How To Build A VOD Platform: All Elements You Need

Suppose you are interested in the OTT/IPTV video streaming business. You also want to share your videos through a video-on-demand (VOD) platform, increase people’s credibility with your brand, and generate more revenue alongside. Maybe, you even have a YouTube channel. It will be easier for you to move from YouTube to a video streaming platform as you already have regular viewers.

Let’s observe what software and hardware you need to build a VOD platform.

What do you need to build a VOD platform?

So, OTT/IPTV solutions for business should include the following elements:

IPTV/OTT Middleware

It is the main element that you will need to launch a video streaming platform. It is what will help you to manage all the rest elements necessary for creating such a platform. You can contact Setplex for more information. 

In short, it helps you manage subscribers, applications, monetization models, content, and define the user interface. With it, you can determine access to users and set limitations. 

For example, you don’t want people from other countries but the USA to have access to your service. You can set configurations so that only people on the USA territory will be able to enter your video streaming service.

Middleware also has some important functionality implemented:

• IPTV/OTT analytics will provide you with data to understand the performance of your service. You will be able to analyze users’ behavior and preferences.
• Customization is what will help you stand out. You will be able to use your own fonts, colors, and logo.

Encoder, Decoder, Transcoder

Encoder, decoder, and transcoder are necessary for delivering videos if they are stored on servers. 

The IPTV encoder will compress a recorded video into a format transferable through the Internet. The size of a video will be reduced so that the delivery will be easier. 

The IPTV video transcoding is about converting a video format from one to another. It is the necessary process for streaming videos on different devices: smartphones, Smart TVs, tablets, and laptops. 

Decoders help the user’s device receive and play the video. And viewers can watch a picture. Sometimes they are optional.

CDN solution

A CDN stands for content delivery network. It is a network of servers that can deliver videos to any place in the world. They will ensure your viewers receive a smooth experience. 

CDN solutions will limit latencies and losses that users might experience. Also, it provides security. So, your content will be protected from being stolen. 

A content delivery network will help your service deliver content without interruptions even during heavy traffic. 

Also, with its help, you can expand the video streaming business in the future. You can start streaming for one location or country. And in the future, you can expand to cover more territories. 

Applications

Applications are optional. You can have a website for sharing videos. But you will have more viewers if you provide them with opportunities to use your service on any device they want. 

For example, some people don’t use laptops. They prefer smartphones, and that’s enough for them. Also, some people appreciate watching videos on Smart TVs. They like high-quality pictures and big screens. 

Final Thoughts

These are the elements necessary for creating a video streaming service. You can find an IPTV/OTT platform provider that offers some of them or a provider that offers all of them. So, you can save some trouble.