OTT Streaming: How Content Creators Make Money

When it comes to video entertainment, streaming is quickly taking over traditional venues like cable and broadcast TV. Over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix and Hulu are making entertainment available to more people in more places, and that’s exciting for viewers as well as content creators. Now, even small companies can make use of OTT technology to get their content out to the masses, find their audience, and make money. Here’s how to create an OTT channel so you can take advantage of this exciting opportunity.

What is OTT?

OTT, or over-the-top, platforms are video content platforms that utilize the internet to stream content to viewers, rather than using traditional infrastructures like cable or broadcast TV. Think Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Sling TV, or any of the many streaming platforms out there that you can sign up for, and all you need to watch is an internet connection and a device like a smartphone, laptop, or tablet computer.

How is OTT different from regular TV and video?

The biggest difference between regular TV and video channels is that OTT requires only the internet. Traditional TV stations broadcast over the airwaves or via specialized cable infrastructure, and viewers need to have an antenna or buy a cable subscription to view. Since this infrastructure is complicated, expensive, and tightly controlled, not everyone can use it to get their message out.

Now that internet and streaming technology has caught up to cable and broadcast TV in terms of video quality and speed, anyone can set up an OTT platform to deliver video to viewers all over the world.

How can content creators create their own OTT channel?

Creating your own OTT channel is quite simple. You just need some video content, a place to host your video, and somewhere to stream it. Here's how:

First, gather your content. Whether you’re a filmmaker, musician, fitness professional, or anyone else with something to share, you can create video content that has value to your target audience. You can even lease video content like movies and shows if you’re not a content creator and just want to set up a channel.

Next, find a video hosting solution. Companies like Dacast, Zype App Creator, Brightcove, and Vimeo OTT, and provide a variety of services, including hosting, content management, monetization tools, and even help with the next stage – streaming.

Once you’ve got video content that’s hosted and ready to go, you just need an outlet for streaming. Many hosting services can interact directly with existing platforms like Twitch, Facebook, or YouTube live, some interface with services like Reastream to stream to multiple platforms, and some services can help build your own custom streaming app, which allows you to stream directly to viewers just like the apps you know such as Netflix or ESPN+.

How can you make money with OTT?

OTT content creators and platforms monetize content in a variety of ways. There are a few common strategies for monetizing your video platform:

SVOD, or subscription video on demand, utilizes a subscription model. Viewers pay a regular fee (usually monthly) to get access to video content at will. Think of Netflix’s monthly fee as an example.

TVOD, or transactional video on demand, is also known as pay-per-view. This model lets viewers pay for videos one at a time. Renting movies for a one-time fee is a good example.

AVOD (advertising-based video on demand) is how platforms like YouTube work. Instead of charging viewers for access, you can sell ads to other companies. The advantage of AVOD over traditional TV ads is that OTT platform tools can target viewers tightly, meaning better profitability for advertisers – which can make your channel more desirable.

Merchandising is also a good way to monetize your video content. Content creators can sell anything they want – from apparel to posters to DVDs – the sky’s the limit. If you need help, look no further than the e-commerce experts at Fiverr.

What should you do after launching your channel?

There is one more step before you can start your OTT channel after learning how to do it: spread the word! The wide community of video marketing experts on Fiverr is the best place to advertise your channel if you want to attract visitors. Find the ideal partner there right now to get the most out of your new OTT channel.