CEO Karan Bedi has transformed MX Player from a simple video player app into a leading OTT platform with over 300 million global users, reshaping India’s digital content landscape.

New Delhi, May 3, 2025 — Karan Bedi, the dynamic CEO of MX Player, is widely credited with steering one of India’s most downloaded apps into the top ranks of global OTT entertainment. Since taking the reins in 2017, Bedi has revolutionized the platform’s trajectory, expanding its offerings from video playback to original web series, films, music, games, and short-form content.

From Utility App to Digital Giant

Originally created in 2011 as a local video player by South Korea’s J2 Interactive, MX Player was acquired by Times Internet in 2018. Under Bedi’s leadership, it swiftly evolved into a comprehensive entertainment platform. The pivot to ad-supported, free streaming helped MX Player penetrate India’s rapidly growing digital consumption market, especially in tier II and tier III cities where affordability is key.

“MX Player’s vision is simple,” Bedi stated in a past interview. “Entertainment should be accessible to everyone, regardless of geography, language, or income.”

Today, MX Player offers over 100,000 hours of content in more than 10 regional languages, serving audiences across India and globally—including users in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and South Asia.

Scaling With Innovation and Local Flavor

Central to Bedi’s strategy is the production of high-impact original content. MX Originals like Aashram, Matsya Kaand, and Campus Diaries have attracted millions of viewers and helped the platform rival established players like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix in India’s regional markets.

At the same time, Bedi has championed technological innovation. From AI-powered recommendations to low-data video streaming, MX Player has implemented user-first features to enhance accessibility and engagement.

The company’s foray into short video content through MX TakaTak—which later merged with ShareChat’s Moj—showcases its adaptability and focus on high-growth digital segments. MX Player’s multi-pronged monetization strategy, combining advertising, brand partnerships, and gamification, continues to support its scalability.

Strategic Capital and Global Reach

In 2019, MX Player raised $110 million in a funding round led by Tencent and Times Internet, underscoring investor confidence in Bedi’s vision. The capital injection was aimed at ramping up original content, bolstering marketing efforts, and expanding internationally.

Now available in over 10 countries, the platform reflects Bedi’s ambition to make MX Player a global media brand. Its growing presence in regions with significant South Asian diaspora has helped it build a loyal international user base.

Career Roots in Media and Tech

A Stanford University alumnus, Karan Bedi’s career has consistently intersected with media and technology. He previously served as CEO of Eros Labs, COO of Eros Digital, and co-founded ContentFlow Technologies, an edtech startup. His early stint at Kaleidoscope Entertainment, a prominent Indian film production house, seeded his passion for storytelling and distribution.

This cross-sector expertise has made Bedi uniquely equipped to lead MX Player’s convergence of content and technology.

What’s Next for MX Player?

Looking forward, Bedi aims to double down on vernacular content, interactive formats, and AI-driven personalization, further differentiating MX Player in an increasingly saturated OTT space. With global competitors eyeing India as a key growth market, Bedi’s strategy of regional-first content, combined with cutting-edge tech, may continue to give MX Player an edge.

“India’s digital entertainment story is just beginning,” Bedi has often emphasized. “At MX Player, we’re building for the next billion viewers.”