OTT platform subscriptions increase as pandemic necessitates new ways of entertainment

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Over-the-top (OTT) is a streaming service that enables its viewer to stream their television shows without the need for cables or satellites. It only requires an internet connection.

Increased number of internet subscribers and smartphone users indicates an increase in mobile entertainment.

In Bangladesh, the number of broadband and mobile phone-based internet connections in the past fiscal year of 2020-2021 increased by 17.5 million, more than twice the increase seen in the previous fiscal year, amid peoples’ growing dependence on online services after the COVID outbreak.

OTT platforms around the world have grown significantly over the years. According to statistics, in 2021, the market size of the global OTT platform stood at $178 billion, estimated to top $275 billion by 2027.

As a result, the big tech giants are bringing their own streaming services to the market one by one.

Sarder Saniat Hossain, CEO of Good Company, said like the rest of the world, the COVID 19 pandemic has given a boost to the OTT platforms in Bangladesh.

Users, of all ages, are satisfied with the flexibility of these platforms that are unbound by time or place and serve the desired purposes effectively.

“As the era demands, we are getting our entertainment through Facebook, YouTube, Chorki etc. Those have given us the chance to watch programs. It is not always possible to go to the theatre to watch movies. As now these are in our hands through mobile phones, we can watch them here,” said Shahadat Hossain.

“When COVID started, we couldn’t go to school and meet with friends. We bought Android TVs, and all of our 3 brothers and sister started to watch anime, cartoons on YouTube, Amazon, Disney and HotStar,” student Ibtesham Ahmed said.