Video streaming services rely on classics to draw new audiences

NEW DELHI : The array of video streaming platforms in India is finding a big opportunity in catering to young and old audiences as families stay locked up at home amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Initially seen as niche services appealing primarily to urban, millennial crowds, these video streaming platforms have discovered a new audience in the 40-plus generation that is lapping up old classics—both films and television shows—even as other avenues of entertainment remain out of reach.

“We have definitely seen good spike in consumption of classics over the past three weeks across genres, be it comedy, action or romance,” said Hiren Gada, chief executive officer at Shemaroo Entertainment that not only offers movies for free on YouTube, but has its own streaming service ShemarooMe available across platforms like Google Play Store, Apple Appstore, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Jio Cinema, Tata Sky and so on.