<Stream Like a Pro: 14 Critical Features Your OTT Platform Can't Afford to Ignore/>

Below is a list of 14 Essential Features that we believe make every OTT Platform a resounding success.

Feature #1: Robust Content Management System

A CMS software application allows you to create, manage and publish content. It's often used as an alternative to using a web designer or developer because it allows you to create your website without having any coding skills. A good CMS will have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for anyone with basic computer skills but also offers enough flexibility so that more advanced users can customize the platform according to their needs.

Feature #2: Solid Content Delivery Network

A content delivery network (CDN) is a server system that delivers webpages, videos and other content to users from the closest possible location. This helps reduce latency and improve performance by reducing the distance between your users and your content. You can also use it to serve different versions of your video depending on their location, so if someone in Australia wants to watch an HD version. Still, someone else in New York prefers SD quality; you can deliver each accordingly.

Feature #3: Powerful Analytics and Reporting

An OTT platform should provide the tools to track your content's performance. This includes a reporting dashboard that allows you to view real-time insights into how your videos are performing, including but not limited to:

• Number of views per video
• Total time spent watching videos
• Average view duration (how long someone watches each video)

Feature #4: Cross-Platform Support and Compatibility

It's important to note that OTT is not just about mobile devices. Your platform should also be compatible with Web and TV platforms to reach a wider audience. You must test your app on all supported devices to ensure cross-platform performance. The best OTT platforms are cross-platform compatible. They work on smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, TVs, and Livingroom Devices. If your customers can't use your service on their preferred device, they won't stick around for long--and that's not good for business! Additionally, since each operating system has its strengths and weaknesses regarding graphics rendering performance--for example, iOS tends to have better battery life than Android--you should optimize for each OS accordingly by ensuring everything runs smoothly every time.

Feature #5: Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are essential features to consider when developing an OTT platform. Data must be stored in a secure environment. You should develop a platform with robust encryption protocols and state-of-the-art technology for storing your data securely.

Feature #6: Subscription Management

Subscription Management Subscription management is the process of creating, managing, and terminating subscriptions. OTT platforms need to have this feature because it allows you to keep track of your users' payments and their subscription status. You can also use it to analyze how many people use your service and how much they pay.

Subscription Billing This feature allows you to accept customer payments using any payment method, including credit cards or PayPal accounts (if you choose). The most important thing about this option is that it gives users an easy way to pay for their subscriptions without having them leave the platform itself--which means more time spent watching videos instead of filling out forms!

Feature #7: Monetization

Monetization is the process of generating revenue from your OTT platform. There are several monetization models you can use, including:

• Advertising - This is one of the most popular ways to make money, but it can also be a headache for users if they're bombarded with ads while trying to watch their favourite shows. Content providers sell advertising slots during their programs to generate revenue from advertisers who want to reach out to their target audience through these advertisements. This model is being used by YouTube Red (US), Hotstar Premium (India) and Sony LIV (India).
• Pay-Per-View - This model allows viewers to pay per episode or special event (like an awards show) instead of paying monthly subscription fees. It's great for live events that only happen occasionally but not so much for regular series content because people don't want to pay every time they want new episodes!
• Subscription Model - Most people think about this when they hear "OTT platform." You have access to all content within your subscription plan. There are no additional fees associated with watching anything else outside of that plan's scope--but some platforms offer add-ons like premium channels or extra features such as closed captioning support, which may cost extra money each month depending on how many extras you choose during signup process (and whether those extras come bundled together).

Feature #8: User Profiles and Personalization

User profiles are a must-have feature for any OTT platform. They allow users to create and manage their accounts, which users can use to access all the features on your site or app. This is especially important if you offer video content with different licenses depending on where it's streaming from (for example, live sports games). User preferences are another essential element of user profiles. You should give users control over how they want their experience customized by allowing them to choose whether they want subtitles turned off, what language they prefer if there's more than one option available, whether ads should play before videos start playing--and so much more! User segmentation refers specifically to grouping similar individuals based on shared characteristics such as age range or gender; this allows marketers who target specific demographics (like millennials) with ads based on these criteria instead of just throwing money at random people hoping something sticks somewhere along the line. Personalization and recommendations are critical to the success of your OTT platform. Machine learning algorithms can help you identify user preferences, which you can then use to recommend content that is likely relevant and exciting for each user. This will encourage them to continue using the platform and make it more likely that they will subscribe later.

Feature #9: Offline Viewing

The ability to download entire videos or parts of them is important because it allows users to watch their favourite content even when not connected to the Internet. This means that it's possible for users to watch videos on planes, in hospitals, or at home when there's no WiFi available. The user experience is also improved by this feature as there are no buffering issues and video quality remains high even when using mobile data.

Feature #10: Live Streaming

Live streaming is a key feature of any OTT platform. It allows users to enjoy live events from anywhere in the world, and it's also an important tool for brands looking to reach a large audience. Live streaming should be seamless and easy to use without lag or buffering issues. If you plan on launching your own OTT platform, make sure it offers high-quality live streaming options that will work on all devices (mobile phones and tablets included).

Feature #11: Parental Controls

Parental controls are an essential feature of any OTT platform. Content filtering allows you to block specific content categories from being viewed by your users, such as explicit language or violence. Age restrictions can prevent children from accessing mature content and, in some cases, even limit the time they can spend using the app.

Feature #12: Adaptive Streaming

Adaptive streaming is a feature that allows you to automatically adjust the quality of your stream based on your internet connection. This can help reduce buffering and improve overall user experience, especially for mobile users.

Feature #13: Push Notifications

Push notifications are a great way to engage users and keep them returning. They can be used for everything from announcing new content to reminding users about their favourite shows or even alerting them when it's time to watch the next episode of their favourite show. Push notifications are also effective for targeting specific audiences based on their interests and viewing habits. For example, if you have a channel that specializes in cooking shows with recipes for different types of food (such as desserts), you could send push notifications about new episodes that feature recipes related to your audience's interest in desserts--this will help increase engagement rates among those who follow your channel!

Feature #14: Advanced Search and Filtering Capabilities

The ability to search and filter content is a must-have feature in any OTT platform. It's critical that users can easily find the shows they want, even if they don't know the show's name or genre. A good search function should allow users to filter by genre, language or release date. A good OTT platform should also support advanced search features like wildcard matching and fuzzy searching. This allows users to easily find content that matches their query, even if it's inexact or incorrectly spelt.

In conclusion

these are just some essential features every OTT platform should have. Each feature is critical to the overall user experience, and the best OTT platforms will offer all of them.

At Hooligan, we maintain an extensive team of software developers specialized in developing OTT. Our experts can help you deploy the essentials and deliver consistent, high-quality Devs-On-Demand services to your platform.