Gone are the times when getting access to any video content is restricted only through broadcasting networks. But as we develop, we get to experience things that were not imaginable before. Now, we are in an age where technology has changed many things and internet-activated devices are all available. All this has changed the entertainment sectors, the growing popularity and increasing use of OTT platforms are proving the arrival of a new age that is quite fast, easily accessible, and available at any place with an internet connection.
What is OTT?
Over-the-top platforms are the new generation platform that is accessible at any place and any time. All that it requires is a reliable internet connection to access all the content available on the platform. The platform delivers content using the internet, directly to the customer. In the past times, it was the responsibility of the cable TV providers to bring access to the platform but with the recent development, OTT platforms are providing content direct-to-customers. Some of the major OTT players are Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and so on. Amongst a number of OTT platforms, the top OTT providers are:
Netflix
Netflix is the most popular streaming OTT platform in India amongst other platforms available throughout the world. The platform offers four diverse subscription options for users which include a Mobile plan, a Basic plan, a Standard, and a Premium plan. The mobile plan costs Rs 149 per month and the plan is accessible over tablets and mobile with 480p video streaming quality, it also has a plan of Rs 199 basic subscription plan, and the plan of Rs 499 provides multiple screen support to the users.
The OTT platform has got immense support over the other streaming platforms but it is all in recent times that the platform is facing tough competition from other streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Voot, Eros Now, Hotstar, etc. which has been giving tough competition in recent years. It is considered in the top 10 OTT platforms all due to the quality content and the attractive user interface.
Disney+ Hotstar
Disney+ Hotstar is an Indian OTT or over-the-top streaming service. The services are owned by Novi Digital Entertainment. It offers two different subscription plans- the first is “VIP” which by and large focuses on domestic programs and some sports content (including IPL cricket), and “Premium” which has international television series and films (all these include American original series).
The platform comes among the Top 10 OTT streaming services in India because of its pricing and availability of a wide range of content. The platform has Mobile plans of Rs 499, a Super plan of Rs 899, and a Premium plan of Rs 1,499. Each of the plans has a validity of 1 year that has different benefits for different plans.
With a mobile plan, you can get access to the content of the platform on only one device at a time with a video quality of 720p video quality and stereo audio quality. The Super plan provides accessibility of content on two devices at a time with Dolby 5.1 audio quality and 1080p video quality. The last Premium plan will give you access to the content over four devices at a time with Dolby 5.1 audio quality and 4K video quality.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is amongst the most popular streaming services in India. It came into action in 2016 and till now is on the list of top 10 OTT platforms in the country. Other than providing content in English, the platform also provides content in six different languages. Above all, the platform is increasing its reach day by day. In 2018, it launched its own Music Platform named Amazon Prime Music.
The active tactic used by the platform includes providing a free Amazon music platform with quick and free product delivery from the company. The platform has segregated the plans into three different categories- it all starts with monthly plans which cost Rs 179, includes a 3-month plan that costs Rs 459, and goes up to annual plans that cost Rs 1499.
Sony Liv
Sony Liv app is amongst the reputed OTT platforms in India. With this platform, the company has made the content of 18 years accessible to its viewers.
The platform has a number of shows that show the increased inclination of the viewer to the content provided by the platform. Some of the popular shows include Shark Tank India, The Kapil Sharma Show, Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chasma, and so on. Live streaming comes along the way over this platform. Streaming of the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, UEFA Europa League, etc. is amongst the content that is streamed live on this platform.
The platform provides mostly free-to-watch content & some popular channels like Sony SAB, Sony Entertainment, Sony Max, Sony Six, Sony Yay, etc. are available for free. It also provides some premium channels such as Sony TEN 1, 2, and 3 to its customers. The plans of the platforms start from Rs 299 for a month, Rs 699 for six months, and go up to Rs 999 for yearly packs.
MX Player
MX player is developed by MX Media & Entertainment that provides video-on-demand and streaming services to the viewers. The platform currently has an ad-supported model and has a library of around 150,000 hours across 12 different languages. It has over 280 million users throughout the world. The platform is accessible on the web, iOS, and Android devices. In 2018, the major stake of the platform was acquired by Time Internet. The platform has a number of web series that has gathered a fan base, some of the famous web series are Campus Diaries, Indori Ishq, Bhaukal, and so on.
EROS Now
EROS Now is owned and under the control of Eros Digital. It is the Indian subsidiary of Eros STX (an American MNC). The OTT video streaming platform was launched in 2012 and since its inception, it has been providing unlimited entertainment for viewers of different genres. It has a wide variety of content for the entertainment of the viewers of different platforms. Some of the original web series of the platform are A Viral wedding, Smoke, Date Gone Wrong, and a few others. The platform has different available plans for the viewers. The plans are starting from Rs 99 per month while the annual pack is Rs 399.
Voot
Voot is also the platform that brings free-of-cost content for users. These contents are by the television channel Colors. The platform is powered by Viacom18, which is also the biggest television channel production platform.
The application has various popular shows where one can get access to all the serials of Colors TV, unseen footage of Biggboss including much content. Asur is the most-watched web series in Voot Select. The platform has a subscription pack of Rs 99 for a month. On the other hand, the platform has an annual subscription pack of Rs 299.
ALTBalaji
The platform is wholly under the control of Balaji Telefilms Limited. Launched in the year of 2017, the platform content is available in multiple genres including romance, drama, crime, thrillers, and so on. Other than this, the platform provides content in multiple languages. It has a number of remarkable works that include content like Moksh to May, Bichoo, It Happened In Calcutta and many more. Apart from the available content, the OTT platform can be viewed in 32 different interfaces that include Web Browsers, Tablets, Desktops, Windows, and Android TV.
Zee5
The Zee5 OTT platform is an over-the-top platform that provides OTT streaming services and video-on-demand services for viewers. The platform came under action in 2018 and provides video content in 12 different languages. It is run by Zee Entertainment Enterprises. It has gained immense popularity with the release of the series “Scam-1992”. The platform provides streaming services and video-on-demand content that can be accessed on the Web, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, etc.
Without any question, Zee5 is the platform that has been growing immensely in the field of OTT. It has gathered a dedicated audience base since it has the availability of TV content from the past. Apart from this, the platform also provides some regional movies and shows for the viewers. The subscription pack of the platform starts from Rs 99. Other plans include a 3-month subscription with Rs 299 for 2 screens. For those who want to get it on 3 screens, they can opt for a plan of Rs 399.
Shemaroo
An Indian digital platform, Shemaroo was founded in 1962 by Mr. Budhhichand Maroo. At its initial time, the platform was majorly working as a book circulating library. But later turned into the first video rental business in India. One can watch web series, movies, Music videos, and kid shows. The top contents include Filmi Flashback, sector 13 Ka Kitty Club, Baaten Suni Ansuni, and many others.
OTT platforms are ruling the industry. It is no longer a platform accessible by some particular sector of society. With a wide variety of options, one can go for any platform that is suitable for their taste and requirements. In the rural areas, the accessibility of the platform all due to the cheaper data plans. The availability of cellular data and smartphones at affordable prices has given huge support to the popularity of the platform. In short, OTT and OTT services are experiencing a huge surge and will escalate in the near future.
[…] Why do you need an enterprise video streaming platform? Is it a productivity tool to share product information, amongst teams? Is it a learning tool? Is […]
[…] the arrival of online TV series, there is a tremendous increase in the audience. OTT platforms are getting popular. Netflix shows have always amazed people with the content of different genres. […]
[…] of the work. India is turning into a place full of video creators whether on YouTube, Instagram, or any other platform. These are the first choice of any initial creator since these are easily accessible, freely […]
[…] Online video platforms have evolved significantly, both in terms of the richness of their offerings and in the uses they are put to, over the last two decades. It is undoubtedly an accepted fact that an audio video content on video platforms is able to explain a concept much more effectively than pure theory. Although video content started taking shape primarily for entertainment purposes in the early years, they have transformed into a more serious business over the last decade. While companies such as Microsoft, Apply, Real Networks were some of the early adopters and contributors in this space, the last few years have seen tremendous growth with open source and other commercial players including Kaltura, Ooyala, Brightcove, Cisco etc. […]