Up next for new unicorn Vidio: the push to profit

Vidio has been on the verge of unicorn status since 2021. Now, amid the tech winter, the Indonesia-based video streaming platform has finally made it happen.

At least, that’s according to Alternatives.pe. It listed Vidio’s US$2.2 million fundraise in May from Dian Swastatika Sentosa (DSS), a subsidiary of the Sinar Mas conglomerate, as giving the company a US$1 billion valuation.

Both Vidio and DSS declined to confirm the company’s unicorn status or its current valuation. But data shows that the platform now leads Indonesia’s video-on-demand market with 4.8 million subscribers – a 22% share, which outpaces Netflix and Viu.

It’s a significant achievement considering Indonesia’s crowded video streaming space. Global players Disney+, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max are also present.

Hermawan Sutanto, managing director at Vidio, tells Tech in Asia that sports and original series are what drive the platform’s current growth.

That said, its market leadership hasn’t translated to profitability. But with backers like Emtek, Grab, and Sinar Mas, Vidio may have the luxury of time to get there.

Aggressive on sports and original series

Competing against global firms means Vidio has to offer a different lineup than Netflix or Amazon Prime. One main strategy is sports – the platform broadcasts matches and tournaments in football, tennis, and basketball, among many others.

Vidio has been aggressive in securing exclusive broadcasting rights for high-demand events. These include international soccer leagues like the English Premier League (EPL) and Italy’s Serie A, as well as tournaments from the Badminton World Federation.

But “Vidio’s strength overall lies in local content. International content is more of a complement,” says Sutanto. The platform broadcasts Liga 1, Indonesia’s top-tier football league, as well as the local volleyball league Proliga.

That local-first strategy is paying off. In terms of unique users on video streaming platforms, Liga 1 was the top title in Indonesia in March 2025, beating out popular titles like Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines and the EPL.

This is where Vidio’s links with Emtek is an advantage. The Indonesian media conglomerate owns the TV channels SCTV and Indosiar, both of which own free-to-air rights for the EPL and Liga 1 in Indonesia.

Too costly?