Category: Video On Demand

Korea’s VoD market tops $1.1 bn as Netflix stays ahead, TVING–Wavve plot fightback

SEOUL: South Korea’s premium video-on-demand market hit $1.1 billion (€0.94 billion) in the first half of 2025, with paid SVoD subscriptions climbing to 24.5 million after 1.5 million net additions, according to data from ampd, the measurement arm of Media Partners Asia (MPA).

Growth was led by scale players and turbocharged by connected TV measurement, introduced in the second quarter. This added roughly 35 per cent more monthly active users per platform and nearly doubled measured viewing hours to 1.2 billion.

Netflix retained the crown with 8.2 million subscribers and 47 per cent of premium VoD viewership, fuelled by Squid Game season three, a steady pipeline of licensed films, and its Naver Plus tie-up offering the ad-supported standard plan free to members. TVing posted the biggest net gains thanks to a low-priced ad tier, drama and variety hits, and live sport. Coupang Play grew with a free ad-supported tier and its Sports Pass, while June’s TVING–Wavve merger sets up a 9.2 million-subscriber challenger to Netflix by year-end.

“Korea’s premium VoD sector is consolidating around a handful of scaled leaders,” said MPA executive director Vivek Couto. “Local storytelling remains the foundation of engagement and monetisation, while CTV is unlocking new audiences and advertising opportunities.”

Local content dominated, accounting for 86 per cent of all viewing hours in Q2, led by dramas (48 per cent) and variety/reality shows (27 per cent). US films were the largest foreign category at just six per cent.

“K-dramas, comedy and variety shows drive cross-platform reach,” said MPA and ampd lead analyst Dhivya T. “Ad tiers are now central to subscriber growth, especially in urban and price-sensitive segments.”

August 19, 2025
Global appetite for K-content surges as TV commissions slump

MUMBAI: Audiences worldwide are consuming more South Korean content than ever, but the number of new TV commissions is shrinking, according to research from Ampere Analysis.

The share of international viewers who say they watch Korean series or films “sometimes” or “very often” rose from 22 per cent in early 2020 to 35 per cent in the first quarter of 2025. The supply of K-content on global streaming platforms grew 55 per cent between 2021 and 2024.

Yet commissions are falling fast. Ampere reports that overall South Korean TV commissions dropped 20 per cent between the first halves of 2023 and 2025. Global streamers slashed their orders by 43 per cent, while local players cut back 20 per cent as they struggle with rising production costs. Scripted projects—the crown jewel of Korea’s global success—took the biggest hit, with commissions down 39 per cent.

Netflix is the outlier. It has kept commissioning volumes steady and accounts for 88 per cent of global SVoD announcements in South Korea this year. But even it has shifted emphasis from scripted to unscripted originals, part of a broader industry pivot towards acquisitions and cheaper formats.

“Despite continued demand for K-content, TV show commissions from local and global players have declined,” said Mariana Enriquez Denton Bustinza, analyst at Ampere. “This leaves the export market open for South Korean commissioners, especially as Netflix considers introducing caps on actors’ fees.”

For Korea’s content makers, the paradox is clear: global demand is booming, but the economics of production and shifting streamer strategies risk leaving fewer shows for audiences hungry for more.

August 19, 2025
Fancode teams up with Fabrizio Romano for Laliga’s independence day kick-off

MUMBAI: FanCode has marked Independence Day with a decisive strike for Indian football fans, unveiling an exclusive deal to stream every match of the Laliga EA Sports 2025/26 season. The platform has roped in world-famous football insider Fabrizio Romano to fire the starting gun, his trademark “Here We Go!” setting the tone for a season brimming with star power.

For the first time, the Spanish league — home to Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid and Sevilla FC — will be broadcast live and solely on FanCode in India, bringing names such as Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Antoine Griezmann and Nico Williams into sharper local focus.

FanCode says the timing is deliberate: Independence Day symbolises freedom, and the platform promises viewers the liberty to watch the beautiful game however, whenever and wherever they choose.

The tie-up with Romano, billed as the most trusted voice in football, is a step in FanCode’s push to expand India’s football audience and cement its place as the country’s go-to sports streaming destination.

August 15, 2025
‘Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis’: DocuBay’s Hard-Hitting New Original Is Now Streaming

MUMBAI: DocuBay, the leading platform for premium documentaries and part of IN10 Media Network, has released the much-awaited powerful new original, Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, and streaming globally. Released on World Refugee Day on June 20, this gripping documentary pulls viewers straight into the heart of one of today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. With urgent storytelling and unforgettable real-life accounts, the film is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the human cost of migration in Europe.

Filmed on the frontline island of Lampedusa, Gateway of Europe offers a raw, immersive lens into the journey of migrants risking everything for safety, and the communities caught in the tide of crisis. Through unfiltered visuals and deeply personal stories, it lays bare the choices, resilience, and realities that headlines often miss.

Streaming now only on DocuBay, Gateway of Europe is more than a documentary; it’s a powerful reminder of our shared humanity in turbulent times.

Aditya Pittie, Managing Director, IN10 Media Network, said At DocuBay, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change, build empathy, and spark meaningful conversations. Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis brings a deeply human perspective to a global issue shedding light on the intertwined realities of migration, human rights, and policy. This documentary is a call to awareness and action, giving a platform to voices that are too often overlooked’’

Max Serio, Filmmaker & Director of Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, said:“ “My intent was to portray the human faces behind the migration crisis—people driven by hope, fear, and the pursuit of a better future. This film is an invitation to look beyond politics and borders, and truly understand their journey.”

Samar Khan, Chief Content Officer, DocuBay, said: “At DocuBay, we are committed to curating stories with purpose—ones that resonate across borders, spark reflection, and foster cross-cultural understanding. Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis encourages viewers to look deeper, beyond statistics and headlines, and confront the emotional and personal truths behind global migration. Documentaries like this can transform complex societal issues into powerful, intimate human experiences’’.

Now streaming exclusively on DocuBay, the full feature delivers a gripping and unfiltered portrayal of the migrant crisis through powerful visuals, deeply personal narratives, and a raw urgency that captures the scale and emotional weight of this global emergency. Watch it today!

About DocuBay

Headquartered in Mumbai, DocuBay is a global video-on-demand platform offering a curated collection of premium international documentaries. With a strong emphasis on factual storytelling, DocuBay showcases a wide variety of real-world content from across the globe. Available in more than 170 countries, the service is accessible via platforms such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TVs, with additional platforms on the horizon. Discover more at www.DocuBay.com.

About IN10 Media Network

IN10 Media Network is a dynamic media and entertainment group housing a diverse range of content-driven brands. With a foundation in creativity and a passion for storytelling, its portfolio spans television, digital, production, and more—including EPIC, ShowBox, Filamchi Bhojpuri, Gubbare, Ishara, Nazara, EPIC ON, DocuBay,
MovieVerse Studios, Juggernaut Productions, and Let’s Get LOUDER. Guided by founder and entrepreneur Aditya Pittie, IN10 Media is committed to developing innovative media ventures and premium content across formats. Learn more at www.in10media.com.

About Picasso Film

Picasso Film, established in 2008 and headquartered in Prague, is a globally recognized independent production company known for its high-quality documentary storytelling. The studio specializes in factual series across genres such as history, current events, true crime, science, and nature. With over 50 acclaimed titles to its name, Picasso Film’s work is regularly featured on top-tier platforms like National Geographic, Netflix, Discovery Channel, Curiosity Stream, and RTL.

June 20, 2025
DocuBay unveils trailer of its powerful new original – ‘Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis’

MUMBAI: DocuBay, the leading platform for premium documentaries and part of IN10 Media Network, has released the much-awaited trailer of its next original, Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis. Gripping audiences with its unflinching portrayal of one of the most urgent humanitarian challenges of our time, the official trailer was unveiled on June 15, offering a haunting preview of the journey ahead. The full documentary premieres on June 20, powerfully aligning with World Refugee Day.

This intense trailer plunges viewers into the raw, emotional, and geopolitical epicentre of the crisis—set on the island of Lampedusa, the frontline of Europe’s migrant emergency. Through stark visuals and searing personal stories, it reveals the harrowing human struggles unfolding at this critical gateway, demanding attention, empathy, and urgent reflection.

Directed with urgency and compassion, Gateway of Europe brings viewers face-to- face with the brutal realities faced by migrants, the resilience of local communities, and the impossible choices made by officials navigating a crisis that defies borders.

As the world continues to grapple with the consequences of displacement, conflict, and migration, the documentary shines a light on lives caught in the crosshairs— offering not just perspective, but a powerful call for empathy and awareness.

Aditya Pittie, Managing Director, IN10 Media Network, said At DocuBay, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change, build empathy, and spark meaningful conversations. Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis brings a deeply human perspective to a global issue shedding light on the intertwined realities of migration, human rights, and policy. This documentary is a call to awareness and action, giving a platform to voices that are too often overlooked’’

Max Serio, Filmmaker & Director of Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, said:“ “My intent was to portray the human faces behind the migration crisis—people driven by hope, fear, and the pursuit of a better future. This film is an invitation to look beyond politics and borders, and truly understand their journey.” .

Samar Khan, Chief Content Officer, DocuBay, said: “At DocuBay, we are committed to curating stories with purpose—ones that resonate across borders, spark reflection, and foster cross-cultural understanding. Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis encourages viewers to look deeper, beyond statistics and headlines, and confront the emotional and personal truths behind global migration. Documentaries like this can transform complex societal issues into powerful, intimate human experiences’’.

The trailer is out now, while the full feature premieres June 20 exclusively on DocuBay. Delivering a powerful glimpse of the film’s tone and emotional depth, the trailer showcases striking visuals and revealing insights that highlight the urgency of the crisis, drawing viewers into its profound gravity and emotional impact.

Watch the trailer:

About DocuBay

DocuBay, based in Mumbai, is a global subscription-based VOD platform dedicated to streaming premium international documentaries. Focusing on factual entertainment, the service provides a diverse range of content from around the world. Available in over 170 countries, DocuBay can be accessed on platforms like the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Samsung TVs, with more platforms coming soon.

Join the DocuBay community at www.DocuBay.com.

About IN10 Media Network

IN10 Media Network is the parent company of a wide array of businesses within the media and entertainment sector. With deep roots in the creative community and a longstanding commitment to high-quality content, its portfolio includes brands such as EPIC, ShowBox, Filamchi Bhojpuri, Gubbare, Ishara, Nazara, EPIC ON, DocuBay, MovieVerse Studios, Juggernaut Productions, and Let’s Get LOUDER. These companies span every facet of the content lifecycle across various platforms.

Led by entrepreneur Aditya Pittie, IN10 Media Network is dedicated to building world- class brands. For more information, visit www.in10media.com.

About Picasso Film

Founded in 2008 and based in Prague, Picasso Film is an independent, full-service global production studio known for its creative excellence. Specialising in documentary series across genres like history, current affairs, crime, science, and wildlife, Picasso Film has created over 50 compelling unscripted series. Their work is broadcast worldwide by leading platforms and networks like National Geographic, Netflix, Discovery Channel, Curiosity Stream, and RTL, among others.

June 17, 2025
DocuBay sets sail with hard-hitting original ‘Gateway of Europe’ on World Refugee Day

MUMBAI: DocuBay is casting a powerful spotlight on one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises with its upcoming original, Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, premiering 20 June to mark World Refugee Day.

Set on the Italian island of Lampedusa – the perilous frontline of Europe’s migration story – the documentary captures the raw, unfiltered stories of those who risk everything to escape war, poverty and persecution. Through intimate interviews with migrants, locals, and rescue workers, the film traces a harrowing route paved with hope, heartbreak and hard questions.

Produced by IN10 Media Network’s premium documentary arm, the film peels back the headlines to reveal the human cost and quiet heroism behind one of the 21st century’s defining struggles. From overcrowded boats to overburdened border patrols, Gateway of Europe pulls no punches in exploring the emotional and political complexities that continue to rock the continent.

IN10 Media Network managing director Aditya Pittie said, “At DocuBay, we believe storytelling has the power to foster change, empathy and drive meaningful conversations. “Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis brings to life the human dimension of a geopolitical challenge that involves migration, human rights, and policy that affects millions globally. This documentary is a call to awareness and action, highlighting voices that are often unheard.”

Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, filmmaker & director Max Serio said, “My goal was to capture the human faces behind the migration crisis, for which people are driven by hope, fear, and the search for a better life. This film is an invitation to understand their journey beyond borders and politics.”

DocuBay chief content officer Samar Khan said, “At DocuBay, we remain
committed to curating purpose-driven content that resonates universally, provokes thought, and builds bridges across cultures. With Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, we encourage viewers to look past the surface and confront the emotional depth and personal struggles behind the global migration conversation. Documentary like this has the power to go beyond numbers and headlines, transforming complex societal issues into intimate, human experiences.”

As the debate over borders intensifies, DocuBay invites viewers to look beyond the statistics and confront the human stories that rarely make the evening news.

June 11, 2025
Prime Video sets the stage for mayhem with The Traitors, hosted by Karan Johar

MUMBAI: India’s biggest game of lies and loyalties is about to begin. Prime Video is pulling out all the stops for its juiciest unscripted series yet—The Traitors—set to premiere on 12 June, with new episodes every Thursday at 8pm IST. And guess who’s stirring the pot? None other than the master of sass and sparkle, Karan Johar.
Adapted from the Bafta and Emmy award-winning format by IDTV and distributed by All3Media International, The Traitors promises a heady cocktail of trust, betrayal and big personalities. Produced by BBC Studios India Productions, this desi spin brings together 20 celebrities to outwit, outplay and outlast—not in the jungle, but in a castle of secrets, strategies and shocking twists.

Karan, armed with his signature blend of wit and wardrobe, isn’t just hosting—he’s turning up the heat. A teaser featuring the filmmaker dropped this week, along with outdoor promos that have left fans guessing which famous faces are about to play double agent.

“Prime Video has consistently been home to some of the biggest and most beloved scripted shows in the country. Now, we’re making a bold leap as we scale our Unscripted content slate with our biggest reality series yet—The Traitors,” said Prime Video head of originals Nikhil Madhok. “Packed with drama, manipulation, suspenseful gameplay, and unexpected twists, the show is mounted on a grand scale with high production values. We’re thrilled to have Karan Johar as the host—who better to stoke the fire in this volatile mix of 20 celebrities, each vying for a massive cash prize and the title of ultimate winner! The Traitors promises immersive entertainment and next-level mind games that are sure to captivate our wide gamut of audiences.”

All3Media International EVP APAC Sabrina Duguet said, “India is one of the most dynamic and exciting markets in the world, with an audience base that’s highly receptive to reality shows. The Indian adaptation of The Traitors offers this audience high calibre celebrities and intense drama, all wrapped up in a thriller-esque gameplay. The Traitors is one of the fastest-growing and most popular reality formats worldwide, ever – and we’re thrilled to bring an Indian adaptation of the franchise to the country with Prime Video India and BBC Studios India Productions; both partners reputation for delivering high-quality content precedes them.”

“The Traitors has captivated audiences worldwide across ages and languages with its bold, dramatic, and psychological gameplay and we’re thrilled to join hands with Prime Video—renowned for its exceptional content—and All3Media International to bring an Indian adaptation that’s immersive, grand, and teeming with drama. With an all-celebrity cast and jaw-dropping twists, The Traitors is an unmissable treat for fans of high-stakes reality entertainment,” said BBC Studios India Productions executive producer Neha Khurana,

With over 35 versions of The Traitors playing worldwide, the Indian edition is set to bring its own masala to the global phenomenon.

One thing’s clear—this is no ordinary game show. It’s a battlefield of charm, cunning, and betrayal

. Let the mind games begin.

May 23, 2025
YouTube eyes the big screen as 38 per cent tune in for TV and film

MUMBAI: YouTube’s not just for prank videos and pet fails anymore. That was a point made by YouTube global head Neale Mohan earlier this year when he talked about the platform being watched more on TVs in the US than on handsets. Now, this has been confirmed by the latest consumer research from Ampere Analysis. The only difference it is beginning to spread globally.

Nearly four in ten (38 per cent) of the platform’s global monthly users watch traditional TV shows, films and documentaries. The shift signals YouTube’s growing ambitions beyond the smartphone screen—right into the living room.

Once the digital playground of vlogs and viral clips, YouTube is fast becoming a home for full-length content from major studios and broadcasters. And it’s not just padding out the platform—TV and film content now ranks among YouTube’s top five most-watched genres. Documentaries alone are pulling in 24 per cent of users each month, while 23 per cent are turning up for shows and movies.

What’s interesting is how distinct the audiences are: only 22 per cent of viewers watch both. The rest are split between docu-devotees (41 per cent) and drama-only fans (37 per cent). And while the appeal spans age groups, there’s a slight tilt towards 35–44-year-olds and family households.

The trend is strongest in Asia Pacific (45 per cent) and Latin America (40 per cent), but less so in Western Europe (28 per cent). North America sits bang on the global average at 37 per cent.

The rise of smart TVs is a game changer here. While smartphones still dominate (used by 77 per cent of long-form viewers), a hefty 34 per cent of those watching both docs and dramas are doing so on smart TVs—compared to just 22 per cent of all YouTube users.

Ampere, senior research manager Daniel Monaghan sums it up: “YouTube has come a long way from meme montages and low-res vlogs. We’re now seeing serious, studio-backed content that’s pulling in eyeballs. Sure, there’s a risk of cannibalising traditional platforms—but the ad-share potential and massive reach make it a no-brainer.”

Whether YouTube counts as TV may still be up for debate. But with your gran and your sis now watching documentaries on it from their smart TVs, it might just be time to drop the “user-generated” label.

May 21, 2025
YouTube India taps Gunjan Soni to drive next phase of growth

MUMBAI: YouTube has picked a heavyweight to steer its India ambitions. Gunjan Soni, the former Zalora chief executive and Myntra marketing whiz, has been named country managing director, YouTube India — in a move that underlines the platform’s laser focus on India’s booming creator economy.

Announcing the appointment, YouTube Asia Pacific vice-president and managing director Gautam Anand hailed India as one of YouTube’s “most vibrant and crucial markets”, adding that Soni’s arrival signals an even stronger commitment to creators, users, and India’s digital future.

With over two decades of leadership experience across e-commerce, tech, consulting, and media, Soni brings heavyweight credentials. Her CV reads like a greatest hits album: she led the turnaround of Jabong under Myntra, turbocharged Zalora’s regional expansion in southeast Asia, helped launch Hotstar at Star India, and pioneered data-led marketing at McKinsey.

Fortune 40 under 40 honouree and board member at CBRE group, Soni is no stranger to building brands at scale — nor to nurturing ecosystems where creativity and commerce collide.

Now based in Mumbai, Soni’s new playbook for YouTube India is packed with ambition: strengthening the creator economy, expanding shopping and video commerce, growing shorts and connected TV, and deepening user engagement across generations. In her own words, the goal is to “unlock intuitive, innovative formats” that empower Indian storytellers — from school kids shooting shorts to grandparents binge-watching devotional channels.

“As a family of enthusiastic YouTube users ourselves — from my seven-year-old nephew to my 70-something mother — I’m truly excited to lead a platform that touches lives across generations,” said Soni in a spirited note to the community.

April 28, 2025
CloudTV plugs in Harshad Wadivkar as new business head for monetisation

MUMBAI: CloudTV, India’s first certified Smart TV operating system, is switching to a higher gear on its monetisation plans with the appointment of Harshad Wadivkar as business head – monetisation. The move signals CloudTV’s growing ambitions to cash in on India’s fast-expanding connected TV (CTV) advertising wave.

In his new role, Wadivkar will lead revenue strategies, forge fresh media partnerships, and unlock new monetisation channels across CloudTV’s platform, which today reaches more than 12 million viewers in regional markets across the country.

A digital sales veteran with over 15 years under his belt, Wadivkar has previously clocked stints at Adscholars, Xapads Media, and Mediascope. His client roster reads like a brand who’s who — from DSP Mutual Fund and ESPN to Mahindra Auto and Jaguar Land Rover — and his agency links span GroupM, Madison, IPG, and Publicis. His knack for scaling revenues and building lasting partnerships makes him a prized recruit for CloudTV’s next growth lap.

CloudTV COO and co-founder Abhijeet Rajpurohit said: “We are delighted to welcome Harshad aboard. His deep digital expertise and sharp monetisation focus will be pivotal as we strengthen our footprint in India’s rapidly evolving connected TV landscape.”

With the CTV market shifting into overdrive, CloudTV is betting big on seasoned hands like Wadivkar to drive its revenue engine and bolster its standing as an indispensable advertising enabler for smart TV audiences.

April 28, 2025