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, FAST platforms Watcha, and TVING are 대표 examples.
Different from cable TV, OTT lets users watch what they want, when they want.
OTT’s popularity comes from several factors.
It allows people to enjoy different genres from a single service.
Users can pick movies, dramas, or shows according to their interests.
Also, compared to traditional paid broadcasting, OTT is relatively affordable.
The convenience of watching anytime and anywhere on smartphones or tablets is another advantage.
However, as subscription fees keep rising, more people feel financial pressure.
Because of this, interest in free streaming services is growing.
Advertising-based services provide content at no charge.
This is especially attractive to users who care about budget.
FAST services are becoming popular as ad-supported alternatives.
KT recently introduced “Gi Live,” a FAST service that gained attention.
As the traditional market slows, FAST is becoming a new profit model.
The biggest advantage of free streaming is that there is no cost burden.
It also offers various content, expanding user choice.
However, users must watch advertisements, which can be inconvenient.
Some free services may offer lower-quality content.
OTT and free platforms are expected to grow further.
Advertising-supported services will likely attract more viewers.
Being able to watch without cost is highly appealing.
I believe harmony between paid and free services is essential.
If both advantages are used properly, users can gain better experiences.
The future of streaming services is exciting to watch.