Love binge-watching shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+ Hotstar? You’re not alone. But here’s the catch – unsubscribing might be harder than solving a mystery thriller plot! A shocking new survey reveals that half of OTT users in India face major hurdles when trying to cancel subscriptions. From hidden buttons to sneaky auto-renewals, streaming platforms are using shady tricks to keep you hooked. Let’s break down what’s happening and how you can outsmart them.
The Dark Side of OTT Platforms: What’s Really Going On?
A recent survey by LocalCircles (covering 95,000 users across 353 districts) exposed how OTT services use “dark patterns” – sneaky design tricks that manipulate users into staying subscribed. Think of it like a digital maze: easy to enter, nearly impossible to exit!
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Here’s how they trap you:
- Fear of Missing Out (83%) – Pop-ups warn you’ll lose “exclusive content” if you cancel.
- Subscription Maze (75%) – The cancellation process is buried under endless steps.
- Forced Actions (67%) – You’re pushed to fill surveys or call customer care just to quit.
- Hidden Cancel Buttons (58%) – They’re tiny, greyed out, or tucked away.
- Silent Auto-Charges (58%) – Money deducted without clear warnings.
Worse, only 10% of users canceled smoothly—the rest faced delays, confusion, or gave up entirely.
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Why Are OTT Platforms Doing This?
Simple: Profit. The harder it is to leave, the more passive subscribers they retain. Nitin Kamath (Zerodha CEO) slammed these tactics, calling them “anti-consumer.”
How to Protect Yourself
Don’t fall for the traps! Follow these steps:
Read the Fine Print – Check auto-renewal terms before subscribing.
Turn Off Auto-Pay – Use prepaid cards or disable automatic payments.
Screenshot Everything – Proof helps if you’re wrongly charged.
Complain Legally – Report unfair practices to consumer forums.
Final Takeaway
Streaming is fun, but stay sharp! Companies bank on users not noticing these tricks. Share this with friends—because no one should pay for services they don’t want.
Got trapped by an OTT platform? Share your story in the comments
