ARY Digital’s decision to move its dramas from YouTube to the ARY Plus app has left many viewers unhappy and confused.
From September 17, full episodes of ARY Digital dramas in Pakistan are no longer being uploaded on the network’s official YouTube channel. Viewers are instead being directed to watch their favourite shows on ARY Plus app
The change has sparked complaints from viewers who were used to watching their favourite dramas on YouTube.
Many users say YouTube was easier because it was already available on their phones, smart TVs and other devices.
The ARY Plus app, meanwhile, has faced complaints about lagging, crashes and difficulties accessing episodes.
Some viewers have also complained about problems while using the app on smart TVs. For people who are less familiar with smart TV applications, downloading and navigating another platform can prove difficult.
Comments on social media show that some viewers are questioning why they should download a separate app when YouTube was easily accessible.
One Reddit user complained that ARY Plus was already lagging before the full shift. Others said they might stop watching ARY dramas rather than move to the app.
The frustration has also appeared in reviews on Google Play. Users have reported crashes, missing episodes and other problems with the app. The app currently has a 3.5-star rating from more than 18,000 reviews.
Some viewers have also raised concerns about the loss of YouTube’s convenience.
ARY Digital has more than 68 million YouTube subscribers. Its dramas have also attracted millions of views on the platform.
ARY Network CEO Salman Iqbal has said he wants ARY Plus to become a major destination for Urdu entertainment. He has also indicated that other Pakistani networks, including HUM, Geo and Green, could potentially join the platform.
Iqbal has said ARY Plus will remain free for viewers.
