What is OTT Platform: Full Form, Meaning and List 2022

Here is everything you need to know about the popular OTT platforms and their growing popularity all over the world.

OTT Full Form: Everything You Need to Know About OTT Platforms

OTT platforms are the new source of entertainment for movie and web series lovers in India and other parts of the world. Online streaming services are growing rapidly in different regions of the world. If you want to know the full form of OTT platform, then this detailed guide is all that you need. Read the complete guide to know everything related to OTT platforms, including OTT full form, different types of OTT platforms, and their popularity across the globe.

What is an OTT Platform: OTT Full Form

An OTT platform is a media service that offers online streaming of different kinds of video content such as movies and web series to people. This streaming service is different from the traditional ways like DTH and cable. The OTT platforms were established as content hosting platforms. However, later they started producing their content, which is watched and loved by a large number of people.

In this article, we talk about the top OTT platforms where you can watch a variety of content. Here, you can also find information about OTT full form in cinema and what the OTT platform means. Let us take a detailed look at the OTT platforms in India.

Understand the Full Form of OTT Platform

The full form of OTT is “Over-The-Top,” which offers content through the internet. Now, people are no longer dependent on cable or DTH to watch their favorite shows or series. All you need is a smartphone, a good internet connection, and access to the OTT platforms. Over-the-top (OTT full form) means the media service which is offered directly to the viewers through the internet. OTT platforms work by bypassing broadcast, cable, and satellite television and different companies that were traditional distributors of different types of content.

Nowadays, the word “over-the-top,” which is the OTT full form, is used for subscription-based video-on-demand (SVoD) services. OTT platforms offer access to television and film content to people across the globe. Those who want to watch the latest movies and web series on the OTT platforms can do so by visiting their websites or downloading the app on their personal computers or smartphones.

Types of OTT Services: OTT Full Form in Cinema

Different types of OTT platforms have been introduced to India. Currently, you will find many types of online streaming services that are extremely popular among Indian citizens. After knowing the OTT full form, let us find out the different types of OTT platforms depending on the type of services they provide. Today, millions of people from all over the world use these streaming services and entertain themselves.

OTT platforms do not have to spend more on their infrastructure maintenance. This is why they have a cheaper subscription fee than cable TV or satellite. Aside from the cheaper subscription fees, many other reasons make OTT platforms more convenient to use. You can easily watch your favorite movie or TV shows from anywhere with internet access and a device.

After knowing the full form of OTT and what OTT platform means, here are the different types of OTT platforms that you may see in India.

Audio OTT platform

The Digital era has brought music to the world of the internet with audio OTT services. This latest way of listening to music has also introduced some new and underrated artists from all over the world. Some of the popular audio OTT services in India are Spotify, Saavn, Google Play Music, Gaana, Wynk, etc. While some audio OTT services are only popular in India, some are used by music lovers from all over the world. On audio Over-the-type (full form of OTT) platforms, users can listen to their favorite music, create their playlist, and even download the songs for later use.

Video OTT platform

Video OTT platforms are the most popular over-the-top services. With the help of video OTT services, people can watch their favorite shows from anywhere in the world. Whether you are traveling on a train or sitting at the park, you can easily access any video OTT platform and watch whatever you want. Some of the popular examples of video OTT platforms are Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar. From comedy to horror, these OTT services are filled with a wide range of fun and entertaining content from different genres.

Other OTT platforms

Aside from the audio and video OTT services, there are the following other types of OTT platforms:

• Media OTT services: Facebook and Pinterest.
• Messaging OTT services: WhatsApp, Twitter, and Telegram.
• Commerce OTT services: Amazon and Flipkart.

Top OTT Platforms and Apps in India

Over-the-top (OTT full form) services offer several benefits to companies that want to get deeper engagement, capitalize on the latest viewership trends and improve customer satisfaction in the entertainment industry. Currently, many such companies have turned their traditional platform into OTT services. The OTT platforms and apps that you may see today have many advantages to offer to people. Furthermore. The introduction of over-the-top services has also benefited several entertainment companies.

OTT services offer better control over content distribution to companies. Aside from this, the common advantages that companies get from this latest invention include enhanced quality content, improved monetization, user experience, and data. Top OTT platforms study the needs of their target audience and streamline each aspect as per the requirements of their audience. OTT providers often reach out directly to their target audience through building a communication channel so that they can receive feedback, user reviews, and ratings for different content.

Features like this provide OTT providers with access to a large amount of user data. These companies can even use the data for providing personalized services and promotions to their audience. There are several other reasons why OTT solutions are able to quickly scale up their operations across multiple locations. This is why many OTT platforms and apps came into existence in the past few years. Let us now take a detailed look at some of the top OTT services in India and different OTT platforms full form.

Netflix

This American subscription streaming service has become one of the first solutions to watch movies and T.V shows. Netflix is both an OTT service and a production company. It not only offers a plethora of content through distribution deals but also produces its own content. This video OTT platform was launched on August 29, 1997, and currently has over 220 million subscribers from all over the world.

People can easily watch movies and television shows by downloading the Netflix app or visiting its website. You can watch your favorite show whenever you want and as often as you want. However, watching anything on this OTT platform requires a monthly subscription that enables access to all content present on Netflix based on the country of users. Whether you want to watch on your computer, mobile device, smart TV, or any other digital media player, Netflix is compatible with different types of devices.

Check below the different types of subscription plans available on Netflix:

Disney+ Hotstar

Earlier known as Hotstar, this online video streaming platform is owned by Novi Digital Entertainment of Star India. Disney+ Hotstar is operated by Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution and offers a variety of video content, including movies, T.V shows, and live sports. Now owned by The Walt Disney Company, this online video streaming platform offers shows and movies from different content brands of Disney, including Pixar, Walt Disney Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, and National Geographic. You can also find the local and domestic content that was already on the early version of Disney+ Hotstar.

If we talk about the availability of content, then Disney+ Hotstar has a vast catalog of content, including TV shows, movies, kids’ content, web series, sports, and news. This OTT platform can be the best option for those who want to watch movies and shows like Marvel, Star Wars, and other Disney animated content. You can download the app or visit its website on any device as Disney+ Hotstar is compatible with iOS and Android devices as well as PCs and smart TVs.

Streaming and watching content on Disney+ Hotstar also requires a subscription. You can select any subscription plan based on your requirement and budget. All the plans on Disney Hotstar allow people to stream and explore the content library on the platform and watch anything they like.

Now that you know what OTT is and what is OTT full form, let us check out the subscription plans available on the OTT platform of Disney+ Hotstar:

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is also a popular subscription-based video-on-demand OTT platform in India that offers entertaining content to people. This over-the-top (OTT full form) platform has several movies and web series that are produced by Amazon Studios and licensed as Amazon Originals. Aside from this, Amazon Prime Video also hosts content produced by other providers. You can also find some popular shows on Amazon Prime Video that are watched by people across India.

The subscription to Amazon Prime Video is free for Amazon users who have the e-commerce platform’s Prime membership. This membership offers many benefits to users, such as free Amazon Prime Music subscription, free and quick delivery, access to e-books, and exclusive deals and discounts. You may have heard of the OTT platform of Amazon Prime Video for its exclusive web series like The Patal Lok, Mirzapur, The Family Man, Tandav, and others.

Amazon Prime Video offers both critically acclaimed local and international movies, TV shows, regional and kids content, and some iconic TV shows. Aside from English and Hindi, Amazon Prime Video also offers content in several other Indian languages.

Check here the subscription plans that are available on Amazon Prime Video:

Zee5

Zee5 is another popular Indian OTT platform that is extremely popular among audiences. This online video streaming service is run by Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Launched on February 14, 2018, Zee5 offers several types of content in 12 different languages. You can watch any of your favorite movies, and T.V shows by visiting the Zee5 website or by downloading its app. Currently, this online video streaming platform has millions of users in different parts of the world.

Zee5 is a home-grown OTT streaming platform in India that offers a variety of originals, shows, movies, and music in 12 different languages. This subscription-based OTT platform offers a catalog of premium content for audiences across different regions in India. The platform has also partnered with ALTBalaji and hence offers its originals, shows, and movies for free to ZEE5 users.

Check below the subscription plans available on the Over-the-top (OTT full form) platform of Zee5:

SonyLIV

SonyLIV is the first OTT service in India. This OTT platform is owned by Sony Pictures Networks India and offers a wide range of entertaining content to Indian audiences. SonyLIV features content from its local networks, such as movies, television shows, and live sports matches. This OTT platform also features content that is licensed from third parties such as Lionsgate and ITV. SonyLIV now works as both producer and distributor of movies and television series. It is the first OTT service in India that has produced music content for the Hindi version of “Passengers,” a Hollywood feature film starring Jennifer Lawerence and Chris Pratt.

This online video streaming platform also offers content that is a part of the Sony Entertainment Network, such as TMKOC and The Kapil Sharma Show. On SonyLIV, you can find T.V shows from different channels, including Sony TV, Sony Ten, Sony SAB, Sony Max, Sony Six, Sony Pix, and Sony Yay. SonyLIV users can also Live Stream several sports show such as WWE, La Liga, European football, Champions League, and different other sporting events. The sports matches that are broadcast live on Sony Ten and Sony Six channels are also available on this OTT platform.

Here you can check the subscription plan available on the SonyLIV platform:

Voot

This subscription video-on-demand service is an Indian OTT platform and is owned by Viacom18. The services of Voot are only available in a few countries, including India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The owner of this popular OTT platform runs several television channels in India, like Colors. The OTT streaming service Voot offers different programs of T.V channels on its platform.

This streaming service is similar to SonyLIV. Here, you can watch all the TV shows and movies from Viacom18 by downloading the Voot app or visiting its website from anywhere in the world. Earlier, this OTT platform was a free-of-cost streaming service, but now like the other OTT service, it also has introduced a subscription plan for the Indian audience. Read more about OTT platforms full form in the next section.

Check here the subscription plans available on Voot.

ALTBalaji

ALTBalaji is a popular subscription-based video-on-demand platform that offers different types of content ranging from drama, crime, a mystery to thriller. This OTT platform is owned by Balaji Telefilms Limited and has developed its own niche in the Indian OTT services industry. ALTBalaji is popular for offering a variety of original web series and movies that are mostly 18+.

The platform offers content in Hindi and a variety of other regional languages such as Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, etc. Users can watch their favorite shows and series by selecting any AltBalaji subscription plan as per their requirements and budget.

Check here the subscription plans available on the ALTBalaji platform:

MX Player

Developed by MX Media and Entertainment, this OTT platform is used by over 280 million people around the world. MX Player operates on an ad-supported model and offers a streaming library of over 150,000 hours. The platform offers different movies, series, and T.V shows in 12 languages, including Hindi, English, and Tamil.

Earlier, the MX player was only a video player but later got relaunched as an OTT platform. Aside from offering other content, it also produces its originals. MX Player does not charge any fee or any subscription plan to its users. You can watch your favorite series and shows on MX Player for free. Aside from knowing the full form of OTT and what OTT platform means, read more about different OTT platforms in India.

AirtelXstream

Airtel Xstream is a popular online video streaming platform from Airtel which allows users to watch a wide range of local and international content. This platform offers the latest and new releases, including movies, web shows, documentaries, and T.V shows. Whether you are a fan of horror shows or comedy content, you can easily watch them by downloading the Airtel Xstream app.

Check below the subscription plans available on Airtel Xstream:

JioCinema

This Indian subscription video-on-demand service is owned by Jio Platforms which is a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited. JioCinema is a popular OTT platform that is exclusive to only Jio users. JioCinema offers several types of content, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, Jio exclusives, and trailers. Recently Jio has also partnered with Disney India and started offering popular Disney movies like The Jungle Book and The Lion King to its users.

This was the complete list of top OTT platforms in India where you can watch your favorite content without any hassle. So, now that you know the OTT full form and what the OTT platform means, let us learn more about the popularity of OTT platforms in India and other countries.

The popularity of Over-The-Top (OTT Full Form) Platforms in India

There can be many reasons behind the popularity of OTT platforms in India and other countries. From providing convenient streaming services to offering a wide range of content for entertainment purposes, OTT platforms have attracted a huge audience in just a few years. The time when OTT platforms became extremely popular in different parts of the world was during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the consumption of different types of online content increased and transformed the niche market of OTTs into a global market in India.

People actively started visiting over-the-top (OTT full form) platforms because the cinema halls were shut, and they had the only option to switch to OTT platforms to fulfill their entertainment needs. In fact, many producers found it possible to release their series, shows, or films via online streaming services. This also helped producers to cut down on losses. In 2020 and 2021, OTT releases of films became the new normal for both audiences and producers.

Even though cinemas are opening again, the business of OTT platforms will not suffer significant losses. This is because the OTT platforms are constantly increasing their product quality and offering some of the masterpieces to audiences.

Popular Features of OTT Platforms

Here we are listing some of the features of OTT platforms that make them unique and more popular than the traditional providers.

• Profile management: OTT platforms allow their users to add their personal information such as name, profile picture, and social media accounts to their profile on the platform.
• Screen mirroring: The feature of screen mirroring allows users to watch their favorite movie or show on different devices of their choice.

• Payment method: In order to provide convenient and secure payment services, OTT platforms allow users to make payments via different methods such as credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI. On OTT platforms, users are able to transfer money safely and securely.
• Search: OTT platforms help users search for content of their choice. They can either enter the name of the show in the search box or explore different genres to find the show that suits their interests.
• Offline download: Many OTT platforms allow their subscribers to download and save their favorite content so that they can watch it later.

10 Best Regional OTT Platforms in India

If you are looking for the best OTT platforms that are known for their regional content, then you can try any of the following Over-the-top streaming services:

Advantages of OTT Platforms

There are many Indians who maintain OTT streaming subscriptions and watch the movies and shows of their choice on different platforms. Over-the-top streaming services offer many advantages to consumers who love watching OTT content. After describing what OTT is and what is OTT full form, here we are listing some of the popular benefits of OTT platforms:

• Cost-effective: When you get high-value content on a minimum budget, you can surely say it’s cost-effective. Streaming providers like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are widely considered as cost-effective ways of entertainment. Even a premium subscription to an OTT platform can be more reasonable than the traditional cable packages.
• Original content: Since the OTT providers like Netflix and Amazon Prime have started producing their own original content, more and more users are moving towards over-the-top services. OTT platforms offer some amazing and unique shows and series to audiences.
• Multiple device compatibility: With the advent of technology, the dependence on a television set for watching movies or shows has reduced. Now, people can watch any show or movie of their choice on any device they want. OTT platforms are compatible with a broad range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, desktops, or smart TV.

Final Thoughts

From providing the OTT full form to mentioning a list of the top 10 over-the-top streaming services in India, this guide provided you with everything you wanted to know about OTT platforms. With its immense potential, OTT technology is growing rapidly in different parts of the world. In fact, OTT is now no longer a niche-centered entertainment service in India. It has now expanded to a variety of T.V shows and films, including both local and international content.

Those who are a fan of OTT content can pick any of the OTT platforms that we have mentioned above in the article and watch their favorite show online. Aside from providing streaming services, these platforms and apps also allow users to manage videos, distribute content, customize their online player, and record live streams in HD. Overall, this new-normal form of entertainment can be a perfect way to remove stress after a long day at work. Different over-the-top platforms may offer different types of content or features based on their target audience. Before buying a subscription, you can check the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About OTT Platform

Here we are answering some commonly asked questions related to the OTT platforms and their features. Understanding the answers to these questions can help you learn more about these online video streaming services.

Which is the cheapest OTT platform in India?

While most of the OTT platforms offer reasonable subscription plans, Zee5 is considered the cheapest OTT platform in India. Other OTT platforms that offer cheap subscription plans include SonyLIV and Disney+ Hotstar.

Do OTT platforms require login?

Yes. OTT platforms with subscription plans require users to first log in to the platform. Generally, OTT platforms are paid, and you cannot watch any show or movie for free unless there is a free plan. Once you log in to the platform, you can explore different genres and watch the content of your choice.

What is the full form of OTT?

The full form of OTT is over-the-top, and it is a media service that allows people to watch media content through the internet.

Which OTT platform offers the highest number of Hollywood content?

OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar offer the highest number of Hollywood content. On these streaming platforms, you can watch a wide variety of popular and the latest releases, movies, documentaries, web shows, and other content from Hollywood.

Who regulates OTT platforms in India?

Recently, the Indian government has brought OTT streaming services under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This division of the ministry is responsible for monitoring OTT platforms in the country. It is also believed that the OTT platforms would have to apply for the approval of the content they want to stream on their platform in the near future.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Maha Ali

Hey there! This is Maha Ali from Pakistan, an experienced content writer. Writing unique and intriguing articles is among my specialties. Nothing makes me happier than assisting others, and writing articles is one way I do so. I am known as a bright, hardworking, and diligent person among my peers. As you have come across my profile, don’t leave without a smile =)