Lightcast Blog

Read everything on new technologies, new features, new products, new deals and new events:

The Role of Blockchain in Securing OTT Content

Although blockchain technology has mostly been linked to cryptocurrencies, it has the potential to transform many other industries

How Geotargeting Enhances OTT Advertising Effectiveness

How Geotargeting Enhances OTT Advertising Effectiveness

Enhancing Viewer Engagement with Interactive OTT Features

OTT media platforms take TV to the next level by offering creators more features to engage their audience.

The Importance of User Experience in OTT Platform Success

If you're looking to create your own OTT media channel, you must consider user experience in your channel's design.

Monetizing Your OTT Content: Tips and Best Practices

Monetizing OTT media creates a stream of profit from your streaming content assets. Get started with this easy-to-follow strategy guide with six smart tips

How Virtual Reality is Enhancing OTT Streaming

Through virtual reality, you can create a truly immersive experience for your OTT streaming audience.

Creating High-Quality Documentary Content for OTT Platforms

Quality documentaries could be the cornerstone of your over-the-top streaming strategy. Viewers can't get enough of this fascinating genre.

OTT Analytics: Driving Insights and Content Optimization

Over-the-top (OTT) streaming media plays over the internet directly to user devices, providing a powerful platform to market your products and services

Adapting to Changing Viewer Preferences in OTT Streaming

As an Over-The-Top (OTT) streamer, you have an exciting opportunity to really reach people; but there are some challenges, too.

Creating Compelling OTT Content for Global Audiences

With OTT streaming, you can reach anyone, nearly anywhere in the world. That's great,: but how do you create content that they actually want to watch?

Revolutionizing OTT Content Distribution with Lightcast

OTT content is everywhere these days, but if you think the evolution is over, think again. Lightcast is at the cutting edge revolutionizing content distribution

Navigating the Future of OTT: Trends and Innovations

Over-the-top (OTT) advertising can connect your business with the majority of American households.

Monetizing OTT Content: Innovative Strategies for Content Creators

Even the most passionate creators need to pay the bills. Monetizing OTT content is essential for long-term success.

The Intersection of OTT and Virtual Reality: A New Frontier for Content

OTT media is constantly evolving. As new technologies emerge, platforms are experimenting with ways to give users new experiences.

Enhancing OTT User Experience with Advanced Personalization Techniques

OTT media allows for a much higher degree of personalization than traditional TV.

OTT and E-commerce: Integrating Shopping Experiences into Streaming

Online shopping might seem far removed from OTT streaming, but there's actually lots of potential to generate revenue for your channel by integrating e-commerce

Leveraging OTT Platforms for Greater Audience Reach and Impact

OTT platforms have overtaken cable and are now expanding to include more niches and content formats.

The Future of OTT: Predictions and Trends for the Next Decade

OTT media continues to grow as a segment, and experts project an ann​​​​ual growth rate of 6.3%, with most of that growth coming from OTT advertising

Crafting Effective OTT Content Strategies for Niche Audiences

Most creators that venture into OTT content dream of making it big, with millions of views on their videos and heaps of ad revenue.

OTT Analytics: Gaining Insight into Viewer Preferences and Behaviors

OTT platforms collect dozens of data points with each video and advertisement that users interact with.

Maximizing Engagement: Interactive Ad Features in OTT Streaming

The way we consume content is rapidly evolving, and with Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming services, viewers have grown accustomed to having control.

The Growing Importance of OTT Services in a Post-Cable World

In a world where everyone is turning to streaming for their entertainment, OTT platforms are reshaping how content is consumed

How to Leverage OTT Platforms for Effective Brand Storytelling

Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms offer a unique and powerful medium for brands to tell their stories.

Exploring the Evolution of OTT Advertising: What's New in 2024?

Over-The-Top (OTT) advertising is continually evolving, with each year bringing new technologies and strategies.

How Does the Cost of Advertising on OTT Platforms Compare to Traditional TV Advertising?

The rise of Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming services is disrupting the traditional advertising landscape, and as audiences shift their viewing habits

Using Geolocation Targeting To Reach Local Audiences in Your OTT Ad Campaign

OTT streaming ad campaigns can help you reach thousands or even millions of content viewers.

How Do You Ensure Brand Safety in Your OTT Ad Campaign?

Brand safety in Over-The-Top (OTT) marketing is a critical concern for advertisers.

Building Brand Awareness and Loyalty Through OTT Ads

In the era of cord-cutting and on-demand streaming, standing out as a brand is more challenging than ever.

What Is Addressable Advertising and How Is It Used With OTT Media?

Once reliant on traditional broadcast networks and cable subscriptions, viewers now have access to on-demand streaming content across a myriad of smart TVs.

Creating Emotional Connection With Your OTT Ads

OTT advertising may have some unique features that set it apart from other types of advertising but one thing hasn't changed, the need to connect.

How Do Advertisers Measure Viewer Engagement With Their OTT Ads?

OTT advertising has to be more than just reaching viewers. These days, you have to engage with them.

How Do You Create a Sense of Urgency in Your OTT Ad?

Once your OTT platform is established, running ads becomes one of the most effective ways to monetize.

What Are the Most Popular OTT Streaming Platforms?

OTT streaming continues to be the most popular mode of video consumption for consumers. However, the competition between various streaming platforms is fierce.

Two Ways OTT Streaming Has Changed the Advertising Industry

The OTT meaning is "over-the-top", which is exactly how marketing is designed around OTT platforms.

How Does Ad-Blocking Affect OTT Advertising?

OTT platforms continue to be one of the most popular ways for consumers to access video media

Maximizing the ROI of Your OTT Ad Campaign

Streaming services are part of our daily lives, and OTT video platforms present a fertile ground for advertisers to reach targeted audiences more effectively.

Using Social Media to Promote Your Content on OTT Streaming Platforms

Content creators using an Over-the-Top media service are constantly seeking innovative strategies to stand out in a crowded marketplace

Frequency and Timing: Using Data to Optimize OTT Ads

Advertisers are no longer shackled by the rigid schedules of traditional broadcast television. OTT TV platforms provide a level of flexibility and precision

8 Keys to Make Your OTT Ads Memorable and Shareable

The surge in demand for Over-The-Top (OTT) media services has opened up many advertising opportunities

6 Challenges of Creating OTT Ads for International Audiences

Over-the-Top (OTT) media services are popular across the world, offering advertisers an unprecedented opportunity to reach international audiences.

Creating a Sense of Personalization in Your OTT Ads

As Over-the-Top platforms continue to redefine entertainment, advertisers face the ongoing challenge of cutting through the noise coming out of the OTT box

Creating Quality Educational Content for Viewers on OTT Streaming Platforms

The surge in Over-the-Top (OTT) media consumption presents some unique opportunities for educational content providers: and challenges.

Using Customer Feedback To Improve OTT Advertising

In today's Over-the-Top (OTT) media services, advertising strategies are evolving rapidly.

What Is Audience Segmentation and Why Does It Matter for OTT Streaming Platforms?

Viewers of a given TV show or movie tend to have similar characteristics. Producers and advertisers alike try to understand those similarities

Creating Engaging and Authentic Content on OTT Streaming Platforms

OTT platforms make it possible to take any kind of content and turn it into a profitable enterprise.

Dynamic Ad Insertion: Optimizing Audience Targeting on OTT Streaming Platforms

Over The Top media services, also known as OTT platforms, provide ample opportunities to monetize your content using OTT ads.

Using Content Partnerships to Enhance the Relevance of Your OTT Content

Content remains king in the digital age, and in the OTT TV sector, it's even more important than for most. When you've got so many providers, all trying to...

Building an Engaged Audience on OTT Streaming Platforms

The OTT streaming sector has boomed with countless platforms vying for the attention of viewers. Content remains king but the crown jewel is an engaged audience

OTT: Using Emotion and Storytelling to Create Connection With Viewers

The rise of OTT video means content is plentiful, but the true challenge lies in creating lasting connections with viewers.

Creating a Message That Resonates With Viewers in Your OTT Ads

OTT TV offers advertisers a unique avenue to connect with diverse, attentive audiences.

8 Best Practices for Creating High-Quality Content for OTT Streaming

The landscape of entertainment has seen significant shifts with the advent of Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms

Using Social Media to Amplify Your OTT Streaming Content

Content may be king, but visibility is the kingdom.

What Is Dynamic Ad Insertion on OTT?

Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI) is reshaping the way advertisers connect with viewers

6 Challenges of Producing Content for OTT Streaming Platforms

In today's digital age, Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming platforms are powerful players in the entertainment industry.

Optimizing OTT Content for Both Home Theaters and Mobile Devices

The Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming revolution has brought the world of entertainment into our living rooms and palms alike.

Optimizing OTT Content for Different Ad Formats

The importance of maximizing advertising impact within an OTT lite framework cannot be understated.

What Types of Content Work Well for OTT Streaming Platforms?

OTT (Over-The-Top) streaming platforms are redefining how content is consumed worldwide, providing viewers with unprecedented choice and flexibility

6 Big Benefits of Advertising With OTT Streaming

The digital revolution has irrevocably changed the way we perceive, consume and engage with media.

Creating a Sense of Urgency in Your OTT Ad

One of the most exciting recent developments in media is the emergence of Over The Top (OTT) advertising

What Kinds of User Data Are Collected and Saved on OTT Platforms?

User data is the core of any effective streaming platform. OTT platforms like Netflix and Spotify can leverage user data to provide better service to each user

What Is the Role of OTT Media in the Music Industry?

For music lovers, streaming services are used daily to listen to the latest hits and greatest albums alike

6 Ways OTT TV Has Changed the Way Audiences Discover New Content

Over-the-top (OTT) media has revolutionized the way audiences interact with content

OTT Streaming Services: The Top 6 Benefits to Advertisers

OTT streaming has affected advertising in a huge way. Today, OTT advertising offers companies the ability to reach targeted audiences in creative ways

4 Ways OTT Media Is Changing the Way Sports Are Viewed

OTT media is changing the landscape of sports broadcasting. As cord-cutters are stepping away from traditional broadcasting

OTT TV: 5 Advantages for Producers and Content Creators

Producers and content creators are gaining efficiency by using OTT TV for better control over their content distribution.

How Is OTT Media Affecting the Advertising Industry?

OTT media has had a major impact on the advertising industry, especially when it comes to audience engagement.

How OTT Media Offers Increased Flexibility and Consumer Choice

OTT (Over-the-Top) content offers consumers a world of increased flexibility and consumer choice.

OTT Media: A Better Way to Watch the News

In the years since Netflix has dominated the streaming scene, cable channels and especially cable news have become less relevant

OTT Media vs. Cable and Satellite TV: Understanding the Difference in Subscription Models

Entertainment subscription has been a hot topic among consumers for the last few years.

How OTT Media Is Changing the Distribution of Content

Traditionally, the distribution of content such as television shows and movies was delivered through movie theaters and television broadcasts at home

How Does OTT Differ From Traditional TV and Cable?

For many viewers, the days of cable TV are considered a bygone era. With more streaming services available than ever before

3 Tips for Geotargeting in OTT Marketing

Geotargeting is an effective OTT marketing strategy.

3 Keys to Getting the Best ROI From Your OTT Advertising Budget

OTT streaming services have immense marketing potential. Even major OTT platforms like Netflix are considering free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) services.

What Is Live Streaming News on OTT?

We commonly associate news with cable TV. Whether you prefer conservative, liberal, or neutral perspectives, there's a 24/7 news channel for you.

What Are 'Pause Ads' in OTT TV

Over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms have made a definite mark in the modern marketing world.

Two Tips for Monitoring an OTT Marketing Campaign

It's no secret that ads play a big role in the future of streaming. And that's why it's so important to make sure you're able to track them

Reach Your Ideal Audience: How to Build an OTT Marketing Strategy

Reach the right audience with an outstanding OTT marketing strategy.

What Is Contextual Targeting in OTT?

An over-the-top media service can provide one of the best venues for business and marketing purposes.

How Do Interstitial Ads Work in OTT?

OTT advertising is a valuable digital marketing tool for modern businesses. Interstitial ads are one type of such advertising.

Are FAST Channels the Future of OTT?

Over-the-top or OTT video service has revolutionized how viewers access their favorite programs.

What Is OTT Advertising and Why Is It So Effective?

Over-the-top streaming allows users to access their favorite television content via the internet instead of using the traditional satellite or cable method...

The 3 Most Effective OTT Ad Formats for 2023

As the popularity of over-the-top streaming increases, brands of all sizes are finding that digital video advertising campaigns pack a powerful punch

6 Types of Ads You'll Find on OTT Streaming Platforms

Brands and businesses of all sizes can benefit from advertising on over-the-top streaming platforms.

OTT FAQs: What Are FAST Channels?

FAST is an increasingly popular tool for brands and over-the-top (OTT) platform producers that are struggling with subscription fatigue.

How Can You Build a Successful OTT Platform?

The best content creators are adept at building large fan bases on their social media platforms, but they may not be receiving all the benefits they deserve.

Why Amazing User Experience Is a Must for Your OTT Platform

OTT full form is Over The Top, a platform that allows viewers to access streaming and other kinds of media outside of cable and satellite TV domains.

How to Maximize the ROI in OTT Advertising

OTT advertising can turn your content into a reliable stream of passive income.

How Do You Monetize OTT Video?

In today's video marketplace, there are abundant opportunities to turn clicks into cash by monetizing your content and capitalizing on your audience

VoD vs. OTT: What's the Difference?

What does VoD mean? Is it the same as OTT? Consider the OTT definition and compare it to another potentially confusing term, VoD.

Is the OTT Market Growing in 2023?

In 2021, OTT platforms surpassed cable TV providers in total viewership in the United States. This marks the beginning of a whole new era of media distribution.

What Can You Watch on OTT?

OTT TV is quickly taking off. However, as with any emerging technology, many people wonder what you can actually do with it.

How Do I Get OTT Connections?

OTT is going to completely take over media distribution within the next few years, Even cable companies have taken notice of this trend.

Are OTT Ads Skippable?

With OTT video platforms and their content continuing to take over the media landscape, many companies are looking for OTT marketing opportunities.

4 Tips for Making Money With OTT Ads

If you're producing content, your hope is likely to turn it into a long-term source of passive income.

How Is OTT Different From Cable?

OTT TV, short for over-the-top TV, is toppling cable TV services and quickly becoming the main method of media distribution.

Try an OTT Platform: Get Your Content Online and On Demand

The proliferation of social media platforms means that we now have more options than ever for enjoying digital content. These platforms have received huge ...

6 Challenges of Live Streaming News in 2022

Technology is rapidly helping the way that audiences stay informed on the news to evolve. That includes live streaming news, which provides up-to-the-minute cov

4 Qualitie​s You'll Find in the Most Engaging Live Videos

Even seasoned content creators can struggle with achieving and maintaining audience engagement during live videos. Trying to capture your audience's attention..

Lightcast: Get Your Content Seen in Multiple Formats

MP4, MOV, AVI, HEVC, H.264, MKV, and the list goes on. If you aren't familiar with those abbreviations, they're file formats for video content. Dozens of ...

Is OTT the Same as Live Streaming?

If you're starting in the world of hosting and distributing your own content, you may have heard a lot about OTT and how it's a useful tool for creating an ...

5 Keys to Quality Live Stream and Event Streaming

Are you planning a live stream for an upcoming event or promotion? If you're a content creator, promoting a business, and looking to expand your audience, ...

Why Your Streaming Software Matters

Live streaming content is one of the most exciting ways to connect with your audience. Transmitting your likeness in real time to your fans and followers ...

Launch Your Own Channel on Roku with Lightcast.com

With a userbase of around 60 million, Roku is easily one of the best OTT platforms to publish your content on. It already includes popular streaming services...

3 Signs It's Time to Upgrade Your Content Delivery Network

Whether it's for campaigns to generate brand affinity or ads to launch a new product, today's companies are under increasing pressure to deliver rich content.

4 Apps Your Content Delivery Network Should Incorporate

A content delivery network (CDN) allows you to upload your content once and have it delivered to multiple platforms. It's easy to see how this can save you ...

4 Keys to Monetizing Your Video on Demand

Creating video content can be rewarding in itself, but it can also be turned into a steady income if you have some great ideas and the right planning on your...

Should You Use YouTube or Facebook Live Streaming?

Looking for a streaming platform and don't know where to start? Have you heard of YouTube? What about Facebook Live Streaming? Which one should you use to ...

OTT Video Montization: Why Metadata Matters

Ever since YouTube started giving a portion of revenue to creators, the term “video monetization” has become common knowledge. Everyone knows you can make a ...

Is It Better to Live Stream in SD or HD?

You're ready to roll out your live streaming event, but you're not sure about some of the specifics and options. What is live streaming, and is it better to ...

Better Than YouTube Live: Go Further With Lightcast.com

Live streaming can be an incredible way to share content. But did you know that when you limit your live stream to a single platform, such as YouTube Live, ...

Too Many Live Streaming Apps? Consolidate Your Content Delivery

Avoid technical problems by consolidating your content delivery

Protect Your OTT Video Content With DRM

Content creators who choose an Over-The-Top (OTT) platform to stream their videos are rightfully concerned with protecting against unlawful piracy and ...

Media Monitoring: The Key to Growing Your Audience

Keeping a close eye on media coverage is one of the most important aspects of managing stable audience growth for your content platform or campaign. This ...

What Is an Online Delivery Platform?

Are you trying to find the best ways to share your content with your audience? Knowing what OTT platforms and ODPs are will help. Lightcast will also work to...

How Can I Make My Video Content More Accessible?

Producers of creative OTT media and other video content are constantly engaged in a high-tech arms race to provide the most engaging material possible ...

Why Cross-Platform Distribution Is the Future of Media

Technology has changed the way that we consume our media. Whereas before TV and radio were the dominant ways to reach audiences, now viewers are split ...

4 Keys to Starting Your Own Channel

Starting your own channel is an exhilarating experience. Turning that channel into a steady revenue source, however, is a real challenge. Building a following w

Why Is OTT So Popular Right Now?

OTT - over-the-top - is a method of distributing content without having to rely on the internet. No longer do creators have to compete with slow download...

How to Deliver Your Content to Multiple OTT Platforms

If you sell a product, you want your wares to be in as many stores as possible. The same is true if you publish video or audio content online. Every platform...

What Does OTT Stand for?

OTT is a great way to access content without having to subscribe to traditional cable or satellite providers. For an aspiring entrepreneur, it's also a great...

OTT Meaning and the Top 3 OTT Trends for 2022

Without question, OTT is one of the most frequently heard phrases among media producers and consumers. This unique platform has turned content consumption ...

4 Benefits of Using an Over the Top Media Service

Over the top, or OTT for short, is the future of media distribution. OTT platforms like YouTube, Fire TV, Apple TV or Roku, just to name a few, have already ...

What to Look for in a Live Stream Delivery Service

Whether you're looking to stream a live event, set up 24/7 streaming, or embed your live stream on an existing platform, OTT streaming gives you the ...

What Is an OTT TV Box?

OTT ("over-the-top") television boxes are becoming more and more popular as people cut the cord and move away from traditional cable and satellite TV...

What is VOD? Get Your Content Online and On Demand

According to an online Nielsen survey conducted in 2019, 65% of people in 61 countries reported watching some variety of VOD programming. If you're wondering...

Is OTT Ad-Based or Subscription-Based?

OTT video services like Roku or YouTube allow creators to publish content, reach an audience, and eventually turn a profit thanks to monetization. Platforms ...

3 Keys to Using Social Media to Grow Your Viewership

Social media is now an essential part of reaching your audience. It's no longer a matter of if, but when. Social media can connect you to potential viewers ...

Should You Monetize Content With SVOD, TVOD, or AVOD Over-the-Top Media Service?

Use these tips to learn the best way to monetize your content.

How Do I Choose an OTT Platform?

OTT platforms are growing in number and popularity. If you're a content creator or are thinking about becoming one, you have an important decision to ...

What Is OTT? 4 Ways OTT Platforms Give You Control Over Your Content Distribution

Learn to design for OTT and make your content stand out

How to Make Money With OTT Advertising

Over the past couple of years, OTT popularity has exploded. In 2020, nearly 1.5 million subscribers cut their cable and switched to streaming media ...

You Have a Great Idea for a Channel: How Will You Market It?

Use these tips to grow and market your new channel.

Can You Upload Music to OTT?

OTT's first successes were with video platforms like YouTube and Netflix. It didn't take long, though, for OTT music to catch up. Today, hundreds of millions ..

The 3 Most Important OTT Apps in 2022

The number of OTT platforms is constantly growing. As new players enter the market, it's important to keep an eye on emerging platforms to see where your ...

Is Your Content Right for SVOD?

If you're a video content creator, there's a good chance you've at least thought about monetizing your efforts with the help of subscription video on ..

Why You Need a Quality Live Streaming Encoder

If you're interested in live streaming events, you're going to want to get your hands on an excellent live streaming encoder. This technology will elevate ..

What Does SVOD Stand for?

The way that audiences engage with content that resonates with them is changing. Whereas before a few major cable providers dominated what content entered ..

How Does an OTT Player Work?

Even though OTT is well established at this point, it can seem a bit mysterious to new users. How does content from an OTT platform reach users without ..

How Does OTT Marketing Work?

OTT marketing is a branch of content marketing. The core concept behind content marketing is that if you create content worth reading, watching, or listening ..

How Is Metadata Used in OTT?

Metadata, or data about data, should be on your radar as a content creator. However, it's often an afterthought. Unbeknownst to many, these details can make ..

How Video Encoding Keeps Your Content Safe

Content creators dedicate hundreds of hours to their projects. Therefore, it's natural to want to protect that investment. That's why content creators ..

4 Questions to Ask Before Launching Your Own Channel

Starting your own video channel online is this generation's version of starting a band. Everyone has an idea for a channel and everyone thinks theirs will be ..

4 Reasons to Release Your Content Over OTT

Over the top (OTT) media has exploded in the past decade and has now reached a point where it's the leading media distribution method. In 2021, streaming ..

What Is the Difference Between Connected TV and OTT?

Streaming services have taken over the entertainment market in recent years. As more customers cut ties with their cable companies ..

Making Money With Advertising on Your Video Content

Now is the best time to create your own videos and monetize that content! One way is to advertise on your video content. AVOD, or advertising-based video on ..

What Is AVOD?

While researching the best video streaming platforms to capitalize on, you've probably come across people bemoaning or praising AVOD. If you're like most ...