Iflix is going to live stream soccer games in a move to outflank Netflix

Outrunning Netflix

What Iflix plans to gain from streaming sports events was not addressed in today’s press release. It may be an incentive for users to give the service a try – but the first and second league matches are also available on free TV, and live streams are found on YouTube and other sites, for those who prefer to watch on computers or smartphones.

But while streams of some matches may be available on other sources online, “these are not always consistent nor reliable,” argues an iFlix spokesperson.

The startup last reported 5 million subscribers across all markets – but raising that figure isn’t the most important target for now. “Iflix is focused on measuring viewership and usage, rather than subscriber numbers,” says the spokesperson. By introducing the soccer league, the startup intends to demonstrate its commitment to offer localized content for Indonesian viewers.

Soccer, especially the local league, is growing in popularity in Indonesia and seems to have overcome some of its major challenges, like corruption.

Iflix isn’t the only tech startup associating itself with the sport. Local unicorn startups Go-Jek and Traveloka are the main sponsors of the first and second league.

Founder Patrick Grove is likely happy that his firm is outpacing Netflix in this regard. In an interview with us, he said his main weapon to stay competitive is speed. He wants to secure a firm footing in emerging markets, one that’s impossible to dislodge.

Iflix and other Southeast Asia-focused streaming sites like Hooq have been able to address regional customer demands faster than their US competitor. Knowing internet connections in the region are often slow and unreliable, both sites offered subscribers the option to download a few titles for offline viewing.