Comparing Top 21 OTT Platform Providers

This blog will compare 21 OTT platform providers so you can make an informed choice by selecting a robust foundation for your OTT streaming.

OTT platform providers form the foundation of nearly all our streaming-based entertainment. Movies, series, events, sports, VOD, music, and educational apps – highlight the relevance of original and live content in 2022 and beyond. Every OTT service provider aspires to replicate the Netflix success story. Robust OTT solution providers deliver the viewing experience customers demand and are the driving force behind meeting OTT providers’ aspirations.

In 2021, global over-the-top (OTT) services formed a whopping $1.8 Trillion market. The drivers backing the growth of the OTT market include the increased use of smart devices and their compatibility with OTT applications, 5G infrastructure, low-latency streaming, and the replacement of the good, old TV set with streaming entertainment. The technological infrastructure laying the foundation for excellent viewing experiences is at the core of all of these trends. These experiences ultimately help OTT services acquire and retain customers and boost revenue growth.

Before we get to the comparison of OTT solution providers, it is essential to understand some basics.

What are OTT platform providers?

Establishing a white-label live-streaming OTT platform is intensive. It involves in-house server systems and cloud-based solutions, video streaming players, video CMS, monetization models, and much more. This is where OTT solution providers come into the picture.

OTT platform providers offer cloud-based hosting solutions for video, music, live streaming, and on-demand content. OTT channels can broadcast their content seamlessly over the Internet only when they choose the services of robust OTT solution providers.

OTT platform providers simplify launching and scaling your OTT channel while delivering a seamless video streaming experience. Content creators and large broadcasters that provide OTT streaming of digital video content to their users do so with video players that embed live streams and on-demand content on websites and applications.

OTT platform providers Vs. OTT platforms

OTT platform providers should not be confused with OTT streaming services like Netflix or Hoichoi. OTT solution providers offer SaaS-based solutions to power OTT streaming services to deliver content.

The benefits of OTT platform providers

Providing a foundation to launch OTT streaming services
Providing a platform to build music streaming apps, video messaging services, VoIP, OTT TV apps, and more
Seamlessly recording live streams in HD and 4K
Distributing content to direct viewers through global CDNs
Providing audience-centric video monetization models to make video streaming a sustainable business
Providing a platform to create video libraries

And much more

Winning the OTT race: vital features of robust OTT platform providers

All OTT platform providers are not made equal. When making your choice of backend providers, be sure to look out for the following features to enhance the viewing experience on your OTT platform.

1- White label OTT solution

Distribute video content in ways that make sense for your business. Third-party branding, unwanted commercials, and video suggestions from other service providers (similar to YouTube) are eliminated with a white-label streaming service. You can create live streaming video and audio and music apps and start monetizing your content.

2- Low latency streaming

OTT platform providers allow viewers to experience real-time content. Live event video streaming solutions and buffer-free binge-watching require low-latency streaming capabilities.

3- OTT content management system (CMS)

OTT platform providers must deliver robust video content management systems (CMS). An OTT content management system allows OTT platforms to organize, share, modify, and distribute video content. An OTT CMS comprises many critical features like video API access, smart or bulk video uploading, video encoding, library management, and more.

4- Video monetization

Video monetization is a powerful tool and the very foundation of sustainable OTT business models. With video monetization, OTT platform providers offer strategies to generate revenue on video on demand (VOD) and online live streams.

Most OTT players enter the market knowing how to start a streaming service. However, with a wide range of OTT solution providers, selecting the right one for your business can be challenging to navigate. To simplify your quest, we will uncover salient features and pros and cons of the top 21 OTT platform providers.

Comparison: 21 best OTT platform providers

Every OTT platform provider offers a wide range of features, but choosing the most appropriate one needs intense scrutiny.

So, we did the homework for you. From key features and USPs to pros and cons, this list of top OTT solution providers has you covered.

1- VIEWLIFT – In the OTT platform providers list

ViewLift is a leading end-to-end cloud-based video streaming OTT platform provider. Launched in 2008, we understand the unique requirements of each OTT platform – its customer base, viewing habits, and subscription mindsets, and more. ViewLift is designed as a full tech stack to address these unique nuances.

Our platform offers world-class functionality, complete scalability, and rich live video streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) experiences. By using ViewLift’s OTT streaming solutions, you can go to market in less time across all major OTT devices, including mobile, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.

Key features of ViewLift

Content Management System (CMS) for apps
Asset Management for seamless organization of video libraries and OTT content operations like bulk uploads of trailers and movies from different sources like MRSS feeds, FTP, or transfer from an external URL
Robust upload and encode video content mechanism
Video CMS for live, linear, and VOD, allowing 24×7 linear channel streaming and all of the features your audience expects from a sound platform: DVR, catch-up TV, and EPG
Fast TV capabilities
Advanced, hybrid and dynamic monetization models and dynamic ad delivery with high flexibility across TVOD, SVOD AVOD, Pay per view, SVOD+PPV and more
Real-time content and user analytics
Localization with multilingual support and closed captions
Customized integration and platform settings to control features and settings that are crucial for the growth of your OTT business
Fully customized templates ideal for white label players to create their brand appeal through streaming apps
Centralized dashboard to manage brand assets
360-degree dashboard for quick and granular analysis of traffic, engagement, revenue and marketing analytics
eCommerce integration
Supports the most comprehensive distribution network
Embeddable player that allows embedding your content on affiliate partners’ and distributors’ apps and websites
Personalized content recommendation with email and in-app messaging
Payment configurations to provide a seamless payment experience
Stream both live and on-demand video
Extensive marketing, data and analytics tools focused on empowering businesses to generate revenue and enhance interaction with their audience.
Ideal solution for the diverse needs across education, sports, media and entertainment sectors
Customized solutions for launching OTT video platforms for education and sports
Robust platform to build apps for smart TVs

ViewLift advantages

Easily accessible software to easily retrieve and analyze large datasets
World-class back-end features
Robust solution to create live streaming apps
Effortless integration of third-party services
The powers of SaaS with regular feature updates and evolving technology combined with the seasoned expertise of its leadership team
Seamless customization based on subscription, advertising and transactional models
24×7 support

Request a demo

ViewLift pricing

We offer multi-tiered pricing plans based on customers’ scale, unique needs and use cases.

2- DELTATRE

Deltatre is one of the oldest broadcasting providers that started operations with sports broadcasting. With time, the company has evolved and is a significant contender among end-to-end OTT solution providers. It helps enterprises engage viewers with live streaming, OTT, broadcast, digital and design.

Key features of Deltatre

Customizable templates
Real-time UX control
Audience segmentation tags
Personalized content promotion
Smart list curation
Live blogging
UI monetization
UI-integrated brand sponsorships
API orchestration
CMS and CDN
Data-integrated video application

Deltatre key highlights

Fan engagement feature in OTT player
UX configuration support
FORGE platform for seamless content publishing
Supports tagging system (metadata) for ticketing and merchandise options
DIA for video expertise
Supports live blogging

Deltatre pricing

Not published in the public domain.

3- KALTURA –

Kaltura is an Israel-based SaaS OTT platform provider founded in 2006. In 2020, their business acquisition put them in a good position to provide services to 600 educational institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford. Kaltura has a rich background and is well known for its broadcasting tools.

Kaltura has hundreds of open APIs that pave the way for easy integration.

Features of Kaltura

Ad-based, subscription, and pay-per-view monetization
CDN with password protection
Closed captioning tools
CMS tools
Cloud-based TV services
Features for internal video broadcasting

Kaltura key highlights

Multiple users
Multiple sessions
Customer support
Allows multiple concurrent events
Allows uploading of and embedded videos for speech classes
Clean and simple user interface
Automated captioning
Integration with third-party players
Consistent performance
Special features to build educational platforms
No content delivery network
No chat functionality
Back-end analytics integration
Needs improved functionality
Restricted UX

Kaltura pricing

Kaltura’s annual plans start at $5,400, which is billed monthly.

4- DACAST

Dacast is designed to help small to midsize businesses broadcast live and on-demand videos content using a centralized dashboard. The platform provides in-depth analytics into audience engagement, top-performing content, consumption analytics, revenue generation, and location metrics.

Key features of Dacast

Secure global content delivery
VOD hosting for OTT streaming and on-demand video content
24/7 tech support
Unlimited viewers and live channels
Real-time video streaming analytics
SVOD, AVOD, and TVOD pay-per-view monetization options
Multi-bitrate streaming for OTT, VOD, and live video content
Robust video security features
Expo galleries video portal
Integrated calls-to-action (CTAs) and email capture
Third-party player integration API access
Video API access on premium plans
Real-time video streaming analytics
Live stream recording
Video hosting for the Chinese market

Dacast key highlights

Live video streaming on phones
Mobile streaming
Multi-bitrate support
Poor support service
Complicated setup and launch
No integrated chat
Does not support low latency
Response support needs improvement

Dacast pricing

Starter Plan: $39/month
Event Plan: $63/month
Scale Plan: $188/month
Custom plans also available

5- JW PLAYER

JW Player was first conceptualized in 2005 as a student project. Despite its small start, the company has created a significant portfolio of clients, including names like ESPN, AT& T, WWE, Stanford, and the Washington Post. JW Player enables OTT companies to provide high-quality video content across any device in large and small formats.

Key features of JW Player

Online video platform with hosting and streaming
Adaptive streaming across all devices
Customizable HTML5 video player with configuration options
Native Livestream and social sharing solution
Monetization with video advertising
CMS for videos
Content discovery and recommendation engine
Detailed video analytics with insights
iOS and Android video app creation
APIs for developers

JW Player key highlights

Strong API
Simple and clean interface, easy to use
CAST option for viewers to share screens easily
Storage caps in trial packs
Video hosting needs improvements
No customer support

JW Player pricing

Trial subscription: 30-Day free trial
Starter pack: $10/month
Customized plans for enterprises, publishers and broadcasters

6- BRIGHTCOVE

Brightcove is one of the oldest OTT solution providers on the list. It was founded in 2004. Since its inception, it has won two Technology and Engineering Emmy awards. Brightcove’s solutions focus on cloud encoding, live streaming, and VOD (video on demand) hosting.

Key features of Brightcove

Multi-bitrate and adaptive streaming
Easy global content delivery
‘Multiple monetization options, but only on custom-priced plans
Insightful OTT analytics with Google integration
CRM integration
Web, iOS, Android apps
SDKs for OTT and custom-built OTT
VOD-to-Live linear encoding

Brightcove key highlights

Offers video playlist, carousel curation and video looping
Collaboration tools to enable co-creation
Customizable branding
Playlist integration with landing pages
Reporting isn’t flexible, robust, or timely
Limited analytics
Poor user interface
Limited search flexibility; only works with exact tags
Slow technical support at a basic level
Video API access only on customized plans
Insufficient security in the Basic plan

Brightcove pricing

All Brightcove pricing plans are tailored and aimed at established market players.

7- VIMEO OTT

Vimeo also makes it to the leading 21 OTT platform providers list. It allows customers to launch their own white-label video subscription channels. Vimeo OTT provides solutions to create a subscription-based video channel on any online streaming platform, including iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Android TV, Tizen, and Xbox One.

Key features of Vimeo OTT

Video content storage and management
Post-production and collaboration
Marketing and monetization
High-quality live streaming
Third-party integrations for videos streaming
Allows Google Analytics and insights on custom dashboards
Consolidates insights from Vimeo, Facebook Live, and YouTube on a single dashboard
A zero-ad platform
Share video messages quickly with Vimeo Record, a free screen and webcam recorder

Vimeo OTT key highlights

Excellent video player
Easy user interface
Easy to use tools for video management
No ads deliver an excellent viewing experience
Unlimited streaming service
Excellent community of creators and viewers
Video creators can sell or rent their content via Vimeo on Demand
Crowded web portal
Restrictions on video storage
Poor API documentation
Expensive video storage plans
Limitations on mobile upload

Vimeo OTT pricing

Business: $1250-month USD billed annually

8- CONTUS VPLAYED

Contus VPlayed has its headquarters in Chennai, India. It is a self-hosted OTT streaming solution that enables broadcasters, media professionals, online tutors, and video content owners to launch video or audio streaming platforms to broadcast over connected devices. This OTT platform provider is backed with robust technology delivering content on various platforms through video on demand, OTT, live streaming and audio streaming with multiple audio tracks.

Key features of Contus Vplayed

100% customization APIs and SDK for development and third-party platforms
Video hosting and CDN services
Real-time reporting & analytics that include geolocation-based engagement
Video content management designed for large video libraries
Live video streaming platform with VOD
Built-in marketing and social distribution tools
3-tier security and Digital Rights Management
Multiple audio tracks
Recommendation engine
Push notifications

Contus Vplayed key highlights

Buffer-free streaming
Holistic video analytics
Comprehensive monetization options
Standardized one-time licensing cost
Detailed insights and measurable metrics
Proven OTT platform services for the education sector
Not the best setup experience
Inflexible reporting & analytics
No free trials
In-built marketing tools have room for improvement
Third-party marketing tools integration needs improvisation

Contus Vplayed pricing

Customization-based pricing options are available.

9- WOWZA

Wowza provides an interactive and entertaining live-streaming experience. It offers a variety of developer tools for speedy channel building across streaming clouds, video APIs, SDKs, sample code and more.

Key features of Wowza

Improved viewer statistics
Integration with LiveU and XSplit encoders
Passthrough streaming
Affordable CDN delivery with Wowza Streaming Cloud
VOD and live video streaming
Robust video player
Real-time analytics
Advanced capabilities integrated into a single platform
Low-latency streaming for every use case
Configurable user experience

Wowza key highlights

Transcoding and HLS/DASH web streaming
Rest API endpoints in conjunction with custom Wowza modules to deliver a customized and end-to-end streaming solution
An impressive interface for better control
Additional charges on technical support
Heavy memory usage in some use cases
Complex debugging
Difficult ABR resolution and SMIL automation
Lacks in turnkey areas like raw wireframes for key verticals like VOD pages with brand logo
Lacks native features like screen grabber and streamer, video or GIF overlays

Wowza pricing

$125 per month for software
$149 for one month of live streaming

10- USCREEN

Uscreen claims to be a simple platform for those looking to monetize and distribute videos. It offers support for both live and on-demand streaming. Uscreen is equipped with everything necessary to host and deliver professional video content.

Key features of Uscreen

OTT streaming
Video organization tools
Live and on-demand streaming
Video marketing support
Video app builder
Robust video analytics
Community-building features
Monetization support
Secure streaming

Uscreen key highlights

Affordable pricing
Special features for admin and users
Customization
Customer support
Restricted UX
Lacks AVOD monetization
Lacks affiliate link payment gateway integration

Pricing of Unscreen

Basic: $79/month + $0.50/subscriber
Growth: $159/month + $0.50/subscriber
Enterprise: Customizable plan

11- STREANN

Streann is a SaaS-based provider promising a “distinctive OTT” experience with innovative distribution, engagement and monetization tools.

Key features of Streann

OTT streaming
Live and on-demand video hosting
Live chat capability
Multi-screen app creation
Ad monetization capability
Robust video analytics
Simulcasting capability
Immersive AR/VR video streaming

Streann key highlights

Effective software and backend hardware support
No hidden costs
High-quality video delivery
Problems in uploading alpha channel content
Limited customization

Streann pricing

Professional: Starts at $2,995/month
Premium: Customized and geared towards TV-grade streaming

12- VIDYARD

Vidyard was founded in 2010. It offers dedicated tools for business streaming and a focused monetization approach to convert users into subscribers. Vidyard has tools to improve audience reach and engagement by generating qualified leads.

Key features of Vidyard

Supports video creation, screen recording, and video playlists
Video management
Embedded videos for social share
Video optimization
Useful analytics dashboards
ROI tracking
Customizable branding
Email management
White labeling
Lead capture mechanism
Mobile screen support
Multi-channel distribution
Privacy options
Quick content creation
Wide range of enterprise tool integration

Vidyard key highlights

Insightful analytics
Easy video personalization
Supplements sales emails with video
Strong video embedding capabilities
Lacks Outreach integration
Clunky, hard-to-navigate interface
Limited analytical access for basic users, available only on premium subscription
Limited functionality
Lacks asset management

Vidyard pricing

Business: $1250 monthly (billed annually)
USD Billed annually

13- ZYPE

Zype is an API-first SaaS platform that overcomes complex video streaming challenges when building OTT applications. Zype takes a holistic approach to help companies increase their revenue and engagement using mobile, OTT, connected TV, social media, and other digital platforms.

Key features of Zype

Built for the OTT era
Scalable streaming solutions
Live and on-demand streaming
App building support
Bulk importing tools
Reliable CDN
API access for customization
Powerful video CMS
Highly customizable
Free from coding requirements

Zype key highlights

MAZ features to support all platforms
Easy way to set up a website and scale it
Restricted reporting tools and inflexible metrics
High pricing
Lack of competent customer support
Limited API access

Zype pricing

Zype X: $500/month
Network: $2500/month
Premium: $3500/month
Enterprise: $5000/month

14- Quickplay / Firstsight

It is another OTT platform provider offering live video streaming, modular music and video apps, user management, storefront, and VOD content.

Key features of Quickplay

OTT streaming
Powerful video CMS
Live and VOD streaming
Data storage
Powerful, interactive video player
Powerful analytics
User management
Multi-screen development framework

Quickplay key highlights

Proven track record in delivering low latency
Strong video CMS
Viewer experience optimization
AI-assisted tools across monitoring and troubleshooting
Gen5 architecture for speed and efficiency
Live channel support
Ideal for large content library enterprises
High pricing suited for enterprise requirements
Limited customer support
Limited monetization options

Quickplay pricing

They have customized pricing plans.

15- MUVI

Muvi is a popular SaaS-based OTT platform provider known for its wide range of professional features. It focuses on offering a cost-effective alternative to creators who aren’t necessarily large enterprises with deep pockets.

Key features of Muvi

Multi-screen platform
Supports diverse monetization models
Single CMS dashboard
Multiple payment gateways
Provides extensive analytics and reporting
Live radio broadcast with 100% regulation control

Muvi key highlights

Easy SEO and customer rating management
Multiple payment gateway options
Robust CMS for bulk video content
Ideal choice for independent content creators
Needs more online website design templates
Poor viewing experience due to too many ads
Significant bug issues during operations
Needs improvement in content filtering
Does not provide too many features on the trial version

Muvi pricing

Standard plan: $399/month
Professional plan: at $1,499 per month
Enterprise plan: $3,900 per month
Ultimate plan: $8,900/month
Black plan: Top-tier plan with premium services

16- CINCOPA

Several large organizations use Cincopa, a SaaS-based OTT platform provider, to store and stream their content. This multimedia video hosting platform can provide digital content management and hosting capabilities, audio (podcasts and music), photos, and more. It also offers live streaming features.

Key features of Cincopa

Advanced video analytics
VAST video ads
Chromecast integration
Media player with custom branding
Advanced player customization
Easy video embedding and sharing
Seamless annotation and CTA
Analytics and engagement tracking
Moodle and other LMS platform compatibility for the education sector
API access with open-source code

Cincopa key highlights

CDN support
Easy-to-navigate video player interface
Eye-catching templates
Dynamic and fast service
Delightful hosting experience with fast server support
Strong troubleshooting support
UI issues
Limits video and music content storage
Pricing could be more flexible

Cincopa pricing

Plus: $25/month with marketing tools
Corporate: $99/month with advanced broadcasting tools
Agency/Enterprise: $350/month supports advanced broadcasting tools with added flexibility

17- VODLIX

Vodlix is an OTT middleware for delivering TV, VOD, catchup, DVR and interactive services to customers in any network. It provides easy customization with a graphical user interface for enhanced customer experience.

Key features of Vodlix

Easy to build white label OTT platform
Content analytics
Cloud & CDN integration
Multi-screen streaming
Email marketing support
Custom plugins
Supports localization with multilingual features

Vodlix key highlights

Excellent software for video streaming on multiple platforms
Profile selection and age restriction capabilities
Ideal for small enterprises
Supports geo-fencing
No code platform
Connectivity issues that require device hard reboot
Restricted monetization
Limited customer support

Vodlix pricing

Standard: $411.55/month
Professional: $1650.34/month
Enterprise: $4127.91/month

18- OTTera

On OTTera, a white-label OTT service, businesses can customize and launch their OTT services. It requires minimal infrastructure investment and makes OTT launch easy and seamless.

Key features of OTTera

TV Everywhere, AVOD, SVOD, TVOD monetization options
Consulting services
Re-engagement and retargeting capabilities
Fully customizable
Content management
Transcoding and CD
VOD, linear, and live format streaming
4K, 360, and interactive video support
Adaptive bitrate and DRM
Offers captions and subtitles
Multilingual support
User management capability
Holistic analytics and reporting

OTTera key highlights

Third-party ad and content integrations
Allows rental plans on VOD content
Limited customer support

OTTera pricing

Details are not available in the public domain.

19- WISTIA

Wistia specializes in creating brand affinity marketing streaming solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Its video marketing software enables companies to develop captivating viewing experiences on their sites and delivers the tools to find, engage and grow user communities.

Key features of Wistia

Advanced analytics, including identity tracking and engagement
Batch upload and bulk management settings
Hosted video playback pages with comment moderation
Advanced HTML5 video player and delivery with flash fallback
Video metadata management
Video player customization with templates and widgets
Supports playlist management
Strict video security features
Email gating and lead generation
Multiple marketing automation and CRM platform integrations

Wistia key highlights

Clean and intuitive UI
Excellent learning resources like blogs and use case documents
Enables video embedding and social media sharing
Restricted analytics capability
Lacks personalized recommendations
Early-stage product with room for improvement

Wistia pricing

Basic Business Plan is free
Pro Plan – $99 per month
Ideal for businesses investing in video marketing and podcasts
Advanced Plan is also available; pricing is on request.

20- SETPLEX

Setplex aims to be a one-stop- IPTV and OTT platform. With Setplex, enterprises can quickly launch their OTT platforms by avoiding high start-up costs. In addition, it provides an excellent OTT video streaming viewer experience. Setplex offers support across multiple formats and capabilities, including linear channels, radio, VOD, DRM, analytics and reporting, among others, from a single dashboard.

Key features of Setplex

Unified dashboard to manage IPTV and OTT
Apps customization
Real-time analytics ingestion and transcoding
Global distribution and syndication network
Multi-service integration
SDK capability
Scheduling options
Video hosting, sharing and storage support
Video quality optimization
Audience engagement tools
Content organization and categorization
Tagging and metadata capability
Customization branding options

Setplex key highlights

Excellent UX and UI
Easy to use
Expensive

Setplex pricing

Not available in the public domain

21- RESI

Resi offers multi-platform online and site-to-site video streaming. Its patented Resilient Streaming Protocol allows 100% content transmission even during internet disruptions.

Key features of Resi

Deep automation enabling set-and-forget
Proactive monitoring and support
Easy Integrations
Easy streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and others in up to 1080p
Video protection during network disruptions with Resilient Streaming Protocol
Adaptive bitrate streaming with cloud transcoding
Live, DVR and simulated playback
Multi-channel audio streaming
Multi-site streaming capability
Supports multiple languages

Resi key highlights

Excellent analytics
User-friendly UI with regular updates
Professional customer support
Seamless event scheduling and encoding management
Seamless social media integration
Inability to create encoder profiles
Though positioned for non-profits, pricing can be inaccessible

Resi pricing

Custom pricing; details not published in the public domain.

Before we go

When looking for an OTT platform provider for your business, it is critical to analyze your requirements, priorities and use cases before making a choice. We hope our comprehensive comparison approach has given you the insights you need to start your OTT journey.

With a SaaS-based, end-to-end offering, ViewLift is here to take the burden off your shoulders. You bring your content strategy, partnerships, and libraries. Let us do the hard work of delivering a top-notch viewing experience, viewer acquisition, and retention.