Video on demand - definition and advantages for companies

Some people probably think of VoD providers for films and series such as Amazon Prime Video when they hear the term, but there are also video platforms that are very well suited to the business context and offer numerous features in addition to VoD that make life easier for event marketing managers.

With the ability to access video formats at any time, VoD allows companies to reuse their content and increase video marketing efficiency.

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VoD Meaning

More and more marketers are asking themselves "what does VoD mean": is it primarily content intended for private or business users? We would say both.

Video on demand is a video (or other content formatsuch as a live stream or webinar) that can be accessed from an online archive.

A distinction is made as to whether the content is free of charge or subject to a charge (pay per view).

Streaming can be hosted via streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Sky Ticket, or Netflix (intended for private users; these formats are often watched via smart TVs; often in ultra HD) or video platforms such as STREAMBOXY.

Video on demand platforms offer significantly more useful functionalities for companies, such as secure video hosting, integrated subscriber management software, branding or analytics.

Integration of video on demand content into a video platform

One of the main benefits of VoD for businesses is the ability to create a centralized video platform. This platform can contain all types of video content that a company needs, such as product videos, video podcasts and educational videos.

By having all of this content available in one place, visitors can easily discover and consume the content that interests them. This can help nurture visitors and convert them into customers.

Another advantage of VoD is the ability to broadcast content over a longer period of time. This allows companies to reach a wider audience, as people who were unable to attend a live event or stream can access the content at a later date. In addition, the ability to post-process and edit the content provides a higher quality viewing experience for viewers.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of VoD for companies?

1. improve content lifecycle through VoD

In addition to pre-recorded videos, companies can also use video on demand (VoD) to reuse live streams and webinars. By recording a live stream or webinar, companies can make elaborated customer journeysavailable to a larger audience, even after the event has ended. This allows people who were unable to attend the live event to access the valuable information and insights that were shared during the event.

The reuse of live streams and webinars has many advantages for companies. One benefit is the ability to increase the reach and impact of the event. By making the content available on-demand, more people can access the information and insights provided during the event, even if they were unable to attend live.

2. monetization

Another advantage is the ability to generate additional revenue through paywalls or subscriptions. By making the content available for purchase or as part of a subscription package, companies can monetize their content and generate additional revenue. In addition, reusing live streams and webinars can also help with lead generation by including calls to action within the content.

3. analysis & reporting

It also enables better data and analytics collection by providing metrics on viewer activity and audience demographics that can be used to improve future content creation and strategy. The ability to post-process and edit the content provides a higher quality viewing experience for the audience and can be used for training and educational purposes.

4. interaction

One of the challenges of using VoD is the loss of the character of a live event. The lack of interaction and emotion can make it difficult to engage with the audience in the same way as a live event or live stream. However, companies can overcome this challenge by incorporating interactive elements into their content, such as quizzes or polls.

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What are the technical requirements?

When it comes to the technical aspects of video on demand, there are several important factors to consider.

Encoder

One of the most important aspects is the use of encoders. Encoders are used to convert the raw video footage into a format that can be streamed over the internet. Different encoders use different algorithms and settings to compress the video, which can affect the final quality of the video.

It is important to use high quality encoders to ensure the video looks good on a variety of devices and internet connections.

Adaptive streaming

Another important technical aspect is the use of adaptive streaming. With adaptive streaming, the video can be streamed at different resolutions and bit rates depending on the viewer's internet connection. This helps to ensure that the video is transmitted smoothly and without buffering, regardless of the viewer's internet connection. These points should be considered when choosing a suitable streaming platform.

CDN

Another important aspect is a suitable hosting infrastructure and a content delivery network (CDN) to ensure that the video can be streamed quickly and reliably to a large number of viewers. A CDN also helps to reduce the load on the company's servers, which can be crucial when there is high traffic and a large number of viewers.

User-friendly players

In addition, a user-friendly player that allows users to browse the video, adjust the playback speed and use other interactive elements can enhance the viewing experience.

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What use cases are there?

Video on demand is a versatile technology that can be used by companies in a wide variety of ways.

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Three specific use cases for VoD services in companies are presented below:

1. employee training and development

Companies can use VoD to create training videos for their employees. These videos can cover a wide range of topics, e.g. product knowledge, customer service and compliance.

Since the videos are available on-demand, employees can watch them at their own pace and on their own schedule. In addition, companies can use VoD to create webinars and other educational content for employee development.

2. product demos and testimonials from customers

Companies can use videos to create product demos and customer testimonials that can be used to educate and persuade potential customers. These videos can be embedded on the company website and shared on social media to reach a wider audience.

3. recording and repetition of events  

Companies can use VoD to record and replay live events such as conferences, trade shows and product launches. By making the videos available on-demand, people who were unable to attend the live streaming can still access the valuable information and insights that were shared during the event. In addition, companies can monetize the event by setting up a paywall or offering it as part of a subscription package.

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Conclusion

To summarize, video-on-demand providers are a valuable tool for your video storytelling to reach and engage with your audience. By creating a centralized video platform and engaging video thumbnails, video content marketing companies can nurture their visitors and convert them into customers. In addition, the ability to broadcast and post-process content over a longer period of time offers audiences a higher quality viewing experience. While there are challenges to using subscription video on demand, companies can overcome these by incorporating interactive elements into their content.

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