The Discontinuation of Viaplay in Poland & Transition to MEGOGO
Viaplay officially ceased direct operations in Poland on June 29th‚ 2020‚ transferring its content to MEGOGO on November 10th‚ 2020‚ ensuring continued access for subscribers.
Historical Context of Viaplay’s Polish Launch
Viaplay’s entry into the Polish streaming market aimed to capitalize on the growing demand for diverse content‚ particularly sports and Nordic noir series. Launching with an ambitious library of approximately 1200 titles‚ the service initially presented a compelling offering. However‚ this expansive catalog quickly diminished‚ dwindling to a range of 200-300 titles over time‚ a shift largely unaddressed through price adjustments.
The initial strategy focused on securing exclusive rights to popular sports leagues like the Premier League‚ Bundesliga‚ and European competitions‚ alongside a selection of original and acquired films and series. Despite this initial push‚ Viaplay struggled to gain significant traction‚ ultimately leading to its operational exit from Poland and a transition to a content provision model through MEGOGO.
Initial Content Offering (Peak: ~1200 Titles)
At its peak‚ Viaplay boasted a substantial content library of around 1200 titles‚ designed to attract a broad Polish audience. This included a diverse range of films‚ series‚ and crucially‚ live sports coverage; The platform heavily promoted its exclusive broadcasting rights to major football leagues – the Premier League‚ Bundesliga‚ Europa League‚ and Conference League – as a key differentiator.
Beyond sports‚ Viaplay aimed to establish itself with quality Nordic dramas and internationally recognized series. This initial offering represented a significant investment in content acquisition‚ intending to position Viaplay as a premium streaming service. However‚ maintaining this extensive catalog proved unsustainable‚ leading to a substantial reduction in available titles in subsequent periods.
Decline in Content Library (200-300 Titles)
Over time‚ Viaplay’s content offering in Poland experienced a dramatic reduction‚ dwindling from an initial peak of approximately 1200 titles to a significantly smaller range of 200-300. Despite this substantial decrease in available content‚ the pricing structure remained largely unchanged‚ a point of contention for many subscribers. This disparity between cost and value contributed to growing dissatisfaction and ultimately‚ the platform’s struggles in the Polish market.
The decline wasn’t widely publicized‚ with many subscribers unaware of the extent of the content loss‚ relying on external sources like upflix.pl to track changes. This lack of transparency further eroded trust and fueled negative perceptions of the service’s quality and commitment to its user base.

Reasons for Viaplay’s Failure in Poland
Viaplay’s Polish venture proved a “total flop” due to poor quality‚ a weak image‚ and an inability to deliver consistent value to its subscribers.
Pricing Strategy & Perceived Value
Viaplay’s pricing remained stagnant despite a dramatic reduction in content‚ falling from an initial peak of approximately 1200 titles to a meager 200-300. This disconnect between cost and offering significantly impacted perceived value for subscribers. The service failed to adjust pricing to reflect the diminishing library‚ leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Customers felt they weren’t receiving adequate entertainment for their money‚ especially when compared to competitors offering more extensive catalogs at similar or lower price points. This ultimately contributed to subscriber churn and the service’s eventual withdrawal from the Polish market‚ highlighting the importance of aligning price with content quality and quantity.
Lack of Consistent New Content Releases
A significant issue plaguing Viaplay Poland was the infrequent addition of fresh content. The last major series release‚ “Morderczynie‚” premiered a year before the service’s departure‚ quickly migrating to competing platforms like Netflix and Player.pl. This rapid transfer to rivals underscored Viaplay’s inability to retain exclusive content and maintain subscriber engagement.
The absence of consistent new releases created a sense of stagnation‚ discouraging both new sign-ups and renewals. Subscribers perceived the platform as lacking investment in fresh programming‚ further diminishing its appeal. This pattern contributed to the overall decline in perceived value and ultimately hastened the decision to transition content to MEGOGO rather than continue independent operations.
Competition from Established Streaming Services
Viaplay Poland faced intense competition from deeply entrenched streaming giants‚ possessing larger content libraries and established brand recognition. Netflix‚ Player.pl‚ and HBO Max already commanded significant market share‚ offering a wider variety of programming and often‚ more competitive pricing structures. This pre-existing landscape made it exceedingly difficult for Viaplay to carve out a substantial subscriber base.
The swift migration of “Morderczynie” to platforms like Netflix and Player.pl exemplifies this competitive pressure. Subscribers readily shifted to services already providing a broader range of options. Viaplay’s limited content‚ coupled with its pricing‚ proved insufficient to overcome the advantages held by these established players‚ ultimately contributing to its failure in the Polish market.

The Transition to MEGOGO
MEGOGO became the content provider for former Viaplay subscribers‚ maintaining the “Viaplay Filmy i Seriale” offer as an add-on for approximately 15-20 zł.
MEGOGO as a Content Provider for Former Viaplay Subscribers
Following Viaplay’s departure from the Polish market‚ MEGOGO stepped in to ensure continued access to content for existing subscribers. This transition‚ effective November 10th‚ 2020‚ wasn’t a complete overhaul but rather a continuation of service under a new provider. MEGOGO essentially absorbed the “Viaplay Filmy i Seriale” library‚ offering it as an add-on package to their existing services.
This arrangement allowed viewers to still enjoy the films and series they were accustomed to through Viaplay‚ albeit through a different platform. The key was maintaining accessibility and minimizing disruption for those who had already invested in a Viaplay subscription‚ even if indirectly through operators like Play.
Maintaining the Viaplay Filmy i Seriale Offer
MEGOGO’s core strategy revolved around preserving the “Viaplay Filmy i Seriale” content catalogue‚ recognizing its value to former Viaplay subscribers. Rather than a complete restructuring‚ MEGOGO offered this specific library as an add-on to their existing subscription tiers. This allowed customers to continue accessing their preferred films and series without interruption‚ albeit through a different service provider.
The pricing for this add-on was positioned around 15-20 złoty‚ making it a relatively affordable option for those wishing to retain access to the Viaplay content. This approach minimized churn and provided a seamless transition‚ ensuring that the investment made by subscribers wasn’t entirely lost with Viaplay’s exit from Poland.
Pricing of Viaplay Content via MEGOGO (Approx. 15-20 zł as an Add-on)
Following Viaplay’s departure‚ MEGOGO strategically priced the “Viaplay Filmy i Seriale” package as an add-on to existing MEGOGO subscriptions‚ falling within the 15-20 złoty range. This positioning aimed to appeal to former Viaplay users seeking continued access to familiar content without committing to a completely new‚ full-priced streaming service. The add-on model allowed flexibility‚ catering to viewers who primarily valued the Viaplay library.
This pricing structure was crucial for retention‚ offering a cost-effective solution compared to subscribing to multiple independent platforms. It also presented an attractive option for MEGOGO subscribers looking to expand their viewing choices. The affordability of the add-on was a key factor in mitigating subscriber loss during the transition period.

Specific Content Previously Available on Viaplay
Viaplay prominently featured live sports – Premier League‚ Bundesliga‚ and European competitions – alongside the series “Morderczynie‚” which later moved to Netflix and Player.

Live Sports Coverage (Premier League‚ Bundesliga‚ European Competitions)
A key draw for Viaplay subscribers was its extensive live sports coverage. The platform secured rights to broadcast the prestigious English Premier League‚ offering fans access to every match live. Similarly‚ German Bundesliga matches were also a significant part of the offering‚ catering to a dedicated football audience.
Beyond these leagues‚ Viaplay also provided live coverage of various European football competitions‚ including the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Europa Conference League. This comprehensive sports package was a major selling point during Viaplay’s initial launch and contributed to attracting a substantial subscriber base. However‚ the loss of this content with Viaplay’s departure impacted sports fans in Poland.
Notable Series: “Morderczynie” & its Subsequent Availability on Other Platforms
“Morderczynie” (The Killers) was a prominent original series featured on Viaplay Poland‚ gaining some recognition amongst viewers. However‚ its lifecycle on Viaplay was relatively short-lived. Just a month after its premiere‚ the series became available on Netflix‚ diminishing its exclusivity and value for Viaplay subscribers.
Following its stint on Netflix‚ “Morderczynie” further circulated to Player.pl‚ another Polish streaming platform. This rapid distribution across multiple services highlighted a pattern of Viaplay’s content quickly becoming available elsewhere‚ contributing to the perception of limited long-term value for a standalone Viaplay subscription. The series’ journey exemplifies the challenges Viaplay faced in retaining exclusive content.

Customer Support & Cancellation Issues
Viaplay faced criticism regarding subscription cancellations‚ as exemplified by a case with Canal+ in October 2024‚ where initial claims were ultimately overturned with a concession.
Handling of Viaplay Subscription Cancellations (Case Study: Canal+)
A specific case involving a Canal+ subscriber highlights issues with Viaplay’s cancellation process. The customer initially submitted a cancellation request on October 7th‚ 2024‚ but it was initially denied by Viaplay. Despite this rejection‚ acknowledging a positive prior relationship‚ Viaplay ultimately conceded to the cancellation request.
This instance suggests inconsistencies in handling cancellations‚ potentially leading to frustration for customers attempting to end their subscriptions. The initial denial‚ followed by a concession based on relationship history‚ points to a lack of standardized procedures. It raises questions about the fairness and transparency of Viaplay’s cancellation policies during its operational period in Poland‚ and the difficulties customers faced when trying to terminate their services.
Customer Complaints Regarding Service Quality
Viaplay in Poland faced significant criticism regarding its overall service quality‚ contributing to its eventual withdrawal from the market. Complaints centered around a perceived decline in content availability‚ particularly after an initial offering of around 1200 titles dwindled to just 200-300. Despite this substantial reduction‚ pricing remained unchanged‚ leading to accusations of poor value for money.
Users expressed frustration over the infrequent release of new content‚ with the series “Morderczynie” being a recent example‚ quickly migrating to competing platforms like Netflix and Player. This pattern reinforced the feeling that Viaplay wasn’t investing sufficiently in fresh programming. These issues‚ combined with difficulties in cancelling subscriptions‚ fostered widespread dissatisfaction among Polish viewers.

Promotional Offers & Partnerships
Viaplay leveraged promotions within the Play network‚ aiming to attract subscribers. Potential future bundling options with other operators remained a possibility before its exit from Poland.
Viaplay Promotions within the Play Network
Viaplay actively pursued promotional opportunities through partnerships‚ most notably with the Play network in Poland. These promotions aimed to increase subscriber acquisition and brand visibility within the Polish market. Details regarding specific promotional offers‚ such as discounted subscription rates or bundled packages with Play’s mobile or internet services‚ were frequently advertised to Play customers.
The collaboration with Play was a key strategy for Viaplay‚ leveraging Play’s established customer base and distribution channels. However‚ despite these promotional efforts‚ Viaplay ultimately struggled to gain sufficient traction and maintain a sustainable presence in Poland. The effectiveness of these promotions was likely hampered by the declining content library and perceived value proposition‚ ultimately contributing to the service’s discontinuation as a standalone entity.
Potential Future Partnerships & Bundling Options

Following Viaplay’s exit as a direct operator in Poland‚ the possibility of future partnerships and bundling options remained open‚ primarily centered around MEGOGO’s continued provision of the “Viaplay Filmy i Seriale” content. Operators might explore integrating this content package into their existing subscription tiers‚ offering customers access to Viaplay’s former library as an add-on.
Such bundling strategies could enhance the value proposition of competing services and attract subscribers seeking specific titles previously exclusive to Viaplay. While no concrete announcements have been made as of December 31‚ 2025‚ the model of offering “Viaplay Filmy i Seriale” as a supplementary package through other providers appears to be the most likely path for continued content availability in Poland‚ capitalizing on existing infrastructure and customer relationships.

Current Status (as of December 31‚ 2025)
Viaplay’s direct operations in Poland ended on June 29th‚ 2020‚ with content now exclusively available through MEGOGO since November 10th‚ 2020.
Official End of Viaplay’s Direct Operations in Poland (June 29th‚ 2020)
Viaplay’s Polish venture concluded on June 29th‚ 2020‚ marking a definitive end to its independent streaming service within the country. The service‚ launched with initial ambitions‚ ultimately failed to gain sufficient traction in the competitive Polish market. This decision wasn’t presented as a temporary pause‚ but rather a complete withdrawal of Viaplay’s direct operational presence.
The closure stemmed from a combination of factors‚ including a declining content library – dwindling from an initial peak of approximately 1200 titles to a mere 200-300 – and a perceived lack of value for the subscription price. Despite the service offering live sports like the Premier League and Bundesliga‚ it proved insufficient to retain a substantial subscriber base. This ultimately led to the strategic shift towards partnering with MEGOGO.

Availability of Content Through MEGOGO (November 10th‚ 2020)
Following Viaplay’s exit‚ MEGOGO stepped in on November 10th‚ 2020‚ to ensure continued access to the Viaplay Filmy i Seriale content library for former subscribers. This transition wasn’t a complete overhaul‚ but rather a continuation of the existing offering under a new provider. MEGOGO essentially became the platform for delivering the content previously housed on Viaplay‚ mitigating disruption for viewers.
The arrangement allowed subscribers to maintain access to films and series‚ albeit as an add-on to MEGOGO’s existing services. This add-on was priced approximately between 15-20 złoty. The goal was to provide a seamless experience‚ preserving the content that Viaplay subscribers valued‚ while adapting to the changing market dynamics and Viaplay’s strategic shift away from direct Polish operations.



































