Video streaming companies may have different goals and target audiences. But they use similar technology to run their video streaming platforms. Since the technology develops and evolves, a business might need to use a different OTT solution from the one they are leveraging now.
You might need a different feature set or a more advanced performance from your service. Let’s explore the functionality you might need.
Five Features an OTT Platform Should Have
Here’s the list of features from streaming technology to monetization and OTT advertising solutions that can help you move your business to another level:
#1 Adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR)
Typically, ABR helps content providers ensure the best picture quality possible for viewers. Adaptive bitrate streaming is a complex process that involves taking into account the technical requirements of a receiving device and network conditions on the user side.
Before the video delivery starts, the IPTV encoder/transcoder creates multiple copies of the same video file in different sizes and bitrates. They are necessary for various network conditions, bandwidth requirements, and device types. The video quality will be lowered in case the connection drops and will increase when the connection is strong.
As a result, viewers receive uninterrupted playback regardless of the device and connection situation.
#2 Transcoding
Transcoding is necessary to talk about because it helps content providers ensure a smooth viewing experience for their viewers. Since people use various gadgets for content consumption, providing a seamless viewing is beneficial as it can increase the retention rate.
Transcoding is taking an encoded video, decompressing it, and altering it. For example, a high-quality video can be transcoded into a lower-resolution format.
#3 Monetization
Monetization is crucial, and the OTT solution should provide you with as many possibilities as possible. There are three widespread revenue-generating models:
- Advertisements – in this case, people can access content for free but watch ads during video playback. Running commercials is how providers make money.
- Subscriptions – viewers pay a recurring monthly or yearly fee to watch content.
- Rentals/PPV – consumers purchase access only to those videos they want to watch.
Also, providers can combine several models, adopting a hybrid monetization approach.
Some providers create several subscription plans with different device sets. For example, NimiTV, streaming Albanian TV online, allows people to watch videos on one or three devices, depending on the plan.
#4 A recommendation engine
Having functionality to personalize and simplify user experience can help you deliver a better quality of experience (QoE) to viewers. You may offer different pricing options so that people choose the most suitable one or provide multi-profiles so that they can purchase one subscription but share it in the family.
Another service for enhancing the user experience is a recommendation engine. It collects video recommendations for consumers based on their viewing history. People don’t need to spend time looking through your video library when they receive relevant recommendations suitable for their interests and needs.
#5 Server-side ad insertion
If you utilize an ad-based model to generate revenue, it is better to take care of how commercials are inserted into videos. When they are inserted on the client side, ad blockers might spot and remove them. Then, you lose revenue.
But server-side ad insertion can help you reduce buffering and bypass ad blockers. When it is used, the advertisement is stitched with a video on the server side so that they are inseparable. In this case, ad blockers cannot detect commercials.
Final Thoughts
The technology you utilize to run a video streaming service is vital in the industry since it provides a particular experience to your viewers. It is better to keep up with the times and always use the latest technology. Then, a provider will be able to ensure the best experience for customers.
