Smart’s Streaming Revolution: Local, Seamless, and Smarter

Smart’s Streaming Revolution: Local, Seamless, and Smarter

Smart Makes Filipino Streaming Easier, Cheaper, Smarter

The Power of Partnership: Smart’s Local Streaming Play

Smart Communications is doing what every telco should be doing in 2025—making entertainment more accessible, more Filipino, and more frictionless. In a bold move that feels both strategic and overdue, Smart has teamed up with four of the country’s top homegrown streaming platforms: Cignal Play, iWant, Viva One, and Watchapp. Smart’s Streaming Revolution: Local, Seamless, and Smarter

This isn’t just a handshake and a press release. It’s a full-on collaboration designed to break down barriers to mobile entertainment. And yes, that includes the most stubborn one: payment.

Because let’s face it—while streaming is everywhere, not everyone has a credit card or e-wallet. That’s where Smart’s Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) comes in. It lets subscribers pay for their favorite content using their prepaid load or postpaid bill. No plastic, no app juggling, no drama.

Direct Carrier Billing: The Unsung Hero of Access

DCB isn’t new, but Smart is giving it new life. By integrating DCB with these platforms, Smart is essentially saying, “You don’t need a bank account to binge-watch your favorite teleserye.”

It’s a game-changer for millions of Filipinos who live outside the financial mainstream. And it’s a subtle but powerful way to democratize entertainment. Suddenly, premium content isn’t gated behind fintech. It’s available to anyone with a Smart SIM and a few pesos of load.

This isn’t just convenience—it’s inclusion. And in a country where mobile-first is the norm, that matters.

Meet the Platforms: Local Flavor, Global Ambition

Let’s break down the streaming squad Smart has assembled. Each platform brings something unique to the table, and together, they form a buffet of Filipino entertainment that’s hard to resist.

Cignal Play: The Channel Surfer’s Paradise

Cignal Play is the digital arm of Cignal TV, and it’s stacked. Over 80 live channels covering sports, news, lifestyle, and entertainment. Plus, more than 1,000 hours of on-demand content.
Its latest flex? Microdramas. Short-form vertical dramas you can stream for just Php20 a day. Perfect for commuters, lunch breakers, and anyone who thinks traditional TV pacing is so 2010.

Viva One: Originals with Attitude

Viva One is Viva Communications’ streaming baby, and it’s growing fast. The platform offers a mix of local and international content, but the real draw is Viva One Originals.
Think gritty dramas, offbeat documentaries, and reality shows with actual personality. At Php99 a month, it’s a steal. And yes, it’s where you’ll find content that doesn’t feel like it was written by committee.

Watchapp: The Underdog with Swagger

Watchapp is the wildcard. Developed by VOXP Technologies, it’s a web-based platform that skips the app download entirely. Just visit watchapp.ph and start watching.
It’s built for affordability—nonstop entertainment for as low as Php5. That’s not a typo. It’s the kind of pricing that makes you wonder if they’re running on magic beans.
Watchapp is perfect for casual viewers who want variety without commitment. Vlogs, movies, sports, TV shows—it’s all there, and it’s all ridiculously accessible.

iWant: ABS-CBN’s Global Powerhouse

iWant is ABS-CBN’s OTT platform, and it’s got the deepest bench. From classic teleseryes to live-streamed channels, it’s a one-stop shop for Filipino entertainment.
Its basic plan starts at Php35 per month, which is basically the cost of a fancy fishball combo. And with exclusive originals and global reach, iWant is proof that local content can go toe-to-toe with the Netflixes of the world.

Exclusive Content and Streaming Packs: What’s Next?

Smart isn’t stopping at billing integration. The telco is working with each partner to develop exclusive content for Smart subscribers. That means shows, specials, and maybe even behind-the-scenes drops you won’t find anywhere else.

There’s also talk of a dedicated data pack for streaming. That’s right—a bundle designed specifically for bingeing. No more burning through your regular data just to watch one episode of your favorite drama.

It’s a smart move (pun intended). Because if you’re going to offer premium content, you need to make sure people can actually stream it without rationing their data like it’s wartime.

Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just a telco flex. It’s a cultural shift. By partnering with local platforms and removing payment friction, Smart is helping Filipino content reach more Filipino viewers.
It’s also a vote of confidence in homegrown creators. These platforms aren’t just distributors—they’re incubators for the next wave of Filipino storytelling.

And let’s be honest: we’ve got the talent. What we’ve needed is the infrastructure. Smart’s move helps bridge that gap, making sure the content we create gets seen, shared, and celebrated.

Streaming, Simplified

Smart’s partnership with Cignal Play, iWant, Viva One, and Watchapp isn’t just about entertainment. It’s about access, inclusion, and local pride.
It’s about making sure that whether you’re in Makati or Mindoro, you can stream your favorite shows without jumping through hoops.
And if you can do it for Php5? Even better.