iWant
iWant is a Filipino over-the-top streaming service owned and operated by ABS-CBN, offering a comprehensive library of Filipino movies, television series, and original content accessible worldwide via app and web platforms.[1][2] The platform caters primarily to Filipino audiences and the diaspora, featuring over 60 years of archived programming alongside contemporary releases, with free and premium subscription tiers enabling on-demand viewing without traditional cable requirements.[1][3] In July 2025, iWant launched a revamped interface emphasizing user-friendly navigation and expanded content, including select titles from competitor network GMA-7, marking a notable shift toward broader industry collaboration amid evolving digital media landscapes in the Philippines.[4][5] This update positions iWant as a central hub for "Filipino feels," prioritizing localized storytelling while competing in the global streaming market dominated by international giants.[4][6]History
Origins as ABS-CBNnow! and iWant TV (2014–2017)
ABS-CBN initiated its domestic streaming efforts through platforms that extended linear broadcast content to digital devices, with significant developments occurring between 2014 and 2017 amid growing internet access in the Philippines. Smartphone penetration, which stood at around 15% in 2014, accelerated rapidly, reaching 57% by the end of 2016, enabling a shift toward mobile-centric consumption of video content.[7][8] This period marked ABS-CBN's response to declining traditional TV viewership—driven by cord-cutting behaviors—and the 2016 entry of global competitors like Netflix into the Philippine market, which offered on-demand foreign programming but limited local appeal.[9] Building on prior web-based video-on-demand experiments, ABS-CBN emphasized apps and streams synchronized with TV schedules, providing clips, replays, and live event access primarily via mobile. The platform evolved into iWant TV's beta version by mid-2016, debuting with free access to select live broadcasts, such as the ABS-CBN Halalan 2016 election coverage, targeted at domestic Filipino users. This ad-supported model prioritized accessibility over premium features, aligning with ABS-CBN's strategy to retain audiences through familiar local programming amid digital disruption, though specific early user metrics from company reports remain undisclosed in public sources. The beta phase through 2017 focused on refining mobile delivery for shows and movies, laying groundwork for broader streaming without venturing into full original digital production at the time.Launch and expansion under iWant branding (2018–2019)
In November 2018, ABS-CBN rebranded its streaming service from iWant TV to iWant, launching a refreshed mobile app and website on November 16 that offered free access to full episodes of recent Kapamilya programs, classic shows, Star Cinema movies, and new original short-form series.[10][11] The update emphasized on-demand viewing with minimal delays from linear TV broadcasts, alongside premium unlocks for select content, positioning iWant as a direct digital competitor to traditional television in the Philippines.[12] The rebrand introduced iWant Originals, including the science fiction series Spirits: Reawaken, a 14-episode revival of a 2000s ABS-CBN show that premiered on November 17, 2018, following six teenagers with supernatural powers combating an alien invasion.[13][14] Other early originals like Glorious diversified the slate with edgy, youth-oriented narratives, aiming to build loyalty among mobile-first audiences.[15] Expansion efforts focused on app accessibility across iOS and Android, achieving over 1 million downloads on the first day of availability.[16] By January 2019, iWant reported 11.3 million subscribers and 60 million video views in December 2018 alone, with 2 million cumulative app downloads, reflecting rapid adoption driven by the Philippines' widespread smartphone penetration and affordable data plans.[17][18] These metrics, disclosed by ABS-CBN, underscored the platform's shift toward standalone digital operations, independent of cable tie-ins that defined its prior iWant TV phase.[19]Merger with TFC and rebrand to iWantTFC (2020)
On August 24, 2020, ABS-CBN announced the merger of its iWant streaming service with TFC Online, set to take effect on September 1, 2020, through a soft launch of the unified platform branded as iWantTFC.[20] This integration combined iWant's primarily free, on-demand content targeted at Philippine audiences with TFC's subscription-based offerings focused on overseas Filipinos, enabling worldwide accessibility.[21] The iWant mobile app and website ceased operations on that date, directing users to migrate to the new iWantTFC app and site.[20] The merger served as a strategic response to ABS-CBN's broadcasting shutdown earlier in 2020, following the non-renewal of its congressional franchise on July 10, 2020, which halted free-to-air TV and radio operations on May 5. By consolidating digital platforms, ABS-CBN aimed to streamline operations, preserve content distribution amid regulatory constraints, and leverage TFC's established international infrastructure to sustain service for both domestic and diaspora audiences.[22] The unified service retained free access tiers for users in the Philippines while introducing geo-restricted libraries and subscription bundles for global viewers, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), starting at rates designed for affordability outside the country.[21] This transition facilitated continuity of ABS-CBN's programming delivery despite the loss of traditional broadcast channels, positioning iWantTFC as the company's primary streaming outlet for teleseryes, movies, and news to Filipinos worldwide.[23] The platform's launch marked ABS-CBN's pivot to a subscription-based model internationally, described as the first fully global Filipino streaming service.[23]Return to iWant branding and 2025 revamp
On May 5, 2025, ABS-CBN announced plans to relaunch its streaming service as iWant, reverting from the iWantTFC branding established in 2020 to emphasize domestic content centered on "Filipino feels," while maintaining international accessibility.[12] The service officially relaunched on July 9, 2025, after a delay from the initial June target, introducing a refreshed visual identity and streamlined interface.[24] This rebranding aimed to prioritize local user engagement amid ABS-CBN's ongoing recovery from regulatory challenges.[4] The revamp included performance enhancements such as faster loading times and improved navigation, alongside sharper video previews to enhance user experience across devices.[15] On August 27, 2025, iWant integrated live and on-demand streaming of ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), expanding news access within the platform.[25] These updates supported ABS-CBN's digital strategy, evidenced by a 60% reduction in net losses for the first half of 2025, with consolidated revenues rising 6% to ₱8.28 billion, partly driven by streaming growth and advertising gains.[26][27] To broaden its library, iWant added select shows and films from rival network GMA, available particularly for international audiences, including live channels like GMA Pinoy TV, signaling expanded partnerships in a competitive market.[5][24] This content diversification followed empirical improvements in subscriber bases both domestically and abroad, underscoring the platform's pivot toward sustainable digital revenue post-broadcast restrictions.[28]
Ownership and Operations
Corporate ownership and regulatory context
iWant is wholly owned and operated by ABS-CBN Digital Media, a division of ABS-CBN Corporation, functioning as a subsidiary dedicated to digital streaming within the conglomerate's broader media operations.[29][1] ABS-CBN Corporation, in turn, maintains control through its structure under Lopez Holdings Corporation, with the López family holding majority influence, enabling iWant's integration into the parent company's content ecosystem since its origins.[30] The platform's operations have been shaped by the regulatory environment surrounding ABS-CBN, particularly the non-renewal of the parent company's legislative franchise for free-to-air broadcasting in 2020. Congress, dominated by allies of then-President Rodrigo Duterte, voted 70-11 against renewal on July 10, 2020, citing allegations of franchise violations including excess foreign ownership—claimed to exceed the 40% constitutional limit—and unpaid taxes or franchise fees.[31][32] ABS-CBN countered that it had complied with ownership rules via corporate structures and remitted required fees, attributing the denial to political reprisal amid its critical coverage of the administration, though no formal convictions on tax or ownership charges followed.[33] In response, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered ABS-CBN to cease broadcast operations on May 5, 2020, upon franchise expiration, leading to the shutdown of over-the-air TV and radio but sparing digital platforms like iWant, which do not require legislative broadcast franchises.[34] This prompted ABS-CBN's pivot to online streaming, merging iWant with The Filipino Channel (TFC) into iWantTFC in 2020 to consolidate digital assets.[24] By 2025, following a rebrand back to iWant on July 9, the service continues under ABS-CBN's oversight, adhering to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) corporate registration requirements and NTC guidelines for internet-based content delivery, without reported violations in the digital domain.[11][12]Availability, platforms, and distribution
iWant operates as an over-the-top (OTT) streaming service, delivering content directly via internet protocols without dependence on cable or broadcast infrastructure.[4] In the Philippines, the platform provides free access to select shows, movies, and live channels through its website and dedicated apps, while international availability centers on premium subscriptions for comprehensive content libraries aimed at overseas Filipinos.[35] [2] The service is compatible with multiple devices and operating systems, enabling broad technical reach. Supported platforms include mobile apps for iOS and Android, web browsers on desktops, and native applications on streaming devices and smart TVs.[36] [37]| Platform | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| iOS Mobile | iOS 15.0 or higher |
| Android Mobile/TV | Android 7.0 or higher |
| Amazon Fire TV | Fire OS 5.0 or higher |
| Apple TV | tvOS 15.0 or higher |
| Roku | Via Roku Channel Store |
| LG Smart TV | webOS |
| Samsung Smart TV | Native app support |
Business model and monetization
iWant employs a hybrid freemium model, providing an ad-supported free tier for Philippine users that grants access to select archived ABS-CBN content, while premium subscriptions unlock ad-free viewing, original series, and exclusive titles.[39] Subscription plans commence at ₱35 per month domestically, positioning iWant as one of the lowest-cost streaming options in the market, with international tiers starting at $4.99 to accommodate global audiences.[25] This structure incentivizes upgrades by limiting free access to non-premium library items, thereby converting a portion of free users to paid subscribers through demonstrated value in exclusives.[40] Beyond subscriptions, revenue diversification includes strategic partnerships for bundled content distribution, such as integrations with GMA channels and Viva One, which enable cross-promotional access and shared subscription fees.[41] [42] Additional streams arise from in-app promotions tied to ABS-CBN's live events and concerts, leveraging the platform for ticket sales and sponsorship tie-ins that amplify overall group earnings.[26] The model's efficacy is evident in ABS-CBN's first-half 2025 financials, where streaming and digital ads contributed to a 6% revenue increase to ₱8.28 billion and a 60% reduction in net losses, driven by scalable user acquisition and marginal costs far below those of legacy broadcasting.[26] Content production and distribution, encompassing iWant's output, rose 29% to ₱6.36 billion, underscoring the pivot's role in offsetting regulatory constraints post-2020 franchise revocation by emphasizing direct-to-consumer scalability over subsidized linear TV.[43] [44]Content and Programming
Core content library from ABS-CBN
The core content library of iWant draws from ABS-CBN's extensive archives, offering over 60 years of Filipino programming that includes high-viewership teleseryes, movies, news segments, variety shows, and archived live events.[1] This collection prioritizes flagship titles verified by audience metrics, such as Kantar Media ratings, enabling users to stream both timeless classics and select recent episodes in chronological order for contextual viewing.[45] Teleseryes form the backbone of the drama category, with standout examples like the 2015 remake of Pangako Sa 'Yo, which averaged over 40% national ratings and peaked at 44.5% for its finale episode, topping Kantar Media charts against competitors.[46][45] Similarly, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, a long-running action series, contributed to ABS-CBN's primetime dominance in 2016, consistently outrating GMA-7 programs per Kantar data.[47] Other archived dramas, such as Be Careful with My Heart, provide access to full seasons that originally garnered strong household viewership in the early 2010s.[2] Movies from ABS-CBN Film Productions and Star Cinema round out the offerings, featuring titles like Haunted Mansion and Quezon's Game, drawn from the network's production history rather than external acquisitions.[2] News content includes clips and episodes from TV Patrol, ABS-CBN's flagship evening newscast, alongside segments from The World Tonight for historical and current affairs coverage.[2] Variety shows and light entertainment, such as episodes of It's Showtime and Goin' Bulilit, highlight comedic and musical performances from ABS-CBN's studios, with archival access to high-rated specials that appealed to family audiences.[2] Live events encompass recorded concerts, awards shows, and public gatherings produced by ABS-CBN, allowing chronological exploration from vintage broadcasts to more recent archived telecasts, distinct from real-time streaming.[1]Original productions and exclusives
iWant initiated its original productions with the 2018 platform relaunch, emphasizing content created specifically for streaming audiences. The service debuted films and series produced by ABS-CBN subsidiaries like Dreamscape Digital, targeting genres such as romance and fantasy to differentiate from traditional broadcast fare.[48] A prominent early exclusive was the 2018 film Glorious, which explored a taboo May-December romance between a 52-year-old single mother (played by Angel Aquino) and a younger man (Tony Labrusca), released exclusively on iWant in November 2018.[49][48] Concurrently, Spirits: Reawaken, a reboot of the 2005 supernatural series, premiered in late 2018, featuring teen protagonists with special powers combating alien threats, produced as a digital reboot for younger viewers.[50][51] These efforts evolved into short-form series across suspense, thriller, and romantic drama genres, with episodes typically running 30-40 minutes to suit mobile and on-demand consumption. Post-2020, amid the shift from free-to-air broadcasting, iWant accelerated exclusives to sustain viewer engagement, including microdramas and reality formats. In October 2025, announcements included Shadow CEO, a new microdrama series pairing actors Dylan Yturralde and Vivoree Esclito in a corporate intrigue narrative, and AFAM Wives Club, a reality series on intercultural marriages premiering November 11, 2025.[52][53] Such content leverages streaming's flexibility for rapid production and genre experimentation, filling voids left by regulatory restrictions on linear TV.[4]Partnerships and acquired content
In April 2023, iWantTFC announced a content distribution agreement with GMA Network, enabling access to GMA's international channels—GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV—exclusively for viewers outside the Philippines starting May 1, 2023.[54] This partnership provides live streaming of the channels alongside select GMA on-demand programs, broadening iWantTFC's appeal to overseas Filipinos without overlapping domestic Philippine market offerings, where GMA operates its own free platform.[55] The collaboration expanded in August 2024 with the introduction of the GMA Pinoy Bundle, a paid add-on subscription available internationally via iWantTFC.com, featuring the three 24/7 channels and additional Kapuso content.[56] Pricing varies by region, such as USD 23.98 monthly in the United States, aimed at enhancing content variety for global audiences amid competition from other Filipino media exporters.[57] Following the 2025 rebranding and revamp to iWant for domestic users, the GMA integration persisted for international subscribers, supporting retention by aggregating rival network assets without regulatory conflicts in the home market.[58] Acquisitions of non-Filipino content remain limited, with iWantTFC incorporating select international titles during its July 2025 platform overhaul to diversify beyond local programming, though specific deals were not publicly detailed beyond general announcements of enhanced global sourcing.[58] This approach prioritizes Filipino diaspora preferences while incrementally adding foreign media to sustain cross-platform engagement, as evidenced by the service's focus on bundled Filipino rival content over broad international licensing.Features and Technology
User interface and streaming capabilities
The user interface of iWantTFC provides core navigation tools including search functionality and content recommendations tailored to user preferences.[39] Users can access episodes with straightforward selection options and features such as "Continue Watching" to resume playback.[59] While playlists are not prominently featured in official documentation, the platform emphasizes easy discovery of Filipino content through categorized browsing and trending highlights.[24] Streaming capabilities support high-definition (HD) video quality when available, alongside standard definition, with playback adapting to the user's internet connection stability.[60] A minimum recommended internet speed of 5 Mbps ensures optimal viewing, reducing instances of buffering or loading delays.[61] Most content includes English closed captioning, with select titles offering subtitles in additional languages such as Bahasa Indonesia to accommodate global audiences, including the Filipino diaspora.[62][63] Reliability focuses on connection-dependent performance, where stable broadband minimizes interruptions, though user reports indicate occasional loading issues on certain devices without specified content delivery network partnerships.[64][65] The platform maintains smooth playback for live streams and on-demand videos across supported devices, prioritizing accessibility for international viewers.[66]Subscription tiers and accessibility updates
iWant provides a freemium model with tiered subscriptions tailored for Philippine users, emphasizing ad-supported access for non-subscribers alongside paid options for enhanced viewing. The free tier allows limited access to select shows, movies, and on-demand content, interrupted by advertisements.[21] The Basic Plan, introduced as a promotional low-tier option, offers access to recent episodes and titles from the content library with ads, priced starting at PHP 35 per month in the Philippines as of September 2025.[67][68]| Tier | Key Features | Pricing (Philippines) |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Ad-supported, select content library | Free |
| Basic | Ad-supported access to latest shows/movies | PHP 35/month |
| Premium | Ad-free viewing, full library access, offline downloads | PHP 119/month (as of prior benchmarks, subject to updates)[69][40] |