Video on Demand: 10 Best VOD Platforms for 2022

Feb 9, 2024

Video on Demand (VOD) can be described as a fad that has a lot of staying power.

With a rising number of people trade cable agreements for online streaming services, experts predict the industry will experience billion-dollar growth.

In this piece this article, we'll look at the basics of what VOD platforms do and what they do before examining the top 10 VOD platforms in 2022.

Get your popcorn ready and comfy.

What exactly is a VOD platform?

OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu are the best examples of these platforms at work. For an annual subscription fee users who sign up for these services gain access to thousands (maybe thousands) of TV shows.

Contrary to YouTube that is based solely on a purely advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD) model VOD platforms typically offer creators of content with multiple ways to monetize their content:

Subscriber video on Demand (SVOD): Subscribers pay a monthly fee for access to your expanding video library.
Transparent video on demand (TVOD): Customers can purchase videos as individual purchases, for example new releases or exclusive videos or exclusive content.
Advert-based Video on Demand (AVOD): Viewers are able to enjoy your video content at no cost in exchange for watching advertisements (which generates revenue for you).

What is the process by which a video on demand platform function?

The modern-day consumer has realized that it's not enough to settle for whatever's currently in the TV. Nowadays, viewers want to be able to watch whatever they want at any time they want -- and VOD platforms provide that flexibility.

If someone wishes to view an upcoming show the only thing they have to do is launch the VOD app on their mobile, TV, or computer and select the show they want to watch, and wait a few seconds until the movie loads.

For your viewers, it's something like magic. However, there's a lot of complexity behind such seemingly simple actions.

When a person selects a channel then a VOD broadcaster has to:

The video file must be encoded in a format suitable to stream
Secure the video files so only people who've made a payment can open and download the file.
embed advertisements within the video file (typically if the program is free)
The video files are streamed on the web to hundreds (potentially hundreds) of users

You'll also need ample bandwidth to power the highest quality video streaming on a large scale, which is tough to do without help.

That's where VOD platforms can help. The most effective ones handle every aspect of giving a seamless watching (and purchasing) experience, while allowing broadcasters to create more great content.

The process of building your VOD empire on the right platform is vital If your customers can't easily or reliably watch your content, they'll stop viewing it completely.

It's not good for your OTT company.

The top VOD platforms

The best VOD solution will come up to the balance of your requirements in relation to obvious aspects like price. That's how you'll find the most value.

Here are ten VOD streaming services that are worth a look.

1. OTT

If that's providing subscription services for streaming video or transactional video products your customers can rent or purchase, OTT is an end-to-end VOD solution that can be as flexible as it is user-friendly.

OTT highlights:

Video upload migration Upload in batches of 30MB or more of video at a time. Migrate your video content from the platform you are currently using for free on the Enterprise plan.
Video hosting and organization: Manage and control the entire library of videos through a central point. Adjust video settings, organize videos into collections, add metadata, manage access and much more.
Video Monetization with's sophisticated selling tools, you'll be able to establish subscriptions (SVOD) as well as advertisements (AVOD), and one-time purchase (TVOD) for your on-demand content.
Videos analytics A leader in the video on demand market, OTT delivers comprehensive real-time video analysis. From watching time per subscriber up to the most watched videos on your channel, OTT customers gain insights that help turn data into dollars.

"Since changing between YouTube to my own account, I've been focused on what my subscribers want and need, as well as earn more income." Millionaire Hoy, Founder, HoyPro.com

Accessibility and branding: OTT puts your videos in the right place for customers to watch them - on the Apple as well as Android devices they already use. Apart from branded apps, content owners also get their own brand-name OTT site via pre-made templates. If you need something more custom You can make use of their API as well as SDK in conjunction with their Enterprise plan.
Installation and maintenance: You don't need to be a professional developer or tech wizard to navigate the platform and maintain OTT apps skillfully. manages app development, submission, and management while providing 24/7 support for your users. You'll spend less time worrying about your technology, and instead spend time on what is important -- your content.
Live streaming using auto-archive:Turn those live streams into on-demand video titles without skipping a beat.
Customer support:Get reliableemail support with the Growth plan. Receive dedicated account management as well as the support staff for your customers with the Enterprise plan.

Things to think about when deciding on OTT:

If you're looking for specific technical specifications regarding security protocols as well as video encoding you'll have to dig into 's support documentation.

2. Wowza

Wowza is a comprehensive video streaming service that includes two main video streaming products The Wowza Streaming Cloud and the Wowza Streaming Engine.

When a content producer decides to stream content from the cloud or through the on-premises server Wowza offers a suite of applications designed to let broadcasters stream their content to people regardless of technology, size, or network conditions.

Wowza highlights:

Streaming cloud/Streaming engine: Beam video content to any location with only minimal setup via Wowza's managed streaming service or control and modify the transcoding within your own organization using Wowza's download multimedia server application.
Video encoder in addition to the built-in transcoding feature, Wowza offers adaptive bitrate streaming to provide a smooth and enjoyable video viewing.
Accessibility and branding the Wowza Streaming Engine supports APIs and SDKs so you can customize the user experience and make workflows automated as necessary. White-labelling also is available.
Multi-level security Automated source code review, regular third-party penetration tests and monthly "security days" mean your data is secure with Wowza.
Support for the customer: Get the expert help needed to ensure your streaming service is successful by contacting the professional team at Wowza.
Pricing: Streaming Cloud plans vary from $85 a month to $425 a month with pricing based on a mix of video hours and watching hours. Streaming Engine pricing starts at $175/month with custom pricing offered with the Enterprise plan.

Considerations to make when deciding Wowza:

Wowza's monetization capabilities are unclear. Some sources say they don't offer monetization services, while others indicate they do.

3. VPlayed

As an OTT platform, VPlayed enables content creators to share their videos across the web, mobile, game consoles as well as set-top boxes such as Apple TV and Roku. The unique thing about Vplayed is the way they accomplish it.

The focus is on monetization and accessibility, VPlayed offers a full-featured VOD platform that has the infrastructure to support seamless video streaming -- and growing your business -- on any device.

Highlights of VPlayed:

Video uploading/management: Upload an unlimited number of videos at a time and manage them all from VPlayed's video CMS.
Video encoder:Deliver high-quality videos in low-bandwidth conditions with optimized encoding, targeted optimization and encoding based on each given video.
End-to-end customisation:Build the VOD platform that you envision with the help of VPlayed's designers and developers. White-label your video content to package it and then sell it to various audiences.
Monetization:With six revenue models VPlayed's monetization choices have options for each type of content owner. Starting from AVOD and SVOD to "catchup television," there are numerous ways you can earn money by selling your video content through VPlayed.
Connect with other apps: VPlayed supports several Third-party connections (including Google Analytics) this means that you can better understand how to monetize and content goals.
Video marketing with social media integrations, as well as the machine-learning-driven recommendation engine, VPlayed has several features to draw viewers in and keep them engaged.
Security : In addition to standard features like video encryption, and SSL certificates, VPlayed also allows screen-capture restriction as well as geoblocking.
Price: VPlayed doesn't provide pricing details on their website.

Considerations to make when evaluating VPlayed:

VPlayed treats OTT applications as custom-developed (i.e. it's not part of the package) and can be costly. It's not included, and it could be costly. VPlayed has a help desk, it's only accessible to non-customers.

4. Brightcove

Brightcove is a robust and easy-to-use VOD platform that has a long history in the online video market.

Broadcasters using Brightcove are able to go above and beyond the standard Netflix-style VOD solution and create immersive experiences via the platform's interactive capabilities and tracking of audience behavior functionality.

That's what makes Brightcove the perfect candidate for companies that must give viewers a superior viewing experience every time--from colleges and universities to festival and conference.

Highlights of Brightcove:

Interactivity and engagement: Brightcove customers can embed interactive features and enhanced audience behavior tracking in all their videos, including in-video purchases, quizzes, and choose-your-own-adventure paths.
Monetization: Brightcove supports several ads-based VOD monetization models that include meta-data driven ads advertising companions, as well as ad cue points. You can further refine your target audience through integration partners such as Google Ad Manager and FreeWheel.
Branding and accessibility:Create branded content on OTT applications, websites as well as social media platforms, and any other tools you want with Brightcove's API.
Analytics that are comprehensive:With the ability to provide real-time information and user-level profile analytics, Brightcove's robust report suite allows broadcasters to maximize revenue and refine their strategy for video marketing.
Connect to other applications The growing number of integrations means you can connect your VOD platform with the apps you're using already.
Security: Digital rights management (DRM) functions ensure that your content only reaches its intended audience.
Price: Brightcove doesn't provide pricing details on their website.

Considerations to make when evaluating Brightcove:

Brightcove mostly targets businesses with a high-end business which means expect an enterprise price.

5. Cleeng

Cleeng might be described as a Subscription Retention Management platform for media and OTT companies, but it's also a effective VOD service.

Through its comprehensive collection of APIs for operational use, Cleeng enables tech-savvy media and OTT businesses to offer the best customer experience possible to increase revenue and decrease the amount of customers who leave.

Cleeng Highlights:

Experience for customers:Integrate the customer service workflow in order to cut down on SVOD churn. Improve the flow of purchases for OTT by integrating seamless payment options on television and mobile apps, as well as giving customers an easy way to manage their accounts.
Design and accessibility: Launch a multi-channel subscription video service by using the internet, native apps, and all major platforms (iOS TvOS, Roku, Android, Amazon Fire). Manage offers, plans and pricing via APIs. Customize your VOD service offerings using branded templates.
Monetization Connect your payment processor and implement complete payment and billing choices (domestic or international, and within-app) for increased conversions and retention.
Complete analytics In collecting data such as detailed service feedback data and reasons to unsubscribe, Cleeng helps its customers understand the factors that are doing (and the things that aren't) to boost their own customer retention.
Offer management: Set up promotional initiatives that will help you increase the reach of your customers with flexible offer management.
Pricing: Cleeng is free to the first 1500 users ("managed users") for as long as one year. Following that, pricing will revolve about managed customers. Cleeng Core cost .79 per month, for each managed user. Full API access requires the Scale-Ups plan. Prices starting at .39 per month for managed users. at least 5000 managed users.

Things to consider when considering Cleeng:

Getting the most out of Cleeng requires the right development resources.

6. Muvi

Muvi is an all-in-one OTT solution that is positioned as a user-friendly, feature-rich solution that is also user-friendly. With a fastest deployment guarantee, Muvi is a good choice for broadcasters who need no-code audio streaming at scale.

Muvi Highlights:

Branding and accessibility: Launch your personal VOD platform by branding it with your own OTT site and native applications for all the major platform (iOS, Android, Apple TV, Chromecast, LG TV) without touching an inch of code. Utilize SDKs and APIs to further customize.
Monetization: Design your own monetization model or choose from the most commonly used (SVOD TVOD, PPV and more.) Select the payment method you prefer.
In-app purchase Allow it to be easier for users to purchase online content by enabling native purchases on set-top boxes like Roku as well as Apple TV.
Customer support: Muvi offers 24/7 phone support to any customer. The Ultimate package comes with your own dedicated support team.
Pricing:Muvi pricing starts at $399/month to have a white-labeled app or website that includes hosting and CDN. Higher tier packages with additional capabilities and bandwidth are available from $149 to $8900 a month.

Things to consider when considering Muvi:

Muvi is loaded with more functions than you'll need, so make sure you test all pertinent "nice-to-haves" before you commit.

7. Uscreen.tv

Uscreen is an end-to-end VOD streaming service that has everything needed to make money from video content. The company is known for its dedication to eLearning its clients span from health and fitness up to spiritual and entertainment.

Uscreen highlights:

Branding and accessibility: Launch and manage videos streaming applications on television and mobile devices. Customize your app to reflect your company's image. You can customize more using Uscreen's API.
Video hosting and library organisation: Upload and manage your content from one location. Updates to your videos will be reflected in your apps instantly.
Complete analytics Learn about the behavior of viewers with detailed analytics like watch-time per device. Identify your top-performing videos to inform future content decisions.
Experience for customers Create a lively community of engaged viewers with Uscreen's features for community. Includes user-owned avatars/profiles and live chat/comment features.
Live streaming for any device: Livestream across web, mobile, as well as TV apps. Live streams can be placed behind a paywall when applicable and drive engagement with live chat functionality. Automatically record lives onto video on demand.
Monetization:Uscreen has a range of different monetization options, including subscriptions, rentals, pay-per-view, bundles, free trials, and unlimited access.
Pricing:Pricing starts at $79/month + .50 per month for subscribers to an individual OTT website. Uscreen Plus price (which also includes API access and apps for mobile/TV) isn't listed.

Things to take into consideration when looking at Uscreen:

Uscreen has its own payment gateway however, it limits third-party payment gateways to Stripe and PayPal.

8. Dacast

Dacast is a streaming video on demand solution that also provides professional-grade live streaming.

Whether you're looking to set an Hulu-style OTT platform or to stream live events to people in different locations, Dacast is a robust VOD platform worth looking into.

Highlights of Dacast:

The Dacast S3 FTP upload function means you can transfer multiple videos at once and efficiently.
Branding and accessibility: Build your own Content Management System and customise your video player and mobile apps using Dacast's APIs.

Video library and organizing: Keep things tidy with categories, playlists, and subcategories. Send live streams to your library that you can access on-demand.
Analytics that are comprehensive:Track content performance and use the insights you gain to enhance your content and monetization strategies.
Transcoding of video: Transcoding video in HTML1:Dacast's video CMS is equipped with an integrated cloud transcoder. Convert content into flexible bitrate streaming, which delivers regardless of wifi speed.
Monetization Select from TVOD or AVOD, and then SVOD to make money from your web content.
Security:Protect the security of your VOD content with passwords Domain and IP limitations as well as HTTPS delivery. You can also select additional privacy and security options via Dacast's API.
Prices:Uscreen pricing ranges from $39 to $188/month, depending on features and storage. For additional features like the ability to integrate and migrate You'll have to register for a special pricing.

Things to consider when considering Dacast:

All plans offer API access.

9. Setplex

Setplex claims to be a VOD platform which can help you to secure the performance of your OTT Content engine.

In order to prove that, Setplex uses a microservices architecture that makes their software super and scalable. It also means working with a rich set of applications accessible via an integrated interface.

Highlights of Setplex:

Transcoding of video Utilizing a cloud, or a self-hosted version of Sextrix Transcode up to 33 HD live streams, or 55 SD streams at once.
Accessibility and branding: Reach audiences on all platforms with mobile, web, and set-top box/TV apps. Customize the interface and apps in line with your company's image.
middleware for IPTV control all aspects of your IPTV/OTT platform in real-time using Nora Middleware -- from analysis of user behavior to the ability to customize apps to managing content.
MonetizationGenerate revenues through subscriptions (SVOD) rental (TVOD), pay-per-view (PPV), or ad-supported (AVOD) models.
On-premises or cloud-based: With cloud-based and option to install on-premise, Setplex can work for many broadcasters -- whether you're a smaller business starting out or a company with strict requirements for compliance.
Pricing: Setplex doesn't provide prices on their site.

Things to take into consideration when looking at Setplex:

It's not clear if Setplex is using its own API.

10. Resi.io

Resi is an exceptional choice from VOD platforms. It was designed with broadcasting at the enterprise level in mind, this video on-demand solution gives customers the security and performance that normally requires dedicated connections and expensive infrastructure for IT.

Resi highlights

A patent pending technology: With Resi's Resilient streaming protocol (RSP) it is possible to stream from anywhere without worrying about audio or video loss. Through a complete internet outage, Resi can guarantee a seamless stream.
Multiple streaming options:Resi offers three ways to stream: via high-quality hardware encoders which work well for mission-critical events; through Resi's ProPresenter Stream software, a lower-cost way to leverage similar reliability. And with Resi Upload and Automate, the set-it-and-forget it scheduling tool.
Live streaming across multiple sites: Stream video content anywhere in 1080p. Send live streaming to your social media platforms, as well as OTT applications like Apple TV and Roku to reach a larger audience using just one upload.
Customer service Resi offers proactive support and monitoring on all its platforms. If Resi's Resi support team notices anything that could cause an issue with your streaming They'll collaborate with you to solve the issue via telephone or email -- even during weekends.
Award-winning:Resi has won several G2 awards (including best support, high performance, and simple to do business with) and its client roster includes companies in the events, sports, and education industries.

Things to take into consideration when looking at Resi

For ultra-secure broadcasts, Resi's patented technology relies on a 90-second delay to two minutes when it's streaming live.

Start your VOD service

In the war of VOD platforms it is the one that meets all (if but not every one) of your specific requirements for your business. From hosting and decoding videos to the development of apps and access, there's many factors to consider before deciding on a platform.

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