Disney+ & Netflix Hoover Up Non-English Acquisitions As Fervor For Japanese & Korean Content Continues – Ampere

Disney+ and Netflix‘s buying habits appear to be dispelling the notion that non-English-language acquisitions aren’t on their agendas.

Research from Ampere Analysis shows that non-English content now accounts for at least half of acquisitions at both global streamers. As of September, non-English content accounted for 65% of Netflix acquisitions, with the figure at Disney+ hitting 50%.

Japan and Korea were the leading source for Netflix acquisitions, with German and Japanese content topping Disney+’s list.

Ampere noted its research had identified Japanese, French, South Korean and Turkish as the biggest acquisition opportunities moving forwards if high demand and relatively low export volume was considered.

Just 40% of Japanese streaming content is available worldwide, with the U.S. and South Korea the biggest buyers of what can be bought, though France and Germany also show relatively high interest.

It’s a similar story for South Korean content – despite the global popularity of K-drama, only 45% of the country’s titles are available only on its own streaming services. The Middle East and Southeast Asia appear most likely to bite on its romantic-themed films and shows, Ampere claimed.

“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,” said Tingting Li, Research Manager at Ampere.

“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.”