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Tag: OTT platforms

  • Prashant Nigam joins Ullu & Atrangii in revenue position

    Prashant Nigam joins Ullu & Atrangii in revenue position

    MUMBAI: Prashant Nigam has joined Ullu & Atrangii Network as vice president of revenue, marking a new chapter in his extensive media career. Nigam, who announced his new role on LinkedIn, brings a wealth of experience in content licensing, syndication, and ad sales to the rapidly expanding OTT platforms.

    Nigam’s move comes after a two-year stint at GoQuest Media, where he served as head of content licensing for India and Saarc nations. His resume also includes roles at Rainshine Entertainment, Helios Media, Zoom Entertainment Television, Radio City 91.1, Red FM, and Dainik Bhaskar.

    At Helios Media, Nigam focused on content syndication and acquisition, while at Zoom Entertainment, he led new business development and ad sales. His background in radio and print media, with positions at Radio City 91.1, Red FM, and Dainik Bhaskar, further underscores his diverse media expertise.

    Nigam’s appointment signals Ullu & Atrangii’s ambition to boost revenue through strategic content partnerships and innovative sales initiatives. His experience in navigating the Indian media landscape positions him to drive growth for the platforms in the competitive OTT market.

  • JioHotstar’s Valentine’s day marketing stunt wins hearts and engagement

    JioHotstar’s Valentine’s day marketing stunt wins hearts and engagement

    MUMBAI: The launch of JioHotstar, a powerhouse streaming platform combining Jiocinema and Disney+ Hotstar, was nothing short of a marketing masterstroke. The announcement, perfectly timed with Valentine’s day, didn’t just introduce a new player in the streaming industry—it made waves through an ingenious moment marketing strategy that captured consumer attention with humour and wit.

    In the lead-up to JioHotstar’s launch, Jiocinema and Disney+ Hotstar engaged in a flirtatious, light-hearted exchange on city billboards and digital platforms, dropping hints of an impending partnership. The playful banter saw JioCinema put up a cheeky proposal: “Looking for someone who digs cricket, reality shows, and live concerts. Know Anyone?” In response, Disney+ Hotstar flirted back with “Cricket is my love language, who wants to match this Valentine’s Day?”

    These teasers ignited curiosity and engagement, setting the perfect stage for JioHotstar’s grand reveal on 14 February.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by JioHotstar (@jiohotstar)

    As soon as JioHotstar made its much-anticipated debut, brands and creators jumped in to celebrate the new era of streaming entertainment.

    Leading the charge was Shaadi.com, India’s top matchmaking platform, which added its signature humour to the mix. The brand placed congratulatory billboards next to JioHotstar’s launch ads with the witty message: “Badhai ho JioHotstar! Aisi jodi toh hum sab deserve karte hain. Get on Shaadi.com.”

    Even Shaadi.com’s founder & CEO Anupam Mittal couldn’t resist joining the fun. Taking to LinkedIn, he quipped, “The crossover you didn’t see coming,” highlighting how playful banters are the future of marketing.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Shaadi.com (@shaadi.com)

    The campaign quickly gained momentum, striking a chord with audiences who appreciated the humour, timing, and creative storytelling. The buzz around JioHotstar’s launch became more than just an industry announcement—it turned into a pop culture moment, making waves across both entertainment and matchmaking circles.

    Beyond the marketing genius, JioHotstar is poised to redefine streaming in India with an extensive content library featuring over 300,000 hours of movies, shows, and exclusive content. The platform also boasts a robust lineup of live sports coverage, making it a go-to destination for India’s 1.4 billion entertainment-hungry viewers.

     

  • The Intersection of Gaming and Media: How Social Casinos are Driving Engagement in Digital Spaces

    The Intersection of Gaming and Media: How Social Casinos are Driving Engagement in Digital Spaces

    In the rapidly evolving world of digital entertainment, social casinos have emerged as significant players, driving engagement and shaping the future of online interaction. These platforms combine the allure of virtual gaming with the immersive nature of digital media, creating a unique space where entertainment and engagement thrive. As mobile gaming and OTT platforms continue to dominate the digital landscape, social casinos are leveraging their strengths to captivate audiences in innovative ways.

    Social casinos, such as Spree, are particularly effective at engaging casual gamers by offering experiences that blend fun gameplay with attractive rewards. Unlike traditional gaming environments, social casinos focus on providing a pressure-free atmosphere where players can enjoy their favorite games while earning virtual prizes and rewards. This model has proven highly successful in retaining users and encouraging them to continue engaging with the platform over extended periods.

    One of the key approaches employed by social casinos to enhance player engagement is the use of promotions and tailored offers. These incentives are carefully designed to appeal to the preferences and habits of individual players, much like how OTT services personalize content recommendations. By analyzing player data and behaviors, social casinos can offer promotions that resonate with their audience, encouraging them to stay active and engaged. This personalized approach not only boosts player retention but also fosters a sense of loyalty and community among users.

    The influence of social casinos extends beyond just gaming. These platforms are increasingly partnering with digital influencers and content creators to reach broader audiences. By collaborating with popular figures in the digital space, social casinos can create content that is both entertaining and promotional, further enhancing their visibility and appeal. This approach mirrors the approaches used by media companies to keep viewers invested in their content, blurring the lines between different forms of digital entertainment.

    Moreover, social casinos are capitalizing on the growing trend of social interaction within gaming. Many platforms now incorporate social features that allow players to connect, compete, and share their experiences with friends and other users. This social aspect not only enhances the gaming experience but also drives engagement by encouraging players to return to the platform to interact with others. The integration of social elements into gaming is a trend that aligns closely with the broader movement towards more interactive and community-driven digital experiences.

    As digital entertainment continues to evolve, the role of social casinos in this space is likely to grow even more significant. With their ability to blend entertainment with engagement, these platforms are well-positioned to capture the attention of modern digital audiences. The success of social casinos lies in their ability to adapt to the changing preferences of players, offering experiences that are both enjoyable and rewarding.

    To further understand the broader impact of gaming on digital engagement, it’s worth exploring the research conducted byThe Entertainment Software Association. Their studies provide valuable insights into how gaming is shaping the future of digital media and the ways in which platforms like social casinos are contributing to this transformation.

    In conclusion, social casinos are not just a trend; they are a reflection of the broader shift towards more interactive and personalized digital experiences. By offering compelling gameplay, personalized promotions, and social interactions, these platforms are driving engagement in digital spaces and setting the stage for the future of entertainment. As the lines between gaming and media continue to blur, social casinos will undoubtedly play a central role in the digital entertainment ecosystem, attracting and retaining audiences in an ever-evolving landscape.

    Disclaimer: This article does not have journalistic/ editorial involvement of indiantelevision.com. indiantelevision.com group or its websites does not endorse/ subscribe to the contents of the article/advertisement and/or views expressed herein.

    The reader is further advised that Online Casino, Betting, Online Gaming , Crypto products, Financial Investments/Engagement , NFTs, Products associated with health, wellness, and food are unregulated and can be highly risky. 

    There may be no regulatory recourse for any loss from such transactions or risk associated with health conditions.  
    Indiantelevision.com group shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the views, opinions, announcements, declarations, affirmations etc., stated/featured in the same. The decision to read hereinafter is purely a matter of choice and shall be construed as an express undertaking/guarantee in favour of indiantelevision.com (indiantelevision.com group) of being absolved from any/ all potential legal action, or enforceable claims. The content may be for information and awareness purposes and does not constitute financial advice. 

  • Viewers want more than hygiene VOD; they crave VAS to keep returning: Rajat Agrawal

    Viewers want more than hygiene VOD; they crave VAS to keep returning: Rajat Agrawal

    Mumbai: The rise of regional OTT platforms in India is reshaping the country’s digital entertainment landscape by offering hyperlocal, culturally resonant content. These platforms excel through a deep understanding of regional traditions, nuances, and viewer consumption patterns. By focusing on a single language and fostering connections with local creators, they cater to specific communities, building long-term viewer loyalty.

    Ultra Media exemplifies this trend with its ventures like Ultra Jhakaas, a Marathi OTT platform offering a vast library of films and shows at affordable rates, which has seen significant growth. Expanding further with Ultra Play and Ultra Gaane, the company taps into nostalgia, providing classic Hindi films and songs. Moreover, Ultra’s investment in the digitization and restoration of classic films showcases a commitment to preserving cultural heritage, while its vision for the future includes adding value-driven services to enhance the viewer experience.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Suman Baidh caught up with Ultra Media & Entertainment chairman and managing director Sushilkumar Agrawal and COO, director Rajat Agrawal to discuss the company’s expansion into regional OTT platforms, their efforts in film restoration, and their vision for the future of digital entertainment in India and beyond.

    On the rise of regional OTT platforms shaping the future of India’s digital entertainment landscape

    Sushilkumar Agrawal said Regional OTT Platforms are proliferating, because of the deep understanding of their region’s traditions, culture, geographies, nuances & consumption patterns.  Though it is a fragmented market, their USP lies in their profound insight into the viewer’s consumption pattern, regional nuances & the local network of creators & producers. Their dedication to 1 language is a hyperlocal strategy that provides value to the consumers in the long run & aids in retention. These platforms have been providing their viewers with engaging content in their preferred local languages, hence forging a deeper emotional connection with them.

    On the evolution of Ultra Play and Ultra Gaane play

    Rajat Agrawal commented We have been quite successful in our endeavours in this direction. “Ultra Jhakaas” an exclusive Marathi OTT SVOD Platform launched by Ultra in 2023 currently streams 1500+ Titles & 3000 + Hours of the best of Marathi Cinema, Popular TV Shows, drama & Original Content to audiences worldwide. With a nominal subscription plan of just Rs 199 per annum, it has garnered 7 Lakhs + downloads & 80 per cent of watch time from Maharashtra & 20 per cent globally. Our 2 new platforms Ultra Play & Ultra Gaane is a Tribute to Hindi Cinema & Music this festive season, wherein viewers can watch films & songs across different genres & in a very good quality ranging from 1940 to date. Here too our focus is to provide our viewers with engaging content from a nostalgic point of view & at affordable price points that are reasonable to cater to these masses. All our 3 OTT platforms are their own respective “One Stop Shops” where viewers can watch the content, they like without going to different platforms searching for it

    On Ultra Media investing heavily in the restoration and digitisation of classic films and songs and the challenges and successes that  you’ve experienced in this journey

    Rajat Agrawal said Ultra is into digitisation and restoration since the last three decades and upgraded themselves as per the technology available worldwide. The biggest challenge in digitization and restoration is the availability of proper source material which the producers unknowingly did not preserve with the good techniques. We were finding many scratches, green patches and other problems in most of the available source material and to restore them was the biggest challenge and the same with the audio source of such content.

    On the belief of the next big trend in VOD platforms in India and positioning Ultra Media to stay ahead of the curve

    Rajat Agrawal added The next emerging trend in VOD Platforms is going to be both exciting & challenging. A simple Hygiene VOD will not be something that will get the viewers excited. They would look out for a host of other new value-added services that will entice them to sample & even revisit a particular VOD platform again and again.  Features like:  Electronic Programme Guide: which will help the viewer navigate through channels and programs effortlessly with intuitive and detailed EPG. Interactive Games: Engage users with a variety of interactive games, hence enhancing the viewer’s experience. Loyalty Programme Integrations: Incorporate loyalty & rewards programs. AI Driven Personalisation: Utilise AI technology to offer personalized content recommendations hence ensuring a unique and relevant viewing experience for each user. Content Delivery Network Optimisation: Ensure smooth & efficient content delivery with CDN solutions by minimizing buffering and enhancing the quality of service etc.

    Ultra has always been ahead of the curve since its inception. We started with VHS & then upgraded to VCD & DVD. We were the pioneers in introducing DVD technology in India. We have always been nimble on our feet and strongly believe in being a consumer-first company. In the near future too we will be at the forefront in providing a host of interesting features & VAS services for all our digital products & services.

    On the outline of a vision for the digital expansion of Ultra Media & Entertainment

    Rajat Agrawal said Going ahead we will be launching a host of digital products. Our back end & distribution network & technology as a whole have enabled us to reach our current and new consumers seamlessly. Also, our understanding of the market and the changing tastes of the discerning viewers has helped us to know them much better. We are building & will be launching many direct-to-consumer digital products soon shortly

    On highlighting some key milestones and innovations that have defined Ultra’s journey in transforming Indian home entertainment    

    Sushilkumar Agrawal said In 1983, we made a pivotal move by establishing a VHS – video cassette manufacturing facility with an initial investment of Rs 10 Lakhs. During that time, the industry was in its nascent stages of growth, dominated by an unorganised sector plagued by software piracy. Our breakthrough moment arrived in 1989 when we secured the video rights for the film “Maine Pyar Kiya” & strategically marketed it in India. The film’s immense success turned it into a cult phenomenon and a case study within the Hindi films, video, and music industry. Throughout this period, we continued to acquire the rights to classic, old, and new films, hence building an enviable catalogue for the company. At that time, Ultra also ventured into another prosperous entertainment field by acquiring music rights & marketing audio cassettes. This led to the successful launch of Ultra’s music division, “ULTRA MUSIC,” which now owns the music tracks of over 25,000 film and non-film songs.

    With a belief that every successful business should have a well-defined vision, we consistently embraced new technologies. We diversified into providing content in VCDs and DVDs, introducing Film VCD technology in India & pioneering the encoding and authoring of VCD and MPEG technology in the country. With a firm grip on the Video & Music trade, Ultra expanded into acquiring worldwide Television and other new media rights.

    In all these years, Ultra as a brand was propelled & was established as a household name in India with active involvement in various global entertainment fields. Today, with over 40 years of experience, We hold an enviable position and have secured a prominent place in the industry. Currently, we engage in the business of copyright acquisition for various media rights of Indian & International films, Television Programs, Animation, and other content in multiple genres and languages, distributing them in various physical, non-physical, and emerging formats worldwide. The company boasts a prestigious and valuable library consisting of 3000 titles, including blockbuster Indian films, television serials, and other content. Moreover, Ultra has successfully produced and distributed more than 20 feature films in various languages and currently has several projects in different stages of development for Production, Co-Production, and Strategic Partnerships. Today, Ultra is a professionally managed Entertainment Conglomerate that offers comprehensive end-to-end solutions to the global Film & Television industry.

    On Ultra Media balancing commercial success with the cultural responsibility of preserving these classics

    Sushilkumar Agrawal stated The content acquired by Ultra are preserved as a heritage of the film industry and accordingly try to take care of the original source material giving back the social responsibility to society. Ultra is also through its digitization and restoration unit preserving the content of the national film archive which is the heritage mission of the Government of India.

    On Ultra expanding its digital footprint, planning to position Indian content on the global stage and  strategies that  you implementing to cater to international audiences

    Rajat Agrawal said As I mentioned earlier, Today Ultra is offering comprehensive end-to-end entertainment solutions worldwide. Our Content is syndicated & distributed on various platforms globally. Our Marathi OTT platform has garnered very good traction internationally & we are confident that the same will be the case with our other 2 new OTTs & our future digital products too. We will always provide well-curated content that is globally accepted by the Indian diaspora and the mainstream audience. In fact, our dynamic price points for our OTT & other digital services play a very key role here. We have different subscription rates for different markets. We also strategically localise our content for various international markets by providing lucid and simple subtitle features for their easy understanding.

    On the most valuable lessons you have learned in building a media conglomerate

    Sushilkumar Agrawal said The most important lesson Ultra has learned is to update and upgrade yourself with the latest changes in the technology and happening in the entertainment industry worldwide. This has given Ultra a good edge to perform as for the requirement of the viewers and the consumers and help Ultra further best brand building.

  • 30 per cent prefer OTT platforms to watch new movies: Axis My India Survey

    30 per cent prefer OTT platforms to watch new movies: Axis My India Survey

    Mumbai: Axis My India, in a report on India’s Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) published on Thursday, found that a significant 30 per cent of viewers prefer to watch the latest movies on over-the-top (OTT) platforms.

    The survey, conducted for monthly consumption on various issues, revealed that 24 per cent of viewers choose movie theatres to watch the latest movies, while 45 per cent wait for them to air on television.

    The study further stated that six per cent of respondents are looking forward to using the metaverse (augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)).

    Also, 12 per cent of individuals polled said the content produced by them for social media handles like Instagram or YouTube reflected the rising generation of content creators.

    Commenting on the CSI report, Axis My India MD and chairman Pradeep Gupta said, “The internet in general and social media in particular have shaped consumer experiences in all spheres of life. From creating content for Instagram/YouTube to using AR/VR for testing and buying products, consumers have found ways to express their individualities amongst their online and physical social networks. In addition, the internet has provided flexibility due to which, despite big screen launches, consumers are growing to prefer OTT for their viewing medium. The potential of the world-wide-web is huge and is only evolving, and one can only expect it to further enrich consumer experiences.”

    The October net CSI score, calculated by percentage increase minus percentage decrease in sentiment, is at +8, from +10 last month, reflecting a decrease by two points.

    The sentiment study examines five pertinent sub-indices, including total household expenditure; spending on necessities and wants; healthcare spending; media consumption patterns; and mobility trends.

    The survey was carried out via computer-aided telephonic interviews with a sample size of 10,058 people across 32 states and UTs. 67 per cent belonged to rural India, while 37 per cent belonged to urban counterparts. In terms of regional spread, 24 per cent belong to the northern parts while 23 per cent belong to the eastern parts of India. Moreover, 28 per cent and 25 per cent belonged to the western and southern parts of India, respectively. 61 per cent of the respondents were male, while 39 per cent were female. In terms of the two majority sample groups, 34 per cent reflect the age group of 36 to 50, while 30 per cent reflect the age group of 26 to 35.

    Check out the key findings of the reports here:

    •  In comparison to last year, 21 per cent of consumers plan to spend more this holiday season. This sentiment has improved by one per cent since last month.
    • This festive season, a majority of 78 per cent plan to shop from local physical retail stores, while 14 per cent plan to shop from e-commerce majors like Amazon & Flipkart
    • Overall household spending has increased for 58 per cent of families, which reflects a decrease of three per cent from last month. The net score, which increased by 53 per cent last month, has now decreased by four percent to 49 per cent this month.
    • Families’ spending on necessities like personal care and household items has increased by 44 per cent, a two-percent decrease from the previous month. The net score, which was at 29 per cent last month, has decreased by three per cent to 26 per cent this month.
    • Families’ spending on non-essential and discretionary items such as air conditioning, cars, and refrigerators has increased by nine per cent, an additional two per cent from the previous month. The net score, which increased by two per cent last month, has improved by an additional three per cent this month. This marks heightened consumer sentiment towards the festivities.
    • Health and fitness continue to remain important for consumers amidst the festive season, wherein expenses towards health-related items have increased for 37 per cent of families. The health score, which has a negative connotation i.e., the less spent on health items, the better the sentiments, has a net score value decreased by 22 per cent, an increase of one per cent as compared to last month.
    • Media consumption remains the same as the last two months at 19 per cent. The overall net score, which decreased by one per cent last month, increased by three per cent this time.
    • Mobility has increased for six per cent of the families, which reflects a decrease of one per cent from last month. The overall mobility net indicator score, which was nil last month, has been reported to increase three per cent this month.
  • MX Player joins Tata Play Binge as its 17th OTT platform

    MX Player joins Tata Play Binge as its 17th OTT platform

    Mumbai: Tata Play Binge and MX Player have collaborated to entertain India and Bharat together. Following this partnership, MX Player will join the band of the 16 existing popular OTT platforms on Binge like Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, SonyLIV, Voot Select, hoichoi, Planet Marathi, NammaFlix, Chaupal, SunNxt, Hungama Play, Eros Now, ShemarooMe, Voot Kids, CuriosityStream, EPIC ON, and DocuBay. Content from all these platforms is available to the viewers of Tata Play Binge through a single subscription and a single user interface. Viewers can also enjoy free content on Tata Play Binge.

    With the latest addition, viewers will have access to an additional 5000+ films and 800+ shows in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and other languages from MX Player, further strengthening its commitment to offer viewers the best of entertainment. 

    MX Player will unlock a differentiated content library on Tata Play Binge consisting of MX Originals, Bollywood and Hollywood movies, South Indian dubbed movies, Korean dramas and more.

    Subscribers of Tata Play Binge who have MX Player as part of their package will get to enjoy an ad-free content viewing experience without any interruptions. Tata Play Binge can be accessed through large-screen connected devices—Tata Play Binge+, an Android set-top box, and the Tata Play edition of the Amazon FireTV stick, along with the Tata Play Binge mobile app and the website.

    Commenting on the addition of a new partner app, Tata Play chief commercial and content officer Pallavi Puri said, “We now proudly host 17 coveted OTT apps under one roof and aim to create a unique and robust platform for all things entertainment through Tata Play Binge. Teaming up with MX Player and adding its rich content library to our OTT aggregation platform will bring great value to our viewers; and together, we hope to expand the viewership base of each other.”

    Speaking of this collaboration, MX Player business head-SVoD Abhishek Joshi said, “At MX Player we are committed to creating an immersive digital entertainment ecosystem that provides our users with content that is universally appealing and engaging. Our partnership with Tata Play Binge gives us an opportunity to make our content widely accessible and available, further strengthening our existing user base. We are delighted to partner with them in their endeavour to bring the best of entertainment and unleash the power of an enriching content viewing experience for all viewers.”

  • Zeel to create cross-platform content solutions for brands with Zee Brand Works

    Zeel to create cross-platform content solutions for brands with Zee Brand Works

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel) on Thursday announced the launch of  its brand solutions vertical Zee Brand Works.

    Zee Brand Works team will work with brands for their branding, sales augmentation, customer acquisition, new launches, content creation, influencer and integration solutions. It will provide brands and marketers with offers to enhance their reach, connect and engage with the right audience through Zee’s portfolio of TV channels, OTT platform Zee5 and social media platforms.

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited chief growth officer Ashish Sehgal said “As a pioneer in the Indian Media landscape, we have always had a finger on the pulse of the Indian viewer. This has helped us to develop a deep understanding of the myriad mini-Bharat’s which exist within this great nation, each with its own set of norms, sensibilities and traditions. Blending this understanding of the Indian consumer with the marketing requirements of our clientele to develop bespoke brand solutions has always been a hallmark of ZEE.”

    Zee Brand Works chief operations officer – revenue Rajiv Bakshi expressed, “Consumers are also increasingly rewarding authenticity and personalization along with purpose-driven brand alignment.”  

    He further said, “Forging a deep emotional connect and occupying a greater share of the mind is a primary challenge for both existing and emerging brands. Zee Brand Works will further boost our endeavor to build brands’ resonance and sales in Hindi-speaking markets (HSM) and regional market clusters by employing the team’s ingenious creativity and inherent consumer understanding. With the onset of this journey, we are excited to partner with like-minded marketers and augment their growth strategies.”

    Zee Brand Works has also introduced new programs keeping audience reach across brands. It will focus on designing product launches that offer brands visibility, importance, and traction leveraging Zee’s network robustness across linear TV, OTT, on-ground and social.  

    It will also focus on offering creative solutions to young entrepreneurs to give exposure to their key successes, and contribution to companies’ success and growth.

    Zee Brand Works’ work for clients such as Pedigree, Dabur Honey Fitness, Ultra Tech Baat Ghar Ki, etc. has won accolades and it is working with advertisers such as GSK India, Pedigree, P&G, UltraTech Cement, Perfetti Van Melle, Philips India, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Mankind Pharma, MTR Foods, Asian Paints, Swiggy and Amazon amongst others.

  • Prasar Bharati looks for exclusive OTT partner to bring ‘Swaraj’ to global audience

    Prasar Bharati looks for exclusive OTT partner to bring ‘Swaraj’ to global audience

    Mumbai: Prasar Bharati has invited applications from OTT platforms for the exclusive global licence for its programme Swaraj for three-years. The bidding process will be done via e-auction.

    The public broadcaster set the reserve price for 75-episode Hindi programme at Rs 26.25 crore plus GST. Any incremental bid beyond the reserve price must be Rs 5 lakh and multiples thereof. The last date for submission for the applications is 4 August.

    Produced by Contiloe Pictures, the series was announced by minister of information and broadcasting (MIB) Anurag Thakur on 25 July and is scheduled to telecast on Doordarshan network on 14 August on the eve of India’s 75th year of independence.

    The programme commissioned by Prasar Bharati is focused on the unsung heroes and battles of India’s independence all across the country. Originally produced in Hindi, the series will also be dubbed in English and nine other languages including Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, Assamese and Gujarati.

    On winning the bid for the programme, the OTT platform shall be authorised to upload and store the series on its server for the purpose of transmitting the programme to audiences via the OTT platform, either free of cost or behind the paywall, as per the terms and conditions of the licence agreement.

    Each episode of the programme will be available on the OTT platform after 48 hours of its first telecast on Doordarshan network.

  • Content consumption on OTT apps increases the growth of smartphone users, finds ZEE5 Intelligence Monitor research

    Content consumption on OTT apps increases the growth of smartphone users, finds ZEE5 Intelligence Monitor research

    Mumbai: Over 50 percent of smartphone users in the metros are planning to replace their gadgets within the next six months, according to a research conducted by the OTT platform ZEE5.

    In its fourth edition knowledge series ‘ZEE5 Intelligence Monitor’ report, the video streaming platform highlighted the latest trends prevailing in the Indian smartphone industry.

    The ZEE5 research discovered the consumption of an exciting and wide variety of content on OTT apps is another new driver for this upward movement. The post-covid trend is to grab the latest model; with latest features’ scoring well above price as the key motivator.

    The research also found that brand reputation, features and technology are the leading factors that determine consumers’ preferences. Moreover, two out of five viewers intend to purchase a phone which costs Rs 30,000 or above; with a higher tendency among the 35-44 age group. Besides uncovering the fascinating new consumer behaviour and the contrasting preferences between metro and non-metro consumers in their smartphones’ purchase and usage, the ‘ZEE5 Intelligence Monitor – Smartphones Consumer Insights and Trends Report’ also highlighted the symbiotic relationship between smartphones and OTT platforms.

    Launching the report, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises chief operations officer – revenue Rajiv Bakshi said, “By deep diving into the smartphones segment, we have unearthed amazing new insights on user behaviour which can lead the brand marketers to attract millions of customers eager to upgrade and replace their smartphones. We hope this report will act as a guidebook for marketeers and smartphone brands and serve to be distinctive for the industry at large. Marketers and business leaders can use these findings to make smarter business decisions and hyper-target campaigns utilising the ZEE5 platform to connect with audiences in 12 languages.”

    The report also said that 70 per cent of the non-metro respondents are inclined to buy their next smartphone online. The research revealed that men are more brand conscious and have twice the share of women consumers in the Rs 50,000+ segment. Women appear price and deal-conscious & dominate the Rs 10,000 segment.  

    ZEE5 Intelligence Monitor report also uncovered transformative consumer behaviour, attitudes, and aspirations across multiple industries ranging from e-commerce, EdTech, and online gaming to smartphones, presenting an unmatched opportunity to advertisers to access a hyper-enriched predisposed audience cohort across multiple demographics and geographies.

  • Eros Investments, Wipro sign agreement to develop content localisation solution

    Eros Investments, Wipro sign agreement to develop content localisation solution

    Mumbai: Eros Investments on Thursday announced that it has signed an alliance agreement with IT firm Wipro to evolve and scale the artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) based content localisation solution.

    The solution will automate the time-consuming manual content localization process of subtitling and dubbing with near human-level accuracy, driving significant cost and time savings for global media organizations, post-production, and direct-to-consumer over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms.

    Eros Investments’ data science experts, in collaboration with Wipro’s technology team, will leverage latter’s Vantage solution, an AI/ML-powered content intelligence platform which uses Google Cloud’s Translation AI suite of services to develop both ‘Speech to Text models’ and ‘computer-generated voice from Text to speech’, including voice cloning, emotion tagging, and speed syncing in various languages.

    The first phase of automated translation (Subtitling) will be available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Malay, Bahasa, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Bengali. The ‘use cases’ will be useful in training models to develop the solution in other languages later. Wipro’s Vantage helps extract intelligence/metadata from various forms of content, video, audio, images, printed text and more.

    Eros Investments and Wipro’s joint content localization service will be available to media and entertainment companies in two deployment models: platform-as-a-service and private cloud deployment.

    “Organizations across the media and entertainment space are increasingly seeking out solutions that enable language translation with accuracy and at scale,” said Google Cloud managing director- global systems integrator partnerships Victor Morales. “Wipro and Eros Investments’ content localization service, combined with Google Cloud’s machine learning capabilities, will provide customers the functionality they need to deliver audiences everywhere exceptional viewing experiences”.

    “In a world where content is taking precedence and crossing the cultural & language barrier, subtitles and dubbing have become a critical component of the video viewing experience,” said Eros Investments director Swaneet Singh. “It is well known that ‘good subtitles can’t save a bad film, but bad subtitles can ruin a good one,’ which is one of the reasons why we are co-investing with Wipro in a robust and automated translation solution. As global content reach grows, accelerated and accurate localization will be key in making premium original and catalog programming available to new global subscribers and audiences.”

    “With the ability to scale easily based on client needs, our AI translation solution is ideal for media companies looking to expand their global audience footprint,” said Wipro senior vice president and sector head-communications, media and information technology Malay Joshi. “In addition to improving the accuracy of translated content, our offering will reduce the manual effort involved in translation, bringing down costs and time to market significantly. Improving the ability of viewers worldwide to access and enjoy content from other markets will help increase overall global viewing and OTT platform growth and we are very proud to support this effort.”

    Eros Investments is a global media, entertainment and technology portfolio of ventures including Eros Media World, Eros Now, Xfinite’s Mzaalo and others.