What Are The 25 Best OTT Platforms [2023]?
Introduction
OTT platforms have replaced cinema halls and traditional TVs and revolutionized the world of entertainment. But what is OTT platform? Gone are the days of cable TV monopolies. Unlike fixed-time movies and shows earlier, now you have many choices and no time obligation to watch what you like. You can binge-watch your favorite shows, movies, TV series, and documentaries whenever you want on Netflix, Hotstar, Prime, and other OTT platforms.
Over-the-top platforms have given more power to viewers than ever before. Netflix is the first OTT platform in the world originated in 2007. Seeing the success of Netflix many other platforms came into the market. Businesses started to look for the best app development company for streaming their shows on apps effectively.
From riveting series to blockbuster movies, the world of entertainment has joined our screens in the comfort of our homes. Here is the exploration of the “Best OTT platforms” in this blog. Let’s find out how the ways have refined how we consume entertainment.
What Is OTT?
OTT stands for Over The Top, which means sending audio, video, and other media content over the internet straight to the audience. OTT content is typically delivered by content providers and streaming services without the involvement of traditional cable and satellite TV providers.
Users can access OTT content on various devices including computers as long as they have an internet connection. OTT services have become increasingly popular due to their flexibility and convenience. They offer a vast variety of content from movies to TV shows to live sports and user-generated videos.
Well-known examples of OTT platforms include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. The OTT market is flourishing more than the previous times. After the contagious disease Corona, people were inclined to watch movies at home for safety purposes.
25 Best OTT Platforms to Watch What You Like
When you open an OTT platform you see an abundance of content. You can’t even choose what to watch because you have many good choices. OTT platforms have refined the way we access our favorite movies, TV shows, and more.
Our guide will help you navigate the ever-expanding universe of OTT choices so that you get an answer to the question of what is the best OTT platform.
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
- Hulu
- Apple TV+
- HBO Max
- YouTube
- Peacock
- Pluto TV
- ESPN+
- CBS All Access
- Discovery+
- Tubi
- Sling TV
- Kanopy TV
- Fubo TV
- Vudu TV
- Crackle TV
- Crunchyroll
- Acorn TV
- Shudder
- Vimeo
- CuriosityStream
- BritBox
- Philo
- Quibi
- VRV
Scroll down to learn about these all OTT platforms in detail.
1) Netflix:
It is a globally renowned platform offering an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and original content, with a massive subscriber base. It is known for its engaging features, designs, personalized recommendations, and an array of genres catering to diverse tastes. Netflix commitment to original content has led to the creation of notable films and series. It made Netflix a streaming giant.
2) Amazon Prime Video:
Amazon Prime Video is a prominent OTT platform with a diverse selection of movies, TV series, and original content. It’s known for its exclusive streaming of interesting and thoughtful videos. The platform offers a mix of genres, making it popular for a range of audiences. It entertains its users with original content as well.
3) Disney+
It is one of the best streaming services for parents looking for family-friendly movies and shows. You get to watch classic Disney programs and new series streamed. Subscriptions start at $8/month. But this is for ad-supported streaming. You have to pay $14 for ad-free streaming services.
4) Hulu
Hulu is a widely used OTT platform, specializing in offering current TV episodes from various networks. It is an American subscription streaming service that provides an extensive library of on-demand content. You can also enjoy the original series making it popular among viewers seeking up-to-date entertainment. With its easy-to-use interface, it’s a go-to choice for catching the latest TV shows.
5) Apple TV+
Apple TV is a subscription-based Over The Top streaming service launched by Apple INC. It provides different types of original TV series, films, documentaries, and content for children. Apple TV+ is available on a range of devices including Apple devices, smart TVs, and streaming media players. Subscribers can access exclusive content produced by Apple, renowned filmmakers and actors.
6) HBO Max:
HBO Max is a premium OTT streaming service that offers a vast array of content, including all of HBO’s programming, series, movies, and additional content from Warner Media. This streaming service is relaunched as max. People can find their favorite content like “House of the Dragon” the content from Discovery+. Although some people in America are on strike for the collaboration, it will offer more content to viewers. If you are seeking high-quality entertainment it is available on various devices smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
7) YouTube TV:
We all know YouTube where we can watch pre-recorded videos and love videos. YouTube TV is an exclusive platform offering movies and different TV shows. It provides you with around 70 television networks.
You can also feel excited watching original content by YouTube Red. BRAWO, the USA, AMC, and FX are the popular channels on YouTube TV. If you want to create an OTT platform similar to it, find here why YouTube uses AngularJS It will help you with getting tech stack ideas for your project.
8) Peacock:
Peacock is owned by Comcast. This Over-The-Top streaming service from NBCUniversal provides engaging content. It offers a variety of content including TV series, movies, news, sports, and original programming. Peacock provides different tiers like a free-ad-supported option and premium subscription options with more content. It has become an important player in the OTT streaming market. It entertains people with amazing shows and movies.
9) Pluto TV:
It is a free ad-supported streaming service. This leading free streaming television service offers hundreds of live linear channels. You can enjoy a wide range of channels and content that you can watch without a subscription fee. Pluto TV content is organized into various channels, similar to traditional cable or satellite TV. Enjoy watching genres like news, sports, entertainment, and more.
10) ESPN+:
ESPN is also a subscription-based streaming service offered by ESPN. If you are a sports lover this is an amazing OTT platform for you. It offers content ranging from live sports, to live games and exclusive ESPN+ original programming. Subscribers can watch sports from various leagues and organizations, making it an attractive choice for sports enthusiasts. ESPN+ complements the traditional ESPN channels and can be accessed through various devices.
11) CBS All Access:
CBS All Access is now Paramount+ offered by Viacom CBS. You can find an ample number of TV shows, series, movies, and live television. CBS All Access is known for offering access to CBS network content including live streaming of CBS channels and exclusive series. The rebranded Paramount+ platform now incorporates additional content from ViacomCBS networks, expanding its offering beyond CBS. It’s a popular choice for viewers seeking a diverse range of entertainment options.
12) Discovery+:
This OTT platform is the product of Discovery Inc. It is dedicated to non-fiction content, offering a vast library of documentaries, reality shows, and unscripted series from various Discovery-owned networks, including Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, and more. Discovery+ gained popularity for its extensive content related to science, nature, home improvement, cooking, and true crime, among other genres.
13) Tubi:
Tubi is available for free on Android, iOS, Roku, Apple, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung smart TVs, PlayStation and the web. You can watch amazing movies and TV shows for free and no need for credit cards.
14) Sling TV:
It is one of the best live TV streaming OTT platforms. You can enjoy shows using the Sling TV app. You can enjoy on-demand content along with streaming live TV content. No matter where you are if you have good speed internet you can access Sling TV shows. It offers you with options to choose from whenever you want. It is the first app-based TV service to let you stream live television. However, Sling is only available inside the US.
15) Kanopy TV:
Kanopy is another name on the list of best OTT platforms in this blog. If you like watching thoughtful movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, and independent films, this is the right OTT platform for you. You can enjoy an ad-free experience while watching your favorite shows. You can stream on your favorite devices anytime and anywhere. Kanopy streams classic cinema and many people discuss its movies on social media like Instagram.
Also read: How to build apps like threads?
16) Fubo TV:
Fubo is a rapidly expanding American company that is publicly traded. It has the potential to define the future of TV. The engaging interface of the platform makes it easy for the users to navigate through the content and find the best one for them. It is an effective streaming service for enthusiasts. It has a mission to build leading global live TV and sports viewership to turn passive viewers into active participants, defining the new category of sports and entertainment.
17) Vudu TV:
Looking for convenient ways to stream TV shows for free, go for Vudu TV. It asks for no subscription rate. You can select film and TV titles to stream for free but on a particular turn. Vudu frequently offers you deals in which you can purchase multiple titles at once at a discount. You can also convert Blu-ray discs and DVDs that you want to include to your library on Vudu. A wide range of content provides many choices and keeps you busy.
18) Crackle TV:
Crackle TV commonly known as Crackle is a free and ad-supported Over The Top streaming service. It offers a selection of movies, TV series, and original content that users can watch without a subscription fee. Crackle is known for its library of older movies and classic TV shows as well as original programming. It provides a convenient and cost-effective way to access a range of entertainment content. It is particularly for viewers who prefer a no-cost streaming option.
19) Crunchyroll:
Crunchyroll is an over-the-top streaming service that specializes in anime and Asian content. It offers a vast library of Anime series, Manga adaptations, and Asian dramas, including both Subbed and Dubbed versions. Crunchyroll is a popular OTT platform among anime enthusiasts, providing access to the latest episodes of ongoing series, classic titles, and simulcast episodes shortly after their original broadcast in Japan.
20) Acorn TV:
Acron TV offers British and international television series. It offers a broad selection of dramas, mysteries, comedies, and documentaries from around the world with a particular focus on British production. Acron TV has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality often critically acclaimed content, including series from the UK and other English-speaking countries. It’s a preferred choice for viewers interested in British and international programming.
21) Shudder:
Shudder is an OTT streaming service designed for thriller, horror, and suspense enthusiasts. With different genres and an ample number of shows, movies, TV series, documentaries, and original programs. Shudder is a popular OTT platform among horror-movie-lovers. You can find content from classic films to modern releases and exclusive original series. It’s a top choice for viewers who enjoy the thrill of horror and suspenseful storytelling.
22) Vimeo:
Vimeo is an online video-sharing and streaming platform that allows users to upload, share, and view videos. Unlike some other video-sharing platforms, Vimeo is known for its focus on high-quality and professional content, making it popular among independent filmmakers, artists, and creators. It provides a platform for hosting and sharing videos including short films, music videos, documentaries, and creative projects. It offers various features for video creators and also provides options for privacy, customization, and monetization.
23) CuriosityStream:
It primarily focuses on documentary content and educational programming. CuriosityStream offers a vast library of documentaries and series covering a wide range of topics, including science, nature and history, technology, and more. CuriosityStream is known for its high-quality, fact-based content, making it an attractive choice for viewers who are interested in informative and educational material. The platform is accessible on various devices and offers subscription options for accessing its extensive documentary library.
24) BritBox:
This OTT streaming service specializes in British television content. It offers a vast library of classic and current British TV series, dramas, comedies, mysteries, and more. BritBox is a joint venture between BBC and ITV, two major British broadcasters, and features a wide range of content. It includes popular British series and exclusive originals. It’s a preferred choice for viewers interested in British shows, making it a top platform for Anglophiles and fans of British television.
25) Philo:
Philo offers a live TV streaming service with a focus on entertainment content. It provides access to popular cable and network channels, including those featuring entertainment, lifestyles, and news content. Philo is known for its budget-friendly pricing and doesn’t include sports or local channels which allows it to offer a lower-cost subscription. It’s a good choice for those looking to stream live television.
How to Start an OTT Streaming Service?
What should be the first step so that you can end effectively? Commencing an OTT streaming service seems like a lot of work. But with the right strategy and market research you can make it. Before you actually begin developing an OTT platform ask the below questions yourself.
1) Why create an OTT platform when there are already many in the market?
If you create an OTT platform then what is the guarantee it will succeed? You need to create amazing planning for your new business. Many businesses are looking to create a platform like Netflix as it is a successful business model.
2) Is this business idea right to make money now or in the future?
We all know that we want to start a business to make money. If you put your money and effort into something and it doesn’t give the desired result you lose confidence too. So, make sure how long it will take to start earning.
3) Who is my target audience?
With the help of market research, you can find people who will use your service. Knowing the target audience is crucial to plan for marketing accordingly. And create services and products according to the target audience. So, make sure you know who are you building this product for.
4) What is a different service you will offer?
You have to make the USP of your business. Providing the same content that other OTT platforms are offering, has less chance to attract an audience. Or you can provide the same content with more lucrative offers. It’s all up to you. The point is, that you should know your USP, or what is different in your OTT platform.
There are many other questions to consider. Now you need an innovative and engaging app to provide OTT services to your audience. For this, you can check sites to hire web developers Check the portfolio of the company to find out whether it suits your project or not. Discuss your idea with the experts in the company. You must have basic knowledge of the software development process so that you can interview developers for your project properly.
Conclusion
Knowing about the popular OTT Platforms will help you subscribe only to the best platform according to your taste. And if you are thinking of an OTT business, then also this blog is helpful. Compare all 25 OTT platforms to analyze what they lack, and where they rock. Consider the four questions before beginning your business and find the best software development company to build your OTT app.
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