You might have heard about Disney+, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. What exactly are they? They are an OTT Platform which became popular during the lockdown period. Cord cutting is slowly becoming a trend in India similar to US market.
OTT is an alternate choice to cable television. The OTT term is really popular among teenagers as it provides easy access to tv shows, web series, play station and many other options. But are you interested to know about what exactly is OTT? What is the full form of OTT? How does OTT work? And what's the best option available for OTT platforms in India? Then you have come to the right place. We are going to explain everything in details about OTT platform, make sure to follow this post till the end. Let's get started.
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What is OTT?
Basically, an OTT works with internet connection to deliver 'n' number of streaming services. However, the media services of OTT can be configured to any device and content broadcasters can outreach audiences on a global level.
Example - consumer can sign-up for subscriptions or for one-time view including in-stream add in services like Netflix or Spotify. Now, this enables them to access thousands of content from anywhere and anytime.
So, what is OTT platform in simple terms? Well, In simple terms, an OTT service is simply an online content provider that offers it's audience with standalone streaming media product or service.
We can define OTT in other ways such as different devices used to access the contents such as Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast and all gaming platforms such as X Box, PS etc. Apart from that, one of the major attractions about OTT is that you can binge watch your favourite content without waiting them to be aired. The best example of OTT is Netflix, Amazon Prime Video etc.
What is the full form of OTT platform?
OTT does stands for or OTT full form is Over The Top. Over the top simply means a platform through which users can access their desired content through internet on their television. Without needing to connect any cable or box.
Moreover, the OTT refers to services such movies and television shows that are supplied OTT of the internet from the side of content owners, broadcasters, distributors, etc such as production companies, broadcasting channels, etc. The users pay some subscription amount through which these platforms get monetized. There are different genres of content that are offered by OTT platform such as movies, audio advertising, albums, short documentaries, reality shows, premium shows live TV, etc. Most popular best OTT platforms in India names are Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Roku, Netflix, Disney, Hotstar etc.
Meaning of OTT Platform
In simple terms, OTT meaning is topping up the excellence of entertainment as it get released on YouTube and other social media. Hence, this vast industry of OTT represents over the top. The contents are available on computer and other devices for audience to watch. Apart from that, the word right from regular viewing to “premium” HQ viewing creates huge difference. By using internet, OTT provides premium content and High quality, amazing experiences to the lovers. OTT platforms in India offer users different types of contents such as video, audio, messaging, voice call etc.
How does it work?
Everything around us have to go through some process or some mechanism. It is same with the OTT. If you are wondering how OTT operates? Then here's your answer.
- The process starts with broadcasters uploading videos to the Over The Top streaming devices.
- Then the video data is transmitted through remote servers via seamless CDN network.
- Third, the viewers can actually get a lot of content options to stream.
- And, lastly, the HLS video player on device pulls video content through CDN's video streaming server via internet and disseminate.
So, this is the process through which a content goes through and then viewers can enjoy their content. Now, let's introduce you with OTT platform list so that you can choose for your entertainment.
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List of Best OTT Platforms
Be it a Sunday or just a boring day, what we generally do? We just sleep, or groove to music or just get bored and do nothing. If this is your feelings and you are searching for some fun time on a boring day then an OTT connection can add up spices to your boring day. However, if you are confused on what OTT platform you should choose or what are the options available for you then here is the OTT platform list that you can check and then choose what suits your desires. Let's get started.
1- Hotstar
Watching YouTube or Instagram or any other social media platforms, you might have surely come across Hotstar name. Well, Hotstar is one of the most famous OTT platforms in India which offers free, VIP and premium subscription. With this platform, you can get access to all of the channels owned by start which are HBO, Star World, Star Plus, etc. The cheery on cake is that this company has collaborated with Disney+ which has increased it's viewership. This platform is the largest library which has shelf filled up with different Indian TV shows, Movies, Web series, and Hotstar originals. The subscription starts from ₹299/month.
2- MX Player
One of the best OTT platforms which is MX Player. This platform is owned by Times Group. This library offered by this platform is generally regional content including Hindi and English language shows. Whereas, the regional language content are offered in Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bangla, Marathi, Bhojpuri, and Odia. Not only this, but the platform is monetized through ad supported model. MX Player provides you original content at zero charges along with this you can download web series to watch them later. Now, this simply means that you don't have to pay anything to use this services.
3- Voot
In order to compete with cable entertainment companies and make most out of the major OTT platforms, streaming services such as Hotstar, Viacom 18 rolled out Voot. When viewers want to binge on regional TV entertainment, their first choice is Voot. You may find content from other channels as well such as MTV, Comedy Central, and even Nickelodeon. And, the subscription starts at Rs 99 per month. So, opt instantly to make a plan with your family and enjoy Voot this Sunday?
4- Jio Cinema
Another on our list of best OTT platforms in India is Jio Cinema. Jio Cinema is another option that is different from other broadband plus entertainment services. Where it doesn't discriminate it's members. However, the subscription is easily available for free for Jio users. With the subscription of Jio Cinema, you will get a great combo of movies and shows which is available for everyone without any charges. Additionally, the subscription is available for free to the Jio users.
5- ALTBalaji
Are you a big fan of original content? Then you must go with ALTBalaji services. If we compare this service to other best OTT platforms then you will see that other services provides famous contents but ALTBalaji delivers fresh and unconventional contents to it's users. So, if your interest attract you to some new and regional language content at your pocket budget then you must opt for ALTBalaji. Where the subscription starts at Rs 43/month.
6- Sony LIV
Do you want a connection that fulfill entertainment desires for family and kids as well? Then Sony LIV is one of the best option for you. One thing that set this service apart from any other major OTT platforms nationwide is that this service is available with a combination of free and premium video streaming services.
You can enjoy movies, TV shows, special short films, kids-friendly content and the list doesn't just ends here. You can access top performing shows from Sony entertainment network. However, the service is totally free, but if you are someone who don't want to get annoyed with the ads then you can opt for a budget friendly subscription which is Rs. 499. 2/year.
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7- Bigflix
Another initiative from Reliance which is Bigflix. The makers released this platform to be the Netflix of India but somehow things didn't worked out. Applying some tweaks they are back with some fresh and entertaining contents. There are many of the unique features that it's subscribers can use. If you are interested to watch movie for free then you will have to earn some coins by watching some clips. Then you can use the coins to watch movies. However, if you want to enjoy your contents without any hurdles then you can opt for premium subscription which starts at Rs.50/month.
8- Vodafone Play
If you are searching for a broadband plus entertainment service then you must opt for Vodafone Play. Vodafone Play offers you 400 Live TV channels, Bollywood, Hollywood, regional & international originals, movies, TV shows, web series, etc. It gives access to content from SonyLIV, ZEE5, ALT Balaji, Shemaroo Me, Sun NXT, Eros Now, Hungama & more.
However, the subscription starts at Rs. 179(For Vodafone users).
9- Airtel Xtream
Who doesn't know about Airtel? Airtel has launched it's another initiative which is Airtel Xtream. If you have got an Airtel postpaid or V-Fiber broadband then you can enjoy Bollywood, Hollywood, and regional content. You can get a combo of broadband connection plus video streaming services with this option. Where the subscription starts from Rs. 999 / year(For Airtel users).
Faq's
1- Which Regulation Governs It?
Ans- As the corona outbreak lead OTT platforms in India to pick up heights they need to follow some rules and regulations. OTT platforms are bound to display age-based contents rating and content description for every content. If needed they need to display an advisory as well. By the year 2022, Central government applied Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 to regulate OTT platforms. As the Indian OTT platforms are now subject to government regulations. They are going to governed under I&B Information and Broadcasting ministry.
2- What is OTT platform?
Ans- OTT platforms are simply an alternative to cable TV connection. This service provides it's users to get connected with internet by using any device and enjoy their favourite content. Prior the release of content on air then producers or distributers releases their content on Over The Top platform. So, that viewers don't have to wait for the broadcast.
3- What is Ott platform full form?
Ans- OTT does stands for Over The Top. Which is simply a video streaming service. But, Over The Top provides different streaming services such as messaging, voice call and audio streaming as well.
4- Meaning of OTT platform?
Ans- OTT has become trend these days. However, OTT is short for Over The Top. This term is popular to provide online streaming contents. Where you can find free and paid subscription as well.
5- Which OTT platform is best?
Ans- There are different OTT platforms in India that are designed for different requirements. You need to check which one suits your entertainment requirements. There are services designed for individual entertainment then there are services that provides adult plus kids entertainment as well. However here are some of the famous OTT platforms.
1- YouTube
2- Eros
3- Voot
4- ZEE5
5- Disney+Hotstar
6- How do I watch movies and web series via OTT platforms?
Ans- If you want to enjoy your free time and make your boring day, a fun day then must turn to OTT. However, you can access OTT service by downloading the app or login to website. They are easily available on laptop, mobile phone or tab as well. Once you are connected to internet you can enjoy your time with entertaining contents.
7- Which is the cheapest OTT platform in India?
Ans- One of the cheapest yet entertaining OTT platform is Jio Cinema. After this service, there are ZEE5, Sony LIV and Disney +Hotstar.
8- Which OTT apps offer live cricket streaming in India?
Ans- If you are a cricket fan and don't want to miss any series then you must opt for Sony LIV or Disney+Hotstar.
9- Which OTT platform in India has the most subscribers?
Ans- One of the most subscribed OTT platforms which has most number of subscribers from worldwide is Netflix. Netflix has got approximately 231 million subscribers. The second position is for Disney+ Hotstar with 43 million subscribers in India only. Disney+ Hotsar is most subscribed OTT platform on India.