MultiChoice Announces One-Month Free Trial for Subscribers on DStv As Showmax Shuts Down
- MultiChoice is offering eligible former Showmax users in Nigeria a one-month free trial of DStv Stream Compact
- The streaming app has shut down, with customers given a chance to continue to enjoy their favourite programmes
- After the trial period ends, customers can continue on DStv Stream Compact at a discounted rate for 12 months
Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.
MultiChoice, a CANAL+ group company, has announced that, following the shutdown of the Showmax service on April 30, 2026, qualifying subscribers in Nigeria will receive free trial access to DStv Stream Compact for a limited period of one month.
The move is expected to bring all streaming services under one platform: DStv Stream.
Source: Getty Images
Showmax subscribers offered deal as service ends
In a statement, MultiChoice disclosed that qualifying customers would receive trial access to the Compact package until the end of May 2026, according to The Nation.
After the trial period, users can continue their subscription at a discounted rate for 12 months, provided their accounts remain active and payments are up to date.
The offer provides access to an expanded content library, including live television channels, international movies and series, children’s programming, and live sports coverage via SuperSport. The service is accessible across mobile devices and smart TVs.
According to the company, details of the offer and instructions for activation will be communicated directly to eligible users through the email addresses linked to their Showmax accounts.
MultiChoice clarified that the offer is limited to customers who subscribed directly to the now-ended platform and do not currently have an active DStv subscription.
Existing DStv subscribers who already access Showmax content as part of their package are excluded from the promotion.
Source: Getty Images
MultiChoice: No subscription price increase
MultiChoice has confirmed that DStv subscription prices will remain unchanged in 2026, a change from its usual annual price adjustments.
The move is part of the company's efforts to win back lost subscribers amid challenges from streaming services.
Confirming the decision, Willington Ngwepe, Multichoice CEO South Africa, said:
“We will not be having an inflation adjustment to pricing. So we’ll keep the prices flat again in appreciation of the circumstances that we are in."
In recent years, the South African pay-TV giant has battled with global streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, for subscribers.
DStv subscribers retain access to 12 channels
Legit.ng also reported that DStv subscribers across Africa would retain access to 12 major television channels after an agreement between Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery, preventing their removal from the platform.
The channels, which include CNN International and Cartoon Network, were initially set to be dropped from DStv on January 1, 2026, after earlier negotiations between both parties broke down toward the end of the previous year.
However, Canal+ announced on December 30, 2025, that a new multi-year, multi-territory deal had been reached, reinforcing its long-standing collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery and ensuring continued access.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
