ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Over 10 mn paid for OTT video subscriptions in 2019: FICCI-EY report

    Over 10 mn paid for OTT video subscriptions in 2019: FICCI-EY report

    MUMBAI: The Indian media and entertainment industry has moved beyond the era where consumers are not willing to pay for premium content online. Although the number of paying consumers remains low compared to overall users, the growth is visible, according to FICCI-EY 2020 report. In 2019, over 10 million subscribers paid for 21 million OTT video subscriptions for the first time. Overall digital subscription also grew over 100 per cent to reach Rs 29.2 billion.  

    Video subscription revenues grew 111 per cent in 2019 as premium content – originals and sports – went behind the paywall and amounts paid by telcos on behalf of their customers to content owners increased significantly. Audio subscription grew comparatively slower at 18 per cent in 2019 as platforms are still in the customer acquisition phase and several free products are available. However, the percentage of paying subscribers to total OTT consumers remained less than five per cent and one per cent for video and audio, respectively.

    One of the key drivers for the growth of video subscription is a cricket-heavy 2019, with Hotstar creating an annual sports pack at Re 1 per day. The report also mentioned that increased television subscription prices due to the implementation of the NTO in February 2019 led to certain viewers, mainly English content viewers, preferring to subscribe to relatively more affordable OTT services. Moreover, over 1600 hours of original content were created for OTT platforms across films and episodic content, which led to increased demand.

    There were several moderations in subscription packages also. Free/trial access to leading OTT platforms was provided by telcos and MSOs, bundled with data or television subscriptions, of between one and six months. Major players including Netflix introduced several sachet packs.

    The entry of Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, etc. boosted the growth of audio streaming subscription during 2019 along with increasing smartphone penetration in India. The number of music streamers has increased to 180-200 million from 150 million in 2018.  However, paid subscribers remained below per cent, due to the prevalence of free options across all the large streaming platforms as well as music availability on YouTube. 

    The report predicts that overall digital subscriptions will grow at a CAGR of 30 per cent until 2022. 

  • Shemaroo Entertainment and Resso inks music licensing deal

    Shemaroo Entertainment and Resso inks music licensing deal

    MUMBAI: Shemaroo Entertainment Limited has entered into a strategic music licensing partnership with Resso in India, the world’s first social music streaming app from ByteDance, the international technology company based out of Beijing and the parent company of TikTok. Through this association, Shemaroo will offer its wide range of high-quality audio content on the Resso app.

    Shemaroo owns a vast library of film and non-film audio across multiple genres like Bollywood, Devotional, Regional, Kids, Pop and Sufi in more than 22 languages including Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi, Bhojpuri, Gujarati and Bengali.

    Shemaroo Entertainment CEO Hiren Gada said, “We at Shemaroo have always stayed ahead of the curve and through this alliance with Resso, we reinforce our promise to bring the best of entertainment by partnering with the best of brands. This association is a natural progression to ensure we reach out to newer audiences, cross boundaries and partner with new age brands to engage and entertain customers across.”

    Resso India Music, Content and Partnerships head Hari Nair added, “Resso's aim is to bring music to the forefront by giving users an opportunity to connect, engage and interact with music and artists, alike. Shemaroo Entertainment is one of India’s leading content powerhouse and our association with Shemaroo’s music label, gives us access to their comprehensive library across genres and languages. We are excited to present their library to our users, which is in line with our commitment to provide the best in music.”

    Shemaroo Entertainment has been entertaining the consumers by offering a large audio catalogue and recently the YouTube channel of Shemaroo Entertainment – FilmiGaane crossed 30Mn subscribers. This further ascertains Shemaroo Entertainment as an integrated content house that is evolving with times and becoming a significant player in the digital ecosystem.

    To access Shemaroo’s extensive music catalogue of over 25000 collection of songs, users can subscribe to Resso at a monthly premium subscription of INR 99 for Android and INR 119 for iOS.

  • Time spent on OTT audio streaming apps goes up by 42%

    Time spent on OTT audio streaming apps goes up by 42%

    MUMBAI: The COVID19 crisis has changed the average Indian’s life. With schools and colleges being shut coupled with corporates and governments encouraging employees to work from home, Indians in the metropolitan cities are looking at ways to keep themselves entertained and/ or to find “companions”.

    Kantar – VTION’s passive OTT Audio Audience Measurement service data reveals that there was a 42 per cent increase (amongst consumers able to consume OTT / streaming audio platforms) in time spent on listening to OTT/ streaming audio apps. 

    What is driving this growth? 

    Social distancing is the new norm! with consumers being forced to be housebound in the current environment, a large number of “new users” (consumers who were not tuning into OTT / streaming audio apps in the previous period) have started using these services

    Amongst various demographic groups that were analysed, two segments display huge growth in the time spent on listening to OTT/ Streaming Audio apps:

    Over 50 per cent growth in the time spent on listening amongst the age group of 18-24 – a reflection of the closure of colleges and youngsters being housebound and looking for alternate entertainment options?

    Consumers in the age group of 25-34 have shown a 30 per cent growth in usage – perhaps driven by the fact that they are working from home (WFH) and using the OTT/ streaming apps as a companion medium 

    In terms of day-wise consumption behaviour, the study shows that new “peaks” are emerging as far as consumption of OTT/ streaming audio apps is concerned. The report reveals a 52 per cent growth in the incidence of listening in the afternoons – between noon to 6 pm. Late night (post-midnight till 6 am in the morning) registers an 80 per cent increase in the incidence of listening, compared to the last month.

    Will the current environment change the consumer behaviour? Will the consumers continue to avail of the OTT / Streaming Audio services? Will the medium grow? Only time will tell.

    The OTT Audio Audience Measurement offering brings together Kantar’s expertise in media measurement and consumer insights with VTION’s proprietary audience measurement technology and data management framework to provide a unique, comprehensive understanding of audience behaviour, insights for communication planning as well assessment of ROI for media investments across OTT Video platforms, OTT Audio Streaming & Podcasting and Broadcast Radio FM Platforms.  

    The study is based on a robust sample size of 9000+ stretching across top 9 cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad & Lucknow/Kanpur) among male and female of age group of 18+ and across SEC A, B & CDE. 

  • ZEE5 opens up premium, new original shows for free

    ZEE5 opens up premium, new original shows for free

    MUMBAI: During this unprecedented situation and lockdown across the country, ZEE5 is providing an uninterrupted dose of entertainment to all those who are confined to their home via its initiative #BeCalmBeEntertained. As part of this initiative, ZEE5 will bring a slate of new original shows for its users to stream it across devices.

    ZEE5 India realises the gloominess that the nation faces today and hence the need to boost the entertainment quotient. And with shows putting their shoots on hold at present, the lack of newer episodes would leave a void for entertainment for the viewers.

    Premium and new original content which will be available for free streaming are Kar Le Tu Bhi Mohabbat – a romantic drama starring the iconic Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar; an epic love triangle drama Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai starring Ronit Roy, Mona Singh and Gurdeep Kohli; Baarish – a classic tale of different paths united by love starring Sharman Joshi and Asha Negi; and Ishq Aaj Kal to name a few will be available on the platform. Not only that, on offer would be a large bouquet of blockbuster movies, new exclusives, binge-worthy ZEE5 Originals, and bespoke premium content, all for free.

    ZEE5 India Programming Head Aparna Acharekar said, “As a responsible video streaming player, we are totally committed to undertake any preventive measures which would collectively help the entire ecosystem curb this unprecedented situation caused due to COVID-19 outbreak. With this new initiative, we want our audiences across the country to stay calm and enjoy responsibly by staying home whilst, catching up on their favourite shows/movies uninterrupted, across 12 languages on ZEE5.”

    Today, the world is fighting a battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. The reality of individuals, families having to be confined to their homes to be safe, is not an easy task. Social distancing is the need of the hour, however, the fact of being engaged, expressive and the need for entertainment is not going to go away. And the good news is, although there is nowhere to go, the #BeCalmBeEntertained initiative from ZEE5, promises to keep viewers entertained 24×7, across devices.

    The bespoke content which will be available for free includes:

    ·         Fresh / New exclusive show for the very first time on ZEE5

    ·         Premium movies made free

    ·         Popular ZEE5 Originals

    ·         Quick catch-up seasons of classic library shows

  • Hoichoi taking measures to reduce internet consumption overload

    Hoichoi taking measures to reduce internet consumption overload

    MUMBAI: In the wake of COVID-19 security measures, where the government is advising the population to stay home, work from home and follow social distancing, internet consumption has risen to such an extent that the COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India) has requested prominent streaming platforms to reduce their bitrates.

    In such a situation, it is essential for OTT platforms to cooperate and stream content strategically. Thus, Hoichoi is already taking significant steps to initiate the process of rolling back its bitrates. It will be complying with the COAI in limiting network congestion while its audience-base can enjoy their favourite content undisrupted with a seamless viewing experience.

    As per the requests laid out by the COAI, the measures being implemented are:

    -Hoichoi has disabled 1080p (HD – High Definition) downloads from its Offline Download feature.

    -There are no advertisements or pop-ups running on the platform, as Hoichoi is an SVOD streaming service.

    -Hoichoi is also working to limit streaming to 720p max, to be executed at the earliest.

    Hoichoi co-founder Vishnu Mohta commented, “Careful monitoring is being done in every step of the way so we can do our bit during these tough times. While we welcome the 4x spike in traffic we are gaining from users for our content, it is essential to also remember that requisite actions should be taken to not overburden our network providers and telecom partners.”

  • Short video app Likee educating people on corona, busting myths

    Short video app Likee educating people on corona, busting myths

    MUMBAI: The world has resorted to ‘social distancing’ in a bid to come out safe of the fierce battle against deadly Covid-19 or Coronavirus. India on its part has upped the ante against the pandemic, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing a 21-day nationwide lockdown. This has left the common man with no choice but to remain confined inside their homes. While a few of us are sulking over the practical house arrest, there are many who are using it in a constructive manner. These creative minds have been using the various social media platforms and short video apps such as Likee to spread awareness and information about the pandemic.

    Likee, which is a pioneering short video platform, has come up with several corona-related hashtags, as part of which users are sharing the Dos and Don’ts, and even busting several myths doing rounds on the Internet since the corona outbreak.

    One of the hashtags trending on the short video app is #FightCorona, which has already clocked more than 55 million views. Under this hashtag, creators have suggested the various precautions that we need to take in the battle against Covid-19. A total of three steps have been highlighted by most of the creators:

    1.     Washing hands frequently using soap, handwash or sanitizer

    2.     Covering face with mask or elbow, but do not use your hand

    3.     If cold and cough stays longer, please go see a doctor

    Another similar hashtag trending on the app is #CoronaFactAndRumours, which is themed around busting myths related to the pandemic. As part of the measure, Likee officially roped in three medical professionals – Dr Neha Rajpal – MBBS from MGM Medical College in Navi Mumbai, Dr Om Patil – Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon in Mumbai, and Dr Mrinmayee Mukund Ganoje – a Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetology expert, who predominantly works with the Bollywood fraternity for beauty and facial enhancement. These doctors conducted live sessions on the app on March 24, 25 and 26 wherein they answered the queries of Likeers. Besides, videos posted by Likeers dispel myths such as cow urine acting as a medicine for the disease.

    Apart from these, the app has also introduced a live tracker, which provides the latest updates related to the corona crisis. Details such as total infected people, number of new cases, number of corona-related deaths and patients recovered can be obtained through this section. In the dedication section, latest news reports concerning the pandemic are also available.

  • It’s learning time for honchos as they acclimatise to new workstations

    It’s learning time for honchos as they acclimatise to new workstations

    MUMBAI: Remote working is the new norm in the industry in these difficult times. With the governments across the crisis-hit countries announcing lockdown, even top-notch executives now have to confine their work space in a room. They are strategizing from their new workstations not only to stay their business afloat but to ensure the safety of their employees. While new-age companies are also working remotely, traditional players are also adapting to the situation promptly. 

    Many of the executives have also spread positivity on social networks like Linkedin in this panic-stricken situation. We at Indiantelevision.com tried to extract from them what have been the experiences and the lessons they are learning.

    “Having worked in the industry for nearly 30 years, what we are all experiencing is probably none of us have experienced in our lifetime! Even though these are challenging times for all, what I totally love is the ‘glass half full’ attitude of all at Discovery INC across the world! ‘Employee first’ is what defines the people and culture of our organisation. Whilst we all work from home across the Globe, the show must go on!,” Discovery South Asia managing director Megha Tata said.

    Tata also shared an image of how 70 employees across different time zones are meeting on video conference calls.

    TikTok India head Nikhil Gandhi has found many learnings, new perspectives and positives from work-from-home.  “It's been more than a week and I have noticed an increase in productivity and seamless coordination to ensure employee safety and business continuity. Not to mention more time on hand to indulge in ideation and self development. The backdrop of colleagues connecting over video calls on one side and family members hovering around on the other gives work-life balance a whole new meaning. This will set new imagination and ideas for companies to rethink how better work can happen in the future,” Gandhi said. 

    Tata Sky CEO Harit Nagpal highlights another key learning which can be maintained even after this phase is over. “Working from home, via con calls, many people are realizing that for best comprehension, they have to go on mute when someone else is talking. Hope this habit continues when we go back, once again, to in-person meetings,” he said.

    Firework India CEO Sunil Nair mentioned that the first priority is to how the entire Firework family, including creators, team members, partner, and audience, stays safe. He also added that they want to ensure the audience still gets what they love. 

    BangInTheMiddle managing partner and chief creative officer Pratap Suthan mentioned that this is a very different time. While work is certainly important, so are the lives of clients and their colleagues. He requested the industry to understand that there might be delays in delivering sometimes. 

    Transport will be erratic. People may not have wi-fi connections. We may not be able to hire out computers for home use. Electricity and back-ups may not be available. Even furniture and space may not be there. And in instances, home atmosphere may not be conducive for work; there maybe someone ill at home. Not all of us have the luxury of quiet to carry on bashing,” he said.

    “So if you are a client who has the muscle to equip your people with work-infra in quick time, agencies may not be able to mirror your efficiency. We don’t have the wallets or man power. Have a heart. Give extra rope to your agency. Don’t persecute them for missing deadlines. As much as we will stretch to deliver things, mishaps will happen – to the best of us. We are all in this together. Remember that these are exceptional times. It’s a great time to be human and to be humane,” he added.

    IBM India advisory board head Neelam Dhawan stated how digital transformation has made remote work easier. IT and communications is truly helping us manage the COVID 19 problem. “In current social distancing, we are connected and working and also trying to be safe. I see the digitally transformed companies managing better. I am banking, shopping, communicating, working and being entertained all online! And so are millions of others. The mantra, to grow revenue, grow profits and cut costs, is possible with the digital transformation. The early adopters have made it easier for us to manage this isolation. Once the world is rid of this disease it will be a different world. Future of Work and Future of life will be different,” she said.

  • Amazon Prime Video makes selection of kids and family content free to watch

    Amazon Prime Video makes selection of kids and family content free to watch

    MUMBAI: This week, Amazon Prime Video has made a selection of kids and family content available free to watch for all Amazon customers, including Just add Magic, The Dangerous Book for Boys, Wishenpoof, If you give a Mouse a Cookie, and many more. To access the free kids and family content on Prime Video, families without Prime memberships can log in from their Amazon account, and watch the free movies and TV shows on www.primevideo.com or through the Prime Video app which is free to download on compatible smart TVs, mobile devices, Fire TV, Fire TV stick, Fire tablets, Apple TV, game consoles and Chromecast.  

    This week will also mark the exclusive India digital debut of Parasite, the film that created history by winning the most awards at the Oscars 2020, on 27 March. Directed and written by Bong Joon Ho, the film follows the lives of a poor family, the Kims, as they con their way into becoming the servants of a rich family, the Parks. But their easy life gets complicated when their deception is threatened with exposure. Prime Members can enjoy the award- winning Korean films with English subtitles, as well as with Hindi dubs exclusively on Prime Video India.

    Fashion enthusiasts across the world can now celebrate as Amazon Prime Video brings the much-awaited unscripted Amazon Original Series Making The Cut S1. The American reality television series will be hosted by none other than supermodel Heidi Klum and Fashion consultant Tim Gunn; where they will test the design and business skills of 12 designers as the compete for the coveted prize. Prime members can watch this high fashion fight to the finish starting 27 March.

    Prime members can stream some of the latest Indian blockbusters, including Tamil crime thriller Mafia: Chapter 1 starring celebrated superstars Arun Vijay and Priya Bhavani Shankar; Punjabi action film Ik Sandhu Hunda starring Gippy Grewal, Neha Sharma; mystery thriller Madha (Telugu) starring Trishna Mukherjee, Rahul Venkat and Gashmeer Mahajani, Pooja Sawant, Mohan Agashestarrer Bonus, shortly after their theatrical release. Additionally, catch the popular Malyalam comedy Gauthamante Radham starring our Amazon Original Series The Family Man’s starrer Neeraj Madhav, in the lead starting.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    Parasite

    Ki-taek`s family of four is close, but unemployed. With a bleak future ahead of them, the son Ki-woo is recommended for a well-paid tutoring job, spawning hopes of regular income. Carrying the expectations of his family on his shoulders, Ki-woo heads to the Park family home for an interview with Mr. Park, the owner of a global IT firm. It is at this house that Ki-woo meets Yeon-kyo, the beautiful young lady of the house. However, behind this meeting, an unstoppable string of mishaps lies in wait.

    Making the Cut S1

    In this first season of Making the Cut, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn take 12 established designers around the world from New York to Paris to Tokyo, as they compete to become the next global fashion brand. Each week, winning looks will be available to buy on Amazon in the Making the Cut store, and the last designer standing will receive one million dollars to invest in their brand.

    Mafia: Chapter 1 (Tamil)

    Directed and written by Karthick Naren, Mafia is a story of Aryan who is a narcotics officer entitled with making the city a drug free zone. One day, people very close to Aryan get murdered one by one. He feels that this might be the work of the mastermind who is behind the entire distribution network.

    Madha (Telugu)

    Madha is an intriguing psychological thriller with a lot of mystery and suspense. It is a story of a proof-reader named Nisha (Trishna Mukherjee) who begins dating a cinematographer called Arjun (Venkat Rahul), unknowing of his devious plans for her.

    Gauthamante Radham (Malayalam)

    The Neeraj Madhav starrer, Gauthamante Radham revolves around revolves around Gauthamam and his journey of getting a driving license and, for the first time in the family, a car of his own. The film follows three stages of Gauthaman’s (Neeraj) life panning in on what a family’s first car means to them. It highlights the emotional attachment they feel for the vehicle.

    Ik Sandhu Hunda Si (Punjabi)

    To fight the corruption in Punjab university, senior student Sandhu announces his candidacy as Grewal for the election.

    Bonus (Marathi)

    Aditya runs his family business and he follows a vegan diet. His dream is to take business to another level and wants his workers to be paid well. But his grandfather opposes his decision of paying bonus to his workers and challenges him to live their life for a month.

    Selfie With Bajrangi (FVOD)

    The first season of Bajrangi revolves around the day to day problems of Ankush and how he overcomes those with his friend Bajrangi's help.

    Inspector Chingum (FVOD)

    Chingum, the Police in-charge of Shantiwood Police station has a strong South Indian accent. His misadventures leads the character to become comical yet very action oriented. Chingum dreams of a “Zero Crime City”. Chingum is accompanied by Hera, Pheri, Khabrilal, Chatur, Dosa Anna & Bozo. A vicious villian No Baal who secretly owns a Crime University but Chingum always defeats him.

    Just Add Magic (FVOD)

    (For children ages 6-11) – Kelly Quinn and her two BFF's, Darbie and Hannah, stumble upon her grandmother's mysterious cookbook in the attic and discover some far from ordinary recipes. When the Shut'em Up Shortcake silences Kelly's pesky little brother and the Healing Hazelnut Tart heals Darbie's ankle, the girls discover they have the power of magic.

    The Dangerous Book for Boys (FVOD)

    The McKenna family must cope with the passing of its much-loved patriarch, Patrick. Hope appears in the form of a book called The Dangerous Book for Boys that Patrick created for his three sons. It becomes a how-to guide that inspires fantasies in his youngest son, Wyatt, enabling him to reconnect with his father and learn lessons that help him navigate real life.

    If you give a Mouse a Cookie (FVOD)

    In the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series, based on the beloved books by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond, we get to know Mouse, Pig, Moose, Dog and Cat and their favorite humans. When Mouse and friends get together, one thing always leads to another in the most unexpected ways. You just never know where things will end up, but you can be sure that IF Mouse and Friends go on an adventure together, THEN they will just have to have fun the whole time.

    Wishenpoof! (FVOD)

    Bianca is just like any other little girl, except for one teensy little thing. Bianca has Wish Magic, so she can make wishes come true. Whether she's at home in Wish World, at the Willow Tree with her fairy friends, or at school with her non-fairy friends, Bianca and her hilarious teddy bear sidekick Bob navigate day-to-day problems with a little help from Bianca's mom and of course, wish magic!

    Sherazade The Untold Stories (FVOD)

    Sherazade: The Untold Stories tells the true story of the classic Arabian Nights tales. One powerful female character, Sherazade, was the real hero of the famous stories. Without her, Aladdin, Ali Baba and Sinbad could not have had their adventures.

  • Likee is the 4th most downloaded social media app globally: Sensor Tower Report

    Likee is the 4th most downloaded social media app globally: Sensor Tower Report

    MUMBAI: Short video platform Likee has yet again emerged as one of the five most downloaded social media apps. According to the latest data released by Sensor Tower, the short video app by Singapore-based BIGO Technology Pte Ltd stand firm at the fourth spot among the most downloaded social media apps globally in February 2020. Likee has entrenched its top position by featuring among the six most downloaded non-gaming apps both in January as well as February. The consecutive reports reaffirm Likee’s widespread popularity across the world.

    According to the report released by the app’s parent company for October-December 2019 Quarter, the Monthly Active User (MAU) of Likee reached 115.3 million from 37.4 million in the corresponding period of 2018, representing an increase of around 208% on yearly basis for Likee.

    Launched in 2017, the short video app has registered significant growth in the recent past. The surge in Likee’s popularity has been powered by some of its unique features as well as campaigns, that provide a niche to the platform. In India, which has emerged as a promising market for the app, Likee introduced varied campaigns such as #LikeeDreams, #KilltheChill, #DanceForAnimals and #1km1day. While #LikeeDreams empowered several Likeers to create a positive impact in the society, #KilltheChill campaign helped shelter-less people who battled intense cold waves.

    Apart from this, Likee has emerged as the most-preferred platform for the massive Bollywood and Indian music industry to reach out to cinephiles across the country. Major production brands such as T-Series, Fox Star Studios, Salman Khan Films and Red Chillies Production, among others, collaborated with Likee to promote a number of films and songs. Exciting hashtag challenges were introduced to ensure participation of millions of Likeers. In India, the app is available in 15 regional languages, including, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali and Gujarati.

  • Digital industry to offer SD content to mitigate burden on cellular infra

    Digital industry to offer SD content to mitigate burden on cellular infra

    MUMBAI: Key digital industry stakeholders have decided that all companies will immediately adopt measures including temporarily defaulting HD and ultra-HD streaming to SD content or offering only SD content, at bitrates no higher than 480p on cellular networks in the wake of an unprecedented surge in mobile internet consumption caused by a total lockdown leading to people staying indoors.

    The digital industry has decided that these voluntary measures will be in effect until April 14.

    A meeting of key digital industry stakeholders was organised the other day by Star & Disney India chairman Uday Shankar, with key industry stakeholders. The meeting, held virtually, was attended by NP Singh (Sony), Sanjay Gupta (Google), Ajit Mohan (Facebook), Sudhanshu Vats (Viacom18), Gaurav Gandhi (Amazon Prime Video), Punit Goenka (Zee), Nikhil Gandhi (Tiktok), Ambika Khurana (Netflix), Karan Bedi (MX Player) and Varun Narang (Hotstar).

    The Prime Minister’s call for social distancing and now a total lockdown has led to people staying at their homes. This has caused an unprecedented surge in mobile internet consumption. As a result, the government and the telecom operators are concerned about its potential impact on the cellular network infrastructure, said a press release.

    The digital industry is aware of this challenge and is committed to ensuring that all citizens are able to access mobile networks wherever and whenever they want.