Volume VI Special Issue II February 2026

Name of Author : Asso. Prof. Sameer Naik

Title of the paper : A Study of the Effect of Piracy on OTT (Over The Top) Platforms

Abstract: Over the Top OTT platforms explosive growth in India has transformed content consumption by providing inexpensive, on demand digital entertainment. However, the sustainability and profitability of these platforms are seriously threatened by the pervasiveness of digital piracy. In addition to possible GST shortfalls of Rs. 43 billion, piracy cost Indias media and entertainment sector Rs. 224 billion in 2023, including Rs. 87 billion from OTT content. Despite a 150% post pandemic increase, this financial drain lowers subscription revenues and hinders funding for new productions because 51% of users access pirated content because of expensive fees and content gaps. This study examines how piracy affects OTT platforms in India, with a particular emphasis on how it affects consumer behaviour, revenue generation, subscriber growth, and content investment. The study assesses the factors that contribute to piracy, such as pricing sensitivity, ease of access to pirated content, lack of awareness regarding legal consequences, and regional content availability, using secondary data analysis and a small primary survey from OTT users. The results show that piracy increases platform competition, causes significant revenue leakage, and influences decisions about the creation of original content. Because of technological flaws and socioeconomic factors, piracy is still common despite increased anti piracy measures and reasonably priced subscription models. This study examines the profound economic, operational, and creative impacts of digital piracy on Over The Top OTT platforms in India, a rapidly expanding sector valued at billions amid post pandemic growth.

Keywords : Over The Top, Piracy, Subscription, Revenue Loss

DOI :

Page Number : 285-291