Why do audiences prefer watching shows and films online?

Television shows and the medium have been familiar to the masses. There has an emotional connection with the shows that have been running for years now. In the early 1990’s there was prevalent culture in the family wherein all the members used to watch Television together. With the coming of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime and many more “Go solo” is the new mantra.

In urban areas when people are busy with their professional life they don’t have enough time to watch the show on television instead they prefer catching up on the shows they like when they get time.

Every medium has their own set of Pros and Cons. Here let’s discuss with regards to OTT platforms:

1.  The audiences need everything ASAP: The viewers don’t like waiting for the episode to air every day. They are fond of watching it all at once as and when time permits.
2. Fast internet speed: A internet with steady is available in urban areas so therefore the switch from Television to OTT can be smooth.
3. Ad free content: Television has more number of ads in between their shows but the online content has no ads or short ads with the skip option.
4. Cable hasn’t changed over time: The target audiences for Television shows are mostly housewives or families. It hardly has shows for the young crowd.
5. The streaming platforms: Netflix and Amazon Prime and other OTT platforms have decided to expand the market to India. They have also started customizing their show in accordance with the Indian audience.
6. ODD hour watching: The content is even available in the middle of the night. There is no time bound to watch the show. The viewers can even take some time off to have lunch etc and then continue watching later.

Now let’s talk about the negative aspect of the OTT:

1. It needs a safe and reliable internet connection in order to run. Internet connection is rarity for the village and the villagers.
2. There isn’t any know how of technology. In rural areas there is no electricity also.
3. Many people are not ready to access the content on laptop, tablets or smart phones because all these remain an alien concept for common public.
4. Subscription for Netflix and Amazon Prime and internet connection is not affordable for lower middle class and people living in suburb.