Adapting to Changing Viewer Preferences in OTT Streaming
July 31, 2024
As an Over-The-Top (OTT) streamer, you have an exciting opportunity to really reach people; but there are some challenges, too. Viewers today have tons of choices, and their preferences are constantly evolving. Gone are the days when they would settle for a set programming schedule. Instead, they demand OTT streaming content that fits into their lives; that's available whenever and wherever they want. How do you adapt and stay on top of things in this environment?
Adapting to Changing Viewer Preferences in OTT Streaming
Personalization
Your viewers don't want to sift through a generic catalog to find something they might like. They expect you to know their tastes and present them with recommendations that they can trust. For you, this means you'll need to invest in algorithms that can make the most of data analytics, so you truly understand viewing habits, preferences, and even the times your viewers are most likely to watch certain types of content.
Through the power of AI and machine learning, you can now offer a viewing experience that feels uniquely curated for each user. This enhances their satisfaction and increases their engagement with your platform: and when your viewers feel that you understand their tastes, they're more likely to remain loyal subscribers.
Content Diversity
Your audience is diverse, and so are their tastes. Some might be fans of high-octane action movies, while others prefer slow-burning dramas or niche documentaries. And more people than ever are willing to blur the boundaries and change things up sometimes. There's a wide range of interests to cover, which means you need a diverse content library.
It's not just about having a large number of titles but also about ensuring that these titles cover all the genres, languages, and cultural backgrounds of your viewing audience.
Original content is another way to stand out. Original series and movies can become your platform's signature, and that can draw in viewers who might not find that content elsewhere. Exclusive content is also important because you can create a sense of anticipation and buzz around it, so your platform becomes the go-to destination for new and exciting programming.
User Experience
Viewers should find it ridiculously easy to navigate your platform, discover new content, and manage their watchlist. Any friction in these processes means frustration for them and, ultimately, churn for you.
Take a look at how users interact with your service across different devices, too. Your platform should offer a consistent and optimized experience whether they are watching on a smart TV, a smartphone, a tablet, or a desktop. And that's not easy: it means you not only have to optimize for each device, but you also have to retain enough familiarity that it feels like the same brand and the same experience from one device to another.
Flexibility in Viewing Options
Viewers appreciate having options, like various subscription models to choose from. Allowing viewers to download content for offline viewing can also be a significant draw, particularly for those who travel frequently or have limited internet access.
Viewer preferences are constantly changing, and you need the flexibility to meet their needs. You can get that with us at Lightcast. Contact us at Lightcast right now for a free demo and see how our powerful OTT solutions can meet your needs so you can meet those of your viewers.