OTT platforms are, nowadays the ultimate source of entertainment and why it has turned into an ultimate choice can be understood while understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the OTT platforms. There are a number of advantages that overpowers the disadvantages of the OTT platforms. OTT or over-the-top platforms provide an opportunity to get entertained whenever you want with a streaming compatible device and reliable internet connection.
Over-the-top refers to one of the media distribution methods that have arrived as an alternative to traditional cable TV and satellite. All the over-the-top content delivery is done through the internet. The platform provides immense entertainment opportunities and at the same time, it has several limitations that push it back from being the most acceptable way of getting entertained.
Top OTT Players In The Market
There are many OTT players competing in the market at the international, national, and regional levels. And one can see the diversity in the content available on the platform.
Some of the international streaming players include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, etc. Some of the national players include Zee5, MX Player, ALTBalaji, Arre, etc. Apart from these international and national players, there are several regional players entertaining the audience which include Aha (Telugu), Sun NXT (Malayalam), Hoichoi (Bengali), etc.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of OTT Platforms
Some of the major advantages and disadvantages of OTT platforms are listed below:
Advantages Of OTT Platforms
Handy Choice
OTT platforms have come as a handy choice for the audience since one can watch the content whenever and wherever they want. The best thing about the OTT platforms is their availability at any time and to a wide range of locations. All that it requires is an OTT-compatible device and internet connection with a decent speed.
Reasonable Cost
The cost of the OTT entertainment platforms is much more affordable than any traditional method of entertainment. Unlike traditional cable and satellite connections, OTT is the most affordable choice for viewers to watch diverse content of international, national, and regional creators. Many provide subscriptions starting at 200 per month while there are other platforms that can be accessible for free.
High-Quality And Diverse Content
OTT platforms are full of high-quality content in several languages. Language for them is not an issue since most platforms provide content in a range of languages. This is due to the increase in the creators’ world and the growth of the regional talents that are helping in bringing originality and authenticity to the content.
Flexibility
Streaming has made entertainment accessible at any time. One can watch the streaming content at their convenience. The flexibility provided by the platform has helped it to get the preference over any other method of getting entertained.
Disadvantages Of OTT Platforms
Internet Is The Need
Internet is a prerequisite to access the OTT platforms. As per the data provided by Statista, the Internet penetration rate in India is around 47 percent in 2021. It shows that nearly half the population of the country can access the internet connection and at the same time, it shows that more than half of the population out of 1.37 billion people do not have access to the internet. This presents the gap that the country carries and therefore shows the partition in accessing the OTT platforms.
Privacy And Security Issues
Privacy and security are the points of concern for the viewers. The information saved on the streaming platform should be secured with the platform and it should not be exploited for any illicit reasons during and after the use of the OTT platform.
Addictive
OTT live streaming is indeed turned into an addiction since it provides comfort in using the platform. The accessibility of the platform at any time has turned into the weakness of the audience and has become an addition for the younger generation.
These are some of the major points that present the advantages and disadvantages of OTT platforms. To some, it has become a platform to explore and experience new things while to it is not even accessible.