Some people may be thinking, "I want to enjoy video streaming services on my smartphone," and are considering which video streaming service to use and what they should look out for when making a selection.
If you sign up for one video streaming service, you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of content, including movies, dramas, variety shows, etc. Be sure to keep in mind the key points for choosing and find the video streaming service that's perfect for you.
In this article, we will explain the benefits of using video streaming services on your smartphone and how to choose a video streaming service.
The benefits of subscribing to a video streaming service and enjoying it on your smartphone include:
・Enjoy videos easily
・Multitasking with split screen and picture-in-picture
・You can download content within the app
If you watch on your smartphone, you can easily take it out of your pocket or bag and enjoy videos in your spare time. Another attractive feature is that you can watch videos casually while relaxing in bed or on the sofa, or while cooking in the kitchen.
Also, when using video streaming services on smartphones, some models support "multi-window," which allows you to split the smartphone screen and use two apps at the same time. Some video streaming services also offer "background playback" and "picture-in-picture," which displays the app in a small window.
You may want to try using it depending on your needs.
Additionally, some video streaming services allow you to download content and watch it offline. If you download content in an environment where you can use the Internet, you can watch videos even in an environment without a signal. Also, since watching videos on video streaming services uses a lot of data, downloading content in advance in a Wi-Fi environment can help you save on communication Amount.
The main video streaming services available on smartphones include:
・Services that offer a comprehensive range of content including movies, variety shows, and anime (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc.)
・Services that distribute TV programs (TELASA, TVer, etc.)
・A service that allows you to view short videos (smash.)
・Services that allow you to watch sports games (DAZN, ABEMA Premium, etc.)
In addition to popular services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, there are a variety of other services, including TELASA, which specializes in watching TV programs and offers many TV Asahi titles, and DAZN, which specializes in watching sports.
Choose a video streaming service that suits your needs.
Let's also look at the key points to consider when choosing a video streaming service. Here are four points to keep in mind:
・Select by available content
・Select by usage fees
・Choose based on whether account sharing and simultaneous viewing are possible
・Choose a video streaming service that can be used at a discount on your smartphone.
I will explain each one.
Each video streaming service has different information about the overall amount of content available and the genres of content they offer. Be sure to check the website of the video streaming service to see if they have the content you like.
There are also video streaming services that offer original content, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. You can watch popular original content, so it's definitely worth checking out.
Pricing varies depending on the video streaming service. Be sure to check not only the monthly fees but also whether there is any content that requires additional fees.
Please note that the image quality and the number of devices that can be viewed simultaneously may vary depending on the video streaming service plan. Be sure to check the specific fees for your usage.
Some video streaming services allow multiple people to share the same account. This allows you to use the service with family members while managing their viewing history and content preferences individually. This reduces costs compared to having to sign up for separate accounts for each family member.
There are also video streaming services that support simultaneous viewing on multiple devices. If there is a possibility that family members will be watching simultaneously on different devices, be sure to check whether this feature is available.
Some video streaming services are compatible with TVs with internet capabilities (such as Android TV). If you want to watch on your TV at home, be sure to check in advance whether your TV is compatible.
Video streaming services can sometimes be used at a discount when combined with your current smartphone plan.
For example, au offers bundled plans with video streaming services like Netflix and DAZN. fees are more affordable than if you were to sign up for the video streaming service and smartphone plan separately, so if there is a video streaming service you use frequently, we recommend signing up for a bundled plan.
Additionally, au 's online-only brand "povo2.0" (*1) allows you to use video streaming services as much as you need, when you need them. We'll explain this in more detail later.
*1: As this is an online-only plan, all procedures and support will be handled online. Please contact us via the povo2.0 app or official website.
"povo2.0" is an online-only brand that has a basic fees of 0 yen (*2) (*3) (*4) and allows customers to purchase data Topping (paid) and content Topping (paid). Its appeal lies in its flexibility, allowing customers to use it in a way that suits their needs.
The following two Topping (paid) are available for content Topping on "povo2.0".
・DAZN Unlimited Pack (7 days): 1,145 yen (tax included) per use (※5) (※8)
・smash. Unlimited Use Pack (24 hours): 220 yen (tax included) per use (*5) (*7)
Let's take a closer look at the overview of each service and the details of Topping mentioned above.
2: Additional fees such as handling charges may apply. validity for 180 days or more, or if you have never purchased Topping for a fee, your usage may be suspended or your contract may be terminated. Please understand this in advance.
If you subscribe to 5 lines(*) under the same name, a contract administration fee of tax included 3,850 yen/line will be charged for the cumulative 6th line and thereafter.
*Includes lines that have been terminated or cancelled by the Company within the past year. *3: Domestic calls are charged separately at tax included 22 yen/30 seconds, and SMS sending is charged separately at tax included 3.3 yen/text (up to 70 characters). Depending on the model, up to 670 two-byte characters can be sent; up to 134 characters are counted as two SMS messages, and thereafter one SMS message is charged for every 67 characters. Call charges may differ for some calls, such as calls to satellite phones. For more information, please contact this way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker) The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Reference: povo2.0 Plan Details" (povo)
*4: If data Topping is not purchased, the maximum sending/receiving rate is 128 kbps. *5: Communication speed may be limited during network congestion or when using videos, cloud games, etc. 7: "smash. all-you-can-use pack" will be discontinued as of April 30, 2024. 8: "DAZN All-You-Can-Use Pack (7 days)" will be discontinued on November 30, 2024.
It is a video streaming service specializing in sports, covering a wide range of sports including soccer, baseball, and Formula 1. Over 130 types of content and over 10,000 games per year are available for viewing in live broadcast, catch-up broadcast, and highlights. The wide range of sports genres it covers is a strength compared to other services.
povo2.0 's "DAZN Unlimited Pack (7 days) 1,145 yen/time including tax included" (*5) (*8) allows you to use DAZN, which normally requires a monthly subscription, for 7 days. You can use it for example, "When there is a game you want to watch, you can purchase Topping and watch it."
*5: Communication speeds may be limited during network congestion or when using videos, cloud games, etc. *8: As of November 30, 2024, the "DAZN Unlimited Pack (7 days)" will no longer be available.
"smash." is a vertical theater app that is specialized for viewing on smartphones. It distributes a variety of video content, including music, drama, anime, and variety shows, tailored to the vertical screen of a smartphone.
With povo2.0, you can also use the "smash. Unlimited Use Pack (24 hours) 220 yen/time including tax included" (※5) (※7) for a limited time of 24 hours in conjunction with the live broadcasts you want to watch.
*5: Communication speeds may be limited during network congestion or when using videos, cloud games, etc. *7: As of April 30, 2024, the "smash. Unlimited Use Pack" will no longer be available.
In addition to content Topping (paid), "povo2.0" also offers the following Topping (paid).
| Types of Topping | fees (tax included) | |
|---|---|---|
| Data Topping | Unlimited data (24 hours) (*5) | 330円/回 |
| データ追加1GB(7日間) | 390円/回 | |
| データ追加3GB(30日間) | 990円/回 | |
| データ追加20GB(30日間) | 2,700円/回 | |
| データ追加60GB(90日間) | 6,490円/回 | |
| データ追加150GB(180日間) | 12,980円/回 | |
| Call Toppings | Unlimited calls of up to 5 minutes (※6) | 550円/月 |
| Unlimited calls (※6) | 1,650円/月 |
If you want to watch videos to your heart's content on the weekends, Unlimited data (24 hours) for 330 yen/time Topping tax included included) (fee required) (*5) is convenient. Additionally, if you often watch videos on the go, you can save money by using a large-capacity Topping such as the "Data Top-up (180 days) for 12,980 yen/time tax included included)."
Reference:" povo2.0 Plan Details" (povo ) *5: Communication speed may be limited during network congestion or when using videos, cloud games, etc. *6：Calls to phone numbers set by other companies starting from 0570 (Navidial, etc.) to fees, number guide (104) (number guide fee is not free, calls to fees are free), administrative 1XY service (188), # dial (Quick Dial), sending SMS, calls to satellite phones, calls to phone numbers specified separately by the Company The Topping service is not available for free calls to international calls and calls made overseas. International calls and incoming/outgoing calls overseas are also not covered. Calling charges are based on the service.
By using a video streaming service on your smartphone, you can watch videos at home or on the go. You can enjoy videos according to your lifestyle, such as watching in your spare time or while commuting to work or school.
When choosing a video streaming service, some things to check include the content available, the usage fees, whether account sharing and simultaneous viewing are possible, and whether it can be used at a discount on a smartphone with an existing contract.
Be sure to find the video streaming service that's perfect for you and enjoy movies, dramas, variety shows, and more.
Name: Koichi Ito
Profile: An IT writer with a strong ability to communicate. He runs the blog "Koichi Ito's Mobile Life Support Group." As a mobile user, he posts daily reviews and promotes the Japanese smartphone scene, and the blog receives over 300,000 hits per month. He is active in many areas, including contributing to online news and writing mobile-related books.
