Prasar Bharati’s WAVES OTT Crosses 80 Lakh Downloads in First Year

Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform WAVES has recorded over 80 lakh downloads within its first year, underscoring the growing appetite for public service content in India’s fast-expanding digital ecosystem. The information was shared in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L. Murugan, according to a government release.

India’s OTT sector continues to play a key role in amplifying the country’s cultural presence globally. Citing the FICCI–EY Media & Entertainment Industry Report 2025, the government noted that video subscription revenues grew 11% in 2024, reaching ?9,200 crore, with an estimated 9.5 to 11.8 crore users paying for streaming services.Against this backdrop, WAVES OTT has strengthened public broadcasting’s digital outreach by opening access to Doordarshan and All India Radio archives, regional art forms, documentaries, classical music, literature-based programming, and multilingual content for audiences across the world. The platform’s early traction reflects rising interest in culturally rooted, non-commercial content.

Designed as a subscription-free public service platform, WAVES OTT operates primarily on an advertising-led revenue model, focusing on democratising access to trusted public broadcasting content. The platform has also introduced a framework to support emerging filmmakers and creators, offering them a technology-driven distribution channel to reach diverse global audiences.WAVES OTT is currently in a growth and expansion phase, with a steadily increasing international user base. Revenue streams from overseas markets are being developed through strategic partnerships, as interest in Indian multilingual and public-interest content continues to rise.

The government also highlighted recent regulatory measures to protect digital content. The amended Cinematograph Act, 1952, through the newly inserted Section 7(1B)(ii), empowers the Central Government under the Information Technology Act, 2000 to take action against intermediaries hosting pirated film content—strengthening safeguards for legitimate platforms and creators.