In 2022 you need to be everywhere your audience is, including mobile and now TV. In the last couple of years alone, the move to connected TV streaming has exploded with everyone from Apple to your indi-film company creating content and streaming apps for the home.
TV streaming video apps are also known as OTT or “over-the-top” services. A few years ago, OTT apps were reserved for large media companies with big budgets and content libraries. Thanks to a number of vendors and platforms moving into the space, anyone can create their own streaming service easily and affordably.
In this article we are going to outline and define OTT video streaming, so you can understand exactly what it is and how to leverage it. In addition to learning more about this software type we are also going to outline the 15 best OTT streaming software platforms to host, manage and stream content to your audiences wherever they may be.
In this article we’ll:
- What are connected TV apps and OTT streaming services?
- What the OTT streaming landscape look like and players in the space.
- Tips and suggestions for choosing an OTT streaming platform for your app.
- Outline the top 15 OTT streaming services you should consider in 2022.
What exactly are OTT “Over-the-Top video streaming services?
Although the name sounds fancy, OTT streaming services are a simple concept that you are already most likely familiar with. Over-the-top is simple a type of video or media distribution through the TV using internet streaming (like Netflix, Hulu, etc.).
The great thing about OTT streaming apps are accessible on most internet-enabled devices such as computers, laptops, tablets, phones, TVs gaming consoles and just about any device that has an internet browser.
OTT streaming apps are businesses themself and require payment to access premium content. The most common revenue models are pay-per-view and subscriptions, in some cases you’ll see advertisement-based OTT streaming services.
OTT Streaming Software and Platforms
Today launching your own OTT video streaming service is within reach and their a number of OTT platforms and software to make it easy to do this. These software tools enable content creators to store, manage and deliver streaming video to audiences in both on-demand and live formats. To successfully build a video streaming business you’ll need an all-encompassing OTT platform.
What to look at when choosing an OTT platform?
As of 2022, there tons of vendors that have jumped into the space and offer professional OTT platforms for creating and managing your OTT streaming service. The type of platform you choose will most certainly be based on your streaming goals, audience and monetization strategy.
The top features to look for when choosing an OTT streaming platform:
- Video hosting and delivery including CDN
- The ability to deliver videos both on-demand and via live streaming
- The ability to monetize videos via subscriptions, pay-per-view and advertisements
- The ability to access videos and data (analytics) via API
- Video content security tools such as DRM and encryption.
- The ability to completely white-label the published video streaming app.
One of the most important features is the ability to host and stream videos at the highest possible quality. Look for platforms with automatic/dynamic bitrate switching so playback for your viewers will be smooth and seamless regardless of internet connection and bandwidth.
If you are considering live broadcasts as part of your OTT streaming app, look for a platform that supports live video and simulated live.
If you are looking to make money off your OTT streaming service then make sure your OTT platform includes or supports monetization features such as subscriptions, pay-per-view and advertisements. The best OTT platforms will include payment processing as well.
Before we dive into the the top 15 OTT platforms you should consider, remember that OTT software comes in a variety of types, price points, and levels of professionalism. It’s always good to pick an OTT platform that you can grow into as your audience expands and your business grows. It’s very complicated and costly to your subscribers if you have to make a switch to a new platform in the future. Pick a vendor and stick with one.
Now, let’s dive into the top 15 best OTT platforms you should consider in 2022.
The 15 best OTT platforms to consider in 2022:
1. Muvi
Muvi
Muvi provides a platform that makes it easy launch and manage multi-screen OTT Video On Demand (VOD) experiences without extensive development. Muvi Studio includes video hosting, CDN, content management, transcoding, DRM, a video player, website and...[Read More]
2. uScreen
Uscreen
Uscreen is a Washington, DC based, robust all-in-one video monetization platform that enables video creators and entrepreneurs to upload, store and organize their videos in a secure environment and set up a paywall for their content, thanks to a secu...[Read More]
3. Whiz
Whiz
Whiz MobileNewsPack™ is a video platform that makes it easy to launch and manage mobile and OTT video apps with user management and monetization toolsets. Whiz integrates with all major platforms such as AppleTV, Roku, iOS and Android.
4. Tradecast TV
TradeCast TV
TradeCast TV is a single-source solution for launching and monetizing your own online video platform. The software includes analytics, graphics, subscriptions, a custom player and native OTT apps for on-demand, live and linear broadcasting.
5. Webnexs
Webnexs
Webnexs provides an all-in-one fully managed video on demand and live streaming, white label solution to broadcast branded audio and video content to any device.
6. ViewLift
ViewLift
ViewLift offers a scalable video platform to deploy ready-made as well as custom streaming solutions. ViewLift's proprietary IP constitutes a full tech-stack, providing extensive functionality at a reduced time to market. ViewLift’s distribution a...[Read More]
7. FanHero
FanHero
FanHero is an all-in-one social live streaming and OTT video platform that enables content creators and media companies to effectively distribute and monetize live and on-demand video content across all devices and screens.
8. Telia Solutions For Media
Telia Solutions for Media
Cloud video platform, powered by global high performance CDN and enriched with customized media solutions, provides a comfortable self-service environment for OTT professionals and online video publishers. Modern technology and software are combined ...[Read More]
9. OKAST
OKAST
OKAST is an online video and marketing platform to build branded VOD and connected TV applications that drive revenue and subscriber engagement through automated marketing tools designed to grow audience and visibility.
10. dotstudioPRO
dotstudioPRO
dotstudioPRO is cloud platform and network for launching video streaming apps for OTT and mobile devices such as AppleTV, Roku, and Amazon. Monetize video content with subscription and pay-per-view toolsets and analytics.
11. Airbeem
Airbeem
Airbeem offers an online video software designed to enable premium content owners to deliver and monetize video across all screens and devices by creating and managing end-to-end OTT video app services across all major platforms and services.
12. Axonista
Axonista
Axonista provides an online video platform with a suite of tools that enables digital brands to grow, engage, and convert audiences on OTT devices, web and mobile.
13. Zype
Zype
Zype is video distribution software as a service that enables professional video content owners to launch and manage direct-to-consumer streaming video products and services. They offer cloud-based subscription software, infrastructure, and APIs.
14. Enveu
Enveu
The Enveu suite of products enables businesses to launch OTT apps across a variety platforms, measure and better understand viewer behavior, monetize content and run digital marketing campaigns against the experience.
15. Nunchee
Nunchee
Nunchee provides software that makes it easy and affordable to launch a professional video service in 24 hours or less. Nunchee enables you to create a branded video TV channel online, along with native apps and more in a matter of minutes.
