The over-the-top media services also commonly known as OTT platforms have become popular across the globe and in India too. This OTT media service is basically a streaming media service that is directly offered to the viewers via the internet. Earlier the cable broadcast and satellite television platforms ruled the roost for several decades. But now many filmmakers are choosing to release their movies and media content on major OTT platforms rather than waiting for the theatres to open.
The consumption of online content has increased rapidly especially after the Covid19 induced lockdowns and social distancing measures. Similarly, OTT entertainment and online shopping in India started booming in order to maintain social distancing.
Top 10 Best OTT Platforms available in India in 2024
The OTTs were a niche player in India during the pre-covid times. As cinema halls shut down many people had quickly shifted to the OTT platforms to get their regular dose of entertainment. India is a massive market for OTT platforms to grow and develop further. All these apps can be accessed, purchased and subscribed online. In this article, we will highlight the top 10 OTT platforms available in India.
Disney+ Hotstar
The Disney+Hotstar is one of the most popular OTT platforms especially for families in India. It offers a wide variety of movies, TV shows, web series, kids content, news, etc. Since it is owned by the world-famous Disney company customers can get access to Marvel, star wars and tons of Disney animated movies and shows. Disney+ Hotstar is compatible with Android, iOS, Smart TVs and PCs.
Customers who wish to utilize its streaming services need to subscribe to any of its plans. They have two plans; the VIP and the Premium. The Premium subscription plan allows you to stream the entire library of the OTT media service that includes the original Disney titles, HBO, Showtime, American original series and OTT releases. The VIP plan focuses on the domestic programs and sports content including the IPL. In march 2020 they had more than 300 million active users.
Netflix
Netflix is a powerful global brand that is popular across the world. It is basically an American OTT content platform which provides high-quality original shows, movies, series, etc like the popular; The Queen’s Gambit, Sacred Games, Stranger Things, etc. It entered the Indian OTT market in January 2016. There are a variety of Netflix subscription plans and it is divided into mobile basic, standard and premium plans. The basic plan in India starts at Rs.199 a month. The different Netflix plans offered in India differ in terms of resolution and the ability for the customer to view on multiple devices simultaneously.
Amazon Prime Video
The Amazon Prime Video is part of the global E-commerce company Amazon in the USA. This service is also offered free for customers who have registered for Amazon prime online shopping service.
This OTT platform is famous in India for their original web series like; The Family Man, Mirzapur, Tandav, Paatal Lok, etc. They also stream some of the critically acclaimed international TV shows, kids content, regional content, movies, etc. Prime is available in six other Indian languages other than English. Amazon India had also launched Amazon Prime Music in February 2018. They charge Rs.129 for a month and 999 as subscription charges for a year.
Zee5
This is a local video streaming service owned by the Essel group. It is a popular OTT platform in India. Zee5 offers an interesting mix of originals, shows, music and movies in 12 languages across India. They do offer premium content for plans starting as low as Rs.99 per month.
It was launched in India on 14th Feb 2018 and provides content in 12 languages. It also launched the ZEE5 club for customers to enjoy their content without ads across devices. They offer popular TV shows in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Marathi.
Sony Liv
Sony Liv is an entertainment and video-on-demand service that is owned by the popular media company; Sony pictures and networks company in Mumbai. They provide a plethora of content that they have collected over 18 years from other Sony network channels like; Sony SAB, Sony Ten, Sony Max, Sony Six, Sony PIX, etc.
The Sony Liv premium subscription costs Rs.299 per month, Rs.699 for six months and Rs.999 for a year.
Voot
Voot is a popular OTT platform in India that is owned by Viacom18. This company Viacom18 also runs several TV channels in the country like Colors, etc and also produces films. It was launched in March 2016 and was initially a free-of-cost streaming channel.
Voot is available only in India and provides 40,000 hours of video content streaming and includes shows from channels like MTV, Nickelodeon and colors. The shows are available in different languages like Marathi, Kannada, Bengali, Gujrati, Tamil and Telugu. They also stream Bollywood films. Voot introduced a paid subscription service called Voot Select in February 2020. Voot select will cost Rs.99 a month and Rs.499 for a full year.
Eros Now
Eros Now was launched in 2012 is owned by Eros Digital, which is the digital media management arm of Eros International plc. This OTT platform is accessible on most of the internet-connected screens like mobile, web, tablets and TV. Blockbuster films like Cheeni Kum, Happy Bhag Jayegi, Bajirao Mastani, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Rockstar, A monsoon date, Maunn, etc.
The cost of a subscription for the premium service is Rs.99 per month for a single device and Rs.399 per year for a single device.
JioCinema
This OTT service is owned by the telecom giant Jio owned by Mukesh Ambani promoted Reliance group. The myriad mix of content is exclusively available for Jio users only, with no additional charges. The JioCinema content includes movies, TV shows, Jio exclusives, trailers and documentaries.
Jio has also recently partnered with Disney India to offer popular movies like Toy Story 3, The Lion King, Jungle Book and more.
MX Player
MX player is among one of the best OTT platforms in India. It provides users with its own original content and some syndicated content. MX player does offer free streaming content to all users but they do show ads in between to make it financially viable to operate.
This platform is developed by MX Media and Entertainment and has over 280 million users globally. They have a streaming library of over 150,000 hours across 12 languages. It is accessible on iOS, Android and web services.
YouTube Premium
YouTube video streaming services are popular across the globe. But the YouTube premium services offer original shows and exclusive content to its subscribers. The plan is available for Rs.129 per month and Rs.399 for three months for a single user. They also have special plans for a family with up to five members. The family plan costs around Rs.189 per month. The premium customers get access to YouTube music services and can also enjoy Ad-free movies and videos.
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