Top 8 OTT Platforms in India

Now that fast internet is available in most parts of the country, OTT platforms are quite popular. Many people now also prefer watching content on OTT platforms over cable TV channels. There are several OTT platforms available in the country. Some are local OTT platforms offering regional content, while some are global OTT platforms offering content from several countries. In this article, I will tell you the top OTT platforms in India. But before you check the list, first understand what exactly an OTT platform is.

What is an OTT platform?

OTT stands for “Over the top,” and the term is used for streaming platforms that deliver content over the internet. So, any content streaming service that provides content over the internet is an OTT platform. Before OTT platforms, you were dependent on cable TV providers for the content. You could only watch what cable TV providers are offering. On an OTT platform, you can watch your favorite show anytime and anywhere.

OTT platforms are different from VOD services. VOD also provides video content on different devices, but it may or may not be over the internet.

OTT platforms have been growing in India since 2018, and 2020 was the best year for these platforms in terms of growth. Smart TV sales also helped boost content consumption on OTT platforms. Now that the Internet is available in most parts of the country, OTT platforms have started competing well against TV channels. As per a recent report, there are 350 million OTT subscribers across different platforms. Hotstar is the most popular, with close to 29% of the market share. Hotstar offers good content, but live cricket streaming helps the OTT platform a lot in getting paid subscribers. Now that Netflix has reduced its subscription prices, it expects good growth.

Also see:

India’s OTT market is expected to be worth $15 billion by 2030. In the fiscal year 2020, the OTT market was estimated to be worth $1.7 billion. Most entertainment companies are now investing heavily in the OTT segment. If we look at history, India’s first OTT platform BIGFlix was launched by Reliance Entertainment in 2008. The first OTT app nexGTv, was launched in 2010 by Digivive. nexGTv was also the first app to live–stream IPL matches in 2013 and 2014. IPL played an important role in the growth of Hotstar (now Disney+ Hotstar). Now Hotter is India’s most subscribed OTT platform with more than 300 million active users.

Top OTT platforms in India

1. Netflix

This American OTT platform delivers exceptional and exclusive content. Some notable series include Stranger Things, Black Mirror, Dark, Vikings, Cursed, Cobra Kai, and more. The service is available on smart TV, web, and mobile apps. You can also download content to watch offline when you don’t have an internet connection. Netflix is costly but worth the price if you consider the content quality. Even if a lot of content is not available in India, one can easily access the geo-blocked content using a VPN.

Netflix offers several subscription plans, including Mobile, Basic, Standard, and Premium, starting at Rs. 149 per month to Rs. 649 per month. It is comparatively costlier. That’s the reason most people still don’t buy Netflix subscriptions even if the OTT platform offers exceptional content.

Visit Website

Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, and Smartphone
Languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada
Available Platforms: Web, Google Play Store, Apple Store

2. JioHotstar

JioHostar (formerly Disney+ Hotstar) is another good and popular OTT platform in India. It offers a wide range of content, including live TV channels, movies, sports, web series, and a dedicated Kids section with animated shows and cartoons. The platform streams major sporting events like the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Winter Olympics, and the Indian Super League football. It also features a mix of Bollywood and Hollywood films, original web series, and content in various Indian languages, catering to diverse audiences. With its extensive library, JioHotstar provides a complete streaming experience for viewers of all ages.

JioHotstar offers three main subscription plans. The Mobile Plan is ad-supported and costs Rs 149 for 3 months or Rs 499 per year. The Super Plan, also ad-supported, is priced at Rs 299 for 3 months or Rs 899 per year and lets users stream on two devices simultaneously across mobile, web, and supported Living Room devices. The Premium Plan is ad-free and costs Rs 299 per month (web purchase only), Rs 499 for 3 months, or Rs 1,499 per year.

Visit Website

Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, and Smartphone
Languages: Hindi, English, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Kannada,
Available Platforms: Web, Google Play Store, Apple Store

Also see: Best VPN for Netflix

3. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is the best and one of the most affordable OTT platforms in India. The reason why I am keeping it at the top is its affordable pricing. Amazon Prime Video offers movies and web series in several languages. You can watch global and local content both. Along with popular movies and TV series, Amazon also offers exclusive Amazon Originals. Prime Video has a good interface where you find dedicated sections and a search box. It also has a kids section with parental control. So, you can also allow your kid to watch kids’ content safely.

It comes with a Prime subscription that costs Rs 1499/year or Rs 179/month. So, the Prime membership brings Prime Video and Prime Music along with free, fast delivery on eligible items.

Visit Website

Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, and Smartphone
Languages: Marathi, English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, Gujarati
Available Platforms: Web, Google Play Store, Apple Store

4. Amzon MX Player

Amazon MX Player is a free, ad-supported streaming service in India. It was born after the merger of Amazon miniTV and MX Player. This platform offers a wide range of content, including popular Indian web series like Aashram, Dharavi Bank, and Campus Diaries, as well as international shows dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Users can access the service via mobile apps, the Amazon.in shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and connected TVs. With a combined user base of over 250 million, Amazon MX Player aims to provide premium entertainment to a broad audience

Visit Website

Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, and Smartphone
Languages: Bhojpuri, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Odia, Gujarati, English
Available Platforms: Web, Google Play Store, Apple Store

5. Sony LIV

Sony LIV OTT app is owned by Sony Entertainment Network. The OTT platform offers content from Network’s TV channels, including Sony TV, Sony SAB, Sony Ten, Sony Max, Sony Max 2, Sony Six, Sony Pix, and Sony Yay. TMKOC and The Kapil Sharma Show are the two most notable TV shows people love watching on Sony Liv. You can also stream sports content from Sony SIX, Sony TEN 1, Sony TEN 2, and Sony TEN 3 channels. Along with Sports content and TV shows, you can also stream movies.

The app lets you choose from monthly, 6-month, and yearly plans priced at Rs. 299, Rs. 699, and Rs. 999.

Visit Website

Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, and Smartphone
Languages: Hindi, Telugu, English, Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi
Available Platforms: Web, Google Play Store, Apple Store

6. ZEE5

ZEE5 is a popular OTT platform in India offering a wide range of movies, TV shows, original web series, and live TV. It provides content in multiple Indian languages and features a user-friendly interface with dedicated sections for movies, shows, and kids’ content. ZEE5 also supports parental controls, making it safe for family viewing. The platform offers both free and premium subscriptions, giving access to exclusive ZEE5 Originals and regional content.

ZEE5 subscription prices vary depending on the plan. It offers a monthly HD plan for ₹199, a monthly 4K plan for ₹299, an annual HD plan for ₹1,199, and an annual 4K plan for ₹1,299.

Visit Website

7. Apple TV

Apple TV is a premium OTT platform known for its high-quality original content. It focuses on original movies, web series, and documentaries, rather than offering a vast library of third-party content. It features content in multiple languages, with subtitles available for global audiences. The interface is clean and user-friendly, with sections for movies, TV shows, kids, and search, making it easy to find content. Apple TV+ also supports Family Sharing, so multiple users can enjoy content safely under one subscription.

The subscription costs Rs 499/year or Rs 99/month in India. Apple TV can be accessed on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV devices, smart TVs, and web browsers, giving flexibility to watch on multiple platforms.

8. EROS NOW

EROS NOW is also a good Indian OTT platform owned by Eros Digital. It was launched back in 2012. The platform offers 12000+ titles, including TV shows, Movies, and Music videos. There are also several originals to watch. It is available on Android, iOS, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Opera TV, and select smart TV devices.

Eros Now Premium subscriptions cost Rs. 49 per month and Rs. 399 per year.

Visit Website

Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, and Smartphone
Languages: Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi
Available Platforms: Web, Apple TV, Google Play Store, Apple Store

How is OTT delivered?

You need an internet connection and a compatible hardware device to access OTT. OTT hardware may be a smartphone, tablet, computer, or smart TV where you can download OTT apps to stream OTT content. You can stream OTT content from anywhere with the help of OTT apps.

What Does OTT Stand For?

OTT stands for “over-the-top”. The term is used for the commercialized practice of streaming content over the World Wide Web.

What are some examples of OTT?

There are several OTT platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, PlayStation Vue, Disney+Hotstar, ZEE5, and more.

How do OTT platforms make money?

The primary source of OTT platforms is subscriptions. Some OTT services also show ads to earn. Amazon MX Player doesn’t charge anything as it lacks a subscription option, so it earns only from ads.