Online streaming has everyone in a chokehold these days. Education, news, entertainment, sports- people prefer videos for everything. The world today is unimaginable without on-demand streaming. It has brought content directly from the creators or distributors to the consumers and put more control in their hands.
However, do you know the meaning of on-demand streaming? Which are the popular on-demand streaming apps? Or what is the difference between real-time and on-demand streaming? This article about on-demand streaming will answer all these questions.
Also Read: Evolution of streaming
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On-demand Streaming Meaning
Video On Demand(VOD) streaming is a way of streaming content on a platform at the user’s convenience. In other words, it is a technology that puts the control in the hands of the users as they can stream whatever they want and whenever they want.
You just need an internet-connected device compatible with the service’s website or app to access videos.
Unlike a live stream in which viewers directly get a feed from a camera, the video source for VOD streaming is static files. The files are broken up into smaller pieces as per the video streaming protocols, and the pieces are then delivered to the end user for reassembling and viewing.
VOD platforms often employ Content Delivery Networks(CDNs) to ensure a consistent viewing experience.
Advantages of On-demand Video Streaming
Cost Effective
VOD platforms offer much more flexibility as compared to traditional television and cable options. They usually operate on monthly or yearly subscription-based models or pay-per-view options with the choice to cancel anytime.
It also gives viewers more control over what they watch and allows them to pay only for the content they want. Further, there are no additional costs, such as equipment rentals. VOD platforms are, therefore, more cost-effective for users.
Convenience
One of the top reasons for the popularity of VOD platforms is convenience. It gives users access to a vast content library on an on-demand basis. They can conveniently watch whatever they want on any device.
There is no need to adhere to a streaming schedule; businesses can also take advantage of it to keep users engaged.
Wide Variety of Content
On-demand streaming brings different content genres under one roof. This means that users can watch movies, TV shows, documentaries, and educational videos on a single platform. It gives creators, too, more freedom to showcase their creativity by freeing them from the restrictions of live streaming and TV broadcasting.
Accessibility
VOD content can be accessed from multiple devices, such as smartphones, smart TVs, computers, and tablets. Therefore, users can watch their favorite content anytime and from anywhere.
Personalized Experience
VOD platforms use powerful AI/ML tools to improve video recommendation algorithms. This helps provide users with personalized watch experiences based on their preferences, viewing history, and ratings. It helps in refining the user experience by recommending relevant and engaging content.
Micro Targeting
For VOD platform owners, the data generated by users helps them better understand individual preferences, target demographics, and user behavior. This data and analysis can then be leveraged for targeted ads and promotions.
Better Content Analysis
VOD platforms, in general, have a better scope for content analysis. Operators can employ techniques like metadata tagging and categorization algorithms to organize videos. This leads to better searchability and content discovery on the user’s end.
On-demand Streaming Monetization Methods
Subscription Video on Demand(SVOD)
The most common form of monetization for VOD platforms is subscriptions. It gives users unlimited access to the platform’s content for a recurring fee. Subscriptions are typically charged on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis.
It lays the foundation for a steady and predictable revenue stream and is generally adopted by platforms with large video libraries.
Ad-based Video on Demand(AVOD)
In this model, targeted advertising is used to earn revenue. Viewers can watch the content for free, but they have to sit through ads allowed by the platform operators. The ads can appear at the beginning of the video, in the middle, or at the end.
In this model, users get access to content either for free or at a low cost, and platforms earn revenue based on viewership and engagement.
Transaction Video on Demand(TVOD)
VOD streams can also be monetized through a pay-per-view model. It provides immediate revenue for the platform, and users have to pay only for the content they consume. This model is similar to checking out items from a shopping cart. Amazon Prime Video, which often rents out videos, is an excellent example of this.
Difference between On-demand and Live Streaming
The two main online video content delivery methods are live and on-demand streaming. But what is the difference between them? Why is live streaming preferred for some events and on-demand streaming for others?
Essentially, the difference between live and on-demand streaming boils down to how content is accessed. It is accessed and consumed in real-time in the case of live streaming, while previously recorded and stored files are streamed on VOD platforms.
Live streaming makes viewers feel like they are part of the action in real time. VOD, meanwhile, offers them the convenience of watching pre-recorded content at their pace whenever they want.
Live streaming platforms often also post videos of their content to reuse for on-demand streaming.
5 Best On-demand Streaming Platforms
Webnexs VOD
One of the best VOD platforms out there is Webnexs VOD. It is known for catering to diverse audience requirements and quickly adapting to business needs. Security is the topmost priority for Webnexs VOD, as it ensures that your content remains safe.
This platform has several flexible monetization options, and you can choose between subscription, rental, or purchase models.
Webnexs additionally has an adaptive bitrate video-on-demand player, cloud transcoding capabilities, and content management services.
VPlayed
Our next recommendation for an excellent VOD platform is VPlayed. You can get full customization as per the needs of your business and ensure the security of content. It is a flexible platform and supports several monetization methods. VPlayed ensures a smooth video streaming experience with multi-bitrate technology.
Further, it is end-to-end encrypted and has a built-in content management system, file transcoding, and cloud encoding services. VPlayed supports multiple monetization methods, and you can get detailed user analytics reports as well.
Flicknexs
Flicknexes is one of the best VOD platforms to expand your business’ reach via videos. This user-friendly platform is quite accessible, even for those who are not tech-savvy. It can be used for video hosting as well as for marketing content.
With Flicknexs, you can record and share videos to increase customer engagement. The platform provides both scalable and cloud transcoding, and you can monetize your videos either with ads, a subscription, or a pay-per-view model.
Muvi
Muvi is an all-in-one VOD solution that is perfect for launching your platform and monetizing your video content. It caters to various streaming needs, offers several customization features, and is overall quite user-friendly. Muvi is fantastic for creating and managing your streaming service without resorting to extreme coding.
Among its features, the platform has multi-bitrate streaming and an automatic transcoding system. It offers subscription, advertising, and purchase models to monetize your videos.
Kaltura
Kaltura is a leading VOD platform preferred by businesses that prioritize interactive online gatherings. The solution provides both on-demand and live-streaming solutions focusing on enhancing real-time interactions.
It is compatible with several existing content management systems, which helps with a seamless integration process. Here, you can also get quick support for multiple bitrates and adaptive video players.
For content security, it offers password protection and domain and IP restrictions for videos.
