchlist option to create an engaging and attractive list of your choice to enjoy it as per your choice from anywhere and at any time.
Logout
Click on the logout to leave the platform successfully. The hassle-free process of the platform makes it easier for users to enjoy any of the content right as per their convenience.
meWATCH Business & Revenue Model Breakdown
meWATCH monetizes through a multi-pronged model, making it resilient and scalable:
Advertising Revenue (AVOD)
- Free users watch ads during content playback.
- Strong revenue from targeted programmatic ads and sponsorships.
- Access to niche ethnic as well as demographic segments is brand’s attraction.
Subscription Revenue (SVOD)
- meWATCH Prime offers ad-free viewing as well as access to content.
- Opportunity to grow monthly ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) with content bundling.
Transactional Video On Demand (TVOD)
- Users can rent or buy premium movies and pay-per-view titles.
- High-margin, event-driven revenue (e.g., blockbuster releases, exclusive premieres).
Partnerships and Licensing
- Content licensing to regional partners.
- Brand collaborations and OTT bundling with telcos and smart TV providers.
Why is meWATCH Positioned for Growth?
Strong Backing from Mediacorp
With Mediacorp’s vast content library and production capabilities, meWATCH enjoys a steady stream of high-quality, in-demand content without high acquisition costs.
Singapore’s Digital Advantage
With the highest smartphone penetration rates in Asia as well as a digitally literate population, Singapore provides an ideal testbed for OTT innovation.
First-Mover Local Advantage
meWATCH dominates local-language, multicultural content—a niche that global players often overlook. This makes it highly defensible in its home market and beyond.
Scalable Technology Stack
The platform supports AI-powered recommendations, real-time analytics, multi-device streaming, and even personalization—all hallmarks of a scalable media-tech product.
The Regional Expansion Play
meWATCH has the infrastructure to scale across ASEAN countries with large Singaporean diaspora or culturally aligned markets (Malaysia, Brunei, parts of Indonesia).
With targeted investment, the platform could expand:
- Localized content in regional languages
- Cross-border telco partnerships
- Ad inventory syndication to pan-Asian brands
Final Thoughts: A Strategic Investment in Culture + Tech
Investing in video streaming platforms like meWATCH.sg isn’t just a play on streaming—it’s a bet on regional culture, digital behavior, and monetization innovation. With a hybrid model, strong parent backing, and data-rich user engagement, meWATCH is well-positioned to be a dominant OTT player in Southeast Asia.
As content consumption shifts toward personalization and cultural relevance, investors who back platforms like meWATCH early will be riding a powerful wave of digital media transformation.
FAQs
What kind of content does meWATCH offer?
meWATCH provides:
- Singaporean TV dramas and variety shows
- Live streaming of free-to-air channels (Channel 5, 8, CNA, Suria, Vasantham)
- Kids and family programming
- Regional and international films
- Original digital series produced in-house
What are the monetization methods used by meWATCH?
The platform earns revenue through:
- AVOD: Free content supported by ads
- SVOD: Paid subscriptions via meWATCH Prime
- TVOD: Pay-per-view movie rentals and exclusive content
- Sponsorships & branded content
- Licensing & syndication deals
How can I develop an OTT streaming app like meWATCH.sg?
To develop an app like meWATCH.sg, you’ll need:
- A robust backend infrastructure (cloud-based, scalable, low latency)
- Frontend apps for iOS, Android, Smart TVs, and web
- Video CMS for content uploads, scheduling, and moderation
- DRM (Digital Rights Management) for content protection
- Monetization modules (AVOD, SVOD, TVOD support)
- Features like live streaming, multilingual support, user profiles, and recommendations
Hiring a product team or partnering with a software development firm specializing in media tech is crucial.
How much does it cost to build a platform like meWATCH.sg?
Cost depends on scope, but typically:
- MVP (Minimum Viable Product): $80,000 – $150,000
- Full-featured cross-platform OTT app: $200,000 – $500,000+
This includes UI/UX, app development, backend architecture, CDN integration, admin dashboards, and testing. Ongoing maintenance and cloud costs are separate.
What features should an OTT app have to compete with meWATCH?
Key features include:
- On-demand video and live TV
- Multi-language subtitles and dubbing
- Ad integration and subscription management
- Download for offline viewing
- AI-powered content recommendations
- User history, bookmarks, watchlists
- Chromecast/AirPlay and Smart TV compatibility
- Real-time analytics for admins
Is building a meWATCH-style app a good business idea?
Yes—especially if you’re targeting niche audiences, underserved geographies, and specific industries.