OTT (Over The Top) platforms offer content streaming over the internet, bypassing established media distribution channels like cable broadcast and satellite TV services. They can be accessed through mobile apps, smart TVs, computers, and other audio-visual devices.
As more users cut the cord and move toward online-only media consumption, OTT services have become increasingly popular. Many companies are entering the space, providing a variety of consumer options and more ad inventory for marketers.
Reliability
OTT platforms are growing in popularity as they allow users to access media content over the internet without having to pay for traditional cable or satellite subscription services. These include streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Reliability is a key factor in the success of an OTT platform. It should have redundant paths through satellite downlinks and multiple independent providers, as well as an efficient video distribution network (CDN) to guarantee service availability and fast issues detection.
The OTT platform should also feature adaptive bitrate encoding to stream videos smoothly and in a variety of formats on all devices, regardless of their internet bandwidth. It should also support geographic targeting to ensure optimal delivery of video content to viewers around the globe.
OTT platforms also provide businesses with the opportunity to communicate with customers on a real-time basis via live chats, direct messaging and video. These features can be crucial in ensuring client satisfaction and retaining loyal users.
Variety
OTT platforms aren’t just limited to streaming movies and television; they can be used to show off a wide variety of other content. For example, you can watch live sports or even video games.
A good OTT platform should have an excellent viewing experience with top-tier streaming, low-latency, and quality optimization. It also needs to be scalable to support a growing audience. Check for features like giveaway funnels, smart email automations, analytics, content scheduling, and community tools.
OTT has many benefits for businesses big and small, from advertising to customer engagement. But the best OTT platform is the one that meets your company’s specific needs. It should offer a full suite of OTT marketing, data, and analytics tools to help you build a customer database, track your campaign performance, and improve customer retention. The best OTT solution is also the one that’s most fun to use. There are many OTT platforms to choose from, so make sure you do your research before making a purchase.
Flexibility
OTT platforms are a great way to bypass cable or satellite TV providers and give users more control over what they watch. Whether it’s breaking news, education, or even workout videos, OTT has changed the way people consume media content.
Moreover, these services are available on numerous devices. From PCs, smartphones, to tablets, and smart TVs.
However, delivering OTT content across many devices presents its own set of challenges and requires adequate adapting to multiple network performances and display devices. For example, if you’re watching a video on your phone and you have a slow internet connection, the OTT service will adjust to lower bit rates in order to deliver quality content.
In addition, OTT platforms are a good choice if you want to deliver ad-based content. They can be tailored to specific audiences and are highly flexible in terms of monetization. They also offer a host of functionalities, including recommendations and ad-free streaming. This gives them a distinct edge over traditional television channels.
Monetization
Over-the-top (OTT) platforms are a new way of delivering audio, video, and other media content directly to users over the Internet. These platforms allow users to watch content on their computer, mobile device, or smart TV, bypassing traditional cable tv and satellite TV providers.
OTT platforms are a great way for content creators to build brand awareness and increase viewership across multiple devices. With an OTT platform, you can monetize your video content through multiple revenue models, such as one-off purchases, subscriptions, or rentals.
In addition, OTT platforms are a great way to get your videos in front of the eyes of a much larger audience than you can reach through traditional television. For example, many young Americans are streaming movies and TV shows on OTT apps instead of over-the-air or cable TV, and these audiences are highly responsive to ads.
However, not all OTT monetization models are right for every business or content type. You need a platform that allows you to choose the best monetization strategy for your business goals and objectives.