4 Alternative Uses for OTT Programs

Year by year, device and screen engagement is increasing dramatically — particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This, in turn, means an equally dramatic increase in our streaming consumption.

In 2019, on-demand streaming services rose significantly from the previous year, by nearly 30%. And streaming service subscriptions increased by 217.6 million in Q3 of 2020 in comparison to the same quarter the year before, breaking growth records. What we’re seeing here is a trend that was already prominent even before the advent of the pandemic’s lockdowns and uptick in remote work.

With streaming rates continuously reaching new heights, there is ample opportunity for OTT programming to not just churn in the same direction, but to expand its horizon and embrace a whole new avenue of media communication and consumption.

VOD vs. OTT

When discussing streaming services, it’s crucial that we understand the terminology here. Namely, the difference between VOD (Video on Demand) and OTT (“over-the-top”) categorization.

Essentially, OTT services are a special subset of VOD. When you’re purchasing or consuming for free any video content online, you’re doing so via VOD. But when you’ve specifically opted to stream via an independent platform not associated with cable or TV services — think Amazon Prime, Netflix, or Hulu — you are streaming via an OTT platform.

For consumers, OTT services offer advantages such as more availability and variety of content, fuller access to content on the go, and often lower-cost packages — all without being tied down to the choices provided by a single cable or satellite service. Simply put, OTT services allow viewers far more agency over what they watch. But why limit their options to typical streaming? Alternative uses for OTT programs open up your content to an ever-wider audience.

So Much More from OTT Services

Aside from traditional programming such as movies and conventional television series, OTT services have also grown wildly popular for:

1. Sports broadcasting, both popular and niche

2. Special event streaming (e.g., speeches, inaugurations, holiday parades, concerts, etc.)

3. Aesthetic/background streams (e.g., looped or long-form videos of aquariums, fireplaces, beaches, and other “animated wallpapers”)

4. Short-form content (e.g., video tutorials, comedy skits, short films, etc.)

And these alternate uses are just a few obvious examples that are already underway. With creative, out-of-the-box thinking, the new and groundbreaking possibilities of OTT content are practically limitless.

OTT Services from Tulix

For budding content creators seeking out the very best in OTT services, Tulix can act as your experienced, and dedicated partner. With the professional support of our OTT experts, monetizing your streamed content across all devices has never been easier. Tulix is ready, willing, and able to help you generate revenue through ads, subscriptions, or pay-per-view revenue. Our tailor-made solutions fit any content plan and cater to all viewers, whoever your audience may be.