New Delhi: India’s video subscription market recorded robust growth in 2024, with revenues rising by 11 per cent to reach Rs 9,200 crore, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. The over-the-top (OTT) sector has also played a significant role in strengthening India’s soft power by taking Indian stories, creative talent, and cultural heritage to global audiences.
In a written response to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan said that according to industry estimates cited in the FICCI–EY Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2025, the number of Indians paying for streaming content on OTT platforms is estimated to be between 9.5 crore and 11.8 crore users.
The minister noted that Prasar Bharati’s digital platform, WAVES OTT, has further expanded this global outreach by making the extensive archives of Doordarshan and All India Radio available worldwide. The platform offers a wide range of content, including regional arts, documentaries, classical music, literature-based programmes, and multilingual offerings.
Since its launch, WAVES OTT has recorded more than 80 lakh downloads in its first year, reflecting growing demand for multilingual Indian content and public service broadcasting on digital platforms. The platform is currently in an expansion phase, with a steadily increasing international user base, and revenue streams from overseas markets are being developed through strategic partnerships.
The minister also highlighted that WAVES OTT has introduced a support framework for emerging filmmakers and creators, providing a technology-enabled distribution platform to help them reach diverse global audiences. He clarified that the platform operates primarily as a subscription-free public service initiative, with advertising as its main source of revenue, aimed at democratising access to public broadcasting content in India and abroad.
Additionally, Murugan pointed out that the amended Cinematograph Act, 1952, through the newly inserted Section 7(1B)(ii), empowers the Central Government under Section 79(3) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 to take remedial action against intermediaries hosting pirated film content.
With inputs from IANS