Pros and cons of OTT Platforms

OTT or Over-The-Top is a web-based service offering video and audio streaming content. These sorts of services allow users to pay for the type of content they want to watch. This way you don’t have to pay for a satellite connection.

Since it’s a subscription-based service, the viewership is accessible to everyone from any part of the world. One can view international-level content from anywhere in the world.

What are the pros of OTT?

Low cost. People can access thousands of programmes with just a monthly subscription.

Instant Playback. Instant playback allows users to re-watch scenes as they want. They can also watch movies or shows irrespective of the time of release and anytime. Users can say goodbye to waiting in long queues for tickets.

Multi-Platform service. OTT platforms give you the freedom to watch your favourite content whenever you want. For example, if you do not have time to log into your devices, you can binge-watch your favourite content at your desired time.

Original content. Several OTT platforms boast a wide variety of original content that can be accessed upon authorization.

What are the cons of OTT?

Online limitation. One can only watch the streaming services if they have an internet connection. This limits the viewership of the content to only those who have internet access. It is required to have an account on streaming services to be able to view your favourite content.

Poor network can affect viewing. Unless there is a stable internet connection, viewing is rather difficult. For the HD experience, you need a minimum of 2MBPS of internet connection otherwise there will be buffering.

Online security. Cybercrime can happen as people may lose their confidential information like bank details while subscribing to OTT platforms.

No censorship. OTT platforms do not follow governmental policies. They work independently. Also, there is no age limitation for viewership. Anyone at any age can watch any show.

Popularity of international OOT platforms in Bangladesh

While local platforms have gained popularity slowly, international platforms have a wider audience. This is mainly because all types of Hollywood, Bollywood, Korean and films from other countries can be found on international platforms. Platforms like Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, and HBO Max have also gained massive popularity in Bangladesh. But on the downside, Bangla content is not available on platforms other than Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Although there is some Bangladeshi content on Netflix, none of them is Netflix’s original content. Subcontinental video streaming platforms like ZEE5, and Hoichoi are also quite popular in Bangladesh. The quality of content on subcontinental platforms is much better than the local platforms and has also received a good response from the audience. As a result, local producers and directors are also encouraged to create content for these video streaming platforms.

Gradually, people are moving from television to video streaming platforms. OTT platforms have proven to be better entertainment sources than traditional TV in recent years. But with the growing popularity of streaming platforms; will the country’s traditional TV media be able to survive in the future?