India’s public broadcaster, Prasar Bharati, is aggressively scaling its digital footprint as its signature streaming platform, WAVES OTT, enters a high-growth phase. Speaking in the Lok Sabha yesterday, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting L. Murugan highlighted that the platform is now shifting its focus toward global expansion and diversifying revenue streams from international markets.
Launched in November 2024, WAVES OTT was designed to democratize access to public service media. In just one year, the platform has reached a significant milestone, recording over 80 lakh (8 million) downloads, signaling a massive demand for multilingual Indian content on a global scale.
While WAVES OTT is primarily a subscription-free service with advertising as its core revenue model, the government is now strategizing to tap into overseas markets. Minister Murugan noted that revenue streams from international territories are being developed through strategic partnerships.
“The platform is currently in a growth and expansion phase, with a steadily increasing international user footprint,” the Minister stated.
By making the vast archives of Doordarshan and All India Radio available worldwide, WAVES OTT is positioning itself as a key driver of India’s “soft power,” showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage and independent filmmaking to a global audience.
To cater to a diverse demographic, WAVES OTT has invested heavily in linguistic inclusivity. The platform’s capabilities include:
- Interface Support: 10+ languages (including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, and Punjabi).
- Content Library: Hosting content in over 26 languages.
- Creative Support: A specialized framework to provide emerging filmmakers and creators with a technology-driven distribution platform.
The Minister provided a broader context of the Indian media sector, citing the FICCI-EY Media & Entertainment Industry Report 2025. The data reveals a robust growth trajectory for the digital video space:
- Revenue Growth: Video subscription revenues grew by 11% in 2024, reaching ₹9,200 crore.
- Paid User Base: Estimated between 9.5 crore to 11.8 crore users.
Addressing concerns over intellectual property, Murugan emphasized the government’s stringent stance on content piracy. Under Section 7(1B)(ii) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (amended in 2023) and Section 79(3) of the Information Technology Act, the Central government is empowered to take direct remedial action against intermediaries hosting pirated film content. This legal framework is designed to protect creators as they transition to digital-first distribution models like WAVES.
Key Highlights:
- Massive Adoption: Prasar Bharati’s WAVES OTT has secured over 80 lakh downloads within its first year, proving the high demand for public service content.
- Global Expansion: The government is actively seeking to increase international revenue through strategic partnerships and a growing global user footprint.
- Linguistic Reach: The platform supports 10+ interface languages and hosts content in 26+ languages, making it one of India’s most inclusive streaming services.
- Anti-Piracy Measures: The Minister reaffirmed the use of the Cinematograph Act (2023) to combat digital piracy and protect the growing ₹9,200 crore OTT market.