Uncovering The Renaissance of Bangladesh’s Entertainment Industry through OTT Boom

How is the digital revolution redefining the way Bangladeshis consume and create content, promising a dynamic future for the nation’s entertainment industry? A question that many times has crossed my mind while watching promising content and creators on OTT platforms in the past 3 years.

In the last ten years, how people in Bangladesh enjoy entertainment has changed a lot because of the quick rise of online streaming platforms, known as Over-the-Top (OTT) services. These are digital platforms where you can watch shows and movies on the internet. From the inaugural ‘Bongo’ in 2013 to the transformative ‘Chorki’ in 2021, Bangladesh’s OTT landscape has evolved, offering diverse content and original productions, marking a captivating journey through the years. Global giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are already popular in Bangladesh. They have huge libraries with international content that attracts users looking for a variety of viewing options. In the local market, Grameenphone Bioscope integrates mobile streaming, ZEE5 caters to local tastes, iFlix blends affordability with diverse content, and Chorki stands out as a local search engine focusing solely on native content in Bangladesh’s media landscape. They’ve changed how people interact with media, moving away from traditional TV and cinema experiences. Moreover, OTT platforms have come as a blessing to the Bangladeshi media industry as this industry was facing a tough time due to the lack of quality content which might be partially blamed on the lack of funding. So OTT platforms have revived this industry and taken it to a new height.

The fact that more individuals are now accessing the internet is a major factor in Bangladesh’s current transformation. This is a result of the decreased cost of data plans and cell phones. It’s getting simpler for Bangladeshis to obtain online information as more of them begin to use the internet. With cell phones, more people have access to entertainment that they can take with them wherever they go. They may now view their preferred TV shows, films, and web series anytime, irrespective of fixed TV schedules. As individuals break free from fixed schedules, could this transformative shift catalyze a more personalized and on-the-go entertainment era, shaping the future of media consumption in the country? The projection for growth gives a positive response to this one. The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) reported remarkable growth in the country’s OTT market, with its value soaring from $30 million in 2016 to $100 million in 2019. The report also anticipates a substantial increase in OTT users, reaching 32 million by 2025.

Diversity is really important for these platforms to be popular in Bangladesh. They offer a wide range of content, including local and international movies, TV shows, documentaries, and exclusive web series. This variety not only gives viewers more choices but also creates a globalized viewing experience, blending different cultures. Platforms like Hoichoi and Chorki are producing timely and relevant content, exemplified by series like “Taqdeer,” “Mohanagar,” and the groundbreaking horror series “Pett Kata Shaw,” reflecting a dynamic genre shift. This commitment to relevant storytelling not only elevates viewers’ taste but also fosters awareness, initiating significant discourse.

Creating original content is a big strategy for OTT platforms to attract and keep viewers. They invest a lot in making original web series and movies because people want unique and immersive content. This not only helps local talent but also makes these platforms more competitive. Exclusive content becomes a big draw, making people choose specific platforms based on the appeal of these unique creations. Understanding and aligning with the audience’s unique cultural and linguistic preferences is crucial for success in the local market. And the current OTT media in Bangladesh seem to understand this assignment well.

Despite a promising trajectory, Bangladesh’s streaming and OTT market faces challenges in unreliable internet infrastructure and regulatory uncertainty. Clear policies and strategic investments are imperative to unlock the industry’s full potential, given the developing stage and positive indicators of a growing user base and increasing internet penetration in the country. To wrap it up, the interaction between big global companies and local players, along with understanding cultural preferences, will decide the future of entertainment in the country. This changing landscape offers a peek into a future where viewers have a lot of control over their entertainment choices, bringing in a new era of personalized and diverse content.

Author- Adnan Khan Chowdhury, Executive | Editorial, Voice of Business

Visual Designer- Nusaiba Binte Anis, Executive | Publications, Voice of Business