What is VOD Streaming?

These days, many businesses take advantage of on-demand streaming and video content tailored specifically to their target audiences. You’ve probably heard lots of businesses talk about “VOD streaming” and its benefits, but you might wonder what VOD streaming is and how it works. You might also wonder whether VOD streaming is the same thing as live video streaming.

You’ve come to the right place! This article will break down what VOD streaming is, how it works, and how you can use services like Maestro to leverage VOD streaming for the benefit of your business.

VOD Explained

You’ve probably asked yourself, “what does VOD mean” more than once before! Put simply, “VOD” is just an acronym that means video on demand. VOD streaming means that a server or host streams media directly to a viewing screen like a laptop, smartphone, or computer monitor.

With video-on-demand streaming, consumers, website visitors, and everyone in between can immediately gain access to the media they require at a moment’s notice. All that limits VOD streaming is bandwidth and download speeds!

However, VOD streaming does not mean that users permanently download content to their devices. When someone watches a Netflix show, for instance, they don’t get permanent ownership of that content; they have to maintain their subscription to Netflix to watch a show again or to keep their access to Netflix’s content library.

Is VOD Streaming the Same as Live Streaming?

Not exactly, although the two things are fairly similar.

The primary difference between VOD streaming and live streaming is whether the content in question is prerecorded. With VOD streaming, the media content is usually prerecorded or premade. It’s been uploaded to a server and personal computers or mobile devices query the server to download the VOD media in question.

In contrast, live streaming footage is typically beamed straight to a user’s device or computer at the same moment it is uploaded to a server. Therefore, live streaming usually has a little bit of lag or input delay in comparison to VOD footage.

Note that businesses can use both VOD streaming and live streaming to excellent effect. Furthermore, some live streamed footage can be recorded or archived and then turned into VOD footage depending on the uploader’s needs.

How is VOD Streaming Used?

VOD streaming is used for a variety of business purposes. Let’s take a look at a few key examples.

Entertainment Media

VOD media is almost entirely used for entertainment purposes. Netflix shows, cartoons, and all other types of entertainment media are now primarily video-on-demand. They aren’t viewed through cable or satellite TV in most cases.

VOD entertainment media is overtaking the industry by storm. In fact, it’s possible that cable and satellite TV and media viewing will go away completely some time over the next several years.

Informative Videos

However, many businesses also use [VOD streaming] to provide their viewers with informative videos. For example, FAQ videos, tutorial videos, or even informative advertisements can all be provided to target audience members through [VOD streaming].

Imagine having a website with a tutorial page for your most important products. Rather than having a detailed text-based tutorial, you can take advantage of [VOD streaming] and simply make a video for customers to enjoy.

This is advantageous for you since video footage is usually much more engaging for consumers. It’s also advantageous for the consumers since they’ll find it easier to engage with your brand or get the answers they need via video as opposed to having to read a lengthy and eye-straining guide.

Shopping Streams and Videos

In addition to the above uses, [VOD streaming] is sometimes leveraged for shopping streams and videos, especially archived live stream shows.

Say that you want to take advantage of live shopping streams to engage with your target audience and advertise your products. Once the live stream is over, however, how can you make sure that footage is available to people who missed the initial event? You can upload it via VOD streaming!

Then anyone who wants to view the show after it “airs” can do so by watching the video on your website.

Is VOD Streaming Right for Your Business?

That’s up to you!

[VOD streaming] can be highly advantageous for any business, including your own. You could potentially use [VOD streaming] for any of the above reasons or goals. In addition, [VOD streaming] ensures that your target audience will have access to high-quality media content whenever they need it without them having to read through a dense block of text or contact a customer service specialist.

In the end, [VOD streaming] could be the perfect way to connect to your audience or take your online marketing to the next level. Consider using [VOD streaming] today with an intuitive and streamlined platform perfect for e-commerce businesses, such as Maestro.