Top OTT Platforms in India 2024: Best Streaming Services for Movies and Shows

The manner of entertainment consumption has undergone a substantial metamorphosis. This change can be attributed to the rising digitalization. It has greatly taken over the elements of our daily lives with entertainment being a significant part. A key outcome of this shift is the increasing adoption of over-the-top streaming platforms. As per Statista, the Indian OTT video market is anticipated to reach 634.3 million users by 2029.

The rising popularity of OTT can be attributed to the growing appeal and easy access to these platforms. In fact, it has introduced various new concepts such as binge-watching which has translated into becoming a novel manner of entertainment consumption. While the dominance of OTT platforms is pretty evident, the emergence of numerous options has made it challenging for users to find the best fit for their preferences.

Here's a list of top OTT platforms to consider when finding your next movie to watch:

Amazon Prime Video: Introduced in 2016, Amazon Prime Video boasts over 59.8 million users in India along with 230 million subscribers worldwide. Becoming a top favourite amongst Indian viewers, the platform features movies, TV shows and original series spanning various Indian languages. From 'Mirzapur,' 'Four More Shots' to 'Paatal Lok', one can find some of the greatest shows on Amazon Prime.

Disney+Hotstar: This online video streaming platform was introduced in 2015 by Novi Digital Entertainment Private Limited which is owned by Star India Private Limited. It offers movies, web series and other content in nine languages. Its most economical plan starts at Rs 149 for 3 months with ads, while the ad-free option costs Rs 499 for 3 months. Currently, Walt Disney and Reliance Industries are in talks to merge JioCinema and Disney+Hotstar into one streaming platform.

Netflix: When talking about OTT platforms, Netflix is undoubtedly a standout name. Top in the list of OTTs, Netflix made its debut in 2016. Given its extensive and varied content library in India, the country has become the streaming giant's second-largest market. According to Media Partners Asia, Netflix has 12 million paid subscribers in India. From Amar Singh Chamkila,' Laapataa Ladies' to 'The Great Indian Kapil Show', the streaming platform boasts content diversity fit for every audience segment.

SonyLIV: A venture by Sony Pictures Networks India, SonyLIV was launched in 2013. It primarily caught the eye because of its live sports streaming and original content available in multiple languages. In India, SonyLIV boasts approximately 32.7 million paid subscribers and 118 million active users monthly. The platform also offers multi-device access and 4K streaming for select titles, further enhancing the user experience.

Zee5: Introduced in 2018, Zee5 is a part of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL). In India, the platform has a user base of approximately 78.32%, totalling 25.2 million users, with 30.66% accessing via desktop and 69.34% via mobile. This OTT service provides over 90 live TV channels, movies, TV shows, and original web series in 20 languages.

JioCinema: JioCinema is a joint initiative of Reliance Industries Limited and Viacom18. Launched in 2016, it operates on a freemium model and goes up to a premium one at Rs 999 annually. The platform has surpassed 15 million paying subscribers. Recently, in April, JioCinema introduced new plans, including a premium option at ₹29 per month, offering ad-free access to original series, movies, children's shows, and TV entertainment. This move is aimed at offering both quantity and affordability in one, reflecting the platform's commitment to its users.