OTT Streaming: Challenges and Solutions for Content Creators

Are you a content creator? You've probably run into a few hiccups along the way, like most of us, so here's a few tips for overcoming the challenges of OTT streaming.

OTT Streaming: Challenges and Solutions for Content Creators

Fragmentation

When you're trying to grow your audience, the first hurdle you face is the sheer variety of devices that modern viewers use. Some prefer smart TVs, some are using their gaming consoles, others watch on mobile phones, tablets, or laptops, and then there's the streaming boxes.

Each platform has its own technical requirements, and that means you'll have playback inconsistencies if you're working with multiple vendors who don't coordinate with each other. The best way to deal with this is to unify your streaming approach and partner with a single provider that integrates a CDN, an OVP, and custom development.

Building a Recognizable Brand

If viewers scroll endlessly through apps and channels without noticing anything special about you, they won't take that extra step and bite. Develop a cohesive visual identity that tells viewers who you are and why your content deserves their attention. This starts with building custom player designs, using consistent color schemes, and working with logos that people can connect with at a glance.

A single vendor that offers an OVP, development services, and marketing insights can help you tie these branding elements together so that your apps, websites, and promotional materials all feel in sync.

Monetizing Your Content

Getting your content in front of viewers is only part of the battle. How do you generate revenue with it? Complicating this is the truth that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Some creators work using monthly subscriptions; others charge per view to give viewers more flexibility or rely on ads. And you also have to know your audience. What will they accept when it comes to the type of content you offer?

Whichever model you choose, we can simplify payment processing, subscription management, and ad integration and also offer you ways to use data to get quick and actionable insights into your audience and their preferences. When your monetization features sit under the same roof as your streaming and app development, you can track earnings and make adjustments much more easily.

Simplifying the Development Process

Once you start expanding to multiple devices, you'll encounter a problem: the need to develop apps that fit each platform's requirements. You may have a fantastic idea for an Apple TV channel or an Android TV app, but every platform comes with rules about layouts, navigation, and store approvals. If you rely on different development teams, you run the risk of miscommunication and inconsistent branding.

When you work with a single provider that includes developers in the same ecosystem as the CDN and OVP, you cut out a lot of the back-and-forth. There are fewer mistakes, better cohesiveness, and app updates can roll out faster.

Contact us today at Lightcast.com for a free demo. We're your comprehensive OTT partner offering everything you need to create, distribute, monetize, and market your content, all under one roof.