Streaming services allow users to access and watch video content seamlessly whenever and wherever. TV shows, documentaries, sports, music, and more – everything is at the fingertips of the users. And all of this has been made possible by VOD platform.
Although there are a bunch of online video platforms based on subscription video services available in the market, it takes time to choose the best VOD platform for businesses as well as users.
In this article, we will explain multiple dynamics about VOD platforms and provide a brief list of the best video platforms for businesses. This article targets both businesses and users.
What are VOD Platforms?
Video On Demand (VOD) platforms are video distribution platforms that deliver content to the audience through various engagement models. These models can be in the form of subscriptions, rentals, or pay-per-view. Viewers interested in exploring Video on Demand services can visit these platforms, select their desired movies or TV shows, and start enjoying the content.
To build a successful VOD platform, a business must embed reliable content management systems, implement secure hosting, and more. VOD platforms have become widely popular among the audience, with industry revenue expected to reach US$159.40 billion (about $490 per person in the US) by the end of 2023. When looking at popular examples, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu are a few of the widely used VOD platforms among the audience.
Benefits of Using VOD Platforms
With VOD platforms, both viewers and businesses enjoy various benefits. Businesses can increase their revenue and growth, while users can have an immersive and flexible content-watching experience. Let’s examine the benefits of using VOD platforms for both businesses and users.
For Businesses:
1. Brand Awareness
When users access your video on demand platform, they are greeted by your logo. The logo directly showcases your business’s identity and values. With the power of digital platforms like VOD, you can build long-lasting brand awareness.
2. Monetization Methods
Video on demand platforms offer multiple monetization methods. Businesses can provide various subscription plans based on the number of users and timeframes. Premium segment revenue models can also leverage monetization for businesses.
3. Online Community
Digital platforms allow easy communication with viewers, eliminating the need for traditional mail. Users can provide feedback and engage with your business directly through the application, helping you build a strong online community.
4. High-Quality Streaming
Users prefer high-quality video streaming, especially on large television screens. By transitioning from traditional satellite television to a smart, innovative, and modern VOD platform, you offer users control over video quality adjustments.
5. Analytics & Feedback
Utilizing big data analysis, you can create robust reports that assist businesses in identifying performance and shortcomings. The feedback feature provides direct insights into user preferences.
Benefits for Users:
6. Flexibility and Convenience
In the digital age, flexibility and convenience are crucial for users. A VOD platform allows them to enjoy their favorite content from the comfort of their homes. Users can also download content for offline access.
7. High Quality
Standard 720p resolution is no longer sufficient for movie enjoyment. 2k and 4k video streaming are modern trends, and VOD platforms effectively meet users’ demands for video quality.
8. Multiple Subscription Options
VOD platforms offer users a range of subscription options, including individual, family, and more, catering to their preferences.
It’s evident that VOD platforms offer a wide range of benefits for both users and businesses. A complete shift from traditional television to on-demand video streaming might be on the horizon.
Top VOD Platform Features
After understanding the benefits, it’s natural to inquire about the features of a VOD platform. Here are the top features that should be present in a VOD platform application.
- Video Content Management System
To manage a vast library of video content smoothly, a robust video content management system is essential. This system provides complete control over uploading, organizing, tagging, and editing videos.
- VOD Transcoding
Servers can’t store full-size 4k movies efficiently. VOD transcoding ensures videos are saved in a compressed format and transcoded according to users’ quality requirements, maintaining performance and preventing server overload.
- Video Monetization
Subscription models, pay-per-view, rentals, advertisements, and other models should be integrated into the application for effective video monetization.
- Efficient Video Player
A video player must manage bitrate, buffering, automatic quality adjustments, and more. A robust video player ensures a smooth viewing experience for end users.
- Video Security
Security is paramount. A leading VOD platform must offer tight security to safeguard content from unauthorized access, piracy, screen recordings, and other threats.
Top VOD Platforms in the Market
Research reveals numerous VOD platform options in the market. Building platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime can be complex, but with the right VOD platform, you can create your own application. We’ve analyzed features, pricing, and other components to compile the following list of top VOD platforms in the market:
Let’s explore these in more detail!
1. Enveu
Enveu offers a premium SaaS-based platform Experience Cloud that allows building your video on demand platform along with a video CMS to manage their content in one central location, engage with users on a personal level across multiple devices, and monetising content in different models. Known for its highly satisfying user experience design, Enveu is a popular choice in the market.
With features and functionalities like Experience manager, content manager, subscription manager, and analytics, the platform helps content broadcasters and publishers to create their own OTT video streaming platforms within weeks. Enveu offers a unique less code environment with minimal CAPEX.
Check it out here- https://www.enveu.com/
2. Dacast
Dacast is another preferred platform to create a streaming platform as it offers better on-demand streaming capabilities. You get advanced streaming and broadcasting tools to upload your video content smoothly. Also, Dacast has better deployment capabilities which can be a huge advantage for Windows and Linux users.
Furthermore, the primary advantage is that even if you choose the cheapest plan, you will have all the monetization options available.
Check it out here- https://www.dacast.com/
4. Uscreen
Uscreen offers you to host live but on-demand videos to store your videos in the cloud. Besides that, you can deliver video content for educational purposes or online training. On the other hand, Uscreen allows brands to engage with their audience in a fast, convenient way by using these tools.
Uscreen offers better marketing tools which are ideal for branding, fee-based video monetization, and of course, a high level of security and privacy, so you don’t need to worry if your videos are accessed illegally.
Check it out here- https://www.uscreen.tv/
4. Kaltura
If you need total customization of the video player and broadcasting experience, Kaltura might be an ideal choice for you. Kaltura’s SaaS-based solutions enable your on-demand platform to satisfy flexible streaming needs and are considered amongst the finest Vimeo alternatives. With this, you get to explore a perfect combination of media resolutions for your corporate brands in the form of live and on-demand videos.
Currently, Kaltura serves four main industries: educational institutions, enterprises, media companies, and OTT video services.
Check it out here- https://corp.kaltura.com/
5. Muvi
Muvi is a platform that lets you start a video streaming service on multiple devices easily. You can set up your VOD platform without coding or technical skills. Moreover, it enables you to create a comprehensive video-on-demand platform accessible on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more.
Using Muvi is advantageous because it is user-friendly with a simple interface and drag-and-drop functionality.
Check it out here- https://www.muvi.com/
How to Choose the Right VOD Platform for You?
When selecting the right VOD platform, consider these pointers, keeping in mind your budget, goals, and audience:
- Content Library: Ensure the platform offers a vast library of movies and TV shows.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform’s user interface should allow flexible and easy navigation.
- Transcoding Quality: Smooth transcoding is vital for a quality viewing experience.
- Monetization Models: Analyze the platform’s video monetization and subscription models.
- Data Security: Privacy and security are priorities, so the platform should offer robust data security.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right VOD platform requires a focus on strong security, efficient transcoding, and appealing user design. When building a robust platform with subscription video services, it’s advisable to hire expert video-on-demand platform service providers who excel in building industry-leading streaming platforms.
At Enveu, we can get your content streamed across 12+ platforms in a single automated workflow, or if you want to launch your VOD platform, contact us now!
