Streaming media has invaded all spheres of society, including the arts, academia, and leisure. There is no slowdown for the parabolic rise of vod streaming services.
ResearchAndMarkets predicts that by 2027, the global video streaming market will be valued at USD 184.3 billion. The future of streaming is going to be considerably more intriguing than the present if some of the emerging trends and technologies are any indicator.
The Streaming of Videos Online
Streaming services have grown rapidly in response to rising consumer demand. The availability of more and better video streaming services may account for the increase in demand.
According to a survey conducted by Kantar, 85% of American households now subscribe to a video streaming service. As a result, there has been an explosion in the variety of material available via these channels.
Even the phrase “media consumption” itself has altered over time. More time is being spent online today than at the height of the pay TV era.
This is why many people nowadays “binge watch” many episodes or movies in a row. Three-quarters of 2021 viewers said having rapid access to a huge back history of episodes was crucial.
How does VoD streaming work?
VOD streaming begins when the user’s device sends a request to the server holding the material. The client device receives the requested video immediately after the server sends it. Those in the know may use the term “streaming” to describe this technique.
Devices that can play video on demand include smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. As HD and UHD material become more common, viewers will enjoy superior image quality.
Why is VOD Streaming So Popular?
There has been a rise in demand for VOD services over the last several years. The fact that it is easier and more flexible than traditional TV transmission is a significant plus. Video-on-demand (VOD) allows consumers to watch their shows anytime they want from any device.
The rapid rise of VOD services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video may be related to this pattern. Due to their wide catalogs and low monthly pricing, these services are competitive with cable television.
Future of on-demand video and live streaming
Despite the widespread use of streaming media and the plethora of tools at the disposal of publishers and content providers, the streaming media ecosystem is in a constant state of flux. Understanding the trends that will affect the future of streaming media is essential for getting the most out of it.
- The move towards live broadcasting in real-time
The popularity of live streaming websites like Twitch and YouTube Live has skyrocketed in recent years. The overwhelming acceptance of live streaming might probably be attributed to its convenience. There will be an increase in live-streaming software and services to meet demand.
- The diffusion of material throughout numerous channels
As more and more streaming services and platforms have emerged, content has grown increasingly distributed. Some content on Netflix is exclusive because of licensing or copyright restrictions, making it unavailable on Hulu or Disney+.
Because of this, it has become more expensive for viewers to get all the content they desire. On the other side, it has opened up hitherto unreachable populations to content creators and distributors.
- Increase of types of platforms
When a market hits saturation, established players and upstarts alike must strategize ways to differentiate themselves from the pack. In order to stand out from the crowd, streaming services must provide something unique to their users. This might lead to the emergence of platforms and services catering to certain subsets of users, such as those that focus on followers of a particular sport or genre of media.
- Impact on short-form content
New social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, as well as Instagram updates like Reels, have appeared in response to the rise in popularity of shorter forms of media. These more approachable flicks and parts often last no more than a few minutes. This means that there is more potential than ever before for content creators and businesses to engage with their intended demographic.
- Need for more storage space
The development of internet video-sharing services and independent creators has, naturally, resulted in a flood of new material being created everyday. This emphasizes the need of secure storage facilities. As a consequence, cloud-based storage solutions may continue to improve, allowing streaming services to store massive amounts of content without having to buy expensive hardware.
- The need to safeguard
More people tuning in means more pressure to keep the show going nonstop. Providers of streaming services are responsible for the security of their customers’ data and the reliability of their services. Protecting live broadcasts in an efficient manner without making them unavailable to the broader public is, therefore, of paramount importance.
- Live e-commerce
Another fascinating improvement in television transmission is live e-commerce. E-commerce capabilities that don’t need the user to leave the streaming app to make a purchase are becoming more common. It’s exciting to explore the chances for engagement and mutual benefit that exist between companies and the individuals they aim to reach.
- Protocol improvements
Although live streaming is not a new idea, it has only lately been feasible for commercial use because of advancements in technology and the establishment of new standards. HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is widely considered the ideal protocol for live stream transmission for a number of reasons, including compatibility for all devices running the HTML5 video player.
Another popular new protocol, Quick UDP Internet Connection (QUIC), aims to address the slow last-mile network transmission problem by introducing quicker handshakes, authenticated and encrypted packets, and other enhancements.
Conclusion
VoD and live streaming deliver the content quality and convenience your viewers need. One of the finest advantages of OTT streaming and video on demand is that they can both be optimized for optimum value to the broadcasting industry. Streaming in real time and reusing previously recorded content is both possible and encouraged via VOD. In addition to cutting costs, service quality will also be improved.
Combining your VOD and OTT library with live-stream sessions gives your viewers access to your material whenever they want it. People may watch videos whenever they want thanks to VOD. Your audience will get the same level of convenience (and performance) they’re used to from their online interactions, and then some.
