Saudi Arabia Is
Redefining Digital Media
Saudi Arabia Is
Redefining Digital Media
From Superstars to Spectacular Campaigns: How Saudi Arabia is Redefining Digital Media with Global Talent
Saudi Arabia’s digital media landscape isn’t just growing; it’s going global and glamorous. The Kingdom has been making headlines by blending top-tier talent with cutting-edge digital campaigns. As part of its broader Vision 2030 initiative, the country is pulling out all the stops to become a hub for digital media excellence.Bringing the World to Saudi Screens: The National Football League and Beyond
One of the standout examples is the Saudi Pro League (SPL), which has gone all-in on digital media partnerships. In 2024 and 2025, the SPL renewed a major media deal with IMG, ensuring that Saudi football matches are broadcast in over 180 countries. This global reach is complemented by a partnership with TikTok, where exclusive behind-the-scenes content and player stories are shared to engage younger audiences.
But it doesn’t stop at football. Saudi Arabia has been on a mission to attract top global talent across various fields. From hosting major e-sports tournaments that draw international gaming superstars to collaborating with Hollywood and Bollywood creatives, the country is making waves on the global stage.
Highlight Campaigns: From Football Fever to Entertainment Extravaganza
Let’s talk specifics. The SPL’s digital campaign with TikTok didn’t just promote matches—it turned players into social media stars. Fans could follow their favorite athletes through daily stories, live Q&A sessions, and interactive challenges, creating a direct connection between the players and a global audience. Meanwhile, the Riyadh Season entertainment festival launched a series of digital media campaigns featuring global music icons and film stars, leveraging social media and streaming platforms to attract millions of viewers from around the world.
Highlight Campaigns: From Football Fever to Entertainment Extravaganza
Let’s talk specifics. The SPL’s digital campaign with TikTok didn’t just promote matches—it turned players into social media stars. Fans could follow their favorite athletes through daily stories, live Q&A sessions, and interactive challenges, creating a direct connection between the players and a global audience. Meanwhile, the Riyadh Season entertainment festival launched a series of digital media campaigns featuring global music icons and film stars, leveraging social media and streaming platforms to attract millions of viewers from around the world.
The Numbers do the talking:
1. Huge Social Media Follower Growth
- In the 2023–24 season, the Roshn Saudi League (SPL) saw its social media following grow by 67%, jumping from 6.8 million to 11.5 million followers. Saudi Professional League Association
- This explosive growth was largely fueled by the arrival of major stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema, Mahrez, and Sadio Mané.
- The league added new channels on Chinese platforms Weibo and Douyin, attracting over 200,000 fans in their first six months there.
The Numbers do the talking:
1. Huge Social Media Follower Growth
- In the 2023–24 season, the Roshn Saudi League (SPL) saw its social media following grow by 67%, jumping from 6.8 million to 11.5 million followers. Saudi Professional League Association
- This explosive growth was largely fueled by the arrival of major stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema, Mahrez, and Sadio Mané.
- The league added new channels on Chinese platforms Weibo and Douyin, attracting over 200,000 fans in their first six months there.
2. Top Global Growth Compared to Other Leagues
- The SPL surpassed leagues like Japan’s J League and South Korea’s K League to become the most followed international account on X (formerly Twitter).
- Al Ahli club led relative growth among clubs, expanding their online base by 76% during the season.
3. Massive Engagement During Highlight Periods—Derby Week
- Derby Week (Matchweek 9) drove exceptional digital performance:
- Social media engagement soared by 129.2%, reaching 5.5 million interactions, compared to an average of 2.4 million per matchweek.
- Digital impressions passed 1.34 billion across platforms.
- Media advertising value (AVE) jumped from $91.17 million to $219.22 million.
4. Global Broadcast & Streaming Reach
- A renewed media deal with IMG ensures a four-year global push including production and storytelling enhancements. Arab News
- SPL matches are now broadcast in over 184 countries on 43 international platforms.
5. Al-Nassr’s Social Media Explosion
- Combined social media followers for the league, fueled by high-profile players, totaled around 2 billion, though this includes players’ personal followings. Daily Sabah
- Al-Nassr’s digital following surged dramatically: from under 5.2 million to over 57.5 million by March 2025. Football Benchmark
- It became the most followed club outside Europe except for Brazil’s Flamengo.
Conclusion: A Global Stage for Digital Brilliance
In short, Saudi Arabia is not just riding the digital wave; it’s making waves of its own. By bringing top talent and launching high-impact digital media campaigns, the Kingdom is redefining what it means to be a digital media powerhouse. With a keen focus on both sports and entertainment, Saudi Arabia is turning the eyes of the world toward its screens and setting the stage for a bright digital future.