Generally, you need three things to make your IPTV video streaming service successful: marketing, content, and particular software and hardware. Still, it looks like a lot of work, especially if you want to create everything from scratch, including the solution.
We have good news: you can concentrate on marketing and content creation while letting professional developers take care of the rest. And we are not talking about hiring a team and designing everything on your own. We mean obtaining a ready-made solution with a rich feature set.
Launching your own IPTV video streaming service becomes more convenient than ever with many IPTV solutions available in the market. However, they all have different functionality. You should consider this because the feature set influences your IPTV business opportunities. For example, if a solution doesn’t have an IPTV app for each device, you won’t be able to reach many people. Let’s explore what features can help you achieve success.
7 Key Features Your IPTV Video Streaming Service Needs to Achieve Success
#1 IPTV Middleware
IPTV Middleware is a core software for a video streaming business. It has multiple features that we will discuss below. The primary function of IPTV middleware is to make all the elements connect with each other and exchange data. In other words, it controls and manages them.
The middleware sets the user interface, defines control algorithms, and provides tools for content management, analytics, payment functionality, and customer management. It helps a content provider control each aspect of video delivery, content, and customer management.
#2 Media player
Media player helps users watch your video content. It is a software that plays videos viewers request.
A media player is designed for multimedia playback while it streams from an Internet network, local storage, or other resources.
#3 Applications for multiple devices
Your viewers will likely want to watch your videos on different devices. Some prefer high-definition pictures with an immersive sound on a Smart TV, while others are more comfortable with mobile devices.
Given that, your audience will limit to people using Smart TVs if you provide an IPTV app only for a Smart TV. To reach more people, offer applications for multiple devices, including desktops, tablets, TVs, and mobile phones.
Moreover, applications allow you to provide a better quality of experience for viewers as they can use any device they want for the consumption of, say, Albanian TV shows. It also means that they can watch your videos anywhere they want.
#4 Encoding/transcoding
Encoding and transcoding are processes both vital for content delivery. With them, you can ensure the best possible viewing experience for your customers.
Encoding is preparing a RAW video file for transmission over the internet to an end-user device. Since your users will likely leverage different devices with particular technical requirements for video playback, transcoding is what you need.
Transcoding is creating multiple copies of your video file in diverse sizes and bitrates. This will help you make the streaming experience for viewers smooth and buffering-free, as the picture quality will adjust to the network conditions and requirements of the device.
#5 Content Delivery Network (CDN)
CDN is a network of servers spread across the globe. Its main purpose is to deliver content quickly and smoothly to end viewers. Instead of transferring videos from an origin server, CDN stores cached content on edge servers that are located closer to a user.
CDN helps you overcome geographical distance when reaching people, as it can ensure a seamless viewing experience for your customers. Since you can deliver content to people anywhere, you can scale your video streaming business into new markets effectively.
The content delivery network is helpful during sudden spikes in viewership and increases in the number of requests from people. It can distribute them across servers, continuing to provide a consistent quality of experience.
#6 Analytics
Analytics is critical for any business that wants to evolve and be successful. It is what will provide you with valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and service performance. Having this information can help you make data-driven business decisions.
Furthermore, you can deepen your understanding of viewers, and their likes and dislikes. It will help you enhance the content you create and lead to better relationships with viewers.
Moreover, analytics can show you if users have trouble accessing your service. Then, you will be able to address these issues in time.
#7 Monetization models
Choosing the right revenue model for your IPTV video streaming service is vital. In the industry, the following models are widespread:
- AVOD: usually, advertising-based services don’t charge a fee from viewers. A content provider generates money by running commercials during video playback. It can be beneficial due to accurate targeting functionality.
- SVOD: here, people purchase a monthly or yearly fee to access your video library. They can cancel a subscription anytime.
- TVOD: this model allows customers to purchase access only to a video they want to watch. The rest of them remain inaccessible, requiring additional payment.
- Hybrid: it is a combination of models described above.
There are many more monetization models in the IPTV industry. Many services opt for a hybrid approach, mixing several models. For example, they offer viewers either to watch videos with advertisements or pay for a subscription to remove them. Other platforms allow people to watch one video from a series with ads and demand payment for continuation.
Final Thoughts
Here is a list of essential features you should look for in an IPTV solution for video streaming. It is better to think about that in advance than to find out that the software you obtain doesn’t have the necessary features for your business operation later. You will waste such crucial resources as time and money.
Think about what other functions you may need. For example, customization can also be paramount for you as you probably would want to use your design colors and fonts. Some features can help you boost user experiences, such as a recommendation engine, multiple profiles, or various billing options.
