Gone are the days when watching a movie meant buying a ticket or waiting for your favourite TV show to air at a fixed time. With the rise of OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms, entertainment is now instant, on-demand, and right in your pocket.
From quick work breaks to long weekend binges, streaming entertainment is now just a tap away; anytime, anywhere.
From global giants to homegrown apps, OTT platforms in India have redefined what it means to watch content, offering everything from international blockbusters to regional treasures.
In this blog, we’ll delve into some of the top OTT platforms in India and how they are keeping millions of viewers hooked every single day.
What are OTT Platforms?
OTT stands for Over-The-Top, and it refers to streaming services that deliver content like movies, web series, and TV shows, directly over the internet. OTT platforms let you watch what you want, when you want, wherever you want, without needing a cable TV connection or DTH subscription.
In India, platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and JioCinema have become household names. All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone, laptop, or smart TV, and you’re all set to stream everything from Bollywood blockbusters to regional gems and international hits!
How do OTT Platforms Work?
OTT platforms work by streaming content directly over the internet to your device. Instead of relying on traditional cable or satellite services, these platforms host content on cloud servers, making it accessible anytime, anywhere.
They either license popular shows and movies or produce original content exclusive to their service.
Once you log in through their app or website, you can instantly watch your chosen content without needing to download it, unless you prefer offline viewing.
They make sure your shows don’t stop mid-way by using adaptive streaming, which automatically adjusts video quality based on how strong your internet connection is. These platforms also use algorithms to track your viewing habits and recommend shows and movies you’re likely to enjoy, making your entertainment experience more personalized.
List of Leading OTT Platforms in India
Zee5
ZEE5, launched on February 14, 2018, is a major OTT platform in India, owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises. What sets ZEE5 apart is its strong focus on regional content and language diversity. It offers entertainment in 12 Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, and more, making it easily accessible to a wide audience across the country.
The platform has something for everyone, ranging from Bollywood blockbusters, regional dramas, original web series, to live news and sports. ZEE5 blends traditional TV viewing with modern, on-demand convenience.
Users can stream content directly through its app or website, with both free and premium subscription options available.
ZEE5 also includes features like live TV (with over 90 channels), hyper-casual games, and a growing library of exclusive originals. The content spans a wide range of interests and age groups, including catch-up TV shows to multi-genre movies.
For those who subscribe, the platform offers ad-free streaming, access across multiple devices, and the ability to watch premium content.
With easy payment options through cards, UPI, wallets, and net banking, ZEE5 ensures that signing up is as seamless as streaming.
ZEE5 features popular originals like TVF Pitchers, TVF Tripling, Rangbaaz, Zero KMS, and Expiry Date. The platform also features popular films like Mrs.
SonyLIV
Launched in 2013 by Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN), SonyLIV is one of the country’s leading OTT platforms, offering a wide range of entertainment from movies and TV shows to live sports and exclusive originals. Owned and operated by SPN, SonyLIV brings together content from Sony’s popular TV channels like SET and SAB, along with access to international series and blockbuster films.
For sports lovers, it’s a go-to destination for streaming cricket, football, tennis, UFC, and even live WWE matches. SonyLIV also produces its own original web series and films.
The platform has a flexible pricing model. The Mobile Only Plan (INR 599/year) is great for solo viewers on the go, while the Premium Plans offer HD streaming, multi-device access, and an ad-free experience for most content. SonyLIV even includes a free tier with limited content access, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Additional features like offline downloads, live streaming, and platform availability across smart TVs and mobile devices enhance the user experience.
SonyLIV is in strategic partnerships with Jio and Vi.
SonyLIV offers a strong lineup of exclusive content that connects with viewers through gripping web series like Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, Undekhi, and films such as Rocket Boys and A Simple Murder.
ALTBalaji
ALTBalaji, also known as ALTT, is the digital streaming platform launched in 2017 by Ekta Kapoor, one of India’s most influential figures in entertainment. It’s the OTT extension of Balaji Telefilms, the production house she co-founded with her parents, Jeetendra and Shobha Kapoor.
This subscription-based video-on-demand service is focused on offering fresh, original Indian content. It hosts a wide variety of web series across genres, including drama, romance, thriller, comedy, and crime, many of which have built strong cult followings. In addition to web series, ALTBalaji’s catalog includes films, music videos, and children’s content.
What makes the platform appealing is its user-first experience, offering HD viewing, ad-free streaming, multi-device access, and the option to download content for offline viewing.
Subscribers can also rent select shows, and with frequent content partnerships and affordable plans, ALTBalaji continues to be a popular choice for desi digital entertainment.
AltBalaji has gained popularity with hit shows like Apharan, Broken But Beautiful, and Paurashpur that keep viewers hooked.
JioHotstar
JioHotstar made its debut on February 14, 2025, as the result of a high-profile merger between JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, brought together under the joint venture JioStar, a collaboration between Reliance’s Viacom18 and Disney’s Star India, announced in November 2024.
JioHotstar brings together the best of sports, movies, and entertainment, offering something for everyone. From live cricket and football matches to early access to TV serials, Disney+ Originals, and Hotstar Specials, it’s a one-stop platform for premium content.
With support for high-resolution streaming and multi-device access, it caters to both solo viewers and families.
To suit different viewing needs and budgets, JioHotstar offers three main subscription plans. The Mobile plan, priced at INR 149 for 3 months or INR 499 annually, allows streaming on a single mobile device in HD (720p). The Super plan, available at INR 299 for 3 months or INR 899 annually, supports two devices simultaneously and offers Full HD (1080p) resolution.
For those seeking an ad-free experience (except during live content), the Premium plan is priced at INR 299 per month, INR 499 for 3 months, or INR 1,499 annually. It supports up to four devices at once and provides streaming in 4K resolution with Dolby Atmos audio.
JioHotstar brings a rich mix of exclusive content to viewers, with titles like Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter, and Subham. Popular films like The Day of the Jackal and Padakkalam also draw large audiences. On the sports side, it continues to break records with events like the TATA IPL 2025 Final and the IDFC First Bank Ranji Trophy 2024–25.
ShemarooMe
Launched in early 2019 by Shemaroo Entertainment, ShemarooMe brings a rich legacy of storytelling into the digital space. The parent company, Shemaroo Entertainment, was founded back in 1962 by brothers Buddhichand, Atul, and Raman Maroo, starting as a humble book-circulating library and evolving into one of India’s most respected media houses.
ShemarooMe brings a warm touch of home to your screen with its rich focus on regional stories and devotional content. With a library that spans over 8,000 hours of movies, web series, plays, and TV shows, it’s especially popular for its Gujarati and Hindi offerings.
Subscribers can enjoy an ad-free experience, download shows for offline viewing, and receive tailored recommendations based on their watch history.
The service also supports up to four simultaneous logins for families and friends. Available across smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, ShemarooMe combines tradition and technology to serve viewers with both nostalgia and new-age content.
ShemarooMe offers fan-favourite movies like Welcome, Golmaal, Dhamaal, and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. It also offers exclusive Gujarati content and original web series.
Afterword
With so many OTT platforms out there, there’s something for everyone, no matter your mood, language, or favorite genre. As streaming continues to evolve, these platforms are making it easier than ever to enjoy great content, right from the comfort of your couch.