OTT Software: A Comparison of the Top Platforms in 2023

OTT software, which stands for “over-the-top,” refers to the streaming media content that has been made more readily available over the internet within the past years. These streaming services bypass traditional services we’ve been used to, such as cable or satellite tv. OTT software comprises a host of tools, applications, and services that enable content creators and publishers to distribute OTT media and monetize it. They will usually not require users to purchase or install any additional type of hardware.

OTT software has become a booming industry, as more and more people are cutting the cord and opting for online streaming options. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global OTT market size was valued at USD 62.03 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.4% from 2021 to 2028.

With such a huge demand and potential, there are many OTT software providers in the market, offering different features, pricing, and quality. How do you choose the best one for your streaming service? In this blog, we will compare some of the top OTT platforms in 2023 based on some key factors, such as:

• Platform integration
• Content delivery network
• Video streaming
• Website Hosting
• Monetization options
• Security features
• Customer support

Let’s get started!

Platform Integration
Some users may be using these software tools with intentions of integration with certain platforms such as Zoom. If you plan to integrate, be sure the software product is compatible.

Some of the OTT platforms that offer platform integration are:

• Muvi: Muvi is a SaaS-based OTT platform that allows users to launch their own-branded OTT multi-screen video/audio streaming platforms across web, mobile, and TV ecosystems instantly. Muvi integrates with various third-party platforms, such as Zoom, Shopify, WordPress, Stripe, PayPal, and more.
• Vimeo OTT: Vimeo OTT allows brands and creators to launch their own white-label video subscription channels, where subscribers can access video content for free, as a rental, or for purchase. Vimeo OTT integrates with platforms like Mailchimp, Zapier, Google Analytics, and more.
• Dacast: Dacast is an online video platform that provides live streaming and video hosting solutions for businesses. Dacast integrates with platforms like Zoom, OBS Studio, Wirecast, vMix, and more.

Content Delivery Network
A content delivery network (CDN) is a network of servers that delivers content to users based on their geographic location. A CDN ensures high-performance video streaming for viewers by reducing latency and buffering.

Some of the OTT platforms that provide their own or integrate with established CDN are:

• Muvi: Muvi provides its own CDN that delivers content to viewers across the globe with low latency and high quality. Muvi also allows users to bring their own CDN if they prefer.
• Vimeo OTT: Vimeo OTT uses its own CDN that leverages adaptive bitrate streaming technology to deliver the best quality video to viewers based on their bandwidth and device.
• Dacast: Dacast partners with Akamai, one of the largest and most reliable CDN providers in the world, to deliver content to viewers with high speed and security.

Video Streaming
Video streaming is the process of delivering video content over the internet in real-time or on-demand. Video streaming requires high-quality video encoding, transcoding, and delivery.

Some of the OTT platforms that offer video streaming features are:

• Muvi: Muvi supports both live and on-demand video streaming in HD quality. Muvi also offers features like adaptive bitrate streaming, multi-bitrate streaming, DVR, live chat, analytics, and more.
• Vimeo OTT: Vimeo OTT supports both live and on-demand video streaming in up to 4K resolution. Vimeo OTT also offers features like auto-archiving, simultaneous live streaming, secure sharing, audience engagement, analytics, and more.
• Dacast: Dacast supports both live and on-demand video streaming in up to 1080p resolution. Dacast also offers features like adaptive bitrate streaming, multi-bitrate streaming, cloud transcoding, live chat, analytics, and more.

Website Hosting
Website hosting is the service that allows users to create and maintain a website for their streaming service. Website hosting requires a domain name, web design tools, storage space, bandwidth, security features, and customer support.

Some of the OTT platforms that offer website hosting features are:

• Muvi: Muvi offers a fully hosted website solution that allows users to customize their website design using templates or HTML/CSS. Muvi also provides a free sub-domain name, unlimited storage space, bandwidth, and SSL security.
• Vimeo OTT: Vimeo OTT offers a fully hosted website solution that allows users to customize their website design using templates or HTML/CSS. Vimeo OTT also provides a free sub-domain name, unlimited storage space, bandwidth, and SSL security.
• Dacast: Dacast does not offer a fully hosted website solution, but it allows users to embed their video player on any website using HTML code. Dacast also provides unlimited storage space, bandwidth, and SSL security.

Monetization Options
Monetization options are the ways that users can generate revenue from their streaming service. The most common monetization options are subscription, advertising, and transactional.

Some of the OTT platforms that offer monetization options are:

• Muvi: Muvi supports all three monetization options: subscription, advertising, and transactional. Muvi also allows users to set their own pricing, currency, billing cycle, coupons, and more.
• Vimeo OTT: Vimeo OTT supports all three monetization options: subscription, advertising, and transactional. Vimeo OTT also allows users to set their own pricing, currency, billing cycle, coupons, and more.
• Dacast: Dacast supports two monetization options: subscription and pay-per-view. Dacast also allows users to set their own pricing, currency, billing cycle, coupons, and more.

Security Features
Security features are the measures that users can take to protect their streaming service from unauthorized access, piracy, and data breaches. Security features can include encryption, authentication, watermarking, geo-blocking, and more.

Some of the OTT platforms that offer security features are:

• Muvi: Muvi offers various security features, such as encryption, authentication, watermarking, geo-blocking, IP blocking, domain restriction, password protection, and more.
• Vimeo OTT: Vimeo OTT offers various security features, such as encryption, authentication, watermarking, geo-blocking, IP blocking, domain restriction, password protection, and more.
• Dacast: Dacast offers various security features, such as encryption, authentication, watermarking, geo-blocking, IP blocking, domain restriction, password protection, and more.

Customer Support
Customer support is the service that users can access when they encounter any issues or have any questions regarding their streaming service. Customer support can include phone support, email support, live chat support, knowledge base articles, tutorials, forums, and more.