Frequently Asked Questions About Video Streaming

The ability of a video platform to handle an increasing amount of traffic and users without sacrificing performance or reliability. This involves designing a scalable architecture and utilizing load-balancing and auto-scaling technologies.

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Transcoding is the process of converting video files from one resolution to another. This can be necessary to ensure that the video can be played on a wide range of devices or to optimize it for streaming over the internet.

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Encoding is the process of preparing video content for streaming by compressing and converting it into a suitable format. It involves adjusting settings such as bitrate and video codec to optimize the video quality and reduce file size.

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There are various ways for broadcasters to monetize video content. However, the three most popular categories are AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD. Depending on the business model, some might be more or less profitable. A common approach is the hybrid model, using a mixture of all three.

Here we have to make a small remark. While all of the models have VOD (video-on-demand) in the title, they are equally valid for existing content and live video streaming.

Let’s look at the models:

1/ Advertising-Based Video on Demand (AVOD)

2/ Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD)

3/ Hybrid Monetization Model

4/ Donations

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There are a few protocols that handle adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR). MPEG-DASH is one of the most popular ABR protocols, where DASH stands for Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP.

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The three most popular objectives for utilizing video streaming are:

1/ Build and maintain a brand image.

2/ Promote and sell products or services.

3/ Advertise and distribute video content.

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CDN stands for Content Delivery Network. It is a geographically distributed network of servers and data centers with a primary goal to accelerate digital content delivery via the internet.

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These are some of the most common abbreviations for video streaming.

VOD – Video-on-demand

OTT – over-the-top

SVOD – Subscription Video on Demand

TVOD – Transactional Video on Demand

AVOD – Advertising-based Video on Demand

You can find more detailed information here >>

Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR) is a technique that addresses user experience issues related to streaming quality. It provides the user with the optimum media quality, adjusting it in real-time according to their bandwidth and CPU capacity.

Click here to learn why Adaptive Bitrate Streaming is critical for the User Experience.

According to our experience at Bianor, the most crucial features for a successful OTT platform are:

Sophisticated Content Management;

Secure Monetization;

Superior Streaming Infrastructure;

Multilayer Analytics;

Integrated Marketing Tools;

Pleasing User Experience.

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Depending on their resources and plans for development, content owners can choose from several different financial models and technical solutions.

1/ Subscription-based or pay-as-you-go streaming service.

2/ Subscription-based streaming service handled by a software development expert.
The total cost for such a streaming solution depends on several variables, and the approximate range is pretty wide. However, we could still frame it between $5K and $10K monthly.

3/ Hiring a video streaming solutions development team.
Depending on the technology stack, seniority, and time frame of the engagement, the average per man-day price for an experienced software developer specialized in this field is about $440.

4/ White label licensing model.
The costs for a white label OTT platform vary according to the included features and required customizations. The initial charge starts from $100K, plus payments to third parties for storage and CDN infrastructure. An annual License Maintenance Fee appears after the first year, which could be in the range of $40K+.

5/ Developing a custom video streaming platform.
The prices for a similar streaming solution range from ~$800K ~$1,5M depending on the features.

Click here to find more details on the various financial models for launching a video streaming service.

Choosing the optimal video streaming platform starts with defining your video streaming strategy. You should decide if you are going to buy, subscribe, or develop a custom live video streaming platform.

Check out 13 essential questions to ask yourself before starting a video streaming project.