What Is VOD Streaming?
VOD refers to click-to-play video you can access without the limitations of a broadcasting schedule. Today, VOD typically means content the creator transmits to viewers through live-streaming video on internet-connected devices. However, it’s common to also refer to recorded content and downloaded files, which can be viewed on demand, as VOD content.
VOD has gained momentum in recent years. Increasingly, consumers prefer to watch video on personal and mobile devices. Since cinemas were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, many potential cinema blockbusters went directly to VOD so that viewers could stream the movie of their choice on demand in the safety of their homes.
Industries beyond entertainment and media are leveraging VOD. For example, doctors-in-training now watch VOD streams of surgeries to gain more knowledge and sharpen their skills. Likewise, enterprises hold events such as customer-education and employee-training classes through on-demand streaming.
This article covers these topics:
- VOD Versus Live Streaming
- VOD Versus Over-the-Top Services (OTT)
- Tips for Selecting a VOD Streaming Service
- VOD Streaming With Cloudinary
VOD Versus Live Streaming
A live stream is recorded video that is transmitted in real time via the internet. Since the content is not on demand at the time of recording, the stream is recorded and transmitted simultaneously.
Once the stream is complete, you can upload it to a site such as YouTube or Twitch, which viewers can access as a video-on-demand. Remember that not all VODs started as live-streamed videos and that not all streams will become VODs. Despite the overlap between VOD and live streaming, they remain distinct processes.
VOD is videos that can be accessed on viewer request. Unlike live streaming, VODs are prerecorded programs. With VOD, viewers can watch content they enjoy as frequently as they like. They can also pause, rewind, and view additional content that was not previously available.
VOD is convenient since it can be accessed any time, so are streams due to the potential for live interactions.
Related content: Preparing Live Streams for VOD
VOD Versus Over-the-Top Services (OTT)
OTT refers to platforms and technology that permit video streaming via the internet with direct delivery of video content to viewers, bypassing traditional media channels like cable TV and broadcasting stations.
Besides video streaming; OTT also works for VoIP and audio calls. All OTT needs is a reliable Internet connection.
OTT is a valuable model of content delivery for general business purposes and entertainment providers. Because its video delivery costs less than traditional broadcasting, OTT has become popular among companies and viewers alike.
OTT offers the following benefits:
- Customer-centric, multitiered pricing plans
- The ability to view videos anywhere, any time
- Smooth user experience over devices
- Real-time customer data and audience metrics
- Minimal disturbances in content delivery
- Improved content segmentation
Here’s a frequently asked question: What is the difference between OTT and VOD? OTT technology is currently one driving force behind the popularity of VOD. Despite their similarities, however, OTT and VOD have technical differences:
- OTT determines how the content is delivered to viewers by providing the technology behind the actual distribution.
- VOD is a way of describing how viewers consume content.
Thus, VOD is a consumption framework; OTT, a distribution framework. Viewers can watch both live streams and VOD on OTT platforms.
Tips for Selecting a VOD Streaming Service
Many consumer-oriented social media and video-hosting services don’t meet the requirements of organizations and large-volume broadcasters. To offer a complete online content experience, broadcasters should opt for business-grade platforms for these reasons:
- White label streaming — Use your colors, images, and logos to make your brand stand out from the competition. Content is shown ad free with no interruptions.
- API and SDK access — Integrate your current workflows or develop your own OTT platform and mobile application from the very beginning.
- Multiuser access — Offer user permissions and custom access controls within your organization and for all audiences. Leverage built-in safety features to ensure that only your intended audience can see or share the content.
- Recording of live streams — Capture events as they take place and automatically store them in your VOD library. Organize your CMS with filters and tags to improve functionality and search options.
- Scalable content delivery — Offer an optimized experience through content delivery networks (CDN) and enable viewing on a wide range of devices.
VOD Streaming With Cloudinary
VOD is also called simulated live streaming, meaning that you can stream a previously recorded video or event at a set time as if it was happening live. This capability works great for webinars or seminars that must be prerecorded in advance. To achieve that with Cloudinary, do either of the following, depending on your use case and infrastructure:
- Use RTMP live streaming
- Extend the Cloudinary Video Player’s functionality and combine it with back-end scheduling
With Cloudinary’s robust and masterful APIs, you can more efficiently and effectively manage and redistribute content, automating what many people assume must be done manually. Do try out the features by first signing up for a free account.