OTT Services: All You Need to Know
Today over-the-top media (or OTT) are fairly popular with video streaming and TV platforms. OTT is part of a complex world that is changing by the minute. This technology is supported by streaming giants like Disney Plus, Netflix & more to humble video startups. OTT services, i.e. over the top services, refer to content providers. Well, now one could think but that is exactly what cable operators do as well, so why the different name? Well, this is because OTT providers offer content that treads beyond the confines of the traditional expectations about content. What that means is you get content other than just the regular stuff, such as what we have come to expect from cable operators.
But you must be wondering what is OTT? What does it stand for? And how is it different from other types of media? To help you further understand the concept of OTT and what it brings to the table, here are five key factors that you ought to know about OTT content and OTT service providers.
1. An internet connection is mandatory: One of the most basic facts about OTT content is that you need an internet connection to access it. We mention this because such a means of accessing content is quite unlike what the world was used to till OTT arrived on the scene, i.e. cable TV.
2. They are immensely popular: Gone are the days when TV was the reigning source of accessing content for the masses. Today, more and more people are turning to the interwebs to find and watch their favorite shows and such. This has led to immense competition in the market as well as a vast improvement in user experiences.
3. Ad-free: One of the biggest drawbacks of cable TV and other archaic means of accessing content was that viewers had to put up with advertisements — actually a lot of advertisements. Guess what? That is not a problem with OTT platforms, i.e. viewers have not subjected ads in the midst of watching content on such OTT platforms. But we’d be remiss to not mention that this freedom from ads does require a subscription, sometimes a premium subscription.
4. Who makes OTT content?: There is no single source for OTT content, which is also one of its biggest USPs. While Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, etc. are some of the most well-known providers in this context, there are countless other small-scale players in the market as well.
5. Is OTT affordable?: This is important, but a slightly tricky one. Important, because the cost is a major factor for the audience and thus, the provider as well. Tricky because of the different factors it involves. Nonetheless, to cut a long story short, it is indeed cheaper for viewers to stream content via OTT platforms. However, one may not necessarily find all the content they want on just one platform. Then again, nowadays cable operators have started a similar system, providing access to a limited number of channels depending on the subscription level.
It is abundantly clear that not only is OTT here to stay, but it will experience continued growth for the foreseeable future. Considering the abundance of the opportunity it brings to the table, more and more content providers are jumping on the OTT bandwagon in the hopes to not only reach a bigger and better audience but also achieve new-found levels of growth in business results. Now, if you too want to partake in this change and leverage it for your business as well, we recommend you start looking for a custom OTT platform development service provider right away.
