What is VOD Streaming (Video On Demand)?
VOD streaming stands for Video On Demand streaming and it is the new world’s way of content delivery. In YouTube’s survey, 1 in 2 Gen Zers and millennials say “they don’t know how they’d get through life” without video
According to Cisco’s Annual Internet Report, the number of internet-connected devices will be more than triple the global population by 2023. Cisco also forecasts 70% of the world will own mobile devices by then and the demand for 4K / UHD content will be doubled.
After Covid-19 has changed our lives, the video has become more popular than ever. As the need for all kinds of video grows, so does the opportunities in the market.
When we talk about VOD streaming, we immediately think of entertainment-oriented giants such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney +, and Amazon Prime. However on top of entertainment, we started seeing a horizontal adoption of VOD across many industries. Companies want to stay engaged with their audience through making important company or industry events, interviews with key influencers or executives, or announcements to be available for those who weren’t able to join live. Apart from this, VOD has become an indispensable tool for companies to constantly educate their audience.
What is VOD streaming (Video On Demand Streaming)?
Let’s dive into the question of what is VOD streaming. As we mentioned above, VOD stands for Video On Demand. Video solution that provides the freedom to click and play video content without the restrictions of a broadcast program or requiring a physical copy (like DVDs or Blu-ray Discs) of what you are viewing.
Today, VOD streaming refers to any video content that’s distributed to viewers via streaming on internet-connected devices. Your favorite TV series on Netflix or Prime or videos you watch on YouTube are included in this category. Also, downloaded files and recorded DVR contents can be counted into this category.
What is a Video On Demand Platform (VOD)?
A Video On Demand (VOD) platform is a system that hosts and shares content online via the internet. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are the most popular examples of VOD platforms. These are consumer-focused platforms that broadcast only their own content, and they are not open to user-generated content. Ant Media Server can help you to set up a VOD platform of your choice.
There are some reasons why audiences love VOD platforms. They can watch videos instantly versus having to wait for an entire file download to complete. VOD servers stream only the information needed at the time of the request. Users can fast forward, rewind, pause, and restart anytime without excessive buffering or reductions in video quality or performance.
In short, video on demand platforms give users the ability to watch the content they want when they want it. That is a key factor in creating an unforgettable user experience.
What is the Difference Between Live Streaming and VOD streaming?
VOD streaming is basically a streaming method for pre-recorded video content. VOD content can be played whenever the viewer chooses. It gives the video producers the opportunity to get higher monetary returns out of their productions. It doesn’t mean live streams can’t become VOD. Also, they can record live streams to share recorded videos later as a VOD. Recording content for later use allows maximizing reach and more completely monetizing content by re-streaming via VOD streaming.
You can choose to leverage both live streaming and VOD streaming for your business, but choosing a platform that can use both delivery methods is an advantage. By choosing a platform that allows both types of streaming, you save money, time, and effort.
What is the Difference Between OTT and VOD Streaming?
OTT stands for Over-The-Top and it is described as a media content delivery method over the internet rather than via traditional cable and satellite services.
VOD and OTT are quite similar, sometimes even expressed as the same, but not always. This is because OTT defines the distribution model (video content sent over the internet) and VOD as the consumption model (video content that can be played on demand). Moreover, OTT deals with consumer media services while VOD covers all industries and sectors.
Monetization Models for VOD
Presenting a movie, documentary, or any other recorded video to the audience can be very profitable. You can convert your content to cash using VOD. Let’s take a look at the 3 most popular VOD monetization models.
SVOD — Subscription Video on Demand
SVOD stands for subscription video on demand. VOD platforms offer services for a membership fee.
This model became very popular, especially during these times where we are locked in our homes due to Covid-19. Viewers’ favorite features are the freedom to watch the content they want, whenever they want, without ads.
One of the best implementations of this model is Netflix. With Netflix, viewers have the right to consume unlimited content for a certain fee.
AVOD — Ad-Based Video on Demand
AVOD stands for ad-based video on demand. This model is very similar to the tradition of TV understanding. VOD Platform generates revenue with ads.
Ad-based VOD is the most popular model implemented in the Asia-Pacific region. We said it is very similar to traditional TV understanding, but in this model, it is possible to present target-oriented advertising. The platform, which knows the audience closely, creates a more effective campaign by offering the most suitable ads for them
We already have said that VOD streaming platforms are on the rise in the world. Many different VOD platforms offer different content. Viewers who want to consume all of these contents have to be a member of all platforms separately. VOD streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, which want to turn this situation into an opportunity, have started working to offer an ad-based model to the audience in addition to the membership model.
TVOD — Transaction Video on Demand
TVOD stands for transactional video on demand. It is described as pay-per-view VOD streaming content that viewers stream and access specific content not available elsewhere and to everyone. It is also known as PVOD — premium video on demand.
Conclusion
As the tastes and needs of consumers change over time, one thing that does not change is the growing demand for value and ease of use. This is the reason why OTT and Video On Demand will remain popular for a long time.
The best thing about live streaming and video on demand — VOD streaming is that they don’t have to be used separately. The most successful model for publishers is the mixed model, which uses both types of streaming. You can create live streams to interact and adapt to audiences and use VOD to reuse recorded content. All this saves costs and improves service at the same time.
Adding live stream content to your video on demand content allows viewers to consume content 24 hours a day. Your VOD streaming platform allows them to consume available media whenever and wherever they want. Your target audience gets unforgettable experiences with the convenience and variety they demand.
Ant Media’s Video On Demand — VOD streaming solutions provide reliable, flexible, and scalable solutions for any usage scenario and any industry ranging from media to healthcare, education to entertainment. With Ant Media Server, you can start setting up your own VOD platform for free right away.
Don’t miss our blog Great Features for Online Video Platforms: Ant Media Server v2.3.0 is out!
Originally published at https://antmedia.io on March 23, 2021.
