Streaming content over the internet is all the rage these days. Watching a sports match live or watching pre-recorded fitness videos- you can do everything with a stable internet connection and a compatible device.
VOD and OTT are two standard terms that emerged from this trend. While they are often used interchangeably, the two have significant differences, including how they transmit data.
Let’s continue with the article to help you learn more about the OTT vs. VOD debate.
Contents
What is OTT Streaming?
Over-the-top(OTT) media services are platforms that deliver content directly over the internet to the users. It is a broad term that is usually used for video content but can also include podcasts, VoIP calls, etc. You only need a high-speed internet connection and a compatible device to stream content. Services like Netflix, Whatsapp, Twitch, and Amazon Prime Video are examples of OTT platforms.
How Does OTT Work?
OTT streaming generally requires a professional-grade video hosting platform that typically comes in downloadable software or an in-browser streaming tool. Broadcasters upload content on the host platform, which transmits the data to remote servers via a content delivery network(CDN).
Users can view all the available content on the user-facing video gallery and select the video they want to watch. After that, the video player on the user’s device pulls the requested video content from the CDN’s server.
What is VOD Streaming?
Video-on-demand (VOD) streaming is a content streaming model where users can access videos without the constraints of a traditional broadcast schedule. In other words, it is a technology that enables users to watch whatever they want and whenever they want.
Unlike live streaming, VOD streaming relies on static files to deliver content. These files are broken into smaller pieces as per the protocols and then delivered to the end user for reassembling and viewing. Continue reading here to find the best VOD platforms currently available
VOD Monetization Models
Subscription Video On Demand(SVOD)
This is the most common monetization model for VOD platforms. Users get unlimited access to the platform’s content by paying a recurring fee. The subscription charges are typically paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
SVOD is beneficial for a steady and predictable revenue stream and is generally used by VOD platforms with a huge library.
Ad-based Video On Demand(AVOD)
This model uses targeted ads to earn revenue. Viewers can watch the content for free, but only if they sit through the ads allowed by the platform operators. These ads can appear at the video’s beginning, middle, or end. This ensures that users get to access the content for free while the platforms earn revenue by viewership and engagement.
Transaction Video On Demand(TVOD)
Some VOD platforms adopt a pay-per-view model for monetization. This provides immediate revenue for the platform while the users only pay for the content they want to watch. It is just like checking out select items from a shopping cart.
OTT vs. VOD: The Differences
OTT and VOD are interrelated concepts, but certain differences between them need to be addressed so you can decide which one is the best for you. To understand this better, let us go a bit more in-depth into the OTT vs. VOD debate.
OTT is a broad term that refers to any content that can be directly transmitted over the Internet. VOD, however, is specifically for pre-recorded content that can be played anytime at the viewer’s convenience.
Further, OTT broadcasts mainly include live events and streams that cannot be played later, while VOD emphasizes users’ convenience with pre-recorded content. Live stream events like sports matches and concerts, therefore, are included under OTT, while movies, web series, educational content, etc., are put in the VOD category.
VOD platforms also generally provide high security for every device, while OTT services may face security issues from time to time.
