Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms has transformed the entertainment industry, offering users a wide range of digital content anytime, anywhere. In India, the recognition of OTT platforms has skyrocketed in the latest years, fueled by means of increasing internet penetration, low cost statistics plans, and the call for personalised and on-demand content. This article targets to provide an outline of the development cost and key functions concerned in constructing an OTT platform in India.

1. OTT Platform Development Cost And
Features In India
The rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms has transformed the entertainment industry, offering
users a wide range of digital content anytime, anywhere. In India, the recognition of OTT
platforms has skyrocketed in the latest years, fueled by means of increasing internet
penetration, low-cost statistics plans, and the call for personalized and on-demand content. This
article targets to provide an outline of the development cost and key functions concerned in
constructing an OTT platform in India. It may even spotlight some applicable data that shed light
on the growth and potential of the Indian OTT marketplace.
What is an OTT platform?
OTT platforms provide streaming services for both audio and video content over the internet.
Some of these platforms offer certain content for free while charging for others. To access the
charged content, users must subscribe to the platform. Typically, subscription fees are charged
for unique content that is not available on other platforms.
These platforms are highly advanced and incorporate artificial intelligence to enhance the user
experience. AI is used to recommend content that users are likely to enjoy based on their
viewing history. This allows for personalized suggestions based on the user's interests and
preferences.
The estimated cost of OTT Platform development in India
The cost of developing an OTT platform can vary greatly depending on a number of factors.
According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets, the global OTT market size is expected to
reach $367 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 13.8% from 2020 to 2027.
This growth is being driven by the increasing demand for video streaming services and the
rising popularity of on-demand content.
The cost of developing an OTT platform can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars,
depending on the complexity of the platform and the features it offers. A basic OTT platform with
limited functionality can cost around $30,000 to $50,000, while a more advanced platform with
features like personalized content recommendations and live streaming can cost upwards of
$1 million.

2. Other factors that can impact the cost of developing an OTT platform include the size of the
development team involved, the technology stack used, the platform's infrastructure, and the
platform's security requirements. It's important to carefully consider these factors when
budgeting for an OTT platform development project.
What Types of OTT Platform Are Presently Active in the Market?
There are several types of OTT platforms that are currently active in the market. These include:
1. Subscription-based platforms: These platforms require users to pay a subscription fee
to access their content. Examples of subscription-based platforms include Netflix,
Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
2. Ad-supported platforms: These platforms offer free access to their content but
generate revenue through advertising. Examples of ad-supported platforms include
YouTube, Pluto TV, and Tubi.
3. Transactional platforms: These platforms allow users to rent or purchase specific
pieces of content. Examples of transactional platforms include Google Play Movies,
Apple TV, and Vudu.
4. Live streaming platforms: These platforms offer live streaming of events such as
sports, concerts, and news broadcasts. Examples of live-streaming platforms include
Sling TV, FuboTV, and CBS All Access.
5. Hybrid platforms: These platforms combine multiple business models, such as offering
a mix of subscription-based and transactional content. An example of a hybrid platform
is HBO Max, which offers both subscription-based content and transactional rentals.
Each type of OTT platform has its own unique features and advantages, and users can choose
the platform that best suits their needs and preferences.
Read More: 5 Simple Steps to Create Your Own OTT Platform
Winning companies in OTT platform development
There are several companies that have been successful in the OTT platform development
market. Here are some examples of winning companies:

3. Netflix:
Netflix is one of the most well-known OTT platforms and has been successful in developing
original content that has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal user base.
Amazon Prime Video:
Amazon Prime Video offers a wide range of content, including original programming, and is
available in many countries around the world.
Hulu:
Hulu has been successful in developing original content and offering live TV streaming services,
making it a popular choice for cord-cutters.
Disney+:
Disney+ has quickly become a popular choice for families with its extensive library of Disney-
owned content, including Marvel and Star Wars franchises.
YouTube TV:
YouTube TV offers live TV streaming services, including access to local channels, making it a
popular option for sports fans and those who want to stay current on news and events.
HBO Max:

4. HBO Max offers a mix of original and licensed content, including popular shows like Game of
Thrones and Friends, as well as new releases and exclusives.
Apple TV+:
Apple TV+ offers original programming and is integrated with other Apple services, making it a
convenient option for Apple users.
These are just a few examples of companies that have been successful in the OTT platform
development market, but there are many others that are also providing innovative and popular
services to users.
Features You Need in OTT Platform Development
1. Multilingual content
Expanding your OTT platform's language offerings is essential to reaching a wider audience
and growing your business globally. Adding more language video content besides English can
lead to significant growth in user base and streaming hours.
A prime example of this is Netflix, who added more language options and saw an increase of
over a million users and 150 million+ video streaming hours.
Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize adding multi-language options to your OTT platform to attract
new users and expand your business beyond geographical borders.
2. Watchlist
The Watchlist functionality is a must-have feature for any OTT video streaming application. It
allows users to add content they wish to watch later, keeping their interests organized and
easily accessible.
To encourage users to utilize this feature, you can implement a notification system that reminds
them to watch the content they added to their Watchlist.
By providing this feature, users are more likely to stay engaged with your platform and return to
watch the content they have added to their Watchlist.
3. Search
An essential feature in OTT streaming platforms is the Explore or Search option, visible and
accessible to users of all ages.
The OTT platform should design the Search option to accommodate a wide range of genres,
presenting them in a user-friendly drop-down menu.

5. With this feature, users can easily find the content they are interested in and stay engaged with
your platform.
4. User profile
Having a user profile feature is a crucial aspect of any OTT platform. This feature allows users
to manage their preferences and viewing history, as well as choose their preferred payment
options.
To attract more users, you can follow the Netflix model of allowing multiple users to share an
account, with each user having their own set of OTT platform features.
Providing users with a personalized experience through the user profile feature can increase
engagement and retention on your platform.
5. Social Features
Social features are an essential aspect of any successful OTT app. They help increase daily
active users and make the app shareable.
Providing users with the option to share their viewing activity on social media with their network
can help increase engagement and attract new users.
Including a social media login option can also make onboarding easy for users and streamline
the registration process.
Overall, social features play a pivotal role in enhancing the OTT experience for users and can
lead to increased engagement and growth of your platform.
6. Screen Mirroring:
To increase user engagement, it is essential to provide access to your OTT application on
multiple screens, including TVs and desktops, in addition to mobile apps.
You can implement these features in two ways:
1. Using the Google Cast SDK to enable users to cast content from their mobile device to
their TV screen.
2. Offering screen mirroring through AirPlay, which is an alternative to Google Cast and
works exclusively with Apple TV and linked iOS apps.
By providing users with the ability to access your platform on multiple screens, you can increase
user engagement and attract more users to your OTT app.
Read More: OTT Service Providers: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
7. In-app Purchase

6. One important feature to include in your OTT app development process is in-app purchases,
which involves integrating payment gateways and various app money-making strategies. This
feature allows for easy and seamless money transfers for your app users.
If you choose to go with the subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) or transactional video-on-
demand (TVOD) monetization model, like top OTT companies such as Netflix and Hulu, in-app
purchases become even more crucial.
You may also want to explore the potential earnings from your app.
8. Payment Integration
Payment integration is crucial for OTT platform development, as it's the final step when users
decide to buy a premium plan or subscribe to content.
The payment gateway integration is essential because users can change their minds at the end
of the buying decision.
It's recommended to integrate a payment gateway with the OTT app to ensure a seamless and
secure payment experience.
A payment gateway is a critical factor that can influence users' decisions on whether to make a
purchase or not.
Having a payment gateway integrated into your OTT app is important to avoid any last-minute
payment issues or drop-offs.
6 Steps for Successful OTT Platform Development
Step 1: Market Research
Conduct thorough research of the market to understand your target audience, their preferences,
and the existing competition.
Step 2: Define Goals and Business Model
Define your business goals and decide on the monetization model that suits your platform the
best.
Step 3: Choose the Right Technology
Choose the right technology stack and the features required for your OTT platform.
Step 4: Content Acquisition and Management:
Acquire content licenses from content providers and implement a content management system
to effectively manage and distribute the content on your platform.

7. Step 5: Development and Testing
Develop and test the platform with a focus on user experience and scalability.
Step 6: Launch and Marketing
Launch your platform and effectively market it to reach your target audience. Regularly update
and optimize your platform based on user feedback and market trends.
How Much Does OTT Platform Development Cost in India?
The cost of OTT platform development in India can vary depending on a variety of factors,
including the type of platform, features, and functionality required, as well as the level of
customization. Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs for OTT platform development in
India:
Basic OTT Platform Development:
The cost of developing a basic OTT platform can range from $10,000 to $50,000. This would
include basic features like video streaming, user registration, and basic content management.
Mid-Level OTT Platform Development:
A mid-level OTT platform with additional features like social sharing, analytics, advanced
content management, and payment gateway integration can cost between $50,000 and
$100,000.
Advanced OTT Platform Development:
An advanced OTT platform with a highly customized design, advanced user engagement
features, advanced analytics, and AI-powered recommendations can cost over $100,000.
It is important to note that these costs are estimates and can vary based on the specific
requirements of the project. Additionally, ongoing maintenance and updates should also be
factored into the cost of development.
Overall, the cost of OTT platform development in India is relatively lower compared to other
countries, making it an attractive destination for businesses looking to develop their own OTT
platform.
How Can Flicknexs Help You With OTT Platform Development?

8. Flicknexs is a leading OTT platform development company that offers end-to-end services in
building and launching a successful OTT platform. They have a team of experienced
developers, designers, and project managers who work closely with clients to understand their
requirements and deliver solutions that meet their business needs.
Flicknexs provides a range of services that include:
1. Custom OTT Platform Development: They develop custom OTT platforms from
scratch, tailored to client's specific requirements and business needs.
2. White-label OTT Platform Development: They offer white-label OTT platforms that can
be customized and branded as per clients' requirements.
3. OTT App Development: Flicknexs develops OTT applications for iOS, Android, Smart
TVs, and other devices.
4. Content Management System: They offer a robust CMS that allows clients to manage
their content, metadata, and users easily.
5. Video Hosting and Streaming: They provide a reliable and scalable video hosting and
streaming service that ensures seamless playback and high-quality video delivery.
6. Monetization Strategies: Flicknexs helps clients in developing effective monetization
strategies that include subscription-based models, transactional video-on-demand
(TVOD), and advertising-based models.
The cost of OTT platform development with Flicknexs depends on various factors such as the
features and functionalities required, the platform's complexity, and the number of platforms and
devices to be supported. However, they offer flexible pricing models that cater to clients'
budgets and requirements. In summary, if you're looking for an experienced and reliable
company to develop your OTT platform, Flicknexs is a great choice to consider.
Conclusion:

9. The cost of developing an OTT platform in India can vary based on the features and
functionality required. Factors that can impact the cost include app design, content management
systems, payment gateway integrations, and hosting. However, even with the cost
considerations, developing an OTT platform in India can be a worthwhile investment for
businesses looking to enter the video streaming market. With the rise of digital content
consumption and the increasing popularity of video streaming, an OTT platform can offer
businesses a new revenue stream and help them reach a wider audience.