Ever found yourself searching for the perfect show or movie to watch during a relaxed holiday afternoon or a cozy family gathering? Fortunately, TikTok is transforming this dilemma through its vibrant community of local film and TV buffs. By sharing shows, movies, and documentaries, that form part of a dynamic community that’s redefining how African audiences connect with and consume content, making your festive downtime even better.
Under the captivating #WhatToWatch hashtag, fascinating reviews, hilarious creator reactions and trending sounds all converge to help audiences effortlessly discover new shows and films they care about. With over 5 million global videos published to date and more than 365,000 new posts across Sub-Saharan Africa uploaded in the first half of 2025, this hashtag is a powerful barometer of how the continent is shaping its entertainment choices.
The head of TikTok’s content operations across Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, says, “Entertainment is synonymous with our platform. Our research has found that almost one in two (47%) users say that they have discovered a new movie by coming to TikTok.”
Movie studios, streaming platforms and broadcasters all benefit from additional exposure driven by creators on TikTok. By providing a full-screen, sound-on experience that enables content to thrive, users are more likely to watch something on the big screen. In fact, over 44% of them are more likely to attend the movies at least once a month compared to non-users.
#WhatAreYouWatching?
TikTok has become the go-to destination for Kenyans to discover and engage with the hottest shows and movies both local and international. Whether it’s commentary on trending storylines, viral sounds from popular scenes, or creators sparking deep conversations and behind the scenes snippet with local movie clelebrities, the Kenyan TikTok community has kept its finger firmly on the pulse, sharing reactions, reviews, and remixes of some of the most-watched shows like: Single Kiasi, Reckless, Mommy Club, Adam to Eve, The Chocolate Empire, MTV Shuga Mashariki and Lulu among others.
#WhattoWatch creators to look out for
Kenyan creators like June Claire (@juneclairedontre) serve audiences with a first hand glimpse of local and international movies while Nkatha (@talk.film.to.me.podcast), host of Talk Film to Me, is known for her sharp and engaging film critiques. lifestory328 are known for their short scripted stories about relationships, life experiences and everyday drama.
Chika (@chikanwaogu) adds a satirical twist to trending movies and series, keeping audiences entertained and informed. Meanwhile, Stellar (@_just_stellar) brings fans closer to the industry with behind-the-scenes content, trailers, and exclusive event coverage, offering fans a front-row seat to Kenya’s evolving entertainment scene.
Sidwaba concludes by saying, “From rewatching local favourites to recommending international blockbusters, African creators enable audiences to laugh, reflect and ultimately build community around their favourite series and movies. These small screen moments connect people in ways that drive audiences to discover even more content to enjoy on the big screen.”
