How local OTT platforms like Hoichoi and Aha built thriving streaming empires—without trying to be the next Netflix

/4 min read
Regional OTTs such as Hoichoi and Aha are blending local stories with smart business models to take on the biggies in a crowded streaming market.
How local OTT platforms like Hoichoi and Aha built thriving streaming empires—without trying to be the next Netflix
Sustainable economics, leaner models, sharper storytelling, and movie acquisitions are driving regional OTTs. 

MOVE OVER Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Whether it’s a Bhojpuri action drama or a Punjabi romantic comedy or a Bengali thriller, regional OTTs such as Hoichoi (Bengali), Aha (Telugu), ManoramaMAX (Malayalam) and Chaupal (Punjabi) are winning hearts and turning small-town vibes into big business.

Regional content volumes surpassed 50% of the total volume in 2023 and are expected to reach over 55% by 2026, says a recent Deloitte report on the online curated content industry in India in 2024.