There’s no denying it; it’s about time that content owners offered online video directly to viewers. Today, viewers are utilizing apps and platforms that are giving them what they want: the right content, a convenient schedule, the perfect experience, the best price. It’s paramount that owners deliver content directly to viewers on all their devices – while online viewing habits are still relatively fresh and new.
Now that you’re convinced that going online is the way to go, your next priority should be building the strongest Over-the-Top (OTT) service ever. Your OTT service will need to compete against the likes of Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Prime. Although these giants already have a loyal set of customers, we know that viewers appreciate variety, and each platform attracts a different audience. Netflix has the most viewers because they offer the most content and have great sound quality. Hulu Plus is superior in the volume of TV-centric shows they offer and because they have next-day availability. Amazon Prime ranks most affordable for 4K streaming and provides coveted access to current seasons of exclusive shows. Amazon also offers a great user experience in terms of voice search and streaming optimization.
OTT services such as Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Prime rely on differentiated models to stay relevant to viewers. But no existing OTT service is offering everything viewers want in one place, and it’s about time someone did. And that could be you.
It’s About Time Viewers Got Content Their Way
The entertainment world hasn’t changed much despite the fact that the TV viewing landscape has drastically evolved. TV shows remain 22 to 44 minutes; movies are still around 120 minutes. But viewers are no longer limited to watching on their big screens. They access content while on the go – at work, at the train station, on a plane or at a soccer game. They want “snackable” content that’s digestible anytime, anywhere. Your viewers are busy, which means you need to make content, including live concerts and shows, available on their terms.
As a content owner, you need to get more creative, and here’s how:
• Shorter formats dedicated to different devices
• Multiple episodes available simultaneously for binge viewing opportunities
• Convenient scheduling at all times of the day, every day
It’s About Time You Delivered Experiences, Not Just Content
Today’s viewers demand engaging experiences that relate to them. Channel surfing and recording on a DVR just aren’t cutting it anymore. Viewers appreciate interactive, immersive and personalized experiences that are optimized for every platform and device. Your online video needs to look and perform great for ioS, Android, plus gaming consoles, smart TVs and connected TV devices like Roku and Chromecast. That means you should have native apps with customized interfaces for all of them.
According to Vitali Soroka, director of UX & Design at Digiflare, "When creating experiences, you must be able to think two steps ahead of everyone else. That requires thinking like your customers and finding ways to make their entire viewing experience intuitive, functional and beautiful at the same time. It’s not about creating standalone experiences, but designing a fluid experience that you can take with you on every connected device." Your TV app should be easy to set up, require the shortest path to content, and look more cinematic with rich images, animated transitions and fewer interruptive display notifications. While your viewer is watching live TV, how about layering over a mini guide on top of the live player that suggests similar content and provides information on what’s playing? Your mobile app, of course, needs to look good for a smaller screen. Mobile viewers will engage more with brighter colors, minimal text and clean, simple organization.
It’s About Time Viewers Paid for What They Want
Viewers want the most bang for their buck. They hate paying for channels they don’t watch. This is where you can show them why your OTT service offers them the most value: a-la-carte channel packages with fewer than 20 channels, affordable monthly subscriptions, flexible contracts, more options to rent or buy and fewer commercials. Remember, it’s not about following tradition. Here’s your chance to break the mold. Don’t forget to serve targeted commercials too!
It’s About Time You Started Your OTT Service Today
Launching an OTT service that covers all the bases: optimized content for every device, interactive experiences and better value doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it seems. And you also don’t have to do everything on your own. By finding the right online video solution and content delivery partner, your OTT service will be up and running in no time. And it’s about time too!
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