Why OTT subscriptions are expensive in India

By early 2026, India's OTT market will have become a $5-7 billion industry. However, the early era of "cheap digital entertainment" is over. Subscription costs for top platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, Sony LIV, and more have climbed 20%–40% over the past two years. Even as the number of internet users surpasses 900 million, the rising cost of subscribing to multiple platforms has reached an unsustainable level for many Indian households. Amid this, Indian one of the best OTT platforms, OTTplay, gives access to several OTT content at an affordable price. 

Here's why OTT subscriptions are expensive in India

Content costs are high. OTT platforms spend huge amounts on content. They pay for originals but high-quality content doesn't come cheap. To cover this cost, platforms raise subscription prices. People spend a lot of money on several OTT platforms to watch their favourite shows.

Also Read: OTTplay vs Airtel Xstream: Which subscription is better?

For an average Indian household, internet penetration is high (900+ million users). But subscribing to multiple platforms can cost hundreds of rupees per month, which is exhausting. This “pay-per-platform” model is starting to strain budgets.

Here's how OTTplay helps

OTTplay allows you to search for movies, series, or sporting events, and you can instantly see on which platforms they're streaming. Instead of paying for several platforms individually, OTTplay offers bundled packs starting as low as Rs. 149/month. This provides access to up to 29+ OTT services (like JioHotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Lionsgate Play, Discovery+, FanCode, and more, along with 500+ live channels) under one payment.

OTTplay users can create watchlists and get alerts when new episodes or movies are out. It ensures you never miss content, so you don’t feel the need to keep paying for multiple platforms unnecessarily.

OTTplay allows content in all major Indian languages. Regional movies and shows are also available. You don't have to subscribe to multiple regional platforms to watch your favourite shows and movies.

OTT subscription FAQs

Q: What is OTTplay and how does it work?

A: OTTplay is a platform that helps you track where movies, series, and sports are streaming across all major OTT services. It shows which platforms have your favourite content, highlights the best subscription deals, and lets you create watchlists so you never miss the videos you love.

Q: How can OTTplay help me save money on subscriptions?

A: OTTplay helps you avoid paying for multiple subscriptions unnecessarily. It shows which platforms have your favorite content, highlights discounts and free trials, and helps you strategically plan your subscriptions. You can get access to 29+ OTTs (JioHotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, and more, and also 500+ Live TV channels) under a Rs. 149/month subscription. 

Q: Does OTTplay cover regional and multi-language content?

A: Yes! OTTplay tracks content in all major Indian languages, including regional movies and shows.