OTT Services and the Rise of Free Streaming
Nowadays, OTT platforms are gaining huge popularity among people.
After COVID-19, home entertainment time grew, leading to higher OTT usage.
OTT platforms offer multiple contents via the internet.
Netflix, Watcha, and TVING are well-known examples.
Compared to cable television, viewers can select content whenever they want.
There are many reasons why OTT has become popular.
First, users can access many genres in one place, giving them more options.
Users can pick movies, dramas, or shows according to their interests.
Also, compared to traditional paid broadcasting, OTT is relatively affordable.
Watching on phones or tablets anytime is a major benefit.
Recently, increasing subscription prices have caused 부담 for many users.
Because of this, interest in free streaming services is growing.
Advertising-based services provide content at no charge.
Cost-conscious users find this model attractive.
Recently, FAST services have gained attention as an example of ad-based streaming.
KT recently introduced “Gi Live,” a FAST service that gained attention.
As the traditional market slows, FAST is becoming a new profit model.
The main benefit of free platforms is zero subscription fees.
It allows access to many contents, increasing FAST platforms selection options.
On the downside, ads interrupt viewing experiences.
Some free services may offer lower-quality content.
OTT and free platforms are expected to grow further.
Free models could gain stronger popularity.
Enjoying content without financial pressure is a strong advantage.
Finally, balancing high-quality OTT content with free service accessibility is important.
If both advantages are used properly, users can gain better experiences.
I look forward to seeing how the streaming industry develops in the future.