Over-the-top, or OTT, refers to the way TV or film content is delivered on the internet without the need for traditional broadcast, cable, or satellite providers. It’s pretty much the way content is reaching its audiences worldwide right now, from a broad array of subscription services. 

However, OTT is just the tip of the iceberg. There are different ways of bypassing traditional providers and streaming content online, and since about 82% of all internet traffic is expected to come from video streaming in 2022, it is important to know them. These are the three most common>

Video on demand (VOD): It is a content distribution platform that allows users to view media whenever, wherever, and however they like. That means, being able to choose what to watch regardless of a schedule (like it used to happen with traditional TV), watching at any desired speed (fast-forwarding, stopping, rewinding, etcetera), and on any device or geography (whether it’s available, that depends on the VOD provider). The best example is YouTube.

Subscription video on demand (SVOD): It’s a type of VOD, but it works (as its name suggests) with a subscription model. By paying a fee, usually monthly or yearly, the users have access to a video library. It’s probably the most popular VOD right now, as companies like Netflix, Disney, and HBO all work with this model. A key element of SVOD is that the subscribers are paying for two things: the content available on each platform’s library, and a viewing experience free of advertisements.

Advertising video on demand (AVOD): Another popular type of VOD. It contrasts with SVOD because users don’t get the opportunity to pay to stop watching advertisements. Ads are the way AVOD monetize, much in the same line as traditional TV sith programmed commercials. There might be an option to pay for an upgrade that reduces the number of ads shown, though.