Non-English content makes up 65% of Netflix acquisitions, 50% on Disney+ – Ampere

Non-English-language content accounts for over half of all acquired titles on global streamers Netflix and Disney+, according to new data from Ampere Analysis.

The UK research firm’s latest report shows that, as of September, 65% of Netflix acquisitions were non-English, with the platform generally favouring Japanese and South Korean content.

Disney+’s share was 50%, with Germany and Japan the leading source countries for content on the Mouse House’s VoD service.

Ampere claims Japanese, French, South Korean and Turkish content present key acquisition opportunities, identified by the number of titles exported internationally with their overall popularity.

Japanese content has substantial scope for wider distribution. Only 40% of VoD content from that country is available internationally, with the most popular exported genres being science-fiction, fantasy and anime.

By comparison, only 5% of English-language content is exclusive to its country of origin.

Ampere concludes that global content continues to present streamers with a way of growing audiences and meeting viewer demand for diverse programming.

Tingting Li, research manager at Ampere, said: “Non-English content remains underexploited despite growing global demand. In recent years, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max and Disney+ have increasingly expanded non-English-language title licensing in multiple markets.

“Japanese, South Korean, French and Turkish content present the top opportunities for international licensing, with strong audience appeal but still gaps in cross-border availability. For content owners and platforms, buying this content can bridge the gap between audience demand and international distribution.”

In related news, Netflix chief Ted Sarandos has said the executive purge that took place at Netflix over the past month does not indicate a wholesale content strategy reset, but rather the pursuit of a stronger US programming slate.