ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Watcho to exclusively stream Vibe On, celebrating regional hip-hop talent

    Watcho to exclusively stream Vibe On, celebrating regional hip-hop talent

    MUMBAI: Regional beats, fiery lyrics, and raw talent are taking centre stage as Watcho, Dish TV’s OTT platform, gets ready to exclusively stream Vibe On, a revolutionary hip-hop reality show. This collaboration with Prinday promises to spotlight emerging musical sensations from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi. With hip-hop culture thriving across India, Vibe On is all set to take regional artistry to national prominence, and Watcho is the perfect platform to make it happen.

    Vibe On, which has already created waves in 25 prestigious colleges across North India, unearthed 150 outstanding artists brimming with creativity and passion. Judged by celebrated music personalities like Amit Uchana, Ravneet Singh, and JSL Singh, the show is a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of India’s youth. Watcho’s exclusive premiere will extend its impact further, offering these dynamic artists a digital stage to showcase their talent to a broader audience.

    The partnership between Watcho and Prinday exemplifies their shared commitment to fostering local talent and redefining India’s entertainment landscape. By bridging regional voices with national platforms, they highlight the growing power of OTT in transforming the way India consumes content.

    “Reality shows have always been a cornerstone of India’s entertainment journey, spotlighting stories of dreams, talent, and perseverance,” said Dish TV & Watcho corporate head of marketing Sukhpreet Singh. “As the genre evolves to thrive on OTT platforms, Watcho is proud to lead this transformation. ‘Vibe On’ aligns with our vision to bridge local talent with global opportunities, fostering creativity and redefining entertainment for the digital age.”

    Prinday MD Prabhjot Kaur Mahant echoed the sentiment, saying, “Prinday is dedicated to creating platforms that connect raw talent with meaningful opportunities. ‘Vibe On’ celebrates the diversity of India’s musical heritage and gives a voice to fresh, dynamic artists. Partnering with Watcho OTT allows us to amplify these artists’ reach and impact at a national level.”

    For creator Baljinder S. Mahant, Vibe On is more than just a reality show. “It’s a movement to give regional talent a stage to shine. Every beat, lyric, and performance reflects the vibrant energy of India’s youth. Partnering with Watcho takes this vision further, reaching diverse audiences across the country and redefining how talent is discovered and celebrated in the digital era.”

    Subscribers to Watcho can look forward to a front-row seat to India’s next musical revolution as Vibe On premieres exclusively on the platform. By delivering fresh and authentic content, Watcho reinforces its position as a trailblazer in the OTT space, offering engaging, relatable, and innovative shows that resonate with diverse audiences.

    If you love hip-hop or believe in the power of regional artistry, Vibe On is the show for you. It’s more than entertainment—it’s a celebration of dreams, ambition, and the creativity that defines India’s youth. So, log into Watcho, and get ready to groove with India’s promising hip-hop stars.

  • Streaming Wars 2024: Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+ Hotstar capture viewer eyeballs, Ormax Report Reveals

    Streaming Wars 2024: Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+ Hotstar capture viewer eyeballs, Ormax Report Reveals

    MUMBAI: Prime Video and Netflix led India’s streaming landscape in 2024, capturing significant viewership across Hindi originals, while Disney+ Hotstar excelled in Tamil and Telugu content, according to Ormax Media’s Streaming Originals in India – The 2024 Story.

    Hindi originals unscripted

    The Hindi language space saw Prime Video’s Mirzapur Season 3 topping  the list with 30.8 million viewers, followed by Panchayat Season 3 (28.2 million) and Netflix’s Heeramandi (21.5 million). Both platforms secured five entries each in the top 15 Hindi web series.

    In Hindi direct-to-OTT films, Netflix dominated with 11 of the top 15 spots, including Do Patti (15.1 million viewers), Sector 36 (13.9 million) and Sikandar Ka Muqaddar (13.5 million).

    Hindi films and Tamil

    The Hindi non-fiction space saw JioCinema’s Bigg Boss OTT Season 3 come out trumps and emerge as the most-watched unscripted show with 17.8 million viewers. Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show followed with 15.7 million. Then came the great Indian start up hunt show SonyLiv’s Shark Tank India Season 3  which garnered 12.5 million viewers.

    Telugu and International
    Disney+ Hotstar reigned supreme in Tamil and Telugu streaming. Save The Tigers Season 2 (five  million viewers) and Inspector Rishi (4.9 million) led their respective categories. The platform secured four Telugu and seven Tamil entries in the top 10 lists.

    Netflix’s Squid Game Season 2 became the most-watched international series with 19.6 million viewers, setting a new all-time record in India. Prime Video’s Road House led among international films with six million viewers.

    The report highlighted the growing demand for regional and franchise-driven content, supported by a robust subscriber base across platforms. Ormax Media’s methodology estimated unique viewership based on primary research, reflecting India’s expanding streaming audience.

    You can download the report here

  • Netflix soars higher and higher in Q4 2024; FY 2024

    Netflix soars higher and higher in Q4 2024; FY 2024

    MUMBAI: It’s netted a financial performance like never before. Global streamer Netflix concluded 2024 on a high note, achieving significant financial milestones and operational growth. With a focus on re-accelerating revenue, expanding membership, and delivering record-breaking content, the company also outlined its strategic priorities for 2025.

    2024 Financial Performance
    1. Revenue Growth:
    o Total revenue for 2024 reached $39 billion, a 16 per cent increase year-over-year.
    o Growth was supported by strong membership additions and successful content.

    2. Operating Metrics:
    o Operating income surged to $10.4 billion, marking the first time the company surpassed this threshold.
    o Operating margins improved by six points, closing at 27 per cent.

    3. Membership Expansion:
    o Global paid memberships rose to 302 million, with a record annual net addition of 41 million subscribers.

    4. Content Success:
    o Netflix dominated engagement metrics, achieving more viewing hours than its competitors combined.
    o Top content included Squid Game Season 2, Carry-On, and the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight—the most streamed sporting event ever.

    Q4 2024 Highlights
    1. Quarterly Revenue:
    o Revenue for Q4 increased 16 per cent year-over-year to $10.2 billion, or 19 per cent on a currency-neutral basis.
    2. Net Membership Additions:
    o Added 19 million net paid subscribers, marking the highest quarterly growth in Netflix’s history.
    3. Profitability:
    o Operating income rose by 52 per cent year-over-year to $2.3 billion.
    o Earnings per share (EPS) doubled, reaching $4.27 compared to $2.11 in Q4 2023.
    4. Content Performance:
    o Blockbusters like Squid Game Season 2 and holiday NFL games drove record viewership.

    2025 Strategic Outlook
    Netflix is poised for continued growth, focusing on content innovation, monetization, and global expansion.
    1. Revenue and Profitability:
    o Projected revenue: $43.5-$44.5 billion, reflecting 12 per cent-14 per cent growth.
    o Operating margin forecast: 29 per cent, up from 27 per cent in 2024.
    2. Content Plans:
    o Return of fan-favorites like Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Ginny & Georgia.
    o New live programming, including FIFA Women’s World Cup rights and NFL Christmas Day games.
    o Expansion of gaming, with the successful Squid Game: Unleashed and cloud gaming trials.
    3. Advertising Strategy:
    o The ad-supported tier accounted for 55 per cent of sign-ups in ad-available countries in Q4.
    o Planned rollout of first-party ad-tech in the U.S. by Q2 2025 to enhance targeting and engagement for advertisers.
    4. Free Cash Flow and Debt Management:
    o Expected free cash flow: ~$8 billion.
    o Reduction of $1.8 billion in bonds due in 2025 using proceeds from 2024 debt offerings.

    Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed that the company is eyeing streaming of sports in the near future. (Do we expect some amount of cricket rights competition heating up going forward?  Sarandos said; “Right now, we believe that the live events business is where we really want to be, and sports is a very important part of that, but it is a part of that expansion.”

    The company also unearthed new price points with the standard monthly subscription without advertisements will costing  $17.99, up from $15.49; the Standard monthly package with ads will rising from $6.99 to $7.99; 4K video quality subscriptions will be priced at $24.99 as compared to $22.99 now. This new price will first roll out in north America and will be followed by Europe and Apac later.

    The hope is that the price increase will push customers towards the ad supported tier which will mean higher ARPUs for Netflix. 

  • OrangeGlobal Stories powers up leadership for Eshtory launch

    OrangeGlobal Stories powers up leadership for Eshtory launch

    MUMBAI: OrangeGlobal Stories has hit the refresh button on its leadership team with high-octane appointments to key positions. From finance to production, the new power-packed team is gearing up to take the platform’s flagship offering, ‘Eshtory’, to groundbreaking heights.

    Let’s face it—stories never sounded this exciting!

    Think of them as the Avengers, but for storytelling. Here’s who’s who in this star-studded lineup:

    . Chief financial officer Amar Vanzara: With 19 years of experience across financial heavyweights like Citigroup and J.P. Morgan Chase, Amar knows numbers like a chef knows recipes. His mission? Ensuring Eshtory cooks up sustainable growth and a Michelin-star-worthy financial strategy.

    . Chief technology officer Aditya Kale: A certified tech wizard with expertise in IoT ecosystems and predictive analytics, Aditya is here to make Eshtory a seamless tech delight. Think binge-worthy stories, without the buffering drama.

    . Head of human resources Tina Chakrabarti: Armed with 24 years of experience and a Six Sigma certification, Tina plans to turn Eshtory into a talent magnet. Will her HR magic make every employee’s Monday feel like Friday? Only time will tell.

    . Head of marketing Preetam Thingalaya: With two decades of brand wizardry for giants like Zee5, Preetam’s ready to make Eshtory a household name. Brace yourselves for some seriously buzz-worthy campaigns.

    .  Head of production Pranay Naigaonkar: A media maverick with 20 years of experience, Pranay will ensure Eshtory’s content hits all the right notes. Literally.

    ‘Eshtory’ isn’t just another audio platform; it’s a new wave that’s riding high. As OrangeGlobal Stories co-founder Harrish Bhatia puts it, “We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished group of leaders to the Eshtory team. Their diverse expertise and visionary leadership will play a critical role in bringing our groundbreaking audio storytelling platform to life.”

    Can they truly redefine how stories are told?

    The platform’s name might hint at history, but it’s all about the future. Built on a foundation of creativity and cutting-edge technology, Eshtory promises to deliver immersive stories that will make you laugh, cry, and question your definition of entertainment.

    Radio Orange CEO & OrangeGlobal Stories deputy chairperson, Inu Majumdar sums it up beautifully, “The strength of any transformative endeavour lies in its people. This remarkable team brings unparalleled depth of talent and expertise, empowering Eshtory to set new benchmarks in storytelling and deliver experiences that captivate and inspire.”

    Echoing her sentiment, OrangeGlobal Stories co-founder Viplove Gupte remarked, “At Eshtory, we aim to redefine how stories are experienced. With this stellar leadership team, we are confident in delivering narratives that blend creativity and technology to deeply resonate with audiences.”

    OrangeGlobal Stories co-founder Nilesh Kadam added, “Eshtory is built on the foundation of innovation and engagement. These appointments strengthen our vision of transforming the audio storytelling landscape, offering unique experiences that push creative boundaries.”

    With a dream team in place, ‘Eshtory’ is on track to disrupt the audio storytelling space. Its promise? Stories that don’t just entertain but immerse, engage, and inspire. From finance to production, every aspect is primed to set a new industry standard.

  • VdoCipher launches live streaming solution ZenStream with a DVR

    VdoCipher launches live streaming solution ZenStream with a DVR

    MUMBAI: Video hosting firm VdoCipher has announced the launch of ZenStream, a live streaming solution crafted to tackle pressing challenges faced by e-learning platforms, media houses, and broadcasters. Built on a robust infrastructure supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), ZenStream offers seamless scalability for up to 100,000 viewers per session, full HD playback, and remarkably fast integration into websites or applications within five minutes.

    ZenStream’s standout feature is its digital video Recorder (DVR) functionality, which empowers viewers by allowing them to rewind live streams by up to six hours, pause broadcasts, and revisit significant moments at their convenience. This innovative feature not only enhances viewer engagement and satisfaction but also builds trust, fostering long-term loyalty among audiences.   The company has a strong track record, having supported over 3,000 businesses in streaming approximately 260 million hours of video content across 180+ countries.

    VdoCipher  CEO & co-founder Siddhant Jain spoke about the importance of the DVR feature, stating, “traditional live streaming often leaves viewers helpless when interruptions cause them to miss critical moments, forcing them to rejoin the live feed without any way to catch up. ZenStream solves this with its DVR functionality, allowing viewers to rewind, pause, and revisit key moments seamlessly. Whether it’s a live cricket match, a conference, or an educational webinar, ZenStream ensures an enriching experience that adapts to the viewer’s schedule, making missed moments a thing of the past.”

    In addition to its DVR capabilities, ZenStream delivers an industry-leading live streaming experience characterised by smooth global playback and exceptional audience interaction. Key features include real-time audience engagement tools, automatic recording, and built-in digital rights management (DRM) protection, making it an ideal solution for various applications, from live sports events and educational lectures to entertainment broadcasts and corporate conferences.

  • Amazon MX Player-Shikhar Dhawan form a superhit jodi for free entertainment

    Amazon MX Player-Shikhar Dhawan form a superhit jodi for free entertainment

    MUMBAI: Entertainment just got a lot more exciting!

    Amazon MX Player, fresh off Amazon’s acquisition of its key assets, is out to prove that it’s not just another streaming service—it’s the free entertainment revolution India’s been waiting for.

    And how does it plan to do that? By launching a hilarious new campaign starring cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and social media sensation Orry, the ultimate “Superhit Jodi” redefining OTT coolness.

    Amazon MX Player’s latest campaign screams one thing: free entertainment, no strings attached. Amazon MX Player, head of marketing, product & tech Aruna Daryanani shared, “Our vision is to bring premium-quality content to every Indian without any cost. The ‘Shikhar x Orry’ campaign highlights this promise with a dash of humour and a whole lot of fun. Whether it’s cricket, comedy, or content, Amazon MX Player is here to deliver on all fronts!”

    Can we take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of this dynamic duo? Pairing Dhawan’s effortless cool with Orry’s hilarious charm is nothing short of genius.

    Dhawan summed up his excitement, saying, “Entertainment, like cricket, unites people. Collaborating with Amazon MX Player was a joyride. The ‘Shikhar x Orry’ campaign perfectly reflects the fun and inclusivity of this platform. Amazon MX Player is raising the bar in free entertainment, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

    Orry chimed in, adding his signature flair, “Shooting this campaign was pure fun! Pairing with Shikhar brought all the ‘jodi vibes.’ Amazon MX Player’s commitment to providing free, top-notch content makes it a game-changer. Can’t wait for audiences to experience this fresh, fun concept!”

    What makes Amazon MX Player the real MVP?

    1    No T&C, Just Free: Forget subscriptions. Amazon MX Player is 100% free.

    2    Content Galore: From international hits to new originals and Bollywood classics, they’ve got it all.

    3    Accessibility: Available on mobile apps, Connected TVs, Amazon Shopping, Prime Video, and Fire TV.

    4    Genre Wonderland: Romance, drama, thrillers, action—you name it, they stream it.

    With such a massive library, the “Watch Free, No T&C” promise ensures everyone gets to enjoy the magic of OTT without breaking the bank.

    This isn’t just about free content. It’s about a platform that genuinely understands its audience. From cricket fans to meme creators, Amazon MX Player is all set to connect with millions. Plus, who doesn’t want to laugh along with Shikhar and Orry?

    Amazon MX Player has you covered (for free). Ready to binge?

  • Netflix lends support to those affected by fires in LA

    Netflix lends support to those affected by fires in LA

    MUMBAI: In response to the devastating wildfires that swept across Southern California, Netflix and its co-CEOs, Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters  stepped up to support those affected. At least that’s what Sarandos  assured  in a blog post last week that the company was committed to aiding  employees and the wider community during this difficult time.

    “Many of our employees and creative partners have been directly impacted by this disaster,” Sarandos stated.

    To facilitate recovery efforts, Netflix has pledged a substantial $10 million donation. This funding will be distributed among several organisations, including the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Community Fund Wildfire Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, Motion Picture and Television Fund, and Entertainment Community Fund, aiming to provide immediate relief and ongoing support.

    In addition to financial contributions, Netflix is directly assisting affected employees, including offering temporary housing solutions for those who have lost their homes. The company is also implementing a double-match for all employee charitable contributions through its giving program.

    Sarandos expressed gratitude to the firefighters and first responders tirelessly battling the flames. “These heroes have been saving lives and communities with little rest,” he remarked.

    Reflecting on the spirit of Los Angeles, Sarandos, a long-time resident, noted, “For many, LA is more than just palm trees and movie stars; it’s a family of hardworking individuals from diverse backgrounds.”

    He higlighted the community’s resilience, stating that while many dreams may currently feel distant, the capacity to rebuild is strong.

    “The next few years will pose challenges, but we will come back stronger than before,” he concluded. 

  • Simran Singh advances to director of sales – ecommerce & retail at Spotify

    Simran Singh advances to director of sales – ecommerce & retail at Spotify

    MUMBAI:  Simran Singh, a seasoned sales professional with extensive experience in digital marketing and branded content, has announced her new role as director of sales – ecommerce &  retail at Spotify. She was earlier director of sales at the audio streaming service.

    Previously, Singh served as the regional head of ad sales at Sony Pictures Networks India, where she significantly contributed to revenue generation and business development over a span of two years and eight months. She also held the position of vertical lead for global business solutions at TikTok India, managing key strategies that drove growth in a competitive market.

    With a master’s degree in marketing management from the Army Institute of Management, Singh’s career has been marked by her expertise in developing innovative media formats and achieving revenue targets. She has a proven track record of establishing new business ventures, including her leadership role at Optimal Media Solutions and her tenure at Viacom18 Media, where she oversaw revenue generation in south and east India.

    In her new role at Spotify, Singh aims to leverage her experience to enhance the company’s ecommerce and retail strategies. Her appointment signifies Spotify’s commitment to strengthening its market presence in India and expanding its digital sales capabilities.

  • Supriyo Banerji moves to JioStar Digital (entertainment) as vertical head (LCS)

    Supriyo Banerji moves to JioStar Digital (entertainment) as vertical head (LCS)

    MUMBAI: Until December 2024 Supriyo Banerj was selling air time for the entertainment component of JioCinema as the national vertical head. Came January 2025, he moved to JioStar Digital (entertainment) as the vertical head (LCS), following a reshuffling of resources between Disney Star and Viacom18 after the merger.

    Banerji’s experience spans over 15 years, with a proven track record of leading high-performance sales teams, driving business growth, and delivering revenue results. Prior to joining Star India, Banerji held key roles at Viacom18 Media Private Limited, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd., Star India, and Radio Mirchi.

    As vertical head (LCS) – Jiostar Digital (Entertainment), Banerji will be responsible for driving brand growth, building relationships with key stakeholders, and developing content-driven solutions. With his expertise in campaign management and team leadership, Banerji will play a crucial role in shaping JioStar’s digital entertainment strategy.

    Banerji holds a PGDIB from Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies and has a strong background in sales, advertising, and solution selling. His passion for big-picture thinking and collaborative leadership will be valuable assets to the JioStar India team.

    Banerji’s appointment became  effective January 2025, and he is  based in Gurugram, Haryana.

  • FanCode secures exclusive multiyear deal to stream PGA Tour events in India

    FanCode secures exclusive multiyear deal to stream PGA Tour events in India

    MUMBAI: Golf fans can swing their clubs in glees.  Sports streamer FanCode  has signed a deal with the  PGA Tour to broadcast a plethora of golf events in on its streaming service. This multi-year agreement solidifies FanCode’s position as the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts in India.

    Said FanCode co-founder  Yannick Colaco “We are thrilled to partner with the PGA Tour  to bring Indian fans closer to the world of golf. This deal reinforces FanCode’s commitment to offering a diverse range of sports content to our audience. Golf fans in India can now enjoy premium access to the sport’s most iconic tournaments and top players, all at their fingertips.”

    PGA Tour  senior vice-president international media Thierry Pascal added: “We have found a perfect partner in FanCode with India being an important market for golf that features a growing community of passionate fans. Through this collaboration, we are excited to showcase PGA Tout  players and events to Indian fans, offering them high-quality golfing action year-round. We look forward to working closely with FanCode to further grow the sport’s popularity across the country.”

    Key Highlights:
    *   Over 40 events will be streamed annually, providing fans with unparalleled access to the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments.
    *   FanCode has already streamed three marquee events from the PGA Tour: the Hero World Challenge, the Grant Thornton Invitational, and the PNC Championship.
    *   The PGA Tour features an impressive lineup of golfers, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and rising star Akshay Bhatia.
    *   The partnership aims to bring Indian fans closer to the world of golf and showcase high-quality golfing action year-round.

    Availability:
    *   Fans can catch all the live action on FanCode’s mobile app (Android and iOS), TV app (available on Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Jio STB, Samsung TV, OTT Play, and Airtel XStream), Amazon Prime Video Channels, and on the web at www.fancode.com. In addition to the PGA Tour,  FanCode offers fans the DP World Tour;