Online streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLiv, Zee5, MX Player, Alt Balaji, etc., have become the new normal. From teenage kids to working adults, you can see almost everyone watching something on one platform.
Gone are the times when TV was the only source of visual entertainment. Now you are just one click away from whatever you want to watch. Drama, comedy, romance, food, science, technology, etc., you name it, and there will be something that matches your interest. But does that mean the younger generation has stopped watching TV?
In a survey conducted by The Mint and You Gov in 2019, it was found that 48% of the youth in India watch content on online streaming platforms. The consumption of online streaming content increased when the world was under complete lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the productions were halted, people moved towards online content. Since then, there has been no looking back.
If we talk about the country’s young generation, they are the primary consumers of these online streaming platforms. Here are seven reasons why it is so:
1. Too many options to choose from
There are numerous Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms that are available. Too many platforms create possibilities for too many shows to watch. This also gives one the freedom to watch two shows at a time on two different platforms. While in the case of television, almost every channel of the same genre has similar content to offer.
2. Ad-free content
This is the primary reason why the young generation prefers the web over TV. On Tv, one has to wait for the commercials to end to watch the whole episode. But in OTT, you can sit back and enjoy the ad-free content.
3. Your streaming, Your way
Web gives one the choice to watch as many episodes as they want in one go or watch only one episode a day. But on Tv, you have to wait for the telecast of the next episode.
4. Watch it anywhere at anytime
Another advantage of watching online streaming content is that you can watch it anywhere. In your room, while travelling, in the early morning or late night, or even when you are doing something else. You don’t need to be in front of your tv set at a particular time to watch it. TV does not give you that much flexibility.
5. Quality over quantity (No. of episodes)
There are times when the story is stretched for no reason on television. But in the case of the web, the beginning and end of the story will be pre-decided. The number of episodes in which the story will be completed is also decided. It helps maintain the quality of the content.
6. Watch Alone or Watch Together
You want to watch something alone, but you cannot because everyone is watching something else on TV. That’s where OTT comes to your rescue. It gives you the freedom to watch it alone or watch it with your friends or family.
7. Watch-Rewatch
On online streaming platforms, you can watch a show and rewatch it whenever you want. But on TV, you cannot watch it again until it is re-telecasted.
The emergence of OTT platforms in India has made the audience more selective. Now they choose to decide what they want to watch and what they don’t watch. There is no restriction on watching what is being telecasted. This power of selection and freedom of choice in visual content has made the web a more preferred medium than tv for the young generation.
