The OTT space in India has become extremely competitive, and platforms are fighting hard to stay relevant. Recently, Prasar Bharati extended the deadline for satellite TV channels to join its OTT platform WAVES until March 31, hoping to attract more broadcasters and expand its digital reach. On paper, the platform claims over 5 million downloads and a growing global presence. But these numbers need to be seen in the right context.
5 million downloads is actually very small when compared to major OTT platforms like JioHotstar or Zee5, which operate at a completely different scale. Even smaller private platforms have struggled despite having more downloads. Even though the Play Store shows over five million downloads for WAVES, but downloads alone do not tell the full story. What really matters is how many people are actively using the app. Many users download apps once and never open them again.
This is where the real challenge begins. If viewers are not consistently watching content, broadcasters have little reason to prioritise the platform. The extension until March 31 may seem like a positive move, but it also suggests that many satellite TV channels may still be unsure about joining. User experience, content quality, and audience engagement all influence these decisions.
For WAVES, affordability and government backing are advantages, but they are not enough. To attract both viewers and broadcasters, the platform must prove that it can offer real value. Otherwise, extensions and download figures will not change its position in the OTT market.
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