Over-the-top (OTT) media refers to any type of content or service provided on the internet that was previously accessible only through cable or satellite. All types of movies, shows, sports, etc. which you watched on TV are now available on the internet. In India, Hotstar is a good example of an OTT platform as it offers movies, shows as well as sports. Some OTT platforms also offer voice calling, text messaging, video calling, etc. Previously these services were only accessible via cable or your mobile network operators but now it’s for free on platforms like WhatsApp or Skype. Also content in the form of audio has also come a long way. Earlier, we used to listen to shows on the radio and now we listen to podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, etc.
During the era of cable TV, everything was scheduled. You had to wait for your favourite program to come on as well as wait for days or even weeks to watch your favourite movie. But after set-top boxes were invented, there came an option to record your favourite program to watch later. This type of Video-On-Demand (VOD) service is now available on the internet. This allows users the freedom and convenience to watch any type of content at any time they want. Now-a-days, people have turned more towards streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, etc. These days, TV programs are only watched by middle-aged people or old people as they are not tech savvy and prefer traditional ways of watching their daily shows. Even daily soaps are available on apps like Alt Balaji, Voot, Zee5, etc.
Kids, teenagers as well as young adults like their content to be easily available to them on smart phones, laptops, digital media players like video game consoles and even Smart TVs. People do everything on their phones and laptops these days; and you can carry your content anywhere. However at homes, services like Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku Streaming Stick are replacing set-top boxes. These types of devices are the future. The current generation is the last to use TV and radio. TV operators will probably run out of business after everyone adapts to new streaming platforms. Popular streaming platforms are quite expensive as the quality as well as the quantity provided lives up to its price. Though there are also few cheaper platforms like Voot, Viu, Crunchyroll, Funimation, etc.
More and more platforms will come providing varieties of content for the audience. It has already become so competitive with streaming platforms producing their own shows and movies. Getting a job for a web series has become much more difficult than a TV show. People would rather watch movies on the web rather than going to the theatre. OTT media offers convenience as well as quality of content. It is a brilliant product of technology and the internet and it will keep on growing its platforms and be available on more devices.
– Anukul Thete
Sir J.P. High School 