Skip to main content
HomeThe Web Writer Spotlight

- News, tips, inspiration you can trust to thrive in today’s digital age.

Search form

Main menu

  • Home
  • News & Features
  • Business & Economy
  • Tech & Trends
  • Health & Style
  • Arts & Culture
  • Contact Us
 

VOD vs OTT Streaming: What’s the Difference?

Dwarak Babu February 14, 2021

dwarak-babu.jpg  Video Monetization & OTT Expert, CONTUS VPlayed.

  WWS contributor

hor-z.png

While the lines between VOD and OTT are often blurry, leading to an interchangeable use of the two, there is a huge difference between both of these services.

person-using-tablet-vod-vs-ott

With the growth of digitization, online video streaming has taken over traditional entertainment. According to recent reports, around 68% of people have at least one streaming subscription compared to 65% who have only a pay-TV subscription.

Moreover, a study from Allied Market Research finds that the global OTT market is estimated to grow to a whopping $332.52 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 16.7% from 2018 to 2025.

Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube are quickly becoming consumers’ favorite over TV. These Over the Top (OTT) and Video on Demand (VOD) platforms are shifting audiences’ interest in streaming services.

And while you may think that OTT and VOD are the same, there is a huge difference between the two.

 

What Is VOD Streaming?

 

VOD streaming is essentially the ability to play a video in a platform without the constraints of physical copy and broadcasting schedule.

As such, VOD (video on demand) generally refers to the content distributed over the internet to viewers. But other than this, recorded DVR and downloaded files are also a part of VOD.

VOD streaming is available to viewers anytime after its official air release. It can be accessed by mobile phones, VOD streaming apps or platforms, and even OTT devices.

Examples of VOD streaming services include YouTube, Cable set-top box, BBC iPlayer, etc.

 

What is OTT Streaming?

 

On the other hand, OTT (over-the-top) streaming services deliver content by bypassing the traditional distribution methods of cables and satellites and allow viewers to access the content via the internet.

Most devices with internet services can provide OTT access. Mobile Phones, Smart TVs, OTT Set-Top Boxes, Gaming Consoles, Personal Computers, and many such devices can be used to surf OTT content.

Examples of OTT streaming services include WhatsApp, Hulu, Netflix, etc.

 

Difference Between VOD vs OTT Streaming

 

Many people interchange the terms OTT and VOD, often considering them as the same. The two models actually have certain important similarities as they both allow users to stream videos using the internet. These videos can be free or paid and can be accessed through various devices.

However, aside from these similarities, there is a significant difference between VOD and OTT.  VOD has a much higher scope than OTT as it covers any media content that can be played anytime you want it, except CDs and players.

VOD mainly refers to online content but also includes downloaded files and recorded DVRs. It does not have to be a video on platform necessarily and can also be from the user’s digital media collection.

Talking about OTT, the over-the-top streaming service is specific. It only includes the content streamed via the internet. The content can be anything from videos, podcasts, or even radio broadcasts over the internet.

So, to distinguish them simply, OTT is the distribution of online content, while VOD is the consumption of content that can be played on demand.

OTT can be an example of VOD but not always, as VOD can never be live. However, recorded live streams are a part of VOD because viewers are able to play them on-demand with the option to pause, rewind, and forward as they please.

 

The Future of Online Video Is VOD and OTT

                                                            

The lines between VOD and OTT streaming services often get blurry since the video industry has progressed as such.

VOD is very popular among users because it gives them the flexibility to consume content anytime, anywhere they want.

OTT is beneficial for businesses and consumers as it has made broadcasting a lot cheaper.

While the difference between the two generally will not change anything for your business, it is important to understand the differences if you are in this industry to strengthen your expertise and lead in the area.

If your platform uses the internet for content delivery and offers on-demand streaming, you can refer to your platform as both OTT and VOD.  These terms are substitutable in most cases unless you offer only scheduled broadcasting. In that case, your platform is clearly OTT.

So, VOD and OTT services are both different and similar at the same time. Therefore, if you are going to create your own video streaming platform, you should know the key differences in order to choose the right platform.

There are many professional platform providers in the market that offer customizable VOD and OTT video streaming platforms. You can opt for their services to build a branded streaming platform of your own.

 

In conclusion

 

Remember, both OTT and VOD serve businesses through their various features and monetization models, while also delivering value to viewers. It is up to you to choose whether to create a VOD or OTT platform as per your individual business needs and strategy.

And since the popularity of both these services is growing with each passing day, now is the best time to create your streaming platform if you want to reap the benefits thereof.


Dwarak Babu is an experienced technical writer and Video Monetization & OTT Expert at CONTUS VPlayed. He has opinions about video/audio streaming technologies. Connect with him on LinkedIn.


 

 

Related stories

 

Cable TV vs Streaming Services: Which One’s the Better Option?

How Online Streaming Is Beating Cable TV

Why Switching to Video Streaming is a Good Idea

How to Use OTT Advertising as Part of Your Digital Marketing Strategy

Tips for Streaming Your Favorite Shows from Anywhere Hassle-Free

More Tips to Leverage Social Media Live Streaming for Wider Reach

The Future of TV and Video Landscapes by 2030

 

Share this article

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • pocket
  • email
  • hackernews
  • reddit
  • tumblr
  • whatsapp

bg_carousel_header_0.png

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER  newsletter icon.png

Get our best content, tips, and inspiration free in your inbox. Subscribe here >>

bg_carousel_header_0.png

 

You might also like...

Image for Just 44% of Brits Brush their Teeth Once a Day, Indicative of COVID-19 Lockdown Habits

Just 44% of Brits Brush their Teeth Once a Day - COVID-19 Lockdown Habits

How to Track the Performance of Online Events: Key Metrics to Use

Digital Transformation: 5 Tips to Capitalize on the Right Tech Solutions

Key Aspects of Safe Driving to Keep Yourself and Others Safe on the Road

Poster and Banner Printing: What to Expect from the Best Service Providers

Why Consumers, More and More, Are Looking for 'Guilt-Free' Shopping

 

Join over 20,000 Subscribers!

And get our best content, news, tips, and inspiration free in your inbox. Subscribe ››

twitter.gif linkedin-gray.jpg email.gif RSS feed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most read this week


House Cleaning: Step by Step Guide to Cleaning Your Bathroom
Jacob Martinez

woman-smiling-thumbs-up-manage-incontinence
Stay Dry and Confident - A Guide to Managing Incontinence
Alexis Davis

How to Respond to Hot Trends Impacting Your Industry: 3 Smart Tips
David K. William

Why Now Is the Time to Tap into IT for Career Growth and Development
George Mathews

 

Got a story or tip for us?

 

Tips_0_0_0.png

Here's how to submit it →

 

 

 

Like this content? Never miss a story!

Get our best content, tips, and inspiration free in your inbox.

CAPTCHA
Please check this box to prove you are a human visitor and help us prevent automated spam submissions.
 

New stories


Top Link Building Techniques and Tips for Marketers

Vergis Eva September 23, 2023
LINK BUILDING
serious-bearded-man-using-laptop-cafe-link-building

No matter what you are doing to boost your business website, link building is something you cannot avoid. Leverage the right link building strategies and marketing tactics to build quality links.

How to Spy on Your Competitors and Steal Traffic Ethically

Marc Sullivan September 22, 2023
WEBSITE TRAFFIC STRATEGY
man-using-binoculus-spy-on-competitors-steal-website traffic

Want to increase traffic to your website? You can spy on your competitors' website traffic and ethically steal some traffic. Spy website traffic for competitor analysis and traffic growth replication.

Ransomware Defense: Safeguarding Your Data with Backup Protection

George Mathews September 22, 2023
MALWARE DEFENSE
cyber-criminal-wearing-white-mask-guard-agains-malwake-back-up-data
Becoming a victim of ransomware is more probable than you might think. You need to backup your data and implement ransomware defense strategies to safeguard your data and protect yourself from malware.

Evolution of the Transport Sector: Key Changes Worth Noting

George Mathews September 21, 2023
TRANSPORT EVOLUTION
bullet-train-transport-sector-evolution-changes

From the new fastest planes for commercial air travel to widespread use of hydrogen fuel in vehicles, the transportation industry is changing and evolving faster than ever.

Unlocking the Power of Software-Defined Storage: A Comprehensive Guide

Alexis Davis September 21, 2023
DATA STORAGE SOLUTION
software-team-man-woman-software-defined-storage-concept
Many companies struggle with storage challenges like storage downtime, latency issues, and high software costs. SDS comes in handy to address these challenges, and more.

Marketing Funnels vs Customer Journey Maps: What You Should Know

Amanda DiSilvestro September 20, 2023
CUSTOMER JOURNEY MAP
man-whiteboard-marketing-funnel-customer-journey-map

The marketing funnel and customer journey map — or customer journey funnel — are similar ideas, but they mean different things and should not be used interchangeably.

3 Areas Businesses Invested in to Make it Through the Pandemic

Alicia Walker September 20, 2023
BUSINESS FOCUS & INVESTMENTS
man-office-wearing-covid-mask-pandemic-business-investments

For businesses that continued to operate throughout the pandemic and even post-Covid, investment in the right areas has never been more important.

Pagination

  • (Page 1)
  • Next page Next ›

Contributors blogs


Blog here »

Image for How to Build a Data Strategy for Your Business (And Why)

How to Build a Data Strategy for Your Business (And Why)

Krishna Reddy

 


woman-on-telephone-telemarketing-sales-strategies

Best Telemarketing Tactics to Boost Business Sales

Alan Shapiro

 


Having Challenging Conversations: Six Tips for Business Leaders

Dominic Fitch

 


Image for How to Craft Email Subject Lines That Boost Your Open Rates

How to Craft Email Subject Lines That Boost Open Rates

Jessica Bennett

 


Morale Management: 5 Ways to Bring Motivation Back to Your Workforce

Suzanne Elly

 


writers-outdoors-writing-using-vintage-typwriter-issues-affecting-writers-in-the-21st-century

The Main Issues Writers Are Facing in the 21st Century

Marie Barnes

 


How to Budget & Manage Finances as a Couple Without Fighting

Daniel Miller

 


 

EXPLORE MORE ...

black-nav-bar1.png

News & Features ›


Medium Debuts Membership Subscription Program, Now Accepting Paid Contributors

man_walks_past_washington_post_office_building_in_washington_dc

The Washington Post is Hiring “Dozens” of Journalists in the New Year

Can Employers Require Workers to Take the COVID-19 Vaccine?


The Present & Future Benefits of CRM Solutions - Salesforce Case Study

Will iPhone 15 ‘Wonderlust’ Event Help Apple Recover $200BN Lost?

Philippines' Rich History with Rum – A Dive into Sugar & Spirits

Mothers Are Less Wealthy Than Women Without Children, Study Finds

Painting Technicolor Futures with Innovation

UK Regions That Are Perfect for Stress-free Staycation

hor-line-light-blue.png

Tech & Trends ›


What Are NFTs? Non-fungible Tokens Explained

How New Product Design Trends and Tech Are Impacting UX Design (& How to Adapt)

4 Best Crypto Wallets to Trade Bitcoins


Ransomware Defense: Safeguarding Your Data with Backup Protection

Unlocking the Power of Software-Defined Storage: A Comprehensive Guide

How To Increase Your App Downloads On Google Play Store & Other App Stores

Revolutionizing Industries: The Exciting Future of Metaverse & Predictions

Compatibility of Bitcoin with AI Attracting Institutional Investors

How to Choose Software Developers to Hire: Essential Tips
 

horizontal yellow line

Arts & Culture ›


female-writer-fail-sad-tired-common-writing-mistakes

Common Mistakes that Doom Writing Careers

Image for New Book ‘Electric Revolution’ Reveals Myths and Truths about Electric Vehicles and Climate Disaster

Book: ‘Electric Revolution’ Reveals Myths and Truths about Electric Vehicles and Climate Disaster

30 Inspiring William Shakespeare Quotes You Must Read


Common Mistakes that Doom Writing Careers

Six Simple Tips to Overcome Wedding Speech Nerves

How to Overcome Uncertainty, Doubt, & Fear - the Bane of Creatives

5 Philosophical Ideas to Make You a Better Writer (& also a Better Person)

5 Best Books on Writing for When You Need to Be Inspired

How to Build a Strong Reputation Online As a Writer

hor-line-brn.png

Business & Economy ›


5 Easy Tips to Boost Your Website Rankings

Man Woman Professional Kitchen Image for How to Build a Strong Kitchen Brigade Team:

How to Build a Strong Kitchen Brigade Team: 7 Tips for Success

How Life Insurance Can Secure-Proof Your Financial Future


Top Link Building Techniques and Tips for Marketers

How to Spy on Your Competitors and Steal Traffic Ethically

Evolution of the Transport Sector: Key Changes Worth Noting

Marketing Funnels vs Customer Journey Maps: What You Should Know

3 Areas Businesses Invested in to Make it Through the Pandemic

Applications & Benefits of Mass Text Messaging Services for Reaching Users

Home | About | Contributors | Write for Us | Advertise | Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Contact Us

Follow Us:

twitter_e.jpg linkedin-pg.jpg email-updates_icon.jpg

© 2023 Copyright, The Web Writer Spotlight.

Committed to quality content and journalistic ethics.

RSS rss

Search WWS search-icon-trans_0_1.png

Webwriterspotlight.com. All rights reserved.
x
x