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Aparat (Persian: آپارات, Âpârât) is an Iranian video-sharing and social media platform established in 2011 by Saba Idea.[1][2][3][4] Headquartered in Tehran, Iran, it has become the most visited video-sharing service in Iran, offering a diverse range of content across various genres, including entertainment, education, and news.[5] It user base exceeds 60 million monthly users. The platform also recorded 21 million daily pageviews, totaling approximately 7.6 billion annually. Aparat was selected as the best film website in 2011.[6][7][8]

Key Information

History

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Aparat was introduced to Iranian users in February 2010, when many international video sharing services were restricted in Iran.[9] Shakouri, Aparat service manager, has stated the reason for provision of this service for Iranian users as “high volume of users’ requests for a video sharing service.”[10] After one year of operation, an Android version of the service was launched in February 2011. In December 2012 the website exceeded one million video views.[9] In July 2013, the iOS version of Aparat was released. Later that year in November 2013, the first online photo contest called “Tehran’s Guest (Tehran Municipality)” was held in cooperation with Tehran Municipality. Later in March 2014 the second version of the app was released on Android. In April 2014, the President of Islamic Republic of Iran created an account and created the first official government channel.[11] This was followed by the Minister of Communications soon after.[12] Subsequently, numerous political, cultural and artistic figures and brands gradually launched their official channels on the service. Aparat broadcast the 2014 World Cup Competitions and held an Iranian talent contest in July 2014 named “Iranian Prodigies”. As of October 2014, the daily views of Aparat videos exceeded four million views per day. In November 2014, Aparat Kids was launched, and in January 2014 Filimo, which streams both Iranian and international movies and TV series, was launched.[13][14][15][16]

Video features

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While most videos are accessible by all users without subscription, some are placed behind paywalls at the choice of the uploader.[17] Users can upload videos in different formats, such as mpeg, 3gp, webm, mkv, avi and mp4. Uploading and watching videos in HD quality is also possible for subscribers. The maximum filesize for videos is 1500 MB, though larger files can be uploaded with "approved accounts”. As of July 21, 2015, Aparat started supporting subtitles. Users can upload subtitles along with their videos. This has allowed expansion into viewership in languages other than Persian.[13] Uploaded videos can be tagged based on various interests. There is no limit for the number of tags on a video.

Service features

[edit]

In order to upload videos on Aparat, users must first register a member account. Users can then upload videos, post comments on other videos and follow other users. The accounts are divided into two groups: verified and unverified. Members can also view statistics, like videos, and receive notifications. More detailed analytics are also available for uploaders. Videos which are viewed and rated highest are displayed on users home pages.[3] Videos uploaded must be categorized under the following categories: Games, Educational, Comedic, Personal, Religious, Film, Entertainment, Political, News, Music, Sports, Events, Science and Technology, Cartoons, Animals, Nature, Artistic, Advertisement, or other user defined categories.[3] Aparat supports video embedding. To counteract the low quality and speed of Iranian Internet, users can also download videos at higher quality instead of streaming.[3]

Official and approved channels

[edit]

Channels of officials and verified people have a green check mark next to their avatar.[18] A number of prominent figures and officials in the Islamic Republic of Iran have official channels and are active in this service. Aparat is one of the few Iranian social media platforms with authentication. Membership rose after several controversies involving Islamic Republic officials using non-Iranian social networks such as Facebook.[12][19][20][21][22][23] There are also numerous cultural and artistic figures and famous brands that have official channels on the service. Currently there are 201 approved official channels.[24]

[edit]

While most channels are unpaid by default, uploaders can go into the paid programs to make money from their videos.[17]

Competitions

[edit]

In 2014, Aparat started an online contest called “Iranian Prodigies” in order to find talented Iranians in different fields.[16] This competition was held from September 11 to October 19 and judged by various well-known figures. The competition was held in 5 general parts. Shakouri, Aparat's manager, reported that the website received 3,279 entries that were viewed more than 2 million times. Aparat intends to hold the subsequent rounds of the competition by drawing on the experiences from the first round. Following his talk about “Iranian Prodigies”, Shakouri asserted: “The videos were uploaded from different regions of the country, even the areas that have few facilities, as in villages.”[25] The second round of competition is slated to take place on August 12, 2015.[26]

Aparat kids

[edit]

In December 2014, a new feature called “Aparat Kids” was added. This feature intended to make it easier for children to browse through the available online content while ensuring parents that their children had access to appropriate content.[14][27] Aparat developed an application for Android and Windows Phone users.[28][29]

Social impact

[edit]

As part of internet censorship in Iran, Iranian usage of YouTube and other international video sharing services was gradually diminished. The main challenge for Aparat's introduction was to ensure Iranian users had the same capabilities and features present in outside services. With this goal in mind, an Android app was launched in December.[9] On January 12, 2013, IRIB released a documentary on the service, broadcast in “Café So’al” (Question Café) Program of National TV.[30] Aparat ranks third on Alexa among Iranian websites and 47th globally. The website is also widely used in neighboring countries, such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. 12% of traffic comes from outside of Iran.[31][32] Aparat's smart phone app is available on Android, iOS and Windows Phone. In April 2015, UN created its official channel with an announced goal of “providing more information on its activities in Iran and the world”. They have so far uploaded about 60 videos. Gary Lewis, UN Resident Coordinator in the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed delight at the UN's joining.[33]

Aparat's current status

[edit]

Aparat's total bandwidth is 40 Gbit/s with over four thousand daily uploads. The monthly traffic of this service is 15 million hours watched per month with over 25 million unique visitors, 30% of which are mobile and 12% of which come from outside the country.[34][31]

[edit]

Aparat main revenue stream comes from advertisement. Saba Vision Advertising Agency manages advertisements.[35]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Aparat

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Aparat (Persian: آپارات, Âpârât) is an Iranian video-sharing platform launched in 2011 and owned by Saba Idea, a Tehran-based founded in 2004 that operates several prominent domestic online services. Designed primarily for Persian-speaking users, it enables the uploading, viewing, and sharing of diverse video content, including educational tutorials, music clips, and user-generated vlogs, while hosting over 10 million videos and attracting approximately 10 million monthly unique visitors. As Iran's leading video platform, Aparat has achieved significant dominance in the , with users accumulating 10 billion minutes of viewing time monthly and the site ranking among the top websites globally per metrics like Alexa. It emerged tentatively in February 2011 before its official debut on April 13, filling a critical gap created by restrictions on international alternatives such as , and benefiting from incentives like reduced data costs for national services within Iran's segmented . Founded by brothers Mohammad Javad and another Shakouri Moghaddam, the platform's growth reflects broader efforts to develop self-reliant digital infrastructure amid geopolitical constraints, though it operates under Iranian regulatory oversight that shapes content availability.

History

Founding and Launch (2011–2013)

Aparat was established in 2011 by brothers Mohammad Javad Shakouri Moghaddam and Mohammad Mahdi Shakouri Moghaddam through their company Saba Idea, a Tehran-based technology firm focused on digital media services. Mohammad Javad Shakouri Moghaddam, who had begun his career as a software developer in 2002 and held a degree from Amirkabir University of Technology, served as co-founder and CEO of Saba Idea, overseeing Aparat's development as a response to limited access to global video platforms amid Iran's internet restrictions. The platform launched that year as a basic video-sharing service, enabling users to upload, stream, and share content primarily in Persian, filling a gap created by blocks on sites like . Early operations emphasized user-generated videos, with initial features centered on straightforward upload and playback capabilities rather than advanced monetization or . From 2011 to 2013, Aparat rapidly gained domestic popularity, establishing itself as Iran's leading video platform by attracting creators and viewers restricted from international alternatives, though specific user metrics from this period remain limited in . The service's growth during this foundational phase laid the groundwork for its expansion, supported by Saba Idea's investments in server infrastructure to handle increasing traffic within Iran's censored digital environment.

Expansion Amid Sanctions (2014–2018)

During the 2014–2018 period, Aparat experienced substantial growth in user engagement and content volume, benefiting from Iran's restrictive environment and that limited access to international platforms like , which remained blocked due to . Sanctions, including those reimposed on financial and technology sectors, hindered imports of hardware and software while complicating payments to global services, thereby channeling demand toward domestic alternatives supported by local infrastructure such as the National Information Network, which offered subsidized bandwidth for Iranian sites. This era coincided with a surge in mobile penetration, as active smartphones in Iran rose from approximately 2 million in 2014 to 61 million by 2018, with Aparat adapting through mobile-optimized access that accounted for 70% of its usage by 2018. By 2016, Aparat reported over 6 million daily video plays and more than 6,000 uploads per day, alongside 25 million monthly unique visitors and 5 million app users, reflecting a shift from to curated programming like exclusive talk shows attracting 200,000 viewers per episode. Daily plays escalated to 18 million by 2018, part of broader Iranian online video consumption reaching 25 million daily views across platforms, underscoring Aparat's dominance in a market where amplified reliance on local services with favorable data tariffs. The platform expanded partnerships with domestic firms and international brands such as and for sponsorships and device pre-installations, while introducing specialized channels for political campaigns ahead of the 2016 parliamentary elections, enhancing its role in on-demand viewing amid high internet costs and limited broadcast alternatives. These developments occurred against the backdrop of the 2015 (JCPOA), which temporarily eased some sanctions and spurred economic recovery, yet did little to unblock foreign video sites or resolve persistent connectivity issues, allowing Aparat to capture growing demand for diverse content including and . Growth was further supported by ISP collaborations providing free traffic to Aparat, reducing user costs and boosting watch times in a sanctions-constrained ecosystem where global ad networks and payment gateways remained inaccessible.

Maturation and Challenges (2019–Present)

Since 2019, Aparat has experienced steady maturation as Iran's dominant video-sharing service, benefiting from restricted access to international alternatives like due to ongoing sanctions and blocks. The platform reported exceeding 10.5 million successful daily video streams, underscoring its central role in domestic content consumption. By this period, Aparat had evolved into a multifaceted service, incorporating features that drew gamers and creators, with users preferring it over VPN-dependent foreign platforms for reliability amid connectivity issues. Aparat's growth reflected broader economic viability, with estimates in 2019 valuing the business at around $300 million, driven by advertising and in a market insulated from global competitors. However, this expansion coincided with intensified regulatory pressures, as the platform navigated Iran's stringent content laws requiring removal of material deemed subversive. Key challenges emerged from government-mandated moderation, particularly during periods of unrest. In 2020, Aparat's CEO was imprisoned following the platform's hosting of videos related to the 2019 fuel price protests, resulting in a 10-year sentence under charges of facilitating prohibited content. This incident exemplified the causal risks of operating a major content host in a prioritizing control, where failure to preemptively censor user uploads could lead to personal liability for executives. Similar dynamics played out in the 2022 nationwide protests over Mahsa Amini's death, with authorities imposing content takedowns and temporary throttles that pressured domestic platforms like Aparat to align with oversight, even as they served as primary outlets for permissible expression. U.S.-imposed sanctions have compounded operational hurdles by restricting hardware imports, software updates, and financial transactions, forcing reliance on localized vulnerable to state intervention. Despite these constraints, Aparat's adaptation—through enhanced internal filtering and compliance—has sustained its market lead against emerging rivals like Namasha and , though at the cost of stifled innovation and user trust in an environment of pervasive .

Platform Architecture and Features

Core Video Functionality

Aparat enables users to video files directly to its servers, where they undergo processing for storage and distribution. Uploads are accessible via web interface or mobile applications, with users required to create accounts divided into verified and unverified categories to manage content posting privileges. The platform processes videos for compatibility across devices, supporting playback through players and embeddable iframes for integration into external sites. Core viewing functionality centers on on-demand streaming, allowing registered and anonymous users to search, browse, and watch content categorized by topics such as , , and . Videos stream adaptively based on user bandwidth, with the platform reporting over 10.5 million successful daily streams as of recent metrics. Sharing mechanisms include direct links, integration, and options to facilitate dissemination. Live streaming constitutes a key feature, permitting real-time for events, tutorials, and interactive sessions, which expands beyond static uploads to engage audiences dynamically. Supported playback resolutions extend to full HD (1080p) and higher in select cases, with common output formats like MP4 ensuring broad device compatibility. Basic editing tools accompany uploads, such as trimming and selection, though advanced remains user-side.

User Engagement Tools

Aparat equips users with core interaction mechanisms to foster around video content. Viewers can like videos to signal approval, a feature that aggregates user preferences and influences content recommendations, with platforms reporting high volumes of such interactions—nearly one million likes daily on short-form videos as of August 2025. Comments allow threaded discussions directly under videos, enabling feedback, questions, and debates among users and creators. Sharing tools permit users to distribute videos via external links or embeds to social networks and messaging apps, promoting wider dissemination within Iran's digital ecosystem. Subscriptions to channels provide notifications for new uploads, helping users track preferred creators and maintain ongoing engagement without manual searches. These features, integrated into both web and mobile interfaces, support approximately 120,000 daily comments on popular content, underscoring robust user participation. Additional tools include following individual users for personalized feeds and reporting mechanisms for inappropriate content, though the latter ties into broader moderation protocols rather than direct engagement. Unlike global counterparts, Aparat's engagement emphasizes Persian-language interactions and compliance with local norms, limiting certain cross-platform integrations but enhancing relevance for domestic audiences.

Specialized Offerings

Aparat distinguishes itself through specialized offerings that address local needs in , including live streaming for real-time content delivery. Launched as a core extension, Aparat Live enables broadcasters to stream events, music performances, and feeds directly on the platform, with dedicated channels such as AparatMusic providing 24-hour loops of licensed Iranian music videos and partnerships with outlets like the Iranian Student Agency (ISNA) for live coverage. This functionality supports over 10.5 million daily video streams, adapting to bandwidth constraints and regulatory preferences in a sanctions-affected environment. A dedicated kids section curates age-appropriate videos, emphasizing safe, educational, and content for children, which integrates with the platform's broader ecosystem to offer filtered access amid limited alternatives to blocked global services. This feature aligns with Aparat's role in providing localized, family-oriented media, including government-backed channels for announcements and cultural programming. The platform further specializes in categorized content hubs for educational tutorials, sports events like highlights, and niche genres such as religious or nationalistic videos, which thrive due to user uploads and algorithmic promotion tailored to Persian-speaking audiences. These offerings facilitate through targeted ads and creator tools, while complying with domestic content policies that prioritize verifiable, non-subversive material over unrestricted global uploads.

Content Moderation and Regulatory Compliance

Internal Moderation Mechanisms

Aparat maintains internal content moderation through a combination of user reporting and platform review processes, as outlined in its community guidelines. Users can report violations by submitting tickets with supporting evidence, after which Aparat staff evaluate the content for compliance with platform rules and Iranian legal standards. Violations include harmful, harassing, spammy material, copyright infringements, and content breaching societal norms or laws, leading to actions such as video removal, upload restrictions, or account suspensions. The platform enforces penalties progressively, starting with content deletion and escalating to temporary or permanent bans for repeated offenses, while holding users legally accountable for their uploads. Account owners are responsible for managing their own videos and comments, with Aparat reserving the right to intervene by blocking or removing non-compliant elements without prior notice. For instance, on July 23, 2020, Aparat proactively removed videos related to the "Momo" challenge, citing risks to public safety. These mechanisms emphasize user-generated reports and manual review over automated tools, though specifics on staff size or algorithmic assistance remain undisclosed in public documentation. Content must avoid duplicates, unauthorized reproductions, or downloads from other users, with guidelines prohibiting thumbnails, links, or comments that violate rules to foster a safe environment. Inactive accounts risk blocking after three years, but full channel deletions are not performed.

Government Oversight and Censorship

Aparat operates under the regulatory framework of Iran's and Islamic Guidance and other state bodies, requiring compliance with laws prohibiting content deemed immoral, politically subversive, or contrary to Islamic principles, such as depictions of unveiled women, criticism of the , or promotion of Western cultural influences. This oversight ensures that videos violating these standards are removed or blocked, with the platform's internal aligning closely with state directives to avoid penalties. As a domestic alternative to blocked foreign services like , Aparat benefits from preferential data tariffs and promotion by authorities, incentivizing user adoption while enforcing to maintain operational continuity. Enforcement of government oversight has included direct interventions against Aparat's leadership. In October 2020, Mohammad Javad Shakuri Moghadam, the platform's founder and manager, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for facilitating content uploaded by a user that violated Iranian regulations, highlighting the liability platform operators face for user-generated material. Such cases underscore the Iranian regime's strategy of holding domestic platforms accountable for non-compliance, often through judicial actions by entities like the , which monitors online spaces for threats to national security. This system limits user expression, as content on Aparat is systematically filtered to exclude socially or politically sensitive topics, such as protests against the regime or discussions of abuses, rendering the platform a controlled rather than an open forum. Despite these restrictions, Aparat's popularity stems from its accessibility within Iran's filtered internet, where foreign video sites remain throttled or inaccessible, effectively channeling online video consumption into state-supervised channels. In October 2020, Mohammad Javad Shakouri-Moghadam, the founder and CEO of Aparat, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by Iranian judicial authorities. The conviction arose from a user-uploaded video on the platform that featured an interview with children discussing topics related to , which prosecutors argued violated Iran's laws on promoting immorality and corrupting youth. Despite Aparat's implementation of filters and removal processes, the court deemed the company's leadership responsible for inadequate oversight in preventing the video's upload and initial dissemination. The case underscored the platform's vulnerability to retroactive liability under Iran's Computer Crimes Law and related statutes, which impose criminal penalties on service providers for deemed offensive or contrary to Islamic moral standards, even after post-upload removal. Shakouri-Moghadam's sentence, reported as non-appealable in initial accounts, exemplified how domestic platforms, unlike fully blocked foreign alternatives like , face heightened accountability to state regulators, potentially incentivizing preemptive . Following the verdict, Aparat continued operations without interruption, but the incident prompted internal adjustments to protocols, including enhanced AI-driven scanning and manual reviews for sensitive keywords. No public financial penalties were imposed on the company itself, though the contributed to temporary disruptions in strategic decision-making. The event has been cited by observers as evidence of the Iranian judiciary's expansive interpretation of platform liability, deterring in features amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

Economic Model

Revenue Streams and Advertising

Aparat derives its principal revenue from , encompassing video-integrated ads, display banners, and promotional placements displayed alongside . The platform's advertising operations are managed by SabaVision, its parent entity's dedicated agency, which facilitates targeted ad formats including pre-roll videos, post-roll call-to-action banners, and "Aparat Video Boosting" for enhanced visibility to specific demographics. Complementing standard ads, Aparat offers premium content packages such as full sponsorships, endorsements, product placements, and branded entertainment, which have garnered over 20 million unique views since . These initiatives leverage the platform's video-centric to deliver advertiser value amid restrictions on international alternatives like . As of March 2020, Aparat enabled for 2,030 channels via video production , typically tied to ad impressions and view counts, allowing creators to earn based on content performance. This model supports the platform's scale, with 32 million daily video views and over 45 million users reported at that time, amplifying ad inventory and CPM potential. Video ads dominate Aparat's format offerings, aligning with broader Iranian where such ads constituted a top category, bolstered by 86% mobile-driven video ad share in 2019–2020. Peak engagement occurs during late evenings (10:30 p.m. to midnight), particularly on Wednesdays, optimizing ad delivery efficiency. Earlier from indicate 18 million average daily video plays, underscoring sustained as a revenue foundation.

Monetization for Creators

Aparat offers a revenue-sharing program for eligible content creators, allowing them to earn from advertisements displayed on their videos. Creators must produce original content as the primary owner, excluding reposts, edits, or subtitled uploads from monetization. Eligibility requires at least 200 followers and 3,000 watch hours accumulated over the preceding three months. Applications are submitted through the platform's , with no age restrictions applied. Under the program, creators receive 50% to 70% of ad revenue generated from their videos, with shares determined monthly based on viewer metrics. An dashboard provides creators with detailed statistics on earnings and performance. Additional incentives exist for educational content, offering supplementary payments evaluated by volume, , and viewership. Withdrawals occur via bank transfer once earnings reach a minimum of 400,000 Iranian rials, processed within seven working days upon request. In 2023, Aparat creators collectively earned approximately 1.2 million U.S. dollars through this system, reflecting a 25% increase from the prior year and indicating growing participation in content monetization. The program supports diverse creators, including those in gaming and streaming, who leverage Aparat's domestic infrastructure to generate income amid international platform restrictions. Compliance with guidelines, particularly regarding original content, is enforced to maintain program integrity.

Social and Cultural Role

Content Ecosystem and User Base

Aparat's content ecosystem revolves around user-generated videos in Persian, encompassing music clips, educational tutorials, personal vlogs, sketches, and religious sermons, which reflect cultural preferences in where Western platforms like are restricted. Users upload original footage, repost clips, and organize material into channels, fostering a mix of amateur and semi-professional contributions that prioritize local relevance over global trends. Short-form videos, introduced as "Aparat Shorts," have surged in popularity, achieving over 90 million daily views within four months of launch by August 2025, signaling a shift toward bite-sized, mobile-optimized content akin to but tailored to Iranian audiences. The platform's user base consists predominantly of Iranian nationals, with high penetration due to its status as the top domestic video-sharing site amid filtering. Daily engagement metrics highlight robust activity, including 10.5 million successful video streams as of recent reports, positioning Aparat within the global top 200 websites by traffic. In the six months ending October 2024, users generated over 9.6 billion visits and consumed 70 billion minutes of content, underscoring sustained viewership despite economic pressures and bandwidth limitations in . Earlier data from March 2020 recorded 32 million daily views, indicating growth in scale over time. Interaction features such as comments, likes, and subscriptions enable , though content discovery relies heavily on algorithmic recommendations and trending sections that amplify popular domestic genres like and news recaps. This ecosystem supports creators through visibility tools, but user demographics skew toward younger, urban Iranians seeking alternatives to , with engagement peaking around and educational uploads that comply with local norms.

Influence on Iranian Media Landscape

Aparat has emerged as a pivotal force in Iran's media landscape, primarily by filling the void created by government blocks on international platforms like since , thereby centralizing video consumption within a domestically controlled ecosystem. As Iran's leading video-sharing service, it hosts diverse in Persian, including educational tutorials, music clips, vlogs, and news segments, which has diversified options beyond the state-dominated broadcast that historically monopolized visual media. This shift has enabled greater accessibility to localized media, with Aparat reporting over 10.5 million daily video streams, positioning it among the top websites globally for Iranian users. The platform's influence is quantified by its massive engagement metrics: between and 2024, it garnered 9.63 billion visits and 70 billion minutes of video consumption, reflecting its integration into everyday media habits amid restricted foreign alternatives. This scale has empowered independent creators and fostered a nascent content economy, allowing Iranians to produce and consume region-specific material that resonates culturally, such as Persian-language gaming livestreams and citizen-uploaded event footage, which circulates during social unrest to supplement official reporting. By promoting user-driven narratives, Aparat has subtly eroded the exclusivity of like IRIB, contributing to a hybrid landscape where digital platforms handle a significant portion of non-traditional content delivery. Despite these expansions, Aparat's role reinforces regulatory boundaries, as its aligns with national policies, limiting politically sensitive material and channeling discourse toward permissible topics, which sustains government influence over the broader media narrative. This controlled pluralism has implications for formation, with surveys indicating that while 68% of Iranians frequently engage with equivalents, platforms like Aparat serve as vetted gateways that prioritize domestic production over unfiltered global input, thereby shaping cultural consumption patterns in favor of state-approved diversity. In essence, Aparat's dominance has accelerated the transition from analog to digital hybrids, but under oversight that prevents full liberalization, maintaining a media environment where coexists with ideological .

Controversies and Criticisms

Allegations of State Control and Propaganda

Aparat has faced allegations of functioning as an instrument of state control due to its integration into Iran's censored infrastructure. The platform receives substantial government subsidies, estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars, to facilitate high-speed domestic video streaming as a substitute for blocked foreign services like , which has been inaccessible since 2006. This support includes preferential lower tariff rates, incentivizing users to shift from international platforms to Aparat and thereby consolidating traffic within government-monitored networks. Critics, including organizations, argue this setup enhances regime oversight, as Aparat's operations align with the project aimed at restricting access to unapproved content. Content moderation on Aparat is mandated to comply with Iranian cyber laws, leading to swift removal of material deemed politically sensitive upon government directives. In February 2016, for instance, Aparat deleted the entire channel of Monitor, a project by advocacy group tracking parliamentary sessions, following an official order, despite no violation of platform rules being cited. Such actions underscore allegations that Aparat prioritizes state directives over user-generated expression, with all audiovisual content requiring prior licensing from the Audio Visual Regulatory Authority to operate legally. Domestic platforms like Aparat are reportedly linked to intelligence services, enabling without independent safeguards, which fuels claims of it serving as a tool for preemptive control rather than neutral hosting. Regarding propaganda, detractors contend Aparat amplifies official narratives while marginalizing , functioning as a vector for state ideology in a landscape where foreign alternatives are filtered. The platform hosts extensive pro-government videos, including those from , benefiting from algorithmic promotion and reduced data costs that discourage VPN use for external sites. During periods of unrest, such as the and 2022 protests, Aparat has been accused of selectively preserving regime-aligned footage while expeditiously purging opposition uploads, aligning with broader efforts to shape public discourse. Reports from monitors highlight its role in disseminating content that conforms to red lines on topics like religion, politics, and morality, thereby embedding under the guise of localized accessibility. These practices, while defended by Aparat's operators as legal compliance, are viewed by external analysts as evidence of toward state interests over impartiality.

Impacts on Free Speech and User Privacy

Aparat, as a domestic video-sharing platform operating under Iran's stringent regulatory framework, significantly constrains free speech by mandating compliance with laws prohibiting content deemed threatening to , public morality, or Islamic values. The platform routinely removes videos that criticize the , highlight abuses, or discuss taboo social issues, often in response to direct orders from authorities enforcing the Computer Crimes Law of 2009, which grants broad powers to censor material accused of spreading "lies" or offending sensibilities. For instance, in 2016, Aparat deleted the entire channel of ASL19, a nonprofit monitoring parliamentary activities, shortly after its launch, citing a government directive under the same law, thereby stifling independent oversight of legislative proceedings. Such actions reflect Aparat's integration into the National Information Network (NIN), Iran's state-controlled , which prioritizes filtered domestic services over unhindered global access, resulting in by creators to avoid legal repercussions like fines, content bans, or imprisonment. This censorship extends to user-generated content on political protests, ethnic minority rights, or women's issues, where videos are preemptively moderated or retroactively purged to align with regime directives, effectively muting dissent in a country where independent media outlets face similar suppressions. In 2020, Aparat's CEO, Mohammad Javad Shakouri Moghaddam, received a 10-year prison sentence on charges related to content violations, underscoring the platform's vulnerability to prosecutorial pressure and deterring uploads of controversial material. Users risk not only content removal but also identification and prosecution, as Iranian law criminalizes online expression challenging the theocratic system, with penalties including up to two years in prison for "false" information under proposed cyber bills. Regarding user privacy, Aparat's operations within the NIN expose participants to pervasive state , where service providers and platforms are required to retain user data logs for potential handover to agencies. The platform's adherence to domestic laws facilitates monitoring of uploaders and viewers, particularly those engaging with sensitive topics, as authorities deploy tools like to track IP addresses and metadata without user consent. This environment heightens risks for , with reports indicating that Iranian platforms, including Aparat, contribute to a system where online activities can trigger arrests or extralegal harassment, as evidenced by broader crackdowns during protests where user data aids in targeting dissidents. Unlike global platforms with stronger options, Aparat lacks robust safeguards, making it a vector for regime control rather than user protection, though it avoids the outright blocks faced by foreign alternatives like .

International Perceptions and Sanctions Effects

Internationally, Aparat is viewed as a domestically developed substitute for restricted global platforms like , serving as part of 's efforts to localize internet services and enforce content controls under national laws that prohibit politically or socially sensitive material. and assessments portray it as emblematic of the Islamic Republic's digital authoritarianism, where state oversight ensures alignment with regime priorities, including the promotion of approved narratives and suppression of dissent. The platform's second-most-visited status in underscores its success in filling a void left by blocked foreign services, yet this domestic dominance is critiqued abroad for facilitating and rather than open expression. A pivotal event shaping external perceptions occurred in October 2020, when Aparat's founder and manager, Mohammad Javad Shakuri Moghadam, received a 10-year sentence for "encouraging on earth" over a user-uploaded video questioning children's origins about their birth—a clip removed within an hour of posting. This case, documented in global watchdog reports, illustrates the precarious of Iranian platforms, signaling to international observers that even cooperative entities face punitive measures for perceived lapses in , thereby reinforcing Aparat's image as an instrument of state coercion rather than neutral infrastructure. U.S. sanctions, reimposed comprehensively since 2018 and blocking nearly all trade, financial dealings, and technology transfers with , impose indirect constraints on Aparat by curtailing access to U.S.-dominated global supply chains for hardware, software, and cloud services essential for video hosting and streaming scalability. These measures have exacerbated Iran's economic —marked by a 25% cut in 2019 amid broader fiscal strain—limiting domestic tech investments and forcing Aparat to depend on sanctioned or alternative sources, potentially hindering innovation and quality compared to international peers. Despite this, Aparat has not faced direct designations or enforcement actions under sanctions frameworks, allowing operational continuity within Iran's National Information Network and insulating it from targeted disruptions that affect export-oriented entities. The platform's inward orientation thus mitigates severe impacts, though overcompliance by foreign firms further isolates Iranian digital ecosystems from global integration.

Current Status and Developments

Market Position and Statistics

Aparat occupies a dominant position in Iran's domestic video-sharing market, functioning as the primary alternative to international platforms like , which face government-imposed restrictions and filtering. This has positioned Aparat as one of the most visited websites in the country, with content subject to fewer access barriers and lower data tariffs compared to foreign services. Its growth reflects broader trends in Iran's , where local platforms fill voids created by sanctions and controls, capturing a significant share of video consumption amid a population of approximately 85 million users as of 2025. In the six months ending October 2024, Aparat recorded over 9.63 billion user visits and 70 billion minutes of video views, indicating monthly averages exceeding 1.6 billion visits and substantial daily engagement. The platform's audience skews heavily male at 83.27%, with the largest demographic being users aged 25-34, aligning with Iran's young, urban internet population. By March 2020, Aparat had established itself as the leading Iranian video-sharing service, with viewer numbers growing at an average annual rate of 23% since , driven by advertising and . Monetization data highlights Aparat's economic scale: content creators collectively earned nearly 1.2 million USD in 2023, with eight top earners surpassing 77,000 USD each, primarily through ad . While exact company revenues remain undisclosed, the platform supports hundreds of millions of video advertisements annually, contributing to an adtech ecosystem valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars by 2019 estimates. These figures underscore Aparat's entrenched role, though its market is constrained by Iran's overall online streaming sector, projected to grow amid rising penetration but limited by and infrastructure challenges.

Technological Adaptations and Future Prospects

Aparat has scaled its to accommodate substantial user growth, supporting 74 million unique monthly users through optimized video hosting and delivery systems tailored to domestic network conditions. This adaptation includes robust tools for video uploading, sharing, and categorization, enabling efficient handling of diverse content genres amid Iran's filtering and bandwidth constraints. A key technological development occurred with the introduction of a (DSP) around 2021-2022, which facilitates targeted by allowing advertisers to manage campaigns, analyze performance, and distribute content across Aparat's network using data analytics. This feature enhances precision in ad placement based on user behavior, contributing to the platform's while maintaining operational from international services. Looking ahead, Aparat's prospects hinge on alignment with Iran's national technological self-sufficiency drives, including the rollout of a domestic AI platform in 2025 aimed at bolstering and infrastructure. Potential integrations could involve AI for improved content recommendations and automated moderation, though specific plans remain undisclosed; these would address scalability challenges and in a sanctioned environment.

References

  1. https://www.sabaidea.com/en/products
  2. https://ir.linkedin.com/company/sabaidea
  3. https://drgraphic.net/en/getting-to-know-the-aparat/
  4. https://financialtribune.com/articles/sci-tech/111947/aparat-top-video-sharing-outlet-namasha-lowest-in-users-ranking
  5. https://www.afpc.org/uploads/documents/Iran_Strategy_Brief_No._16_-_August_2025.pdf
  6. https://www.sabaidea.com/en/press/550-aparat%252C-a-business-that-costs-%2524-300-million
  7. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13510347.2025.2514766
  8. https://tracxn.com/d/companies/aparat/__gjmohM-BRqVnFC34nc_bXpmSOR2OeXi_L5EPBNTl13A
  9. https://ir.linkedin.com/in/mjshakouri
  10. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/aparat-next-big-thing-iran-mohammadreza-azali
  11. https://zigma8.com/blog/how-aparat-is-changing-the-way-we-see-online-advertising-in-iran/
  12. https://techrasa.com/2016/02/06/aparat-is-the-next-big-thing-in-iran/
  13. https://techrasa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Iran-AdTech-Overview-2018.pdf
  14. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/iran/publication/economic-outlook-april-2018
  15. https://www.aparat.com/en/10.5
  16. https://ideaagency.net/aparat-vs-youtube-navigating-the-iranian-gaming-scene-and-streaming-platforms/
  17. http://www.us-iran.org/resources/2017/7/3/myth-vs-fact-censorship-in-iran-wkm3w-33ctg
  18. https://freedomhouse.org/country/iran/freedom-net/2024
  19. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/iransource/to-help-the-iranian-people-reverse-tech-sanctions-asap/
  20. https://itroz.com/en/blog/best-video-sharing-sites/
  21. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/32777043/android-show-aparat-videos-in-the-application
  22. https://www.adsoftheworld.com/campaigns/hey-there-you-re-on-aparat
  23. https://www.allavsoft.com/how-to/download-aparat-videos.html
  24. https://iranian-alternatives.ir/categories/video-platform/
  25. https://ideaagency.net/aparat-shorts-videos-set-a-record/
  26. https://netrange.com/netrange-mmh-gmbh-unveils-aparat-leading-video-sharing-platform-its-smart-tv-portal
  27. https://www.pgyer.com/apk/apk/com.aparat
  28. https://www.aparat.com/live
  29. http://netrange.com/netrange-mmh-gmbh-unveils-aparat-leading-video-sharing-platform-its-smart-tv-portal
  30. https://www.aparat.com/community-guideline
  31. https://www.farsnews.ir/news/13990730000639
  32. https://mtlj.usc.ac.ir/article_193106.html?lang=en
  33. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/iran-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-social-media-surveillance-and-sur-place-activities-iran-april-2025-accessible
  34. https://freedomhouse.org/country/iran/freedom-net/2023
  35. https://freedomhouse.org/country/iran/freedom-net/2021
  36. https://www.rferl.org/a/iranian-youtube-ceo-sentenced-to-10-years-over-video-uploaded-by-user/30913476.html
  37. https://freedomhouse.org/country/iran/freedom-net/2022
  38. https://techrasa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Iran-AdTech-Report-2020.pdf
  39. https://www.aparat.com/income
  40. https://ideaagency.net/aparat-users-earned-almost-1-2-million-dollors-last-year/
  41. https://wanaen.com/irans-gaming-industry-challenges/
  42. https://ideaagency.net/aparat-70-billion-minutes-in-6-months/
  43. https://en.everybodywiki.com/Aparat
  44. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/report/iranians-on-socialmedia/
  45. https://gamaan.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GAMAAN-Media-Survey-2023-English.pdf
  46. https://www.wired.com/2016/09/how-iran-is-building-its-censorship-friendly-domestic-internet/
  47. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-iran-is-building-its-censorship-friendly-domestic_b_57e55481e4b05d3737be59f6
  48. https://iranhumanrights.org/2025/07/iran-proposed-cyber-bill-gives-authorities-sweeping-new-powers-to-block-and-punish-online-content/
  49. https://iranhumanrights.org/2018/01/ir2017-background/
  50. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/international-sanctions-iran
  51. https://2017-2021.state.gov/the-importance-of-sanctions-on-iran/
  52. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-48119109
  53. https://ofac.treasury.gov/sanctions-programs-and-country-information/iran-sanctions
  54. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/05/iran-unilateral-sanctions-and-overcompliance-constitute-serious-threat-human
  55. https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2025-iran
  56. https://www.similarweb.com/website/aparat.com/
  57. https://www.6wresearch.com/industry-report/iran-online-streaming-platform-market
  58. https://www.sabavision.com/fa
  59. https://alicut.me/case-study/designing-the-dsp/
  60. https://tvbrics.com/en/news/iran-unveils-national-ai-platform-to-boost-tech-infrastructure-and-data-security/
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