In the midst of a digital revolution, on-demand video platforms (VOD) have skyrocketed. A recent report reveals a remarkable 155% year-on-year growth in VOD streaming, with live streams and viewing surging by 93%. While the term “video-on-demand” and the thriving VOD landscape are familiar, understanding its essence, significance, and applications remains essential.
It doesn’t matter if it’s to fuel entertainment, democratize education or create seamless training sessions, these platforms have taken over the world by storm. As online spaces continue to witness the expansion of VOD streaming, in this article, we’ll explain the various applications of VOD platforms and how they benefit everyone involved. Read on.
What are on-demand video platforms?
On-demand video platforms, also known as video-on-demand (VOD) platforms, are digital platforms that allow users to access and watch video content at their convenience. Unlike traditional television or broadcast programming, where viewers are limited to specific schedules, on-demand video platforms enable users to choose what they want to watch and when they want to watch it. Popular examples of on-demand video platforms include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+.
With the freedom to choose when you watch, these on-demand video streaming solutions let you pause, rewind, and pick up where you left off, making your viewing experience adaptable to your schedule. Additionally, they offer personalized recommendations based on your previous selections, enhancing your discovery of new content. Whether on your smartphone, tablet, or other devices, these platforms offer compatibility and the option to enjoy content offline. Many platforms even produce original shows and movies, catering to a diverse range of interests. You can opt for subscription-based access, choose pay-per-view options for specific content, or enjoy the convenience of offline viewing when an internet connection isn’t available.
On-demand video streaming solutions have a lot of applications, but in this article, we’ll take a look at the three most crucial uses, which are entertainment, education and training.
Entertainment
On-demand video platforms encompass an extensive variety of entertainment content, spanning movies, TV shows, web series, and documentaries. These platforms have transformed entertainment consumption by allowing users to tailor their viewing experiences to their own schedules. Iconic platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video have offered convenience at its peak, enabling binge-watching and personalizing recommendations based on individual preferences. By understanding user activity & preferences, these platforms curate content suggestions that enhance the entertainment journey by catering to users’ specific tastes and interests.
This shift in entertainment consumption has also spurred the creation of original content by these platforms, leading to a new era of diverse and innovative storytelling. With a lot of investments being put into exclusive shows and films, on-demand video platforms have not only become content distributors but also major players in content creation. This strategic move has not just expanded the range of options available to viewers but has also brought fresh narratives to the forefront. As a result, viewers are not only drawn to the convenience of these platforms but also the new narratives they offer which might have remained undiscovered through traditional broadcasting channels.
Education
The educational landscape has gone through an era of change and innovation, solely because of the introduction of on-demand video streaming solutions. These platforms serve as helpful tools for educational institutions, online course providers, and educators to pass on knowledge. They offer an adaptable and accessible means of delivering instructional videos, lectures, tutorials, and training materials. Learners are empowered to set their own learning pace, revisit concepts as needed, and engage with content that caters to diverse learning styles. Recognizable names such as Khan Academy, Coursera, and Udemy host an extensive repository of educational resources spanning numerous subjects, democratizing education by granting global learners the ability to access quality learning materials without geographical limitations.
Additionally, educational videos have the scope to generate sustained revenues for a longer duration, which makes building an on-demand video platform a lucrative venture. On the other hand, it also benefits instructors as a lot of time spent in classrooms is reduced, giving more space for Q&A sessions with the students. In the case of students, they can learn at their own pace, despite their geographical location, and may choose any device of their choice. Moreover, since they are already paying for the video content, it pushes them to prioritize the content more, thereby increasing the engagement of the material.
Training
Now that we’ve covered both entertainment and education, let’s take a look at the third use of VOD platforms – Training. Organizations can harness these on-demand video streaming solutions to create custom training videos, user guides, and tutorials. The flexibility of accessing training materials at any time and from any location proves particularly beneficial for remote teams and professionals with demanding schedules. Whether building in-house training repositories or utilizing third-party resources like LinkedIn Learning and Skillshare for Teams, this approach not only hones skills but also ensures uniform distribution of vital information. The adoption of these platforms enables continuous upskilling and ensures that a well-informed workforce contributes to individual growth and overall organizational achievements.
Furthermore, the interactive nature of on-demand training videos enhances engagement and retention. With features such as quizzes, simulations, and interactive modules, learners actively participate in the learning process, strengthening their understanding of the material. This experiential learning approach goes beyond traditional methods, making training not only informative but also enjoyable. As a result, companies can cultivate a learning culture that values professional growth and embraces evolving industry trends, ultimately fostering innovation and adaptability within their workforce.
Conclusion
As we come to a close, it’s important to remember how VOD platforms have revolutionized the way we engage with content across various domains. From entertainment to education and professional development, these platforms have reshaped how we access and consume information.
In the world of entertainment, VOD platforms offer personalized viewing experiences, allowing users to enjoy a diverse range of content on their schedules while in the case of education, these platforms have democratized learning, making educational resources accessible to all globally. Moreover, they’ve seamlessly integrated into corporate training, providing flexible and interactive solutions for upskilling employees. As these platforms continue to evolve, their impact on our daily lives and various industries remains transformative, ushering in a new era of tailored content consumption and knowledge acquisition.
Whether you’re looking to showcase your products, share industry insights, or offer valuable content, A VOD platform can be an incredible option to get things going. If you’re planning to build a platform yourself, save yourself the hassle and check out iScripts VisualCaster. This software solution helps you to create an on-demand video platform, akin to popular giants like Netflix and Disney+. It lets you offer video streaming services to your customers, allowing you to manage, upload, share, and stream different types of video content. So embrace the future of content delivery and captivate your audience with a VOD platform designed specifically for your entrepreneurial endeavors! Check out our Free Demo here.
Check out iScripts VisualCaster
