So you have a great idea for an over-the-top or OTT media service and want to build your own streaming platform. Kudos to you for thinking big! But before you dive in headfirst, you’re probably wondering about the costs involved. Developing an OTT platform is no small feat and can cost a pretty penny. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the factors that determine how much does an OTT platform development cost in India so you can budget properly and turn your idea into a reality. Streaming media is the future, and with the right planning and partner, you can make a splash in this fast-growing industry.
According to Statista “Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2027) of 5.55%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$12.66bn by 2027.”
Let’s get started!
What Is an OTT Platform?
An over-the-top (OTT) platform is a streaming service that delivers video and audio content over the internet. Instead of traditional cable or satellite providers, OTT platforms stream content directly to viewers over the internet.
Popular OTT platforms include:
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
Why are OTT platforms so popular?
OTT platforms are popular for a few reasons:
- Convenience: You can stream shows and movies on-demand, whenever and wherever you want. No more being tied to a TV schedule.
- Affordability: OTT services are often very affordable, especially compared to cable packages. Basic plans typically start around $5 to $15 per month.
- Exclusive content: Many OTT platforms now produce their own exclusive TV shows, movies, documentaries and more. This original content is a big draw for subscribers.
- Personalization: OTT platforms use data and algorithms to suggest content tailored to your unique tastes and viewing habits. The more you watch, the more customized your experience becomes.
- No contracts: Most OTT services don’t require long-term contracts, so you have flexibility to subscribe and cancel as needed without penalty.
With the rise of smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile apps, accessing your favorite OTT platforms has never been easier. It’s no wonder that OTT streaming services have exploded in popularity and now dominate the entertainment landscape. The convenience and choice they offer viewers is truly game-changing.
Key Features of an OTT Platform
To build an OTT platform, you’ll need to incorporate several key features that viewers expect.
Account Management
Allow users to create personal profiles, save preferences, and maintain a watch history. Let them pause and resume playback across devices. Offer account tiers with different features at varying price points.
Content Libraries
Provide a wide selection of on-demand TV shows, movies, news, and more. Partner with content creators to license popular media, or allow users to upload their own. Organize content into categories, channels, and genres for easy browsing.
Viewing Experience
Give viewers an intuitive interface to search, select, and play content on their device of choice. Include options to stream in high definition, enable closed captioning, change the aspect ratio, and control playback using pause, rewind, fast forward and skip.
Personalization
Use algorithms and user data to provide customized content recommendations, featured selections, and channel lineups tailored to individual interests. Allow viewers to set reminders and save shows or movies to their watchlist.
Monetization Methods
Determine a revenue model, whether it’s advertising, subscription fees, pay per view, or a hybrid model. Advertising can be disruptive but lowers costs for viewers. Subscriptions provide an ad-free experience but require recurring payments. Offer discounts for annual subscription plans.
Developing a full-featured OTT platform is complex, but with the right technology and expertise, you can build a streaming service to satisfy any audience. Focus on a great user experience, wide content selection, and smart personalization to keep viewers coming back.
How Much Does It Cost To Start An OTT Platform?
So, you have an amazing idea for an OTT platform and want to turn your vision into reality. The next question is, how much an OTT platform development cost in India? The costs for developing an OTT platform in India can vary quite a bit depending on the features and functionalities you want to include. Here are some estimates to help you budget for your streaming service:
Basic Platform – Around $50,000 to $200,000
For a basic video-on-demand platform with standard features like content upload, streaming, and user management, you can expect to pay between $50,000 to $200,000. This assumes you already have your content ready to upload and stream. An OTT platform development cost in India include:
- Designing and developing the website and mobile apps
- Setting up the streaming infrastructure and content delivery network
- Implementing a payment gateway for subscriptions
- Admin panel for managing content, users, plans, etc.
Advanced Platform – $200,000 to $500,000+
For an advanced OTT platform with live streaming, subscription packages, parental controls, and more advanced features, the costs will be $200,000 to $500,000 or higher. Additional costs include:
- Live encoding software for streaming live content
- Implementing an API to integrate with devices like Fire TV Stick, Android TV, etc.
- Building a recommendation engine for content personalization
- Setting up analytics to gain insights into viewer behavior and preferences
The exact cost of OTT video development will depend on the complexity of features, number of supported devices, hosting requirements, and other factors. Work with an experienced OTT development company in India to get an accurate estimate based on your specific needs and requirements. They can help you craft an OTT video platform that delivers an amazing streaming experience to your viewers at a price that fits your budget.
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Different Over-The-Top (OTT) Software We Provide
Different Over-The-Top (OTT) Software We Provide
Once you determine your audience and content strategy, it’s time to choose which OTT software solutions will help bring your vision to life. At Binary Informatics, we offer a range of customizable OTT platforms to suit your needs.
- Streaming Media Platform: For delivering live or on-demand video content. Supports features like live streaming, video on demand, live pause/rewind, and social sharing. Perfect for entertainment, news, sports, education, and more.
- Subscription Video on Demand: For providing a curated streaming media library where users can subscribe to access content. Includes features such as content management, recommendation engines, payment processing, and user management. Ideal for building your own Netflix- or Hulu-like service.
- Education Platform: For offering online courses and educational content. Includes features such as course creation and management, enrollment management, assignments, analytics, and certifications. Great for schools, universities, and professional training organizations.
- Live Event Platform: For hosting virtual conferences, summits, town halls, and other live streamed events. Features include live streaming, on-demand streaming, live Q&A, sponsor/exhibitor management, networking, and analytics. Perfect for businesses, organizations, and event planners.
- eCommerce Platform: For setting up your own streaming eCommerce channel to sell products and services. Includes features such as product listings, shopping cart, payment processing, recommendations, wish lists, and order fulfillment. Useful for retailers, brands, and entrepreneurs looking to build a streaming shopping network.
The options are vast, but with the right OTT software choice for your needs, you’ll be well on your way to launching a successful streaming platform, growing your audience, and achieving your business goals. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the options and get your streaming platform up and running with the help of dedicated developers.
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OTT Platform Development Process
Developing an over-the-top (OTT) platform involves several key steps. Here’s an overview of the typical OTT platform development process:
Planning
The first step is coming up with an idea for your OTT platform and determining your target audience. Do you want to serve a niche market or appeal to a wide range of viewers? Outline the key features, content types, and functionality you want to offer based on your audience’s needs and interests. Map out a basic roadmap for how you will build and launch your platform.
Designing the UI/UX
Your platform’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) are critical to keeping viewers engaged. Work with designers to create an intuitive, attractive UI that makes it easy for users to navigate and access content. Test different options with focus groups to get feedback and make improvements. The UX should be seamless across devices like smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
Developing the Platform
This step involves actually building the technical infrastructure for your OTT platform. Work with an experienced development team to code the platform, implement the UI, and integrate key features like a content management system (CMS), payment gateway, analytics tools and more. Make sure to optimize the platform for performance, security and scalability.
Acquiring and Creating Content
Your content is what will draw viewers to your platform and keep them subscribed. Either acquire third-party content or produce your own original content, such as movies, TV shows, news programs or documentaries. Build up a large content library with options to suit all your target audiences’ tastes.
Marketing and Launching
Market your new OTT platform through social media, advertising, strategic partnerships and word-of-mouth. Offer free trials or discounted subscription rates when you first launch to attract new users. Continue improving the platform and adding fresh content to give subscribers a reason to keep coming back.
The total cost to develop an OTT platform in India can range from $50,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on the complexity and features. But by following the proper process, you’ll have the infrastructure in place to build a successful streaming service your viewers will love.
OTT Platform Tech Stack Options
When developing an OTT platform, you have several options for the underlying technology stack. The tech stack refers to the software architecture, framework, languages, and other tools used to build your platform. Choosing the right stack for your needs and budget is key.
Custom development
Building an OTT platform from scratch gives you the most flexibility and control. However, it also requires the highest investment of time and money. You’ll need to hire a team of developers and designers to build the frontend interface, backend infrastructure, streaming functionality, and more.
White label solution
A white label OTT solution allows you to license an existing platform and rebrand it as your own. Popular white label options for OTT platforms include Muvi, VdoCipher, and Muvizu. White label solutions are quicker to launch and more affordable but offer less customization. You’re limited to the features and functionality the solution already provides.
Open source platforms
Open source OTT platforms like JW Player, Kaltura, and Mux are free, customizable frameworks you can use as a starting point. You’ll still need a development team to build and maintain your platform, but starting with an open source solution can speed time to market and reduce costs. The downside is that open source platforms may lack certain proprietary features and plugins offered by commercial solutions.
In the end, the choice comes down to your priorities, target audience, and budget. A custom build is ideal if you want maximum control and custom features. A white label or open source solution can work if you want to launch quickly on a limited budget. And you can always start with one approach, then pivot to another as your needs and resources change. The key is choosing a tech stack that will empower you to build the best OTT platform for your users.
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Average OTT platform development cost in India Breakdown
When estimating the cost to develop an OTT platform in India, several factors determine the total price tag. Here’s a breakdown of the average costs involved:
Backend Development
The backend infrastructure is the foundation of any OTT platform. It includes components like:
- Database to store content and user info
- CMS (Content Management System) to upload and manage content
- Streaming servers to deliver content on-demand
- Analytics to track user behavior and content performance
Backend development typically ranges from $50,000 to $250,000 for an OTT platform. The costs vary depending on the features and integrations required.
Frontend Development
The frontend includes the:
- User interfaces (UI)
- User experience (UX) design
- Responsiveness for mobile devices and web
Frontend development usually starts around $25,000 and can go up to $100,000 or more for a highly customized OTT platform with advanced features.
Content Acquisition
Acquiring streaming rights for TV shows, movies, live sports, and other content can be a significant cost, ranging from $50,000 up to $5 million or more per year for a large content library. The costs depend on the content type, studio, and licensing terms.
Ongoing Costs
Once launched, there are ongoing costs to operate the OTT platform like:
- Content licensing fees (if not owned outright)
- Hosting and streaming delivery
- Customer support
- Marketing and user acquisition
- Product development (adding new features and updates)
Ongoing costs typically start around $50,000 per year for a small-scale OTT platform and can exceed $5 million per year for a major service.
In summary, you can expect to pay between $200,000 to $500,000 to develop an OTT platform in India, with ongoing costs of at least $50,000 per year to operate it. The total investment will vary significantly based on the content library, features, and scale of your OTT platform. But with a growing appetite for streaming services in India, the potential for return on investment is huge. The pricing of recommendation AI by Google can also impact the overall cost of developing an OTT platform.
Ways to Reduce OTT Development Costs
There are several ways you can reduce the cost of developing an OTT platform. Here are some of the top recommendations from industry experts:
Use an OTT Platform as a Service
Rather than building an OTT platform from scratch, you can use an OTT Platform as a Service (OTT PaaS) offered by companies like Muvi, Brightcove or VOOT. These services handle the core platform infrastructure, enabling you to focus on content acquisition, marketing, and monetization. Having your own OTT app also eliminates the need for third-party distributors, enabling you to keep more out of your revenue. The monthly subscription fee is a fraction of the cost of developing and maintaining your own platform.
Start with an MVP
Rather than aiming to launch a fully-featured OTT platform right out of the gate, start with a Minimum Viable Product or MVP. An MVP includes only the essential features like content upload, streaming, payments, user profiles, and notifications. You can then launch your MVP, get feedback from users, and add more features over time based on demand. This iterative approach is more cost-effective than building a platform with lots of nice-to-have features that may not get used.
Use Open Source Technology
Leverage open source software and code libraries as much as possible. Platforms like Muvix, Brightcove and Kaltura are built on open source technology stacks. By using open source components for functions like playback, DRM, analytics and more, you can avoid having to develop these solutions in-house and significantly lower your costs.
Focus on Key Devices First
Initially, focus on developing apps and interfaces for the most popular streaming devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops and streaming media players. You can always expand to gaming consoles, smart TVs and other connected devices later on based on your audience needs. This focused approach will require fewer engineering resources and a smaller budget.
Offer Freemium and Ad-Supported Plans
In addition to subscription plans, offer free and ad-supported options. Freemium and ad-supported tiers will appeal to more users, allowing you to maximize your audience and revenue potential without incurring additional costs. As your audience grows over time, more users will convert to your paid subscription plans.
Use a Phased Rollout Approach
Rather than launching your OTT platform with all content and features at once, use a phased rollout approach. For example, you can launch with a single content genre or type of content first, like movies or TV shows. Then you can add other content categories over time in phases. This will spread out upfront development costs and allow you to make incremental improvements based on user feedback. A phased approach also helps to build hype and anticipation for new releases, keeping users engaged.
FAQs (OTT Platform Development Cost in India)
So you have an idea for an OTT platform, but how much will it actually cost to build? Developing an OTT platform is no small feat and can vary greatly in cost depending on the features and complexity. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about OTT platform development costs:
How much does it cost to build an OTT platform from scratch?
Building an OTT platform from the ground up will likely cost between $50,000 to $500,000 or more for a basic to mid-level platform. The total cost depends on factors like:
- The number of features (live streaming, VOD, subscription models, etc.)
- The complexity of features (recommendation algorithms, analytics, etc.)
- The tech stack (native apps, web, streaming protocols)
- The number of supported devices (mobile, web, smart TVs, gaming consoles)
- The platform architecture (microservices, serverless, etc.)
- The number of content types (movies, TV, music, podcasts, etc.)
- The size of content library
- Ongoing maintenance and support
How much does it cost to develop an OTT platform?
The cost of developing an OTT platform can vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of the features, the number of platforms supported, and the level of customization required. On average, the cost can range from $50,000 to $500,000 or more.
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
How much do OTT apps cost to develop?
Native iOS and Android apps for an OTT platform typically cost between $50,000 to $200,000 or more to develop, depending on their complexity. Hybrid or web-based apps will be on the lower end of the range. The geographical location of your partnered mobile app development company is based on. Apps require ongoing maintenance to support new devices, operating system updates, and feature changes which adds to the total ott app development cost.
How can I reduce the cost to build an OTT platform?
Some ways to reduce OTT platform development costs include:
- Focus on a niche content vertical to start
- Release an MVP with core features first, then add on
- Use open-source technology as much as possible
- Hire freelancers or outsourced dev teams
- Start with a web app, then build native apps
- Use a white label OTT platform and customize from there
- Consider ad-supported or hybrid (ad + subscription) models to generate revenue sooner
OTT platform development cost in India can seem daunting, but with careful planning you can develop an affordable solution to get started, then scale and add on from there as your platform and business grow. The key is starting simple and focusing on what’s most important to your customers and business model.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a comprehensive overview of how much OTT platform development cost in India. As you can see, there are many factors at play here that determine the final cost – the features and functionality you want to include, the complexity of your platform, your tech stack, and of course the rates of the developers you hire.
The good news is, India has a booming tech industry with lots of talent, so you can build a high-quality OTT platform at a fraction of the cost compared to other places. Now that you know what to expect, you can start planning your budget, mapping out what features are must-haves versus nice-to-haves, and begin your search for an experienced development team to bring your vision to life. The streaming revolution is happening, so jump on board and get ready to launch your very own OTT platform!
