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Mint
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Local streaming platforms have great stories to tell, but struggle with tech, user experience
Even as domestic video-streaming platforms invest in local language stories that speak to regional communities, most of them are battling tech and user experience issues. Customers of platforms including AAO NXT, discovery+, Chaupal and Sun NXT say it is common for payments to get stuck, not to be able to resume a show from where they left it, or not get recommendations tailored to individual tastes. In these aspects, foreign platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video score well and local platforms have a long way to go. Most regional platforms are bootstrapped or operate on limited funding. When juggling content licensing, marketing and tech infrastructure, they often get the shorter end of the stick. They also lack access to product and engineering talent that has worked on large-scale streaming platforms. 'Many local OTT platforms struggle with core UI or UX (user interface or user experience) features like playback continuity, which means resuming from where you left off, personalized recommendations, search and discovery of similar content and subtitle and quality controls," said Vicky Rajani, director of Sai Digital Broadcast Media Pvt. Ltd, which owns SINDHIPLEX, a Sindhi language video streaming platform. 'These are critical features that users expect but require deep technical infrastructure and experienced engineering talent." Experts such as Rajani said there are three key reasons regional streaming services struggle with user experience and tech issues. Firstly, their tight budgets that are focused more on content acquisition than tech. Secondly, the tech is often built by third-party vendors with little understanding of OTT nuances. And thirdly, the absence of personalized algorithms, which require massive data pipelines and backend systems and aren't easy to build or maintain. As a result, execution suffers due to the complexity of building and maintaining a high-performing OTT app across multiple devices. Persistent challenges Gurjit Ghuman, chief technology officer at Chaupal, a platform specializing in Punjabi, Haryanvi and Bhojpuri content, agreed that challenges like these are common and often persistent. Features like show continuity, smooth forwarding or rewinding, and personalized discovery are not always implemented well. These gaps directly affect viewer experience. There are also issues with buffering, app crashes, poor UI, and limited compatibility with different devices, all of which make it harder to retain users in the long run, Ghuman added. 'In many cases, the people running these platforms or making key decisions don't have a strong tech background. That creates a gap in understanding which technical path is best for long-term success. Choosing the right tech partner becomes a guessing game. Once you're locked into an agreement with a tech company, it's very difficult to exit because of the heavy data involved. On top of that, building a reliable and refined tech product needs significant investment," Ghunan added. Rajat Agrawal, chief operating officer and director of Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, which owns Marathi language OTT platform Ultra Jhakaas, agreed that the Indian OTT market is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for attention. This competition can often lead to prioritization of content acquisition and marketing over technical refinement. However, smaller platforms need to invest in advanced personalization algorithms to throw up relevant content, Agrawal pointed out. Experts emphasized that foreign players like Netflix come with a strong global brand presence, which attracts users in India. They can leverage global resources, including technology, content acquisition, and marketing expertise, to garner subscriptions. Also, with a large global user base, they can negotiate better deals with content providers and technology vendors. Friction points Smaller OTT platforms, on the other hand, should focus on developing cost-effective technology solutions such as cloud-based infrastructure and open-source software, the experts said. They should prioritize user experience and optimize streaming quality, recommendation algorithms, and content discovery to retain users. 'Global players operate with massive data pools, sophisticated AI, and engineering teams in the hundreds. Their UX is the result of years of iterative testing, deep analytics, and a global view of user behaviour. That's an obvious advantage," agreed Kaushik Das, founder and CEO of AAO NXT, an Odia language platform, admitting that many local platforms, including theirs in the early days, have grappled with these challenges. Das added that this doesn't mean smaller OTTs can't innovate within their means. They should prioritise focus on three or four friction points that matter most to their core audience. 'Build lean, test fast and keep evolving. We've learned that you don't need to do everything overnight. Just solve real problems consistently, and your audience will notice," Das said.
USA Today
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
They've never had sex — and they're talking about it on TV. How to watch TLC's 'Virgins'
They've never had sex — and they're talking about it on TV. How to watch TLC's 'Virgins' In addition to talking about sex, the show is 'about embracing vulnerability,' according to TLC. Show Caption Hide Caption 'Love Island USA' host Ariana Madix on if she watches 'The Valley' "Love Island USA" host Ariana Madix explains to USA TODAY's Ralphie Aversa what it would take to get her back on Bravo reality TV show. A new TLC show is aiming to tackle a historically taboo topic: sex. Or, more specifically, the lack thereof. "Virgins" follows four so-called late bloomers ranging in age from 34-42 as they look to have sex for the first time. In addition to talking about sex, the show is "about embracing vulnerability and pushing past fears where the real climax is confidence, connection, and self-love," according to a release from TLC. The series will show the four cast members "stepping outside their comfort zones and taking big swings to finally go all the way," from going on first dates to attending a bondage class, according to the release. The first season premieres June 9. Here's how to watch. How to watch TLC's 'Virgins' "Virgins" premieres on Monday, June 9 at 9 p.m. EST on TLC. New episodes will air Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on the network, according to its schedule listings. TLC's shows are available to stream on TLC Go and discovery+, though it's unclear whether "Virgins" will be on the platforms. USA TODAY has reached out to TLC. 'Virgins' TLC cast Four people over the age of 30 will be starring on TLC's new show "Virgins." Here's what to know about them, according to their bios: Deanne , 35, is from Los Angeles, California. She is "quick to dismiss any man she meets," according to her cast bio. Through the show, she's looking to let her guard down and be more open to dating. , 35, is from Los Angeles, California. She is "quick to dismiss any man she meets," according to her cast bio. Through the show, she's looking to let her guard down and be more open to dating. A Reading, Pennsylvania, resident, 34-year-old Alex lives in his parents' attic and drives his mom's minivan. His sisters are pushing him to be more independent and be open to dating, according to his cast bio. lives in his parents' attic and drives his mom's minivan. His sisters are pushing him to be more independent and be open to dating, according to his cast bio. On the heels of a divorce and 80 pound weight loss, Rhasha , 42, is reentering the dating scene. The Jacksonville, Florida, resident has been celibate her entire life, including during her marriage, according to her cast bio. , 42, is reentering the dating scene. The Jacksonville, Florida, resident has been celibate her entire life, including during her marriage, according to her cast bio. Sonali, a 37-year-old from Hollywood, California, was raised conservatively as a South Asian woman. With little dating experience, she wants to face fears of intimacy that were instilled in her during her upbringing, according to her cast bio. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Will the Europa League final be shown on YouTube?
WE are just hours away from witnessing the first all-English Europa League final since 2019 - and fans want to know if YouTube is the place to be similar to years gone by. Manchester United and Tottenham face off in Bilbao with one final chance to save their horrific seasons. 3 3 Ruben Amorim 's side currently sits just above the relegation zone in the Premier League. But a 7-1 aggregate drubbing over Athletic Bilbao has earned United a spot in tonight's showpiece match - stomaching the embarrassment of their league positioning in the process. However, Tottenham are no better as they too are on course to finish just above the bottom three, but thrashing Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi has temporarily kept some fans happy with boss Ange Postecoglou. This has all the minerals to be an incredible Europa League final and where football lovers can tune into the action has now been revealed. Will the Europa League final be on YouTube? Last year, the Europa League final wasn't shown on YouTube, which was a shock to many fans as it had been aired on the platform from 2016 to 2023. And it will be the same for this year's Europa League final too. The match was previously available to watch on BT Sport's official YouTube channel. However, that was not the case in 2024 due to BT Sport merging with discovery+ and Eurosport under the TNT Sports brand. And instead of broadcasting the final for free on YouTube, the broadcaster opted to provide a free stream on their app, discovery+. 3 Where can I watch the Europa League final? The 2025 Europa League final will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1. Last year, the Europa League final was available to live stream for FREE via the discovery+ app/website. It is the same for this year too SunSport's live blog will bring you minute-by-minute coverage of the Europa League final.
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
When is the Europa League final 2025? Kick-off time, TV channel, live stream and teams for huge showpiece
This final isn't too far away TOP OF THE BIL When is the Europa League final 2025? Kick-off time, TV channel, live stream and teams for huge showpiece THIS year's Europa League final has been confirmed - and it will feature two English teams! Manchester United held their nerve in a tricky second-leg semi-final test before eventually picking off Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao. Advertisement 1 Mason Mount was incredible for United in the semi-final Credit: Getty While Tottenham made light work of Bodo/Glimt in their final four encounter - most impressively beating the Norwegian side on their own turf. And with the teams for 2025 final now confirmed, fans are itching to find out when the match is taking place. When is the Europa League final 2025? The 2025 Europa League final will take place on Saturday, May 21. Kick off will be at 8pm BST. Estadio de San Mames stadium - the home of Athletic Bilbao will host the thrilling final. What TV channel will the Europa League final 2025 be on and can it be live streamed? The 2025 Europa League final will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1. Last year, the Europa League final was available to live stream for FREE via the discovery+ app/website. It remains to be seen if the broadcaster will provide a free stream for the match this year. SunSport's live blog will bring you minute-by-minute coverage of the Europa League final. Will the Europa League final 2025 be on YouTube? Last year, the Europa League final wasn't shown on YouTube, which was a shock to many fans as it had been aired on the platform from 2016 to 2023. The match was previously available to watch on BT Sport's official YouTube channel. Advertisement However, that was not the case in 2024 due to BT Sport merging with discovery+ and Eurosport under the TNT Sports brand. And instead of broadcasting the final for free on YouTube, the broadcaster opted to provide a free stream on their app, discovery+ It's unclear whether or not TNT Sports will broadcast the final across their YouTube channels or stick with making the huge match free to watch on discovery+, or simply not make it free to watch at all.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'The Fall of Diddy' docuseries examines Sean Combs' shocking fall from grace
Journalist Mara S. Campo, who hosts the after show of 'The Fall of Diddy' docuseries, details her exclusive interview with a former Combs' assistant. The docuseries is airing on Investigation Discovery with episodes available to stream on Max and discovery+. (Jan. 28)
