Over The Top, (OTT) platforms are an effective media service directly provided to the customers over the internet. During the coronavirus pandemic, there was a nationwide lockdown. Due to this, the shooting of television serials and movies halted. As there was no new and fresh content on television, users have decided to spend lots of time watching web-series on OTT platforms. OTT platforms are quite popular all over the world. OTT platforms do not require cable, broadcasting, television, satellites and this is the biggest advantage. Other advantages of OTT platforms are that they provide web series, movies, short films, and music shows of almost all genres.
There are approximately 40 OTT platforms in India that are providing original content. Even the big-budget movies are turning towards the OTT platform for release. Laxmii, Khuda Haafiz, Gunjan Saxena, Shakuntala Devi, Coolie No.1, Bhuj, The Pride of India, Big Bull to name a few. According to the KBMG reports, the OTT market in India will increase by 45% by 2023. India will be the second biggest OTT market in the world after The United States of America. Let us check out India’s top 10 OTT platforms.
1. Disney+ Hotstar
Hotstar started in the year 2015. Hotstar is India’s highest subscriber OTT platform. Recently they tied up with Walt Disney and became Disney+ Hotstar. This OTT owned by Novi Digital Entertainment which is a subsidiary of Disney Star India. Disney+ Hotstar comes up with two plans namely VIP Plan and Premium Plan. VIP Plan majorly includes Indian web-series, shows, sports, and Indian Premier League (IPL). The Premium Plan focuses on international films and web series. VIP and Premium plan cost is ₹399 and ₹1499 per month respectively.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is one of the most popular streaming platforms in India. Prime Video started in 2016. It is more popular because it is available in six different languages currently. Amazon India also launched Amazon Prime Music in February 2018. Amazon Prime is also more prominent due to its price that is ₹129 per month or ₹999 per year. Along with Amazon Prime Video, the subscription also provides free delivery on selected items on the Amazon website. Due to such extravagant benefits, it attracts a large number of users.
3. Netflix
Netflix is also one of the most popular OTT platforms in India. It operates under the American-based organization Netflix Inc. having the head office in California. Netflix started its streaming services in India in January 2016. Undoubtedly, Netflix shares a tough competition with Amazon Prime Video and other OTT platforms. Netflix has streamed some of the best and most-watched web series all over the world. Coming to the price Netflix is a bit more expensive than other OTT platforms. Netflix has three different plans basic, standard, and premium. The basic plan is for ₹499 per month and ₹5,988 per year. Standard and premium charges are ₹649 and ₹799 per month respectively.
4. Voot
Voot is also an Indian over the top platform operates by Viacom 18. It provides a unique feature named subscription video on demand (SVOD) service. Voot was launched in March 2016. However, Viacom 18 telecast is available only in India. This application is available on iOS, Android, Jio Phones, and web site for desktop users. Voot has been launched in various languages such as Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Gujarati, and Kannada so as to gather a large audience. Viacom has collaborated with Colors TV, MTV Channel, and Nickelodeon India for various programs. Viacom 18 has its own channels also. Voot’s plan cost is also pretty attractive at ₹99 per month and ₹999 per year.
5. ZEE5
ZEE5 is an OTT platform owned by Essel group via its subsidiary ZEE Entertainment Enterprises and has ahead office in Mumbai. ZEE5 was launched in February 2018 in as many as 12 languages. The ZEE5 platform is available in India, Malaysia, and Singapore. ZEE5 recently launched the ZEE5 club which costs ₹365 per year.
