Over-the-top (OTT) app development has revolutionized the way we consume media and entertainment. These apps let us stream all kinds of content directly over the internet. Hence, instead of using cable or satellite TV, we can now watch our favorite movies and TV shows whenever we want.
These apps provide users with access to a wide range of digital content, including movies, TV shows, live sports, music, and more.
Hence, if you are planning to develop a business as an OTT app development company, then you must know the basics beforehand. So, in this blog post, we’ll learn about OTT platform development, its features, the pioneers, and what the future holds for these apps.
So, without further ado, let’s start!
What is OTT App Development?
The term “OTT app development” describes the process of developing software apps that provide audio, video, and other media content to users directly over the Internet.
OTT apps allow users to watch material on demand without the involvement of middlemen. These applications can be accessed on a variety of devices. Including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Moreover, OTT platforms offer two types of services. The first is a free version that gives users access to a limited number and types of content. Whereas, the other is a paid version that requires users to pay for the OTT platform. It provides users with advanced features and various types of content.
The platform asks the users to unlock the content that is officially accessible only on their site and nowhere else. If users wish to access it and view such content, they have to pay a pre-decided subscription price.
Now, let us now look at the different user-friendly features that every OTT mobile app development company should consider.
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Key Features to Include in OTT Video App Development
A good OTT app must include a number of key features in order to provide the best and most seamless user experience. So, let’s look at some of the basic features needed for OTT platform development:
1. UX/UI Design
The overall app design directly affects the user experience and their interaction with your application. Hence, we can say that the UI/UX design of your app greatly helps in creating a good first impression on the user’s mind.
Also, the success of your OTT app development company in the market depends on engaging interaction with users. Therefore, creating a simple yet engaging application can provide you with a competitive advantage.
2. User profile feature
Any OTT app development company can further personalize the user experience with the help of a user profile feature. This feature should enable a user to download the content to view it later or add it to their favorites list. Moreover, it should allow users to rate and review the titles they have watched.
Hence, using such user information the OTT mobile app development company can recognize user’s preferences and make content recommendations accordingly.
3. Payment Integration
Another important feature to keep in mind in OTT software development is the payment gateway option. When a user is interested in subscribing to your app, they want it to be done quickly and easily.
Also, if they experience a payment mistake or are unable to make a purchase, your app’s impression will get negatively impacted. Hence, providing safe, reliable, and a variety of payment options can increase your app’s credibility.
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4. Customer service
Another excellent feature to include in your OTT app development is a good 24/7 customer support service. This will enable users to raise and look for any queries they face.
Therefore, a smart feature that can assist you in maintaining engagement with your users is important to keep the application healthy, interesting, and up-to-date.
5. Smart search feature
Users can use this search box feature to search for various categories of content in the app. This will help the OTT mobile app development company to better understand user preferences.
Hence, they may use analytics-driven search streams and deliver precise results and recommendations based on user preference to boost engagement.
6. Multi-language content
It’s important to have a variety of multi-language content in your OTT app if you want to reach a global audience. It will make it easier for people from different regions to easily understand and enjoy content in their preferred language and audio format. Hence, this is one of the important aspects to consider in OTT app development.
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7. Screencast feature
Another important feature to be included in OTT platform app development is Screencasting. With the help of this feature, users will be able to view content easily on other platforms. It will link two platforms, such as a TV, a console, or any other platform that supports casting.
8. Watchlist
Users like to store their favorite content in one place so that searching becomes simple. Hence, incorporating the watchlist feature in OTT app development can help users greatly. It will allow users to quickly personalize their favorite content sections.
So, that’s it. The features described above are the most important features you should include in your app. However, there are many other features you may add later on to help your business expand quickly in the OTT sector. Also, keep in mind that as you increase the number of features, the overall OTT app development cost will increase.
Next, let us go through a few of the OTT platform pioneers that have revolutionized the OTT industry greatly.
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Successful OTT Mobile App Examples
OTT mobile apps are widely used all around the world. After the pandemic, OTT video streaming services saw an exponential increase in popularity, and the trend is still going strong.
Several OTT app development services became extremely popular because of the unexpected rise in the popularity of OTT in the entertainment business. Let’s talk about some of the top OTT video streaming services used in the industry of entertainment.
1. Netflix:
Netflix is one of the first large and best OTT services available. It has a wide selection of movies, TV series, and documentaries. Netflix is a market leader in the OTT sector. This is because of its personalized suggestions, user-friendly design, and seamless cross-platform experience.
2. Disney+/Hotstar:
With its huge collection of Pixar, Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, & National Geographic content, The Walt Disney Company’s Disney+/Hotstar soon became popular. With several user profiles and high-quality streaming, it provides an immersive experience.
3. Amazon Prime Video:
A large collection of movies, TV episodes, and original content is available on Amazon’s OTT platform, Prime Video. It offers video streaming along with other advantages like free shipping on Amazon orders. This makes it a popular choice among users worldwide.
Now that we have understood the basics of OTT video app development, let us now dive into the future trends of OTT apps. This will help you understand why developing such apps are beneficial.
Future Trends of OTT Applications
With a number of trends and developments in the field, OTT app development appears to have a bright future. The following are a few important areas you must be aware of if you are planning to develop an OTT app:
1. Unique and original content
OTT platforms will keep making major advances in producing unique and original content. Platforms can set themselves apart using this approach and bring in a loyal user community.
2. Live streaming
In the future, OTT platforms will see a rise in demand for live sporting events, musical performances, and other real-time experiences. Hence, if an OTT app development company will provide interrupted live streaming capabilities, their user engagement will increase.
3. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
To offer immersive experiences, OTT apps will adopt AR and VR technology. Users will be able to consume virtual reality content or add digital elements to their real-time world.
4. Improved Personalization
The development of artificial intelligence and machine learning will allow OTT apps to provide more specific and personalized content recommendations.
Any OTT app development company will make use of user preferences, viewing patterns, and social media data. This will enable them to create customized content offerings.
5. Integration of smart home technology
Nowadays, the use of smart home devices is increasing rapidly. Hence, the integration of OTT apps with voice assistants & home automation systems will also increase. Voice commands or smart home interfaces will make it convenient for users to manage their OTT experience.
Closing Lines: Everything You Need to Know About OTT Platform Development
To conclude, OTT app development is becoming increasingly popular because of its simple and personalized streaming experiences. They provide immersive and intriguing experiences to people worldwide. Hence, OTT apps will continue to influence the future of entertainment as technology develops. We hope you found our article interesting and informative. Also, you may share your views with us on the same in the comments section below.
