OTT platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime videos have expanded rapidly in recent years with an increase in the affordability of the internet. The shift toward the OTT platform that people have done during that time of pandemic was not temporary. These platforms are here to stay. You will be shocked to know that, the worldwide OTT revenue has risen to $83.4 billion by the end of 2022.

OTT platforms are the present and future of video content.  If you also want to start a business, the OTT app is worth investing in. 

However just investing in an appropriate business is not enough, you have to choose the right features to achieve your end goals. In this blog, we will discuss the top 5 must-have features for your OTT app in 2023 and guide you to successful development.  Let’s get started with a brief introduction.

What is an OTT video streaming app?

OTT (Over-The-Top) video streaming app is a platform that enables users to stream videos over the internet. OTT is called so because it delivers video content “over the top” of other platforms without the need for any satellite or cable. These apps give access to users to a variety of video content like web series, movies, sports, live events, etc. Users can watch their favorite video content on-demand on their own terms on these apps. 

.OTT apps are not only limited to smart TVs but people can download them on their smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, etc. Some of the most popular OTT video streaming apps nowadays are Amazon Prime  Video, Netflix, Hulu, Youtube TV, Hotstar, Disney+, etc. 

Build your video streaming app with these top 5 Must-Have features:

1. Personalization: 

Personalization is a key feature of any  OTT app development to stand out in the competitive marketplace. You can give your users a more interesting and pertinent experience by personalizing the user experience.

Personalized content delivery based on the time of day or day of the week, personalized suggestions based on a user’s watching history, and personalized content categories based on a user’s interests are just a few examples of the many ways that personalization can be used.

Why it’s important: 

Personalization helps in user engagement and user retention. By providing personalized recommendations and content, you can increase the likelihood that users will find the content they’re interested in and keep them engaged for longer periods of time.

Benefits to business: 

• Personalization can help increase user engagement and retention.
• It can ultimately lead to increased revenue through subscriptions and ad revenue.

How to add it to your OTT app: 

You can add personalization features to your OTT app by using machine learning algorithms that analyze user data such as viewing history, search queries, and user preferences to generate personalized recommendations and content categories.

2. Live streaming

OTT apps are frequently utilizing live streaming. OTT apps can give users a real-time streaming experience that can’t be matched by on-demand content by providing live streaming of events like sports, news, and concerts.

Why it’s important: 

Live streaming offers a unique viewing experience that can’t be replicated through on-demand content. Additionally, it provides a sense of urgency and excitement that can keep users engaged and craving for more. 

Benefits to business: 

• Live streaming can help differentiate your OTT app from competitors.
• Increase user engagement and retention.

How to add it to your OTT app: 

You can add live-streaming features to your OTT app by partnering with content providers or by creating your own live-streaming events.

3. Cross-device compatibility

Cross-device compatibility is essential for any OTT app looking to provide a seamless viewing experience for users. By ensuring that your app is compatible with a variety of devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, you can provide users with the flexibility to watch content on their preferred devices.

Any OTT app that wants to give users a seamless watching experience must be cross-device compatible. You can give users the choice to view content on their preferred devices by making sure your app is compatible with a variety of gadgets, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

Why it’s important: 

Cross-device compatibility is important because it allows users to watch content on their preferred device. 

Benefits to business:

• Cross-device compatibility can help increase user engagement and retention.
• It can boost user engagement and satisfaction.

How to add it to your OTT app: 

You can add cross-device compatibility to your OTT app by developing a responsive app design that adjusts to different screen sizes and resolutions.

4. Social sharing

Any OTT app that wants to improve user engagement and expand its user base must have social sharing capabilities. You can accelerate the app’s visibility and attract new users by enabling users to post content on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Why it’s important: 

Social sharing is important because it can help increase the visibility of your app and encourage new users to sign up. It also provides users with a way to share their favorite content with friends and family.

Benefits to business: 

• Social sharing can help increase user engagement and grow your user base.
• Increased revenue through subscriptions and ad revenue.

How to add it to your OTT app: 

You can add social sharing features to your OTT app by integrating social media sharing buttons into your app’s interface. You can also create shareable content such as trailers and promotional videos that users can share on social media.

5. Offline viewing

Offline viewing is becoming increasingly important for OTT apps as users increasingly expect to be able to access content offline. By allowing users to download content for offline viewing, you can provide a more convenient viewing experience for users who may not always have access to the internet.

Due to rising user expectations, offline access to content is becoming more and more crucial for OTT apps. You can give users a more convenient viewing experience by enabling them to download videos for offline viewing.

Why it’s important: 

Offline viewing is important because it provides a more convenient viewing experience for users who may not always have access to the internet. It also allows users to watch content without worrying about data usage or buffering issues.

Benefits to business: 

• Offline viewing can help increase user engagement and retention by providing users with a more convenient viewing experience.
• It can also help attract new users who are looking for an app that offers offline viewing.

How to add it to your OTT app: 

You can add offline viewing features to your OTT app by allowing users to download content for offline viewing. You can also provide users with the option to choose the quality and file size of the downloaded content to optimize storage space on their devices.

Wrapping up!

Due to the increasing inclination of users towards OTT apps, many businesses are trying their luck in this competitive industry. But to stand ahead of the crowd and gain popularity, it is very important to provide out-of-the-box solutions.

However there are many features that should be in your OTT app, we have enlisted the top 5 must-have features for your OTT app to achieve your end goals in 2023. Successfully incorporating these features help your OTT app to reach a great height with handsome revenue. There are many OTT app development company that helps you in the journey of making a successful OTT app.

Read More: Flutter vs React Native: Which One to Choose in 2023?

How does Tecorb Technologies help in developing feature-rich and unmatched OTT apps?

Being one of the leading OTT video streaming app development companies, Tecorb Technologies is your one-stop destination that develops feature-rich and unmatched OTT apps with the use of the latest technologies and programming languages. Using its extensive industry knowledge and innovative approach, the Tecorb team strives to convert business goals. Here is what you get on choosing us as your reliable OTT app development partner: 

• Expertise 
• Customized solutions 
• Agile development 
• Quality assurance
• Competitive Pricing 

So, why wait? Connect with us today and take your business to great heights with scalable and out-of-the-box OTT app development services.