Streaming services dominate modern media consumption, each considering unique revenue models. There are five main models: SVOD, AVOD, TVOD, FAST, and BVOD. These models form the foundation of digital content distribution, influencing how users access content and how platforms make money, through various monetization strategies.
For developers, understanding these models is crucial for building streaming applications that meet user expectations. Users expect smooth playback, fast loading times, personalized recommendations, and multi-device support. This blog explains each model's key features and their impact on application design and user experience.
OTT stands for over-the-top and refers to content streamed over the internet across multiple devices without a traditional cable or satellite provider. The accessibility of OTT content is one of the many reasons it’s so popular. Viewers only need a high-speed internet connection and a device that supports apps or browsers.
Antenna’s quarterly snapshot illustrates the market share of new subscribers (premium) in various streaming services over two years. Overall, there was 35.2M Gross Additions in the second quarter of 2024. Disney+ and Netflix are leading with consistently high market shares, indicating strong user growth. Apple TV+ and Discovery+ maintain lower but steady market shares, suggesting they cater to a niche audience.
Overall, the graph depicts a competitive landscape with shifting market shares among major streaming services.
VOD stands for video-on-demand and refers to any video content that starts simply by pressing “Play”. In comparison, cable and satellite TV follow set schedules, so viewers need to tune in at specific times.
While OTT is used to describe the way content is distributed, VOD is used to describe how the content is viewed. But there is some overlap between the two. Both OTT and VOD involve content being delivered over the internet. OTT platforms often provide VOD services, allowing viewers to watch content on demand.
Both models provide flexibility in content consumption. OTT services use VOD as their primary delivery method. The user accesses the content directly from an online platform
Before we get into the specific models, it’s important to categorize them into two broad groups: linear and on-demand. Linear models, like FAST, are like traditional TV experiences, where content is streamed according to a schedule. On-demand models—AVOD, SVOD, TVOD, and HVOD—allow users to choose what they watch and when they watch it.
Each model represents a different method of delivering content, each with its own technical and business impacts. We'll go over each, explaining how they work and why they’re important.
SVOD is a model where people pay a recurring subscription fee (typically monthly and annually) to access a library of films, TV shows, and other content. SVOD services are huge in the streaming industry. Services like Netflix and Hulu offer exclusive content with ad-free viewing.
For creators, SVOD offers many benefits. You can:
SVOD also provides users the flexibility to cancel anytime, which can make it harder for producers to retain customers. SVOD manages this with unique new content, aggressive pricing methods, or both.
Now, let’s talk about one of the biggest challenges SVOD services face: and that is ‘churn’. Churn is basically the rate at which subscribers cancel their subscriptions, and it’s a critical metric for any streaming service. High churn rates can significantly hurt revenue and growth, so SVOD platforms plan several strategies to retain subscribers.
The premium SVOD churn rates from Antenna Insights shows how many people cancelled their subscriptions to different streaming services.
A key tactic is the consistent release of new and exclusive content, which keeps the library fresh and engaging, reducing subscriber turnover. Another effective strategy is personalized recommendations, determined by advanced algorithms, suggest content based on individual viewing habits, improving the user experience.
Competitive pricing and flexible subscription tiers also help. By offering various plans, including ad-supported options, and bundling services, platforms provide more value, making it harder for subscribers to cancel.
FAST is the closest thing you can get to experience traditional broadcasts and cable TVs. Users can browse several channels without paying a subscription fee, with content being funded by advertisements.
FAST platforms offer a continuous stream of scheduled content, much like traditional TV. This model appeals to viewers who enjoy the simplicity of a linear experience without the need to make viewing choices.
Unlike traditional TV, which delivers content through broadcast or satellite signals, FAST is streamed over the internet. Viewers only need a connected TV and an internet connection. Pluto TV, Tubi, and Freevee are a few examples of FAST services.
AVOD is a popular monetization model where platforms offer free content supported by ads, which can run before, during, or after videos. The ad revenue is used to cover production and hosting costs.
AVOD is attractive for viewers because they can watch free content. There is a low barrier to entry because viewers don’t need to make a financial commitment. For creators, AVOD is a low-risk way to earn income from content without selling anything.
According to a Deloitte study, 62% of consumers favored lower-cost (or free) ad-supported services instead of more costly ad-free options.
AVOD platforms like YouTube, Roku, and Crackle attract a large audience, offering significant revenue potential for advertisers.
The main source of income for AVOD creators is advertising, which can be unreliable at times. Many creators on YouTube have experienced a massive decrease in revenue. That is because with AVOD you might face:
TVOD is a model where viewers can purchase or rent specific content they choose to watch, rather than subscribing to an entire library. This model allows viewers to selectively view movies, TV episodes, or other content.
TVOD platforms focus on providing high-quality, on-demand access to specific content, like new movie releases, live sports events, and exclusive concerts. To attract customers, providers often use promotional strategies such as discounts on new releases, bundle deals for related content, free previews, or loyalty programs for frequent users.
TVOD systems require secure payment gateways, digital rights management (DRM) implementation, and efficient content delivery mechanisms. Developers must focus on creating user-friendly interfaces for content selection and purchase, while ensuring strict access control based on transaction status.
These tactics help TVOD services compete in the streaming market while maintaining their pay-per-view model.
HVOD combines elements of different monetization models, offering users multiple ways to access content. Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ all fall into the HVOD category because they generate revenue through a mix of advertisements and subscription plans. This approach gives consumers the flexibility to invest their money and time on their terms.
Successfully managing the HVOD model required a solid understanding of user segmentation, content distribution, and the integration of advertising with subscription revenue. Developers need to balance engaging free, ad-supported content with a premium subscription tier that offers enough value to justify the cost.
Over recent years, the trend of viewers opting for ad-supported OTT content has greatly increased. Initially, Disney+, Netflix, and Max saw higher sign-ups for ad-free plans. Over time, the share of ad-supported plan sign-ups grew substantially across all platforms.
BVOD is video content produced and published by traditional broadcasters that is available online and on-demand. It connects conventional TV broadcasting with modern streaming services. BVOD platforms use ads in their content to generate revenue. Some offer premium, ad-free tiers for a subscription fee.
Key features of BVOD:
Advertising on BVOD platforms offers several benefits:
Unlike traditional TV, BVOD platforms let advertisers monitor the performance of their campaigns and monitor data, and analytics about audience behaviour and engagement. This allows for immediate optimizations and adjustments.
BVOD platforms have direct control over their content, as it is produced by the broadcaster, ensuring ownership and quality. These platforms are integrated smoothly into the broadcaster’s larger media ecosystem, allowing for a smooth user experience and cross-promotion of content. Audience familiarity with the broadcaster's brand and schedule can drive adoption and loyalty to the platform. BVOD platforms operate on a hybrid monetization model, generating revenue through both advertisements and subscriptions.
AVOD platforms offer free access to a diverse range of content by licensing from various providers rather than producing it in-house. Revenue is generated through advertisements and sponsorships, allowing the service to remain cost-free for users. By offering content without subscription fees, AVOD is accessible to a broad audience. User data and viewing behaviors are used to optimize ad targeting and enhance advertising effectiveness, balancing user engagement with monetization.
The advertising model in OTT platforms is a key driver of monetization, and it operates in several distinct ways:
1. Ad-supported revenue model:
2. Programmatic advertising:
3. Ad inventory:
4. Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI):
5. Targeted advertising:
6. Ad load and viewer experience:
7. Server-side ad insertion:
8. Interactive ads:
OTT advertising offers effective monetization opportunities, with 84% of global marketers now including streaming in their media planning.
The OTT streaming environment is diverse and complex, with each model offering unique advantages and challenges. But understanding is just the first step. Implementing these models effectively requires reliable, adaptable technology capable of meeting the streaming industry's constantly changing demands. This is where FastPix comes in.
Our API platform is designed to simplify the complexities of video content management, whether you are dealing with VOD, live streaming, or a hybrid approach. From metadata management to adaptive bitrate streaming and DRM, FastPix provides the tools you need to build powerful, scalable streaming platforms.
Why not see how FastPix can transform your video workflow? With our free trial, you can explore our features and see firsthand how we can help you create interactive video experiences. However and whatever you want, with FastPix you can (probably) build it. Every single part of FastPix is engineered to help you move faster.