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| Image credit SonyLIV |
SonyLIV, India's pioneering OTT (Over-the-Top) streaming service, has made a significant impact since its launch in 2013, thanks to its partnership with Brightcove, a leading global provider of cloud services for video. As one of India’s top OTT platforms, SonyLIV has achieved over 57 million app downloads and boasts a vast audience of 30 million viewers. Powered by Brightcove, SonyLIV continues to deliver a seamless video streaming experience, offering a rich array of content that includes movies, TV shows, sports, music, and original content across multiple devices.
SonyLIV: The First Premium OTT Service in India
Launched in 2013, SonyLIV was India’s first premium OTT video service and has maintained its position as a leader in the highly competitive Indian market. With a library that spans 22 years of content from Sony Pictures Networks, the platform offers a wide variety of entertainment options, making it a popular destination for users seeking diverse content. Whether it’s binge-watching TV shows, catching the latest sports events, or enjoying original content, SonyLIV has something for everyone.
The OTT service has been successful in monetizing its content through a mix of advertising, subscription payments, and pay-per-view options. This multi-pronged approach has allowed SonyLIV to cater to different audience segments while maximizing revenue opportunities.
The Role of Brightcove in SonyLIV's Success
A key element of SonyLIV's growth and success has been its partnership with Brightcove. As a leading cloud video platform, Brightcove provides SonyLIV with the technological backbone necessary to deliver high-quality video content to millions of viewers across different devices, including web, mobile, and connected TVs. Brightcove’s video platform ensures a smooth and scalable experience, even during high-traffic events like international sports tournaments.
Uday Sodhi, Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Business at Sony Pictures Networks India, noted that Brightcove has been a crucial partner in enhancing SonyLIV's offerings. The collaboration allows SonyLIV to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market by delivering the best possible viewing experience to its users.
India’s Changing OTT Landscape
India’s OTT landscape experienced a major shift with the introduction of low-cost, high-speed mobile internet services in 2016. This development led to a five-fold increase in online video consumption, transforming how media companies package and deliver their content. With internet users in India projected to exceed 500 million by mid-2018, the demand for high-quality video streaming continues to rise.
Ben Morrell, General Manager for Brightcove in Asia, highlighted the advantage SonyLIV holds in the market: its extensive library of content coupled with superior video streaming capabilities. As the Indian OTT market becomes increasingly competitive, SonyLIV’s partnership with Brightcove positions it well to maintain and expand its audience base.
Diverse Content for Every Viewer
SonyLIV stands out in the OTT space not just for its technical capabilities but also for its diverse content offerings. The platform features over 4000 hours of food content, making it a haven for culinary enthusiasts. Additionally, it was the first OTT platform in India to launch original shows exclusive to the online platform, starting with the hit show LoveBytes.
SonyLIV has continued to innovate by launching the first-ever regional language web series (YOLO – You Only Live Once) and the first-ever health and wellness segment (LIV FIT) on an Indian OTT platform. These groundbreaking initiatives have helped SonyLIV differentiate itself and retain viewer engagement.
Sports Streaming and Beyond
SonyLIV’s extensive content has been a significant draw for viewers. As the official mobile and internet broadcaster of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, SonyLIV provided fans with live streaming of one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Additionally, SonyLIV streams major international sporting events like La Liga, Serie A, WWE, NBA, and the Australian Open.
Conclusion
SonyLIV's success as India’s first premium OTT service is deeply rooted in its strong content offerings and strategic partnership with Brightcove. As more internet users come online and video consumption skyrockets, SonyLIV is well-positioned to continue leading the OTT market with its user-centric approach and cutting-edge technology. With Brightcove powering its video delivery, SonyLIV is set to evolve and thrive in an increasingly competitive industry, ensuring viewers always get the best streaming experience across all devices.