Despite the boom in streaming and the rise of so many OTT platforms in India, most of them are still struggling to make real profits. At first glance, this seems odd. Millions of people are watching shows and movies online every day. But the truth is, one big reason behind this struggle is something that is always on the burner piracy.
India has become one of the world’s biggest markets for online piracy. According to a recent report, Indians made more than 1000 crore visits to pirated websites in 2024 alone. That’s second only to the United States. While platforms are investing huge amounts in creating original shows, web series, and regional content, a large chunk of their audience still chooses to watch these illegally, for free.
The problem gets worse because piracy is no longer limited to shady websites. It’s now easily available through Telegram, Discord, Reddit, and X. And while streaming services are charging for access, pirated content reaches people instantly and at no cost.
Another issue is the sheer number of OTT platforms in India. There are tons of them. People often don’t want to pay for so many different apps just to watch one show. So, instead of subscribing, many turn to pirated sources. Even though some telecom companies like Jio and Airtel now offer bundled OTT plans, it still hasn’t been enough to stop piracy completely.
Until piracy is properly tackled and legal access becomes easier, OTT platforms in India will keep facing losses. The audience is there. The demand is there. But unless viewers see real value in paying, the platforms will continue to bleed while pirates thrive.