There was a time when you could tell time by what program was showing on TV. People would specifically block certain hours of the week to sit and watch the latest episodes of their favorite TV shows. If they missed the show and the re-run, there was no way to catch up before the next episode. However, times have changed. We can watch these shows, on demand, on the go,and from our digital devices. Paying for the subscriptions of these streaming platforms from Bangladesh, is also becoming easier gradually.
Globally, online media consumption has shown tremendous growth over the past few years. In Bangladesh, online media has shown incredible growth too. Online streaming services like hoichoi, iflix, ZEE5 and Bioscope are gaining immense popularity in Bangladesh, along with global streaming services.
Since these platforms are subscription-based, and there is low penetration in the online transaction scene here, payment methods have been an issue. Therefore, most of these streaming services offer easy subscription and payment methods. Platforms like hoichoi have incorporated cards (local debit and credit cards) and local mobile wallets (e.g. bKash) to make it easier for users to make payments. Moreover, offline subscription cards are available in Meena Bazar and Gadget & Gear outlets in Dhaka; this has made the subscription process even more convenient.
The online streaming boom was pioneered by Netflix, which started out in 2007. In 2013, Netflix started making its own original contents. Around the same time, the company started uploading entire seasons of popular TV shows at once, essentially creating the binge-watching trend, in contrast to broadcast and cable TV’s once-a-week programming model. The Bangla streaming services are also following that trend, and the easy payment methods are helping consumers to catch up with exciting new original shows.
Online video has been spreading like wildfire, empowering consumers to watch contents exactly according to their preferences. Once again, technology is changing industries and pushing traditional companies toward future innovations.
