In the age of globalization, the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and the boundaries of entertainment are expanding like never before. Thanks to the advent of streaming platforms, we now have access to a vast array of international content at our fingertips.
While Hollywood has long dominated the global entertainment market, the rise of British streaming platforms has brought a refreshing wave of high-quality programming to audiences worldwide. From gripping dramas to captivating documentaries and everything in between, these platforms have captured the attention of viewers in far-flung corners of the globe, including India.
One such platform that has been making waves among Indian audiences is the esteemed BBC iPlayer. Renowned for its exceptional content and longstanding reputation, BBC iPlayer has become a go-to destination for Indian viewers seeking a diverse range of British shows and films. But how is it possible to watch BBC iPlayer in India?
Let's delve into the fascinating world of British streaming platforms and discover how they have unlocked a treasure trove of entertainment for Indian viewers.
Exploring the Landscape of Streaming Platforms in India
Recent research by Media Partners Asia suggests that the premium segment of India's streaming video market is set for a shake-up as JioCinema, owned by Reliance Industries, challenges the dominance of Disney+ Hotstar. The "India Online Video Report" reveals that online video consumption in India reached a staggering 6.1 trillion minutes over 15 months.
During this period, SVOD, AVOD, and freemium platforms accounted for 12% of viewing time, while social services like YouTube and TikTok comprised 88%. Disney+ Hotstar led the premium VOD sector with 38% of viewing time, thanks to its sports content and Hindi/regional entertainment. JioCinema, with a meager 2% share until April, gained traction by offering free live streaming of the IPL cricket tournament.
JioCinema's consumption grew more than 20 times, enabling it to dominate the premium VOD category. However, the challenge lies in sustaining growth after the IPL concludes in June 2023. JioCinema has also unveiled plans for original content, acquired the Warner Bros Discovery package, and announced an HBO tier. Zee and Sony accounted for 13% of premium video viewing time and are expected to merge.
Prime Video and Netflix collectively held a 10% share, with Prime Video benefiting from regional titles. Local content dominated premium VOD viewership, while paid tiers leaned towards international content, primarily from the US (36%) and growing Korean content (6%). Indian originals contributed 26% to the paid tier. Warner Bros., Netflix Studios, Marvel Entertainment, and Indian studios like Applause and Endemol drove viewership.
Reasons for the popularity of British streaming platforms in India
The convenience of OTT platforms is a major advantage. They give users the freedom to watch shows anytime, anywhere, and on any device. With just a few clicks, people can access their favorite content, regardless of their location or the time of day. As long as there's an internet connection, they can enjoy their preferred shows on the go.
One of the biggest draws of OTT platforms is the availability of high-quality and fresh content. Many individuals have grown tired of traditional TV serials, especially the never-ending Indian soap operas. OTT platforms offer a refreshing escape from this repetitive content and provide a wide variety of options to cater to different interests and preferences.
Additionally, OTT platforms often release TV shows and movies before they air on general television. Which means you can enjoy the popular shows like Who Do You Think You Are or Love Island without any hassle. This makes them an appealing choice for passionate fans who want to stay ahead and explore new content. Whether it's films or web series, these platforms offer a space to indulge one's passion and discover exciting forms of entertainment.
The Streaming Revolution Exploring the Dominance of other Streaming Platforms
Amazon Prime
Amazon, in particular, made headlines with its announcement to double its investment in India over the next five years. The platform also delighted viewers by unveiling 40 new titles in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
Among the exciting releases, there are 26 fresh original series and nine returning favorites. The highly anticipated third season of Mirzapur, set to premiere in December, has already gained immense anticipation as India's most sought-after streaming original of 2021. Prime Video delighted audiences with other popular shows like Panchayat Season 2, the romantic-drama Gehraiyaan, the thrilling Jalsa, and the coming-of-age film Sharmaji Namkeen, all capturing the attention of millions of viewers.
On the international front, Amazon made a significant impact with the release of The Boys' third season, attracting 9.6 million viewers. The premiere of the highly anticipated Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power also drew a substantial Indian audience, contributing to 12% of the global viewership.Additionally, Amazon introduced the Prime Video Store, allowing Indian viewers to enjoy early access to a diverse selection of local and international movies on a rental basis.
Netflix
In the first quarter of 2022, Netflix emerged as the leading streaming platform in India with a remarkable 46.1% market share of streaming originals demand, surpassing competitors like Amazon Prime Video (15.9%) and Disney+ Hotstar (9.4%).
Netflix's success can be attributed to its compelling content lineup, which includes both international hits like Stranger Things (15.8 million Indian viewers for its fourth season) and captivating Indian originals. Shows like Delhi Crime (second season) and Aranyak gained significant viewership, with Aranyak becoming the most-watched show on Netflix in India, attracting 22.49 million unique views.
Netflix's Indian Predator trilogy docuseries and movies such as Dasvi (10.4 million views), Thar (7.8 million views), and Darlings (viewed for 33 million hours) garnered immense interest, highlighting their popularity as non-English hits.
Looking ahead, Netflix aims to maintain its top position by catering to Indian viewers' preferences. To achieve this, it plans to tap into Tollywood, the Telugu and Tamil film industries, by producing at least six original TV shows in these languages. This strategic move is aimed at securing viewer loyalty and expanding its presence amidst growing competition from Amazon and Disney+ Hotstar.
Final Thought
The streaming revolution has brought British platforms like BBC iPlayer to the forefront, captivating Indian audiences with their exceptional content. As the dominance of streaming platforms in India continues to evolve, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix are leaving their mark with impressive original series and strategic investments. British streaming platform like BBC iPlayer is also making a significant impact with their compelling original content and partnerships with renowned production companies.
With an insatiable appetite for captivating stories, Indian viewers can expect a world of entertainment at their fingertips, as these platforms unlock a treasure trove of content that knows no boundaries. The stage is set for a thrilling streaming showdown as the battle for audience loyalty intensifies.
