3 Benefits Of Online Courses For Businesses on OTT

Why Businesses Should Host Online Courses on OTT Platforms

As the world rapidly transitions to being fully digital, businesses have been forced to transition with it. For that reason, the demand for online courses and training videos has increased significantly in recent years, with studies showing that 80% of companies have utilized an e-learning platform. While many businesses use e-learning platforms, some have been searching for the right solution to host their educational video content for internal and external consumption. One solution that has gained popularity in this field is OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms. Let’s take a closer look at the importance of educational video content and why businesses should host online courses on OTT platforms.

The Importance of Online Courses

Online courses have become crucial to the success of businesses in recent times. Why? Efficiency. Employees spend 40% to 60% less time on e-learning courses than on traditional format courses. And while online courses take less time, they also increase retention rates by 25% to 60%. Comparatively, in-person learning provides an increased retention rate of approximately 8% to 10%.

Because of this, 28% of companies now offer training courses online. Additionally, online courses ensure flexibility for learning in terms of time and location and are often more affordable than their traditional counterparts.

However, without an optimized platform that allows you to host online courses and distribute them, it can be difficult for them to receive any engagement. That is why businesses should choose OTT platforms to host online courses. But first, what is an OTT platform?

What is OTT?

The acronym OTT stands for Over-the-Top. OTT platforms are a fairly new method of delivering video content over the internet and are continuing to grow in popularity year over year. What makes OTT unique is that the video content on an OTT platform comes on-demand and can be distributed across many different devices without traditional broadcast, cable, or satellite TV providers.

If you or your business has internet, you also have access to OTT platforms in an instant. Different OTT platforms have different ways of delivering their content to viewers, including SVOD, AVOD, and TVOD. However, most OTT platforms have a low barrier to entry and are a great option for businesses to host online courses for internal or external use.

Before we go further, let’s dive deeper into the benefits of OTT platforms for businesses, and why they should be used to host online courses.

Benefits of Hosting Online Courses on OTT Platforms

Distributing and Accessing Video Content Internally and Externally

OTT platforms provide an easy way to distribute and access video content both internally and externally. Internal distribution refers to sharing content within an organization, while external distribution refers to sharing content with the public. With OTT platforms, you can easily host online courses and grant access only to those within your organization. However, businesses sharing their online courses with the world can be done just as easily. However, external audiences still need to hear about your video content somehow. So, be sure to promote your channel to get as many eyes on your product as possible.

Detailed Tracking Analytics

Along with sharing your content, when you host online courses on an OTT platform, you can also monitor the performance analytics and OTT data of your business’s channel and content. OTT platforms provide detailed analytics tracking user engagement, viewer demographics, viewer watching habits, and device usage. Your business can use this procured OTT data to make informed decisions about your content moving forward. This includes determining what type of online courses you should make, how and when you should distribute them, and how to distinguish yourself from other businesses producing online courses. Without the detailed tracking analytics that OTT platforms provide, your business would never be able to improve beyond the content you’re currently producing, and your business would stagnate because of it.

Cross-Device Functionality

OTT platforms, and OTT apps in particular, can host online courses that users access through various devices such as desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Why? OTT platforms allow for Video on Demand (VOD) capabilities. With Video on Demand, businesses can host online courses on an app that lives on a viewer’s phone, tablet, or TV, making it convenient for them to go back and rewatch online courses, relearning information they may have previously forgotten.

Customization & Immersion

Before hosting online courses on an OTT platform, businesses should consider how to make the experience more immersive. In a traditional learning setting, listeners are often immersed and have no outside distractions. Unfortunately, to host online courses on an OTT platform, you need to make the experience as immersive and distraction-free as possible. Businesses can easily do this by customizing their OTT platform of choice, ensuring that every aspect of their interface is in sync with the brand’s look and feel. In addition, including accessibility features such as closed captions, language translation, and high-quality videos can help to improve the overall user experience and increase engagement.

Watch From Anywhere

A primary reason businesses choose to host online courses on OTT platforms is accessibility. Think about it: 59.6% of the world’s population are internet users. That’s 4.7 billion people that have the potential to watch your content! OTT platforms make it easier for businesses to send their online video courses and educational content to anyone globally, as long as they have a secure internet connection. Because of this, learners can access content from different countries and time zones, making learning more flexible and convenient for everyone involved.

Use OTT to Host Online Courses

When you want to host online courses for your business, OTT platforms are your best option. And no other platform offers all of the benefits above and more than OTTFast. With OTTFast’s customizable and easy-to-use OTT platform, your business can take control of your educational content and online courses, creating a more adept work environment where employees are well-trained and equipped for the job they are performing. Additionally, if you want to learn more about how you can grow your business externally with your online courses and educational video content, check out our guide on the best practices of video for sales.

Ready to get started on your OTT journey? Contact us today to learn more, or begin setting up your very own OTT channel with our 30-day free trial.