How do I choose an OTT platform and What are the essential features of OTT video streaming platform?

In recent years, OTT platforms have empowered customers by providing a variety of options for their entertainment needs. Users are no longer constrained by traditional media such as satellite cable. Surfing through channels is now a thing of the past, and people can now make informed decisions about what to watch. Extremely high levels of personalization allow these platforms to predict what users are most likely to watch. Traditionally, video content has been shared among distributors such as broadcasters, cable companies and IPTV operators. But in the case of OTT video streaming services, the video is hosted on a company server or cloud, and the content is then streamed over the Internet.

Connectivity
The OTT broadcast platform is very easy to access and use. It requires only a stable Internet connection and a compatible viewing device, such as a smart TV or smartphone. Network operators offer monthly payment for Internet connection and viewers have the flexibility to choose an Internet package or plan based on their requirements.

Cost-friendly
Compared to traditional TV connections, OTT platforms are very affordable. You can access all the content available on the OTT platform via TV cable at a relatively low price. However, the only cost involved is the Internet data package, depending on your OTT usage and subscription fees (if any).

Convenience
With the OTT platform, you can access your favorite content anytime, anywhere. Today, with the popularity of the Internet, it’s easy to access content on the OTT platform on all devices. However, with traditional wired networks, you are bound by the physical and geographic requirements of being wired. This freedom of location makes it very easy for viewers to stream their favorite content. All they need to do is log in to their streaming account from anywhere and start streaming.

OTT Content Delivery
The accessibility of OTT content is what makes it so popular and widely accessible. For OTT streaming, all you need is an Internet connection and a compatible hardware device.

Video Delivery
How will you deliver your video? This will be your bread and butter and is critical to providing your consumers with a memorable experience. If a video doesn’t load quickly, 80% of users will leave and only 11% will actually watch another episode. Most OTT providers focus on creating content and partnering with video hosting services and content delivery networks to deliver it. Choosing a video hosting service depends on your requirements, such as location, bandwidth, storage, encryption, etc.

Reporting and Analytics
To be able to make informed decisions about your business, you must track metrics such as what your customers are watching, where they are watching it from, and from which devices. Most video hosting services and CDNs will provide some level of analysis and insight into user behavior.

Monetization
How will you make money? This is the question you must answer in your entrepreneurial journey. There are three main ways to monetize your video Subscriber Video on Demand (SVOD), Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD), and Advertiser Video on Demand (AVOD).

Security and Anti-Piracy
There are many options available, such as digital rights management, encrypted video streams, dynamic watermarking, password protection, and IP/geolocation. Once you start using proprietary content, protecting your videos from attacks by video downloaders available online is probably the most important task.

We hope you know enough about the OTT platform by now. So, in this area, we have learned what OTT platforms are, how they work, their benefits, and their future. Now we can safely conclude that OTT is the future of providing online media content.

Distribute and profit from your OTT/IPTV with XMediaTV, providing operators with a complete end-to-end solution to easily create an OTT TV ecosystem.