As businesses and operators look to launch their own OTT services, the market is flooded with solutions promising to deliver exceptional functionality, seamless user experience, and revenue growth. However, not all solutions are created equal. Choosing the right OTT platform is crucial to your business's success, and it requires careful evaluation.
This guide will highlight key considerations, important factors to watch for, and potential pitfalls to avoid when choosing the right OTT solution.
Pros and Cons when choosing the right OTT partner.
| Feature | Leader | Innovator | Suspicious |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing |
Pro: Transparent pricing structure. Con: High cost for purchased solution. |
Pro: Affordable with flexible payment options. Con: Not the biggest brand on the market. |
Pro: Initially looks like low costs. Con: Hidden fees make the solution expensive to run. |
| Security |
Pro: Strong DRM and anti-piracy measures. Con: Not flexible and limited device support. |
Pro: Strong DRM and anti-piracy measures with a wide range of supported devices. Con: Some companies need to buy DRMs from external vendors. |
Pro: Too much offered without proof of genuineness. Con: No DRM used, or DRM is faked. |
| Customization |
Pro: Platforms according to legacy industry standards. Con: Hard to follow the latest trends. |
Pro: Following the latest trends. Easy integrations. Con: Verify that integrations follow the industry standards. |
Pro: Looks too easy to deploy. Con: Customization and integration don't work well in the end. |
| UX & UI |
Pro: Follows traditional industry standards. Con: Falls behind actual marker requirements. |
Pro: Focused on following the latest design trends. Con: Check which front-end platforms are supported. |
Pro: Applications for main devices. Con: UI & UX can feel outdated. |
| Scalability |
Pro: Easily handles high traffic and large user bases. Con: Expensive for small and medium businesses. |
Pro: Designed to grow from small to large operators. Con: Check refferencies if you plan to grow. |
Pro: Claims to be scalable. Con: Problems with service quality once you outgrow it. |
| Support |
Pro: 24/7 premium support with dedicated teams. Con: Premium support is costly. |
Pro: 24/7 premium support with dedicated teams. Con: Check if 24/7 support is available and assess the quality of the support team. |
Pro: Support looks cheap. Con: No real-time customer support. |
| Compliance |
Pro: Fully compliant with global OTT regulations. Con: Complex legal agreements. |
Pro: Fully compliant with global OTT regulations. Easy to negotiate legal agreements. Con: Verify that requirements are done correctly. |
Pro: Offers basic compliance. Con: Potential risks with unclear compliance measures. |
| Reliability |
Pro: Proven track record with leading clients. Con: Best suited for established operators. |
Pro: Stable for 1st and 2nd tier operators. Con: Better check references. |
Pro: Suitable for initial low-budget projects. Con: Reliability issues during peak demand and high long-term costs. |
Leader: Ideal for large businesses prioritizing reliability, scalability, and customization but willing to pay premium costs.
Innovator: Best for mid-sized operators looking for affordable yet reliable solutions with decent support.
Suspicious: Suitable for startups or small-scale projects due to low costs, though with some compromises on scalability and advanced features.
| Question | What to look for & where | How to grasp the result |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | Verify the company's address and ensure their website features genuine team members, not stock photos. Be cautious if the listed address is in an unusual or remote location, such as a deserted area. Example of stock team photos. | Look for tangible evidence of legitimacy. Verify the company's address using online tools or maps to ensure it's a credible location. Cross-check team member profiles on professional networking sites like LinkedIn to confirm authenticity. If the address or profiles raise doubts, proceed with caution or seek alternative providers. |
| Pricing | When selecting an OTT partner, it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate the pricing structure, including any potential hidden costs. Consider not just the upfront costs but also ongoing operational expenses (OPEX) such as content delivery (CDN) fees, maintenance, and scalability charges. Be wary of low-cost offers that may result in unexpected expenses later. Transparent pricing and clear documentation are key indicators of a reliable partner. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of costs and assess how they align with your long-term budget and growth plans. | Evaluate both the overall pricing and potential hidden costs. Look beyond the initial price to understand ongoing expenses like CDN fees and maintenance. Ensure the provider is transparent with their pricing and avoid offers that seem too good to be true, as they may result in unexpected costs down the line. Make sure the pricing structure aligns with your long-term growth and budget needs. |
| Compliance |
What level of security is provided, and which DRM technologies are implemented? You can check for Certified Widevine Implementation Partners here: CWIP Integrators List |
It is your responsibility to ensure legal compliance. |
| Scalability | A scalable solution grows with your business, adapting to increasing demands without sacrificing performance. Designed for flexibility, it accommodates more users, features, or workloads seamlessly. With modular design and cloud infrastructure, it ensures cost-efficiency, future-proofing, and long-term success. | Understand that a scalable solution is essential for business growth, as it adapts to increased demands while maintaining performance. Your partner should possess expertise that exceeds your current needs. Consider the future: as your business expands, will you be forced to abandon your platform and start over elsewhere? |
| Support | When choosing an OTT partner, prioritize professional support that includes 24/7 availability, expert knowledge, and proactive solutions. Look for a dedicated account manager, clear SLAs, and a team experienced in scaling operations as your business grows. |
|
Confirm the company's legitimacy and location.
Avoid companies in questionable or remote areas.
Ensure they're authentic, not using stock photos.
Check their industry presence and trade fair participation.
Be cautious of low OPEX offers and hidden costs.
Cloud-based OTT solutions may have high CDN expenses.
Evaluate pricing structures thoroughly.
Avoid pirated content - legality is your responsibility.
A scalable solution adapts to growth, handling increased demand efficiently and cost effectively.
Professional support ensures quick issue resolution, smooth operations, and platform optimization, reflecting a provider's commitment to your success.
Making the right choice enables a superior viewing experience.