OTT: All about OTT platforms

All about the best OTT platforms, full form of OTT, benefits and more.

'Over the Top' or OTT, is the official name for TV and movie programming that may be seen online rather than through a satellite or cable connection. Viewers can watch movies, series, TV, shows, and other content on various OTT platforms like YouTube, Netflix, Prime videos, MX Player, SonyLIV, Disney+Hotstar, Zee5, Jio Cinema and others for a fee or free of cost.

OTT simply refers to the delivery of material via internet. The term 'OTT Platform', refers to any platform that offers any kind of online content. Any sort of content is acceptable, including audio, video and media. Thanks to OTT options, people now have a wide range of of alternatives for viewing their preferred content on many devices like Smartphones, tablets, TVs, or Computers.

OTT platform offers service that transmits media, audio, videos, movies and other content directly to users on any device through the internet. YouTube is the most well-known example of OTT platforms.

Since 2020,, the Covid-19 pandemic has engulfed the entire world. In order to limit the spread of virus, many nations went into lockdown. The government of India also requested that its citizens remain at home.

With very little to do while staying at home, OTT usage began to increase. The general public now has easier access to the internet with significantly reduced data plans prices, thanks to companies like Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea and BSNL that have made the internet so affordable. The cost together with fast internet speed, is what gave OTT platforms a boost.

How to use OTT to view content?

You must download the specific OTT app of your choosing on any of your device and subscribe in order to stream movies or any other content of your choice on an OTT Platform.

1. Download the OTT app /signup.
2. Select the plan that best suits your needs; You can always downgrade or upgrade the plan.
3. You'll be then required to create an account by entering your email address and creating a password.
4. Enter a payment method.
5. Start viewing your preferred content.

How is OTT service different from Cable/TV services?

One of the main distinction between OTT and cable is that OTT allows you to customize what you watch. While cable connections have particular programs running at fixed timings on separate selected channels, you are free to select what to watch and when to watch on an OTT application. On an OTT platform, you can also pause and resume the content you're watching. In case you miss an episode of your favorite show at the time it is slotted for, OTT platforms have both live and recorded episodes, you can either choose to watch your shows live or catch up with what you've missed later. While the cable/TV service is limited to your television, OTT services have no device limitation. Most devices these days support OTT.

Most Popular OTT Platforms in India include YouTube, Disney+Hotstar, Netflix, ALTBalaji, SonyLIV, Zee5, Prime Videos, Voot, Sun NXT, Hoichoi among others.