iWorld
‘Integrated video’ key to TV’s digital transformation, aids cost optimisation
MUMBAI: Ooyala, a global provider of video monetisation technology and services, today published a new report, “The Lifecycle of Content: From Production to Monetisation,” in collaboration with Futuresource Consulting, a specialist research and consulting firm for media and entertainment industries. The findings show content providers will seek integrated video solutions to minimize costs, streamline processes and provide growth opportunities at every step in the video lifecycle.
The research, which included input from both traditional and new media operators across multiple geographies, identifies common concerns and challenges due to the new era of TV and its digital transformation to over-the-top (OTT) delivery. All participants agree OTT is necessary to match audience demands and grow video businesses, however, it also cites new pressures on finance and resources. Primary challenges include:
The integration of, and interoperability between, new and legacy infrastructure
* The need to produce more with limited or no increase in investment or ongoing spend
* The management and distribution of an ever-rising number of OTT video endpoints
* The lack of standardisation and automation of metadata
* The underutilisation of metadata to improve experiences, enable personalisation and, subsequently, achieve greater monetisation
Futuresource finds fully optimized integrated video solutions that connect disparate systems and workflows is essential to reduce the mounting pressure from OTT. Operators will seek greater efficiencies and economies of scale at every step in media operations—from production to distribution. Respondents are turning to automation for improved productivity across production workflows and metadata insertion. Further, greater data collection from OTT viewing will reduce risk in content investments, as acquisition and commissions are more tightly aligned to consumers’ viewing preferences.
“Due to the many hurdles to still overcome, most media and broadcast organizations are not yet fully realizing the potential of integrated video solutions and automation,” said Head of Broadcast Technology at Futuresource Consulting, Adam Cox. “The continued rise of multi-platform content delivery is placing ever greater pressures on operations. Therefore, a successful approach to absorbing initial investment and operating costs, in addition to seeking alternative monetization strategies, is imperative.”
“The report is indicative of the sheer complexity that content providers face in today’s world of global audiences, global operations and global opportunities,” said Ooyala Co-founder and SVP of Products and Solutions, Belsasar Lepe. “Achieving greater productivity for our customers is top of mind so they can maximize their resources and revenue, without letting scale burden their operations.”
iWorld
T20 World Cup ’26: India–England semi-final sets global streaming record of 619 million views on JioHotstar
India–England semi-final records 65.2 million peak streams
MUMBAI: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set a new milestone in global sports streaming, as the India–England semi-final drew record digital audiences on JioHotstar.
The match on 5 March registered 65.2 million peak concurrent viewers, the highest ever recorded for a live event on any streaming platform worldwide. The semi-final also generated 619 million views, making it the most streamed T20 international match in history.
The landmark audience numbers were driven largely by viewers in India, setting a record achieved within a single market, rather than through aggregated viewership across multiple countries.
The high-scoring encounter between India national cricket team and England cricket team produced 499 runs across both innings, fuelling widespread fan engagement across platforms.
According to the International Cricket Council, the digital record surpassed the previous global benchmark of 65 million concurrent viewers, set in November 2024 by another international streaming platform.
Across television and digital platforms combined, the semi-final reached more than 320 million viewers, while total watch time exceeded 23 billion minutes, making it the most watched T20 international match ever.
“This World Cup demonstrates the immense passion of cricket fans and the progress made in bringing the game closer to audiences worldwide,” said ICC chairman Jay Shah.
“This moment reflects the scale of cricket fandom in India and the technological capability required to serve hundreds of millions of viewers simultaneously.”
JioStar vice-chairman Uday Shankar, said the audience surge underscored the future of large-scale digital entertainment.
“One in every three Indians tuned in to watch the second semi-final. Delivering such an experience at scale requires the very best of technology,” he said.
The 619 million views during the match also eclipsed the 533 million views recorded during the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
With the final yet to be played, the 2026 tournament has already set multiple benchmarks in audience reach and digital engagement.
India will face the New Zealand national cricket team in the final on 8 March at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar.
