The key to building a successful OTT business
Disney’s recent acquisition of BamTech, the OTT video platform arm of MLBam, should come as no surprise, and likewise, Disney’s announced the creation of a stand-alone streaming service and removal of their content from Netflix. It is only another example of more networks and content owners embracing the direct-to-consumer strategy, bypassing traditional distributors, and bringing the number of OTT streaming services and competition to an all-time high.
With deals like Disney’s, the blurring of boundaries between content owners and distributors is ever increasing, as is investments in programming and original content by traditional distributor-only’s and tech players, with Netflix taking the lead with their $8bn content investment for this year alone, followed by Amazon’s $4.5bn, HBO’s $2.5bn, Alibaba’s $2.4bn and Apple’s $1bn.
For a new entrant streaming service, wishing to win the consumer’s eyeball time and monthly streaming budget, both of which are finite, the consequence of this highly competitive development is the requirement of potentially vast investments in content and marketing. But by using an end-to-end managed service OTT platform such as Magine’s, new OTT streaming entrants can minimize the CAPEX and OPEX required for the setup and operation of an OTT service, enabling capital to instead be funneled into content and marketing, ensuring they stay ahead of the competition, as well as eliminating the risks associated with technology investments.
It’s undeniable that competition in video streaming services is fiercer than ever but based on Magine’s experience of working with and launching a wide array of services, we’ve put together a white paper on what we consider key to building a successful OTT business.
Within the paper we cover how to attract and keep your audience engaged, reduce churn and expand into new markets, alongside the importance of choosing the right tech solutions, analytics and monetization models for your content and business. Download the white paper today and read more on what we regard as critical to launching an OTT service and how our global solutions can help get you off the ground.
Download the white paper here or contact us directly to talk more about Magine’s solutions business@magine.com.
The adoption of cloud technology to deliver mainstream TV services
Digital TV Europe recently launched their 2017 Multiscreen & OTT series, which looks at four distinct developments: the emergence of new mobile-centric services for millennials and Generation Z; the prospects for cloud-based targeted advertising; the launch of Amazon Channels in Europe and its likely impact on the pay TV business; and the adoption of cloud technology to deliver mainstream TV services.
Rahul Puri, general manager of Magine Digital Media and CTO at Magine shares his views in part 4 of the series, Cloud TV, about the key requirements of getting an OTT TV service up and running. Rahul says “A fully functioning OTT TV service should actively engage customers with high-quality content, strong user experiences and attractive pricing models – i.e. subscription, PPV etc. Services also need to meet the expectations and demands of today’s user and provide high-quality video streams that can be watched anytime, anywhere.” He adds, “Magine’s media platform is built to accommodate all of these requirements in an integrated way, in addition to offering deep analytics that can inform decisions relating to the content acquisition, user engagement and monetisation.” Within the interview, Rahul also talks in more detail about the advantages of outsourcing platform requirements to a third-party online video platform provider like Magine and shares some of the key lessons we have learnt through owning and operating our direct-to-consumer businesses.
Download the series for free today from DTVE’s website to read Rahul’s interview in full. You can also contact us directly if you would like to discuss Magine’s global end-to-end solutions, or, arrange a meeting at IBC this September and meet the team at our stand.
Introducing Sappa Play by Magine
TV doesn’t have to revolve around the living room, and as we consume more content on mobile devices, it’s no surprise that the demand for quality streaming services continues to rise.
Last month we announced our latest project, a complete TV Everywhere solution for Swedish broadband and TV operator, Sappa. Built on our proven platform, the Sappa Play service delivers live TV and catch-up content to over 50,000 existing Sappa customers.
Hasse Svensson, CEO at Sappa says, “In line with new TV viewing behaviour, we as a company must adapt our customer offerings with a good TV offer for mobile screens.” He adds, “We have evaluated several solutions on the market and finally chosen Magine’s overall solution that will give our customers a great user experience. The implementation of the new service has really gone smoothly, and we can now launch a complete streaming service to our customers before the summer. ”
Leveraging our experience in the consumer market and the latest streaming technology (not forgetting our talented team), we’re able to provide Sappa with a secure and scalable solution that’s cost effective, user-friendly and available on all multiscreen devices; supporting the web, iOS and Android.
Here’s a sneak peak at the Sappa Play service:
The Sappa branded interface includes features such as rewind on live TV and catch-up functionality, not forgetting a fluid EPG that enables users to scroll through the timeline (past and present) to discover what’s on.
To find out more about the Sappa Play project, check out our case study or get in touch to chat.
Additional Links
Download Sappa Play iOS | Download Sappa Play Android | Watch TV via Sappa Play web