In A NielsenIQ Study, 97% Respondents Prefer Streaming on TV Around Dinner Time with Family

• Customers increasingly prefer streaming movies and shows on TV: Study
• Better video and sound quality, variety of content across OTT providers, and comfort of watching on big screen such are the top reasons for streaming on TV
• 66% of respondents binge-watch for more than 5 hours during weekends
• 97% of respondents prefer streaming on TV around dinner time with family

A custom study conducted by NielsenIQ and commissioned by Amazon for TV streaming trends*1 in December 2023, has revealed interesting insights about preferences of Indian audiences to stream their favorite movies and shows. According to the study, 78% respondents prefer streaming online content on their TVs through streaming sticks, smart TVs, and set-top-boxes compared to their other available options like smartphones, tablets and laptops.

Almost 66% of respondents streamed five hours daily over the weekend, as opposed to less than three hours during the weekdays. Additionally, 97% preferred to stream online content on TV around dinner time, and 74% of them watched the same with family especially spouse and children. Per the study, comedy was the most popular genre of content watched by respondents. It was closely followed by sports, thriller, romantic, horror, international TV shows, and news in order of preference. 

Preference to stream on TV due to comfort and better viewing experience

In addition to the availability of an active broadband connection at home, people are streaming on TV due to better video and sound quality, and convenience of accessing variety of content across OTT providers and online sources. Ergonomic benefits also contribute to this preference. Viewing on TV may also allow to maintain a comfortable body posture, alleviating the aches and pains sometimes associated with watching content while holding the phone. 

Speed matters to Indian viewers

When streaming on TV, the most sought-after features according to the respondents were lag-free streaming (39%), and wide range of OTT Apps (24%). Other preferences were availability of voice assistant for searching content and controlling smart home appliances, and ability to stream online content and live TV shows from DTH channels on a single screen.

“Online video streaming has come a long way since its inception, and so has streaming habits of consumers. What has remained a constant is our preference to view content on the biggest screen in our homes – the television. Fire TV is a convenient way to get your favorite shows, movies, sports, and more on your TV,” said Parag Gupta, Director and Country Manager, Amazon Devices India. “Be it to stream content on your older non-smart TV, or get more out of your existing smart TV, the Fire TV stick provides a faster streaming experience, simpler content discovery with Alexa’s universal voice search, and access to 12,000+ apps across genres to users. We are encouraged by the popularity of Fire TV, rated 4+ stars consistently by users.”

Based on a study conducted by NielsenIQ in October 2023*2, it was noted that Fire TV offers the most advanced TV streaming experience to customers. 

*1: The study was conducted by NielsenIQ and commissioned by Amazon for TV streaming trends in December 2023 across 12 major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. The sample size included 800 respondents between the ages 25-45 years, with a demographic distribution of New Consumer Classification System (NCCS) under socio-economic level– A. 

*2: The study was conducted by NielsenIQ in October 2023 in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. The sample size included 311 respondents between the ages 25-45 years, with a demographic distribution of New Consumer Classification System (NCCS) under socio-economic level– A.

“Estimates and values are incomplete and unreliable, do not accurately represent Amazon’s position within a segment, and do not include the full set of substitutable products available to customers. These data limitations likely underestimate segment shares and understate the impact of competitors in the segment.” While the report has been prepared by Nielsen, it is clarified that the conclusion, views and findings have not been verified by Amazon and the shares noted are an estimate by Nielsen.”

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalised recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.aboutamazon.in and follow @AmazonNews_IN.

About NielsenIQ (NIQ)

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full ViewTM.

NIQ, is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population. For more information, visit NIQ.com.

Mumbai Startup FilMe Introduces QR Code-Based Technology to Watch Films

Innovations are an eclectic mix of a new technology, an old problem, and a big idea. The ubiquitous QR code used for making payments can now be used for watching films. The revolutionary innovative technology has been introduced by an entertainment industry start-up FilMe. The innovative technology does not end here, it makes movie watching even easier and economical.

With FilMe now viewers don’t have to pay for subscriptions, monthly commitments or search from hordes of apps on smartphone to enjoy that movie that they wanted to see. On FilMe one can watch movies the ala carte way (pay per view) by just scanning a QR code using phone’s camera, viewer can watch films without any subscription and app download, in a matter of seconds.

As learnt this disruptive product offers even more value as it enables multiple viewings over a 7-day period for a flat price of Rs. 30 only with ability to share the movie with friends and family. The technology also enables casting of content on television. At this extremely lucrative pricing FilMe enters with a better value proposition in a market where players like Google Play Movies, iTunes, YouTube and recently launched services like Shemaroo Box Office and Zee Plex have their presence. FilMe is rolling out its operations from third weekend of September.

FilMe has acquired rights of recently released, highly rated Hindi films like Badla, Kamyab, Chaman Bahar, Sky is Pink, What are the Odds and Pihu among others and aggressively acquiring quality content from all languages. The films are available under the range called “FilMe Ikon”.

Talking about the innovation and his new platform Dr. Abhishek Shukla, Founder of FilMe says, “Our key value add is the relief from costly 3-4 monthly subscriptions that consumers take and do not even use to the optimum. With FilMe, there is no confusion of browsing thousands of titles to arrive at what you want to watch. Our wide online and offline distribution ensures that we give what you want to watch right when you want to watch. He adds that with FilMe we are looking to expand the pay per view model in India which has been not been properly addressed with right kind of product and content offering.”

Apart from India, FilMe is launching its services in Gulf and middle east countries also. In India FilMe plans to have a country-wide distribution set up to sell the FilMe retail cards and will be available through mobile retail stores, electronic superstores, Cafes, Stationery stores, booths at shopping centers, and departmental stores. Consumers can also buy it online on Amazon, Paytm and BookMyShow along with company’s own website.

Airtel, Lionsgate Tie-up to Launch Lionsgate Play in India for Premium Content including Blockbuster Film franchises, New and Recent Theatrical Releases

Partnership Gives Airtel Customers access to Premium Content including Blockbuster Film Franchises, New and Recent Theatrical Releases and Deep Library

Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), India’s largest integrated telecommunications company, global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) and Starzplay, the international premium subscription platform from Starz, have joined hands to bring premium content from Lionsgate Play to customers in India.

The partnership will give Airtel customers access to a deep portfolio of critically acclaimed and beloved Lionsgate feature film content, which will be available on Airtel Xstream app and web platforms. Airtel Xstream app has a catalogue of over 10,000 movies and shows along with 400 TV channels.  

By expanding the Indian market’s access to premium quality content on a leading digital platform, the collaboration is expected to be a compelling value proposition for the Indian cinephile audience. The content will be available in multiple Indian languages and spread across the horror, comedy, drama, action, thriller, documentary and other genres. 



Lionsgate Play’s initial offering includes the blockbuster Hunger Games and Twilight Saga franchises, multiple Academy Award® winner La La Land, and the critically-acclaimed international breakout hit Wonder among its deep slate of box office successes. 

In addition Airtel customers will have access to recent hits like American Assassin, Robin Hood, The Spy Who Dumped Me, A Simple Favor, Saban’s Power Rangers as well as marquee library titles such as Divergent, Now You See Me 2, Gods of Egypt, Letters To Juliet and Reservoir Dogs.



Commenting on the partnership, Adarsh Nair – Chief Product Officer, Bharti Airtel said: “We are thrilled to partner with Lionsgate to bring exciting content from their library to our customers as part of Airtel Thanks program. Our mission is to make Airtel Xstream the most loved digital entertainment platform in India and enable best-in-class experience across a range of connected devices and applications. We will continue to forge long-term strategic partnerships with the top content producers from around the world as part of our mission and look forward to collaborating with Lionsgate to delight customers in India.”     

“The partnership with Airtel is a great opportunity to expand the Lionsgate Play premium offering with a best-in-class partner, a vast feature film library and a compelling user experience for our customers. Telcos play a huge role in increasing the availability of premium content on digital platforms, and we’re proud to join forces with a partner like Airtel that combines enormous reach, a powerful brand and unparalleled distribution expertise. This is another major step forward in bringing an exciting and unique content experience to our Indian audience,” said Rohit Jain, Managing Director Lionsgate Play South Asia.

About Airtel India

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 18 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed home broadband, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G, 4G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 411 million customers across its operations at the end of September 2019. 

About Lionsgate Play

Lionsgate Play, a premium streaming service from Lionsgate India and Starz, offers curated Hollywood content for Indian consumers, with much of the content available in multiple Indian languages.

Lionsgate India, one of the most recent entrants in the South Asian market, distributes premium content to linear and digital platforms across the region. It develops and produces original local Indian language content as well as adaptations of globally successful content. Starz, a Lionsgate subsidiary, is a leading global media and entertainment company that produces and distributes premium streaming content to worldwide audiences across subscription television platforms. It offers subscribers more than 7,500 distinct premium television episodes and feature films, including STARZ original series, first-run movies and other popular programming.

Xender and SONY India Join Hands to Create Indian Version of 'Netflix'

Xender, a leading offline mobile file transfer and sharing app, has taken another giant stride by tying knots with SONY India for its MovieChain project -- A Decentralized Movie Distribution Ecosystem. For the movie industry, this partnership between Xender and SONY India has reached a whole new level in the content business.

After Xender kicked off its MovieChain project, SONY India is the sixth mainstream movie studio that has agreed to join this venture. Earlier, Xender closed deals with several top-notch Bollywood movie studios including PVR, EROS, Yash Raj Film, Shemaroo, Viacom18. These movie studios have agreed to enrich Xender’s movie platform with almost a thousand latest and most popular Bollywood and Hollywood movies.

A senior specialist from SONY Pictures, Mr. Gaurav Nagpal, stated, “Earlier, Chinese companies could only enter the Indian market by importing Indian movies or exporting Chinese movies, but now Xender has created an innovative and revolutionary model based on thousands of millions of Indian Xender users and a decentralized Device to Device offline distribution mechanism. This product is expected to flip the movie industry around starting from mobile terminals.”

He suggested further that all major movie studios, distribution companies and cinema lines should learn to adapt to these new changes in the rapidly evolving internet era.

From zero to jumbo and from online to offline, this change is not only an indication of the change in terms of distribution channels for Bollywood movies, but also an indication that movies, being the best agent to convey arts, education and other values, will be able to cover a huge portion of traditionally neglected audience.

People who get held up by expensive movie tickets and a scarcity of cinema lines before would also have a chance to enjoy the latest movies and at a relatively cheaper price. Everything combined points directly to a new market and a patch of audiences.

Xender movie is focused on micropayments with high frequency. Its users no longer need to get all dressed up and travel through huge traffic to a cinema hall, nor do they have to pay a high subscription fee from now on. Now, they can access tons of Bollywood and Hollywood blockbusters on their mobile phones anytime, anywhere at the lowest price (Rs 10-50/movie) one can ever imagine.

Meanwhile, Xender will bring so many incremental sales for copyright holders as it pushes each movie title directly to the hands of the millions of its users.

The founder of Xender and MovieChain project Mr. Peter Jiang believes that as global movie industry develops and expands at such a rapid pace, Xender and its MovieChain project will continue to explore opportunities to work with major movie studios all over the world. Having successfully closed the deal with SONY India further strengthens Xender’s strategic expansion on a global scale.

"This deal with SONY has made Xender a step further towards its goal: an offline version of Netflix. Although to change an industry requires a generation of people’s effort but we firmly believe that movie as a form of art is created for the great mass of people and hence should be enjoyed by the masses as well. Cinemas and online streaming platforms cannot monopolise the industry and more players would emerge as the next stage of the Internet revolution hits all the rising nations over the world," said Mr. Jiang.

As early as 2013, Xender started successfully as a tool application, with its speed and convenience, Xender has won over thousands of million users from more than 200 countries. It also tops the Google Play store and Apple store on tool ranks frequently. In 2017, Xender team initiated MovieChain project by introducing blockchain technology and a series of innovative business concepts: real-time revenue split, decentralised content storage, offline distribution, two-layer incentive mechanism and so on.

It is also expected to be one of the biggest disruptive players in the field from now on. For now, Xender and MovieChain project have planned to penetrate movie distribution, sales, copyright protection and all other lines of the movie industry.

Mr. Jiang is convinced that to most original content creators, copyright protection is the most difficult part. To tackle this problem, MovieChain is also proposing to start a non-profit organisation to jointly protect the interests and rights of the movie and other content creators.
About Xender

Xender is one of the world's leading application for file transfer and sharing. It offers users the convenience to transfer files of different types and sizes between mobile devices, either Android or iOS based, with no need for cables or Wi-Fi or cellular internet connection, and with absolutely no mobile data usage for transfer.

The company was established in 2011 with the vision to provide better connectivity to the world through technology innovation and devotion to users. Powered by a truly global team we are committed to highest quality standards and user experiences of our applications. With high growth rate in the past few years, we have now more than 700 million activated users globally covering all time zones and more than 30 different languages.

- Via BusinessWire India Feed

Indian Movies Portal Spuul.com to raise $10m Venture Fund

An online video streaming site for Hindi, Bollywood based movies and Indian TV shows - Spuul.com is expecting to raise e $10 million (Rs.61.72 crores as per current exchange rate) from venture capital funding source. The name of VC is not revealed yet but according to sources Spuul is in talk to finalize the funding deal.

Spuul is in discussions with venture capital firms in the United States, Britain and Singapore as per S Mohan, the co-founder and CEO of Spuul.

As per Singapore daily The Straits Times, the CEO of Spuul said that - "The funds will be used to expand our technical infrastructure and team, provide marketing activities and create content". Spuul is based out of Singapore but the portal's conent is Indian based videos and movies.

Two thirds of Spuul's current one million viewers were from India, watching movies on their PCs, smartphones and tablets. Spuul has about 1,000 movies in its library. Spuul is streaming 2,000 Indian languages movies daily and adding 30% viewers every month.

Spuul has an iOS app, an Android app, a Facebook app, and recently on 15 Oct. launched a new feature called 'Offline Syncing' for its updated Android app, where users can now watch movies offline.

Started in 2010 in Singapore, Spuul was founded by three seasoned industry and technology entrepreneurs including Sudesh Iyer (the Founder of Sony Entertainment TV in India), and S Mohan (the Founder of Accellion, buUuk and a number of other technology and venture companies).

Currently Spuul is an ad-supported subscription streaming service that legally provides online Indian content to anyone in the world offering both free and paid content. The revenue of the portal comes from ad-supported content.