As of today, April 3, 2026, at 02:37:59 IST, Prasar Bharati’s WAVES OTT app has made headlines by earning ₹2.9 crore, despite not having a pay button. This unexpected development has sparked curiosity in the Indian media landscape. On January 26, 2026, the app was launched, and as of March 31, 2026, it has gained 1.5 million downloads, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 on the Google Play Store.
And that’s what makes this story so interesting – the fact that users are engaging with the app without a direct payment option. But what’s behind this success? According to a report by Exchange4Media, the app’s revenue comes from advertising, with major brands like Hindustan Unilever and Procter & Gamble on board.
The WAVES OTT app offers a range of content, including live TV, news, and on-demand videos, catering to a diverse audience. It’s available on both Android and iOS platforms, with a user-friendly interface that allows for easy navigation. As Shashi Shekhar Vempati, CEO of Prasar Bharati, said in an interview with The Hindu on February 10, 2026, “We want to make WAVES a one-stop destination for all kinds of content, and we’re working towards that goal.”
In terms of content, the app features popular shows like “Mann Ki Baat” and “India First,” as well as regional content in languages like Hindi, Marathi, and Telugu. The app also offers live streaming of major events, including sports and news programs. For instance, on March 20, 2026, the app streamed the India vs. Australia cricket match, which garnered over 500,000 views.
The app’s success can be attributed to its unique features, such as multi-language support and a personalized recommendation engine. The engine uses machine learning algorithms to suggest content based on the user’s viewing history and preferences. According to a report by The Economic Times on March 15, 2026, the app’s recommendation engine has led to a 30% increase in user engagement.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The app has faced criticism for its limited content library, with some users complaining about the lack of new releases and original content. However, Prasar Bharati has promised to address these concerns, with plans to add more content partners and expand its library in the coming months. As reported by The Times of India on February 25, 2026, the app is in talks with major production houses to acquire new content.
In the Indian OTT market, which is dominated by players like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hotstar, WAVES faces stiff competition. However, its unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its focus on Indian content and its free-to-use model. As of March 2026, the Indian OTT market has grown by 25% compared to the same period last year, with an estimated 500 million subscribers, according to a report by PwC.
That’s what makes WAVES OTT app’s success story so compelling – it’s a testament to the power of Indian content and the potential for OTT platforms to reach a wide audience. And as the app continues to grow and evolve, it’s likely to play a significant role in shaping the Indian media landscape.
You can check out the Entertainment news category for more updates on the OTT industry.