SonyLIV

Who / What

SonyLIV is an Indian subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) over-the-top streaming service owned by Culver Max Entertainment. It was launched in 2013 as India's first legal OTT platform, offering content from Sony Pictures Networks' portfolio and providing a unique space for exclusive programming alongside licensed third-party titles.

Background & History

Launched on February 27, 2013, by Reliance Entertainment (initially), SonyLIV began as the pioneering Over-The-Top video streaming service in India. It quickly evolved to focus heavily on live sports broadcasting and original content production under Sony's banner within the Indian market. In May 2018, a strategic partnership saw it come under the ownership of Culver Max Entertainment (later acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment). It continues to operate as a key digital arm catering specifically to the Indian audience.

Why Notable

SonyLIV is notable for its historical significance as India's first OTT service and for providing broad access to international film studio content within the Indian market. Its association with major international productions (from Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing, etc.) under a distinct Indian streaming brand was highly influential upon launch. Furthermore, its dedicated investment in original Indian programming has significantly shaped the landscape of Hindi regional streaming content.

In the News

SonyLIV is frequently in the news regarding its expanding lineup of exclusive international films and series from major studios like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and others securing broadcast windows within India via Sony Group entities. Recent developments often involve partnerships for live sports broadcasting or new original content initiatives aimed at growing its user base and solidifying its position against global competitors.

Key Facts

**Type**: Organization / Streaming Service (OTT Platform)

**Also known as**: SonyLIV, LIV TV

**Founded / Born**: February 27, 2013 (Mumbai, India - under Reliance Entertainment initially; ownership structure later changed).

**Key dates**:

May 29, 2018: Acquisition and integration into the Culver Max Entertainment network.

December 4, 2015: Launched SonyLIV Movies channel on DTH platforms (later discontinued due to competition from streaming services).

Ongoing expansion of content partnerships and original productions since inception.

**Geography**: Primarily operates within India; focused solely on the Indian streaming market from its launch.

**Affiliation**: Owned by Culver Max Entertainment, which is a subsidiary under Sony Pictures Entertainment (parent company). Operates as part of Sony's global reach into the digital entertainment sphere.

Links

[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SonyLIV)

Sources

• 🔗 Wikipedia

Sony LIV is an Indian subscription video-on-demand over-the-top streaming service owned by Culver Max Entertainment. Sony LIV was introduced in 2013 as the first OTT service in India. As a streaming service, it provides live sports, original titles, other content titles from its own networks and content titles in India licensed from third-parties such as JioHotstar, Netflix among others.