What is the full form of OTT

OTT : Over the Top

OTT stands for Over the Top. It refers to television and film content that is broadcasted using a high-speed internet connection instead of cable connection or satellite service. It is not free content, one has to pay a certain amount for watching the content for a specific duration. For example, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, iTunes, Hotstar and HBO Now.

A web-enabled TV or any internet-enabled device like laptop, tablet, etc., with a high-speed internet connection, is required to view the OTT content. The popularity of OTT viewing has increased with the sharp growth of Netflix when Netflix started showing original content instead of showing old movies and TV shows as it was doing in the beginning. If one doesn't have a smart TV, he or she will need an OTT device, which is a device that is used to consume or view OTT content, e.g., Amazon Fire TV sticks.

Benefits of OTT platforms or media services:

• Easy to use: OTT content can be accessed easily. The user just needs to have a stable internet connection and a device like PC, smart TV or a mobile device, etc.
• Cost-effective: OTT media services are cost-effective as compared to traditional D2H connections.
• Convenience: It allows you to view your favourite programmes whenever you want without any timing constraints. You can also watch as many times as you want. There is also no geographical constraints as it can be watched from anywhere just by logging into your account.
• Variety: OTT offers a large variety of content that include movies, TV shows, news, sports, kids' content and more. It also allows watching the content of other countries.
• No commercials: The major benefit of watching OTT content is that you can watch your favourite content without any commercial breaks and thus it not only entertains you but also saves your time. Besides this, due to COVID-19 outbreak, most of the filmmakers are preferring to release their movies on major OTT platforms.

Top ten OTT platforms in India:

• Amazon Prime Video: It was introduced in India in 2016. Besides English, its content is available in six Indian languages.
• Netflix: It is another popular streaming service in India that offers three subscription plans such as Basic, Standard HD and Premium Ultra HD.
• Disney + Hotstar: It is an Indian over-the-top streaming service. It is owned by Novi Digital Entertainment which is a subsidiary of Disney's Star India.
• Voot: It is also an Indian OTT service. It is a subscription video on demand (SVOD) service. It was introduced in March 2016. It is available as an app for iOS, and Android users and as a website for desktop users.
• ZEE5: It is a video on-demand OTT service. It is owned by Essel Group and was introduced on 14 February 2018 in India in 12 different Indian languages.
• Sony LIV: It is also an Indian video-on-demand service. It is introduced by Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt. Ltd. Its library comprises of the content of the Sony Entertainment Network channels in India like Sony TV, Sony Max, Sony Pix, etc.
• MX Player: It is an Indian video-on-demand service owned by MX Media & Entertainment. It is available on iOS, Android and the web. In 2019, it was reintroduced as an OTT platform with original content.
• ALT Balaji: It is a video on demand platform owned by Balaji Telefilms Ltd. It is a subscription-based OTT platform available across 32 different interfaces.
• Eros Now: It was introduced in 2012 in India. It is a subscription-based OTT platform owned by Eros Digital. Eros now shows various hit films and web-series.
• Arre: It is a Mumbai based Indian OTT media service that produces and offers videos, web series, audio series, and documentaries through its online channel. Arre was launched in April 2016.