AVOD (Ad-Supported Video on Demand) is a streaming model where viewers watch content for free and ads fund the platform. In India, AVOD is the dominant streaming model because Indian consumers have historically been resistant to subscription fees and price-sensitive about entertainment spend.
What is AVOD and how does it work?
AVOD platforms serve ads before content (pre-roll) or during content (mid-roll). Advertisers pay for these impressions, and the platform earns ad revenue rather than subscription revenue. The viewer pays nothing.
In India, AVOD is how most people access streaming content. JioHotstar, MX Player, Zee5, SonyLIV, and Voot all operate AVOD tiers. Even platforms with paid subscriptions — JioHotstar, Zee5, SonyLIV — maintain free tiers with ads because the free user base is 5–10× the size of the paid subscriber base.
Which India streaming platforms are AVOD?
India's major AVOD platforms: JioHotstar (free tier), MX Player (fully free), Zee5 (free tier), SonyLIV (free tier), Voot (fully free). YouTube is also AVOD — free content, ad-funded. Most India OTT platforms run a hybrid: free AVOD alongside a paid subscription tier.
What is the difference between AVOD and FAST?
AVOD is on-demand — you pick what to watch. FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) is linear — content plays on a scheduled channel like traditional TV, and you tune in to what is currently on. Both are free and ad-funded. In India, AVOD is far larger than FAST currently, but FAST is growing through Samsung TV Plus and Plex.