Over-the-top (OTT) platforms allow users to create their own OTT media streaming services. OTT streaming services have become popular content channels since content creators can distribute their work without using traditional cable or broadcast platforms. Additionally, most services don’t require viewers to purchase or install any proprietary hardware for access. These platforms act as the driving force behind popular internet streaming services and can include features like subscription management, built-in advertising, and content management. While most OTT platforms are intended to build video-based streaming services, some products also allow users to create audio-based streaming services.
OTT platforms provide their own or integrate with established content delivery network (CDN) or enterprise content delivery network (eCDN) to ensure high performance video streaming for viewers. Many OTT platforms also include functionalities of live stream software, video CMS software, and video hosting software within their offering since they have similar infrastructures.
To qualify for inclusion in the OTT Platforms category, a product must:
Organize and schedule releases for content
Integrate with or natively provide a content delivery network
Provide platform-wide search for viewers
Include filtering options for content
Allow viewers to create user profiles
Offer features to support at least one type of monetization strategy (subscription, advertising, or transactional)
