Note: Occasionally a client may opt to remove a piece, or they may go out of business, merge with another company, etc. In those cases, I do my best to put my latest version here. In this case, Maz Systems was bought by Zype App Creator – I subsequently did many pieces for Zype as well!
239 million people in the United States watched digital video in 2020. What’s more, digital video market penetration in the U.S is set to hit 83.8% in 2021. With this data in mind, it’s safe to say that over-the-top (OTT) platforms are a good bet going forward. If this excites you, you’re not alone. OTT platforms are being created daily, and many unexpected businesses are utilizing these tools to give customers a unique experience, drive sales, and find more revenue streams.
Here, we’ll feature a few OTT examples, just to give you some inspiration as you start your OTT journey. As you’ll see, it’s not just big players like Netflix and Hulu or traditional megaliths like Paramount or Disney jumping into the fray.
Callanetics
Fitness is the perfect industry for OTT, and Callanetics is a forward-thinking fitness company in more ways than one. Suitable for nearly everyone, Callanetics is a “revolutionary, non-impact exercise program that tones and reshapes your body. The exercises consist of small, delicate movements with no jarring or straining to stress your joints.”
The platform is available on the Web, iPhone, Android, Apply TV and Fire TV, and makes money via a $9.99 monthly subscription, which is also offered on a yearly basis with a discount.
BirdieTime
BirdieTime caters to the over 23 million golfers in the United States who want to improve their game but don’t have access to a full time golf instructor in their back yard. BirdieTime employs a cadre of highly qualified and successful golf pros and coaches who teach classes via on demand video. Coaching plans can be tailored to the individual, as well.
BirdieTime is available through the web and gives users a choice between a monthly plan at $9.90 per month or $89 a year, or a single coaching plan for a $29 one-time fee.
FaderPro
As the BirdieTime example shows, OTT platforms are becoming the new go-to way to develop skill. Nowhere is this truer than in the world of audio and music production, and FaderPro is a leader in that field. FaderPro offers a wealth of information for the budding music producer, as well as plenty for seasoned studio veterans to chew on.
Available through the web, FaderPro’s revenue model includes one-off courses starting at $29.99 or course bundles which give customers lifetime access to several courses at a discount over piecing them together ala carte.
Kweli TV
Kweli TV is all about celebrating diversity and the black community by making available a host of content not otherwise available from streamers. From films to documentaries to web series and kids shows, Kweli gives black creators a platform who may not otherwise have them, and customers access to content they can’t get elsewhere.
Kweli is available on the web, iPhone and Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. Their business model is a simple subscription model at $5.99 per month or $49.99 per year.
Button TV
Button TV is a subset of a larger platform (Button Poetry) centered around slam poetry, which has become one of the most influential performance movements in the world. Button TV features a variety of poetry related videos like poetry performances, full feature sets, curated episodes, documentaries, and interviews.
Button TV is available on the web and offers a basic access version for free, with full access costing just $3.99 per month or $20 a year.
These OTT examples go to show that the possibilities are endless with OTT. Far from just a way to serve up movies, sports, and TV, OTT platforms give businesses a new way to reach customers, and they can even spawn totally new business models.
If you’re inspired to take the next step, MAZ Systems can help. Contact us now to formulate your plan.