ZEE5 has changed its logo to a stylish “Z5”. However, the number of its dissatisfied subscribers doesn’t seem to be decreasing. Amidst all the OTT-related issues viewers face regularly, probably the most painful and frustrating one is having to watch too many ads while enjoying their favourite content, even after paying for a premium subscription.
Once again, a noticeable section of ZEE5’s subscribers is not happy with the platform’s current subscription plans. They are complaining about being bombarded with unwanted advertisements while trying to watch their desired content.
Currently, ZEE5 offers two major subscription plans. The first one charges INR 320 per month (with access on up to 2 devices), but it comes with ads. The second plan charges INR 1,949 per year (offering access on up to 4 devices) and is ad-free.
The benefits of the INR 320 monthly plan are many, such as access to content in all languages, video quality up to UHD 2160p, Dolby Atmos sound, and support for various devices like TV, iOS, Android, Fire Stick, PC, laptop, and tablet. However, its biggest flaw is the overwhelming number of ads, to the point where watching content becomes unbearable for viewers.
@ZEE5India can u explain why i need to watch ads even after paying for subscription. Such cheap ways to get more money. Pathetic, shameful. Besharam log
— Prateek Singhal (@singhalp86) June 13, 2025
Rey @ahavideoIN it looks like am watching content in between ads, not ads in between content. Stop bullying us with this. May you earn some dollars, but definitely you lose the viewership and future paid users.
— Rajeev Uppala (@RajeevUppala7) June 13, 2025
Even @ZEE5India done the same thing.. give us some breath to watch.
@ZEE5India at first it was 1 ad only at the start and Finish of video, that was OK. But now 3 ads every 5 minutes. Why the Hell I am paying for a Subscription while watching ads? Gonna Cancel my subscription after this one ends. I hope other users too.
— Vikas Sehrawat (@vks3385) June 11, 2025
This situation makes Netflix India’s Mobile (INR 149/month) and Basic (INR 199/month) plans seem far better than ZEE5’s monthly offering. Yes, their video quality may not be 4K, but at least they don’t come with unwanted ads.
Charging INR 320 per month while still showing ads is deeply unpopular, especially when platforms like Netflix and Prime Video offer ad-free experiences at lower or similar price points. Indian OTT viewers now expect clean, uninterrupted streaming when they pay for premium plans.
Plus, this setup seriously affects binge-watching habits, which Indian users are now very much accustomed to.
Understandably, ZEE5 is trying to monetize through both ads and subscriptions, but the current balance is tipping toward user dissatisfaction. This could further lead to decreased user trust and a deteriorating brand image for ZEE5. Stay tuned for more updates.