How to Choose the Best OTT Streaming Service in India for Your Needs?
11/03/2025
With countless OTT platforms flooding the market, choosing the right one can make it difficult. You subscribe to one, only to realize your favorite shows are on another. Hidden costs, buffering issues, and limited regional content only add to the frustration. Whether you're hunting for the best OTT streaming services in India, live sports coverage, or regional entertainment, this guide will help you find the perfect platform.
The OTT video market in India has seen rapid revenue growth, particularly in the Advertising Video-on-Demand (AVoD) and Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) segments. In 2018, the total revenue stood at approximately 256.33 million, with AVoD contributing 255 million and FAST a mere 1.33 million. Over the years, this market has expanded significantly, reaching 1095.13 million in 2022, where AVoD accounted for 1046 million, and FAST grew to 49.13 million.
By 2028, the market is forecasted to surge to 3257.10 million, with AVoD reaching 2925 million and FAST at 332.10 million. This growth highlights the increasing dominance of ad-supported streaming platforms in India’s OTT ecosystem.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best OTT Platform for Movies
The following are the aspects that those who want to choose the right OTT apps with regional content, regional content and more should consider:
Content Library
The criteria that determine the best OTT platform for movies or shows is the choice of content. Online platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video provide both international and Indian content. If you are into regional entertainment, ZEE5 and Sun NXT provide you with such content.
Pricing and Plans
Some of the available subscription plans are monthly, quarterly, or annual. Research the web to look for any discounts or offers as an additional saving on money.
User Interface and Experience
One of the primary criteria for determining whether an app is good for streaming is its interface. It has to be easily navigable and have features that enable users to get recommendations based on their preferences.
Streaming Quality
It should support HD, Full HD, or 4K streaming without lags. A stable internet connection is also important for this, particularly when the content is to be viewed in real-time.
Device Compatibility
Make sure that the app is good for your devices. All of the platforms currently available are compatible with smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and laptops.
Offline Downloads
For frequent travellers, it is important to choose a platform with a download feature that can be used when offline. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar offer this feature.
Regional Content
If you like regional language movies or serials, then go for the OTT apps for that particular region only. Examples of niche OTT apps with regional content include – Aha for the Telugu audience, Hoichoi for the Bengali audience and ManoramaMAX for the Malayali audience.
Sports Streaming
The best streaming app for sports, most preferred by sports lovers, is Disney+ Hotstar. It provides live sales of cricket, football, and other major sporting events.
Simultaneous Screens
Check the number of devices it allows to stream at a given time if more than one person will be using the service. When it comes to the number of screens that most platforms allow, it is generally within 2-4 screens at a time.
How to Compare OTT Platforms
Compare OTT platforms according to your desired option. Here’s a quick comparison:
Netflix: Best for international shows, movies, and originals.
Amazon Prime Video: Offers a mix of Indian and global content.
Disney+ Hotstar: Ideal for sports and Disney content.
ZEE5: Great for regional content and Indian originals.
SonyLIV: Focuses on sports and live TV channels.
Number of Subscribers of OTT Streaming Services in India 2025
According to a report, as of 2025, there are 45 crore OTT subscribers in India.
Tips to Choose the OTT Streaming Services in India
Identify Your Needs: Choose what kind of content you need—movies, sporting events, or materials by region. Set a Budget: Use analytical parameters to compare OTT platforms as far as their pricing policies are concerned. Choose one that will be relatively affordable yet doesn’t scrimp on content. Check Free Trials: Most platforms offer free trials. This is a period during which the service can be tested for efficiency to ensure the firm commits its resources once the service is of quality. Read Reviews: Search for user reviews to learn about each platform's advantages and disadvantages. Consider Family Preferences: In case there are several users of the subscription, ensure that it suits everyone’s choice of musical interest.
Conclusion
Selecting the best-placed OTT streaming services in India would entirely depend on the user or the customer's use and interest, as well as the amount they are willing to spend. Regardless of the type of user one is, be it a movie lover, a sports enthusiast or one who loves content from a specific region, there is always something for them. When comparing the various OTT platforms, it is essential to subscribe for a short-term period and read the reviews for a better experience.