Hey hustlers, it's Precious — I used to spend a lot every month on subscriptions I barely used. That stops today.
How much do you currently spend every month on entertainment, cable subscription, Netflix, YouTube Premium, DSTV, or GOtv?
For me, it used to be around ₦18,000 – ₦22,000 combined. That’s a lot of money.
One day I got tired of watching my money disappear on subscriptions I wasn’t even using fully. So I started looking for a cheaper (or completely free) way to watch live TV, news, sports, and movies.
That’s when I discovered free public IPTV playlists working perfectly with VLC Media Player.
After testing it properly for a few months, I can confidently say this one change has helped me cut my entertainment bills by over ₦15,000 every single month.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how I did it, the step-by-step process, the best playlists I use, and my honest thoughts as a thrifty hustler in Port Harcourt.
Why This Matters for Salary Earners and Side Hustlers
In 2026 Nigeria, every thousand naira counts.
When you’re trying to save for emergencies, grow your side hustles, or simply survive on a tight salary, paying heavy monthly subscriptions for TV feels like money down the drain, especially when you don’t watch everything.
Free IPTV through VLC has become one of my smartest “thrifty living” hacks. It allows me to watch hundreds of channels (news, sports, movies, African channels, cartoons, etc.) without paying a subscription fee.
How I Set It Up (Simple Step-by-Step)
Don't worry, these steps are easier than it looks
Step 1: Install VLC Media Player
Go to the official website: videolan.org
Download and install the latest version for your laptop (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
It’s completely free and lightweight.
Step 2: Get a Good Public IPTV Playlist
The best source right now is the iptv-org GitHub repository.
Recommended playlists:
Main all-channels playlist: https://iptv-org.github.io/iptv/index.m3u
Nigeria-specific: https://iptv-org.github.io/iptv/countries/ng.m3u
Step 3: Load the Playlist in VLC
Open VLC
Click Media → Open Network Stream (or press Ctrl + N)
Paste the M3U playlist URL
Click Play
VLC will load the channels. It may take a few seconds to a minute depending on your internet speed.
Step 4: Browse and Watch
Press Ctrl + L to open the playlist view
Scroll through hundreds of channels and click any one to start watching
My Real Results After Switching
Monthly entertainment cost dropped from ₦18,000+ to almost zero
I still watch live sports, news, movies, and local channels
I no longer feel guilty about “wasting money” on subscriptions I barely use
The money I save now goes into my emergency fund and side hustle capital
Important Things to Know
Pros:
Completely free (after the initial setup)
Huge variety of channels from different countries
Works on laptop (and VLC mobile app too)
No monthly subscription pressure
Cons & Real Talk:
Stream quality and availability can change anytime (some channels go offline)
You need stable internet for smooth playback
Picture quality is not always as sharp as paid cable
Some streams may contain content that is not officially licensed, use responsibly and legally
My Practical Tips for Best Experience
Start with smaller playlists (country or category specific), they load faster
Use a strong internet connection, especially when watching live sports
Save your favourite playlists inside VLC for quick access next time
Have a backup playlist ready because streams can go down
Combine it with your existing Netflix or cable if you can afford both
Final Thrifty Advice
In this tough economy, we have to be intentional with every naira we spend. Cutting unnecessary subscriptions is one of the easiest ways to free up money for more important things, savings, side hustles, or emergency funds.
Free IPTV through VLC isn’t perfect, but it has helped me save over ₦15,000 monthly without feeling like I’m missing out on entertainment.
What about you?
How much do you currently spend on cable or streaming services every month?
Would you consider switching to free IPTV to save money?
Drop your honest thoughts and experiences in the comments below. I read every single one.
If this post helped you see a practical way to cut expenses, share it with friends and family who are also trying to stretch their money further in 2026.
Stay thrifty, stay smart with your spending, and keep hustling!
0 Comments