How to Start an OTT Business for Entertainment Content

Why build an entertainment OTT platform? When you think of entertainment streaming services, you're probably thinking of atleast one of the "Big 3" (Netflix, Amazon, and Disney, which encompasses both Hulu and Disney+). While more major providers, such as CBS All Access, HBO MAX, and Peacock, are entering the "streaming wars," consumers are also interested in smaller players.

That's when you enter the picture. Here are two reasons why now is an excellent moment to enter the streaming market.

The over-the-top (OTT) market is ripe for expansion:

OTT streaming has exploded as more people spend more time at home to keep their communities safe. Many families are cutting the cord to save money, which is leading to even more cord-cutting. In 2021, global online TV and movie revenues increased to $83 billion, up from $50 billion in 2018.

To succeed, you don't have to be Netflix, Amazon, or Disney:
Outside of the Big 3, there's plenty of demand for "over-the-top" media. In the third quarter of 2019, 24% of American households supplemented their subscription to one of the major streamers with another service. That implies there's still a lot of OTT money to be had if you have the appropriate content.

Choosing a flamboyant business model
"How do I choose a video monetization model?" is one of the first queries creators have when getting into the entertainment streaming game along with "How do I create an OTT business?".

When it comes to parsing your video monetization possibilities, you have a few options. Let's get started.

1. Business model based on subscription

A subscription video on demand (or SVOD) model makes the most sense as a baseline monetization strategy for an OTT entertainment firm the majority of the time. A customer pays a monthly or annual membership price for access to your content if they use SVOD.

This format is perhaps the most familiar to your potential clients, as it's the one that gave birth to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services. If you already have a significant collection of content secured, loaded, and ready to stream, this strategy is ideal.

2. Business model based on transactions

If you don't have a large content library up front, transactional video on demand, or TVOD, is a better option. TVOD allows your consumers to buy video material a la carte, usually one at a time — think of it as a digital version of video renting.

However, in most cases, TVOD is used to enhance an existing SVOD strategy. This allows creators to lock down select high-value content while providing viewers access to a wider range of information.

3. Live pay per view

A live pay-per-view business model is another alternative for monetizing your video content. You'd charge a one-time fee for an exclusive live event like a virtual screening premiere or a Q&A with the actors or filmmakers in this situation.

iBattle TV, which specialises in rap battle entertainment, hosts monthly live pay-per-view events that are afterwards released as a transactional video. These live PPV events, which are constructed on top of an existing SVOD model, are a primary reason for their success (which includes both monthly and annual subscriptions). It's an excellent illustration of how numerous monetization tactics may be used to develop an OTT business plan.

• Do you have a constantly expanding library of specialist content? Your best bet is definitely SVOD.
• Do you want high-impact, long-form material that takes a long time to produce? TVOD is almost certainly a good method to get more OTT bang for your cash.
• When it comes to increasing audience engagement, nothing beats gated live content. Don't underestimate the impact of live pay-per-view!

How can you tell if starting an OTT channel is the appropriate move for you?

Independent producers and small businesses can now establish their own Netflix-style service thanks to OTT streaming services. While anyone can create an OTT channel on Webnexs, you'll want to make sure you meet at least one of these four criteria.

1. You already have a content library in place:

A common assumption that creators hear while trying to figure out how to start an OTT business is that they need thousands of titles to get started. That simply isn't the case.

We've found that starting with at least 60 videos works well in many genres, as it's a sweet spot for customers to feel like they have enough films to justify their financial commitment in your channel.

This benchmark, however, should only be used as a starting point. It's also vital that you have a steady stream of new information coming down the pike. (I'll get to that in a second.)

2. You have an established audience on other channels

At Webnexs, we see many creators grow into an OTT business plan If you have an existing audience on YouTube or other social platforms, you can work on converting your fans into paying customers.

3. You've built a niche following and created distinctive content:

One fantastic piece of exclusive content might sometimes be enough to drive subscribers to entertainment OTT networks. To build on our last point, you'll want to make sure you have a regular stream of new information to keep your audience interested.

4. You want to create a long-term, consistent content release schedule:

We can't emphasise how important it is to have a consistent flow of new content. You'll need a regular stream of new, err, clips if your OTT business plan is going to work! Remember, it doesn't have to be a weekly flurry of new releases: If you know you'll have one in-demand, high-quality product.

To Sum it Up:

• Consumers are willing to pay for services outside of the Big 3 in the OTT streaming industry, which is poised for rapid expansion (Netflix, Amazon, and Disney).
• You have several possibilities when it comes to choosing an OTT business strategy for entertainment: Entertainment brands monetise their content in three ways: subscription video on demand (SVOD), transactional video on demand (TVOD), and live pay-per-view (PPV).
• To begin started, you don't need a large collection of content, but you do need a regular content calendar with fresh releases to keep your subscribers engaged and interested.
• The best way to promote your material is to make it available on OTT streaming apps.
• Offering your content via OTT streaming apps is the most effective approach to broaden your distribution and meet consumers where they are, whether on mobile, tablets, computers, or linked TVs.
• When your subscribers aren't watching a title on your channel, you can use social media, influencer marketing, or even forums to keep them engaged.