OTT Application Development Cost, Features and Benefits
OTT Application Development. Almost every person now streams their favorite show on the OTT platform. Most of us might not even remember the last time we had to wait for a show/series to be broadcast on television. It has been years since we have been binging on over-the-top (OTT) platforms.
With the increasing user demands for personalized content, the need for OTT platform development has skyrocketed. Some prevalent examples of OTT services you might have used are Disney+, Amazon Prime Videos, Netflix, HBO Max, Vimeo, Hulu, etc.
OTT Application Development
Types, benefits, and must-have features of OTT application development, let’s get started by explaining what OTT services are.
What are OTT Services?
OTT or over-the-top services defines the technology that streams content over the internet. Simply put, this term explains the method of delivering TV, web series, and movie content online that can be accessed through any device with an active internet connection. Users don’t need to settle for traditional cable, satellite, and broadband services anymore.
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OTT streaming can either be free-to-access or pay-to-access. All users have to do is have a fast internet connection on a device, download an OTT app, register themselves, and watch anything they want.
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Some of the popular monetization plans you can go for in the video-streaming OTT application are advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD), transactional-based video-on-demand (TVOD), and subscription-based video-on-demand(SVOD).
OTT Application Development Benefits
OTT apps have become quite popular over the years due to the benefits they provide. Some of the key advantages of OTT applications are as follows:
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Convenience and Flexibility
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Personalization
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Cross-Platform Compatibility
The convenience and flexibility that OTT applications offer are significant advantages. It allows users to watch their favorite content from anywhere at any time using any device with the internet. Unlike traditional TV which relies on fixed broadcasting times, OTT allows users to watch media content according to their schedules.
Personalization
By analyzing user behavior through an AI-driven recommendation system, OTT applications suggest personalized and relevant content for the users, making the streaming experience more engaging.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
To make the experience of the user seamless, OTT applications provide cross-platform compatibility, i.e., they work on different platforms, allowing users to switch between devices.
OTT Application Development: Must-Have Features
Some of the must-have features that you should consider while developing an OTT application are:
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Sign Up/Sign In
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Payment Gateway
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Multilingual Support
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Push Notifications
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Watch List
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Audience Analytics
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Screencasting
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Search
Sign Up/Sign In
To help users register in the app, it is a must-have feature. While the sign-up option will help them to fill in their details and register their account, the sign-in option assists them to log in to their profile from any device.
Payment Gateway
If you want to monetize the OTT platform, it is important to integrate a secure payment gateway that will allow users to securely pay and subscribe to the service through PayPal, Bank Transfers, Credit/Debit Cards, or e-Wallets.
Multilingual Support
To target the audience worldwide, you should provide multilingual support to the users so that they can understand and navigate through the app content with ease.
Push Notifications
The OTT app/software should also send notifications to alert users about subscription expiry or renewal details, upload of latest episodes and movies on the platform, offers, and so much more.
Watch List
Another must-have feature of the OTT platform is the watchlist, allowing users to add video or audio content that they are interested in and want to watch later.
Audience Analytics
The OTT software should integrate the AI model and big data analytics to easily analyze user behavior, screen time, choices, and ratings and recommend relevant content for better user experience and engagement.
Screencasting
There should also be an option of casting the content users are watching on smartphones or tabs to wider screens like televisions or computers to enhance user engagement.
Search
It is one of the most crucial features that need to be integrated into the OTT application. Without the search options users are more likely to get frustrated while searching for a show of their choice, increasing the app/website bounce rate at one. Adding a search feature will assist users in searching different content effortlessly just by entering the name of the movie, TV show, or video in the search bar.
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Other than these features, you can also integrate additional features such as real-time interaction through live streaming, content transmission, user profile, continue watching, social media sharing, in-app purchases, subtitles, admin panel, ratings and reviews, etc.
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OTT Application Development Cost
Developing an OTT platform can easily cost anywhere from $20,000 to $350,000. Overall, the development cost is going to vary depending on multiple factors, some of which are:
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Platform Compatibility
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Feature Sets:
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User Management System
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Third-Party Integration
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Testing and quality assurance
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User Interface
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Hourly rates of the Development Team
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Security Measures
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Testing and Quality Assurance
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Update and maintenance
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Wrapping it Up
So, that was all about OTT application development. At Decipher Zone, we will help you design and develop robust over-the-top applications. Your business will have full control over the user interface, account, and content.
Our experts will also help you know the accurate cost to build an app with ease. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us and share your requirements to hire developers and build the application now!
FAQs: OTT Application Development
What is OTT app development?
OTT app development refers to the method of developing a software application to deliver TV, web series, and movie content online that can be accessed through any device with an active internet connection.
What is an example of an OTT application?
Disney+, Amazon Prime Videos, Netflix, HBO Max, Vimeo, Hulu, etc. are some examples of OTT applications.
How to build an OTT platform?
To build an OTT platform you need to select a niche, create a content inventory, select a business model, hire developers, choose a tech stack, and get your app/website developed.
