Johannesburg, South Africa – 22 May 2025 – Opera Mini has launched Data Dance – a national campaign focused on data affordability and digital access for South African youth. Bringing South Africa’s dance culture online, Opera invites users to post their dance routine on TikTok under the #operaminidatadance hashtag and win up to five years worth of airtime**.
High data cost leading to real-life difficulties for the youth
According to a recent nationwide survey commissioned by Opera, 62%* of respondents aged 16 to 35 believe that the internet in South Africa is too expensive. Over 86% say that affordable access to the internet could significantly change their lives, with many pointing to education, job opportunities, and access to information as key areas of impact.
Among young users, data constraints are a daily reality. 63% of the respondents said they run out of data at least every other month, while 31% report that it happens every month. As a result, 68% of participants said they feel frustrated, with others citing feelings of disconnection and exclusion. 17% have to stop browsing altogether when they run out of data.
The Opera Mini browser, known for helping users stretch their data through its built-in compression technology and ad blocking, is now offering long-term data support in the form of a social challenge that brings digital opportunity and cultural energy together.
How to join #operaminidatadance
To take part in the campaign, South Africans can record a short dance video using a custom amapiano track which you can find on TikTok’s sounds under the “Opera Mini Data Dance” name. Opera Mini teamed up with African artists to produce an original amapiano track, now available on TikTok for users to dance to and submit their entries. To win airtime, participants should upload their videos to TikTok using the #operaminidatadance hashtag and Opera’s own “Opera Mini Data Dance” amapiano track. The most creative submissions will win up to five years’ worth of airtime—with additional prizes offering three years and six months worth of airtime. The campaign starts on May 22nd and will run for four weeks.
Bridging digital divide in South Africa
The Opera Mini browser is designed for users who need to stretch their limited data packages. Its built-in unique data compression technology reduces webpage size and load times, helping users browse up to 10x longer on the same data package. The browser also offers an Extreme Data Saving mode, blocking ads and limiting image quality to further conserve usage.
Since 2020, Opera has provided millions of gigabytes of airtime in South Africa through its free data campaigns, and continues to invest in ways to support users through both technology and partnerships. Users on MTN can claim 3GB of free monthly data simply by browsing with Opera Mini.
This campaign is the latest step in Opera Mini’s commitment to making mobile internet not just more affordable—but more inclusive, engaging, and relevant to the local culture.
For more information and official rules, visit. Download Opera Mini now!
*The survey was conducted by Opera on 15 May 2025 via the Pollfish platform. It gathered responses from 1,000 participants in South Africa, aged 16 to 35, across all genders.
** Based on a reasonable estimate of average monthly mobile data usage, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year data prizes are calculated to reflect typical airtime consumption over those periods. Read more here