A webseries can be defined as a scripted or unscripted video content produced exclusively for online platforms, mostly consisting of multiple episodes.
Characteristics of a Webseries
The episode structure of a Webseries is of 8-20 episodes per season. While the duration of each episode lasts upto 15-60 mins, it is an online-only release project. It is released in platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney+Hoststar, Zee5, SonyLiv, etc. The targeted audience are Niche or specific demographics. It can be made in various genres, formats and styles as it’s content is flexible.
Types of Indian Webseries
Fiction(Scripted)
Drama
Comedy
Thriller
Romance
Horror, etc.
Non-fiction (unscripted)
Reality Shows
Documentaries
Talk shows
Educational Content
Regional Content
Hindi
Tamil
Telugu
Malayalam
Marathi
Bengali
Other Indian Languages
Popular Indian Webseries Genres
Crime/Thriller
Romance/Drama
Comedy
Historical Fiction
Horror
Monetization Models
Subscription based models, also known as SVOD such as Hotstar, Netflix, etc.
Advertising based models(AVOD) such as Youtube, Zee5, etc.
Sponsorship/branded content
Pay per view(PPV)
Regulations
Self regulation through Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF)
Guidelines from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)
Notable Webseries Platforms in India
Netflix
Disney+Hotsar
Zee5
SonyLiv
Amazon Prime Video
ALT Balaji
MX Player
Voot
Awards and Recognition
Indian Television Academy Awards (ITAA)
Indian Telly Awards
Zee Cine Awards
Filmfare OTT awards