Why OTT is sweeping the country

OTT is an abbreviation for Over-the-Top and is a term that describes streaming digital content. The content can be text, audio, and video. OTT has surged in popularity over the last decade to the point that industry executives say OTT is the future of television. As long as you have an internet connection (Wi-Fi, cable, smartphone), you can access OTT content. The following are some examples of well-known OTT services.

• Netflix
• YouTube
• iTunes
• Hulu
• Disney+

The reason for OTT’s huge popularity is simple; you can watch the type of content you want wherever and whenever you want if you have access to the Internet. OTT bypasses traditional broadcasting methods used by cable television or the airwaves and distributes content using streaming technology.

OTT providers make money by charging for a subscription or through advertising. Though OTT is generally used to describe video streaming companies, it can also describe video calls and messaging services such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber. OTT messaging services include Yahoo Messaging, Twitter, and Facebook.

OTT’s importance lies in the fact that it has grown tremendously in the last five years. In the United States, OTT usage grew more than 300 percent from 2014 to 2019 by which time over 50 million households had signed up with a streaming service. Clearly OTT services are attracting a lot of eyeballs. This trend is still growing, especially on an international scale. Here’s why folks love OTT!

• OTT services are compatible with several devices. If you do not have a television, then you can use a computer or any other digital device with internet or Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Since OTT service is app-based, you can share it with multiple people, by sharing login information.
• OTT can be used on smart TVs as well as ordinary TVs. For regular TVs, all you will need is TV sticks that can connect to your Wi-Fi device.
• The technology that allows OTT can also be used in other industries, not just entertainment. One of the most significant users of OTT technology is education. Thanks to video streaming, students can “attend” class and finish their schooling.
• Most people move to OTT to save money. It’s generally less expensive than cable.

The emergence of OTT shows how our media consumption has changed over the years. It seems to me that OTT is to broadcast television as iHeart Radio or Pandora is to FM radio. Our media habits are constantly shifting. The challenge is to keep up with the changes in order to maximize the effectiveness of our advertising.

Infinite Possibilities with OTTT
he fact is, OTT is here to stay, growing in importance every year. If you run a business, you cannot ignore the power of streaming technology. If it all sounds confusing to you, don’t worry. Broadcast stations can deliver your commercials to many OTT services. They are more than ready to help with your next media buy.