An OTT app or over-the-top app is an application that delivers a product like streaming media through the internet, bypassing traditional distribution channels. OTT apps also allow local channels and webcasts to reach a broader audience, such as when fans want to binge content or watch on their phone instead of their PC. This is why OTT apps are increasingly common for everyone from radio shows to traditional TV networks. The question is how to build one so you can stay engaged with your audience. Here are the best platforms for building a mobile OTT app.
Roku
One industry survey found that nearly forty percent of OTT app users stream on a Roku device. There are more than thirty million Roku users in the United States. For comparison, that’s equal to the audience of the largest cable providers. More importantly, this audience is growing while traditional television is on the decline. That is why content creators should build a streaming app for Roku.
There are a number of benefits to setting up a Roku channel. Odds are that your audience already includes Roku users. Furthermore, younger audiences are ditching the TV and only streaming the media they’re interested in. This means you must be on platforms like Roku to reach Millennials. Roku doesn’t just provide revenue through advertising as you might get with YouTube videos. For example, they let you source the ads and choose how it affects the user experience. Furthermore, they allow you to be paid via subscriptions. This provides a more reliable source of income for content creators, and you won’t have to compete with ads when promoting your own books or webinar.
Amazon Fire Stick
Amazon’s service has a number of points in its favor. Its audience includes around 40 million people, and they have a wide age range. They’re adding their own shows, but they host B-movies along with blockbuster movies. Their app is trusted, unlike many OTT startups. It is easy to link related products to your video, making it ideal for someone uploading a documentary to promote their book. They’re open to niche content, and this includes international content creators. One downside of Amazon is the limited selection of payment models available. You can either charge a set fee per viewing or receive a small amount of money if people watch the video as part of the free video content available through their Amazon Prime subscription. Amazon is a good choice for short films and movies, but it isn’t well-suited to hosting many episodes. At best, you can upload five or ten distinct episodes that could be watched individually or as a season.
Apple TV
Apple TV Plus has more than thirty million subscribers. For comparison, Disney Plus has just over twenty million subscribers. Apple TV OTT allows you to reach customers who often don’t own any other devices. Apple TV is expanding its slate of original content, and it is a brand already known for its loyal customer base. A side benefit of using the Apple TV OTT is that it is an easy platform those who already work with Apple-compatible software. Furthermore, there are a number of logical tie-ins. For example, you could offer both your concert films and soundtrack via iTunes.
