Rising Streaming Prices May Hit Viewers in 2025
Streaming platforms continue to grow rapidly, and that growth may come with rising costs in 2025.
Hotstar, Netflix, and Ullu are reportedly planning to increase subscription rates to match content investments.
This shift will impact millions of Indian viewers who rely on affordable entertainment for daily relaxation.
As OTT demand surges, providers feel pressure to deliver premium content across genres, formats, and languages. But here’s the challenge: audiences now juggle multiple subscriptions, which may become unaffordable for many soon.
Thankfully, you can still enjoy top-notch entertainment without stretching your monthly streaming budget too far. With a few smart choices, you’ll keep access to your favorite content while paying significantly less overall.
In this guide, we’ll explore four easy and effective ways to reduce OTT expenses without sacrificing quality.
Whether you stream daily or occasionally, these tips help you make the most of every rupee you spend.
Let’s dive in and discover how to stay ahead of upcoming price hikes across your favorite platforms:
1. Share Multi-User Plans with Family or Trusted Friends
Netflix and Hotstar both offer plans that support multiple users across separate devices under one subscription.
You can split the subscription cost with friends or family, saving significantly without losing any features.
Netflix’s Premium plan allows 4 users, while Hotstar Premium lets you stream on 4 devices simultaneously.
Ullu App doesn’t offer multi-user plans, but you can share login details carefully with trusted individuals.
Always set clear boundaries and avoid sharing passwords with strangers to protect account safety and access.
2. Choose Mobile-Only or Short-Term Plans If Possible
Mobile-only plans can reduce your costs dramatically if you mainly stream content on smartphones or tablets.
Netflix’s Mobile plan is cost-effective and offers HD content, though it supports just one mobile screen.
Hotstar’s Mobile Plan delivers the same experience at a fraction of the cost of desktop or TV options.
Ullu frequently offers short-term plans like 7-day or 3-month passes for users with limited viewing needs.
This strategy works best for casual users who binge-watch occasionally rather than daily content consumers.
3. Use Telecom or Broadband Bundles for Free OTT Access
Telecom operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vi often include OTT subscriptions in their recharge packs.
You can get free Hotstar or Netflix access with certain prepaid, postpaid, or fiber broadband plans.
JioFiber and Airtel Xstream provide complimentary OTT access when you subscribe to select high-speed plans.
Ullu occasionally partners with mobile apps or wallets to give temporary access or loyalty-based offers.
Check your current telecom plan and upgrade if the combined cost benefits your OTT and data usage habits.
4. Watch for Festive Offers, Combo Deals and Seasonal Discounts
Festivals and special events often bring exclusive deals, discounts, or cashback offers on OTT subscriptions.
You’ll find year-end offers, Republic Day sales, and Diwali combo packages from both platforms and partners.
Websites like Paytm, Amazon Pay, and PhonePe sometimes provide discounted subscriptions or Ullu pass coupons.
Keep checking the official app notifications or follow OTT social handles to catch the latest available deals.
Setting a reminder before renewal helps you cancel, switch, or upgrade to better plans during offers.
