It is almost impossible to imagine that the biggest online streaming service today was created more than 20 years ago when we were still renting movies and TV shows. Over the years, Netflix has developed to become one of the most profitable companies in the world, despite things not being perfect for the streaming service in the early years.
However, it did take Netflix decades to bring its services to the rest of the world, especially to one of its current largest markets of India. Netflix in India was released as recently as January of 2016, and despite being around for only two years in the region, it is dominating the streaming market in India, and here’s why.
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1. Netflix clicks with urban Indians
Considering that India is a nation of 1.3 Billion people, successfully being able to capture even a small fraction of it could mean big for the streaming service giant. While you wouldn’t find Netflix to be the cheapest streaming service out there, it definitely fits in the category of what the urban population could afford. Since the type of network infrastructure that is needed to use Netflix is only present within the urban population, it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
2. Unfiltered and uncensored access
For anyone who has watched English movies and TV shows in India, is well aware how uptight the censorship rules can be not just for steamy sex scenes, but even the most common profanity. It keeps the plot clean when you’re watching an episode of The Punisher and every time Frank Castle swears or bashes in a bad guy, you don’t have to tolerate the unnecessary “bleeping”.
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3. Regional content for the win
Albeit Netflix has kept the library a bit shorter on content when compared to the American version of the service, it more than makes up for it with regional content. Not just a buzzing nest of old and retro Hindi movies, Netflix has also partnered with some big names in the Indian film industry like Red Chillies Entertainment, which is the media company owned and created by Shah Rukh Khan and has exclusive streaming rights to it.
4. Netflix is committed to India
After stepping into the Indian market, Netflix has already opened up physical offices in India to not just extend support in the region, but pursue better-licensing deals with Indian production companies. The company is reportedly shelling out around $300 Million just to grab rights to more Indian content, and paid apparently $4 Million for the global hit Baahubali and its sequel.
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5. Ad-free content
The way Indian media system and cable entertainment has been designed for decades is that you get bombarded with long and annoying advertisements even if you’re paying a premium. While Netflix isn’t a cheaper alternative by any means, one thing that makes it far more palatable is the fact that you get an ad-free experience through and through, which is doing wonders for the Indian binge watchers.
6. Netflix USA is only a VPN away
For the hardware Netflix fans who got their subscription in India right away, the number of TV shows and movies that have been removed from the Indian version must seem disappointing. But the good part is that you get not only enjoy regional content with your Netflix account in India, but get a premium VPN service and unlock Netflix USA with the same login credentials.
7. Entertainment on the go
Considering the fact that you need a smart TV or an Android TV box to get Netflix started, it further limits the reach of Netflix to the mainstream Indian consumer. However, the Netflix app what is helping the streaming service win in India – a country that is not only a massive mobile market, but is also enjoying the LTE revolution as emerging network carriers like Reliance Jio bring high-speed internet at highly affordable prices.
What is the reason you are in love with Netflix and how do you think it makes Indian entertainment experience better? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below.
