With support for standard definition (SD), high definition (HD), and even 4K outputs, vMix offers flexibility for diverse live streaming production needs. The software requires a PC running Windows 10 and a DirectX10 compatible graphics card, with detailed system requirements available on the vMix website. The user interface is designed to mimic a professional broadcast studio, featuring side-by-side preview and output windows, which, while initially complex, quickly become intuitive and powerful.

vMix stands out in the crowded field of video production software by offering a balanced mix of features and affordability. Its unique pricing strategy caters to users with varying budgets and needs, with five editions: Basic, Basic HD, HD, 4K, and Pro, ranging from free to $1200.

Even the entry-level editions include core features like HD resolution, multiple camera inputs, overlays, built-in animated titles, scoreboards, and tickers. All versions support recording and streaming up to three simultaneous live streams.

One of the standout features of vMix is its scalability, allowing new users to start with a basic license and easily upgrade as their needs grow without learning a new software environment. This scalability makes vMix an ideal choice for many users, ensuring a smooth learning curve and consistent performance without the need to switch to different software due to technical limitations.

vMix Live Streaming Features

Inputs and Compatibility

• Video Cameras: Supports 4K, HD, and SD cameras, including webcams and capture cards.
• NDI®: Allows high-quality, low-latency video and audio transfer over a local network between vMix systems and other NDI-compatible sources.
• Video Files: Compatible with popular formats like AVI, MP4, H264, MPEG-2, WMV, MOV, and MXF.
• DVDs: Supports DVDs with menu navigation.
• Audio Files: Works with MP3 and WAV files.
• Audio Devices: Can mix multiple audio sources, including sound cards and ASIO audio interfaces.
• Playlists: Combine multiple video and/or audio files into a single input.
• Instant Replay: Offers slow-motion replay for up to 8 cameras.
• Video Calls: Supports live remote video calls for up to 8 guests, with direct Zoom integration.
• Other Inputs: Includes web browser, RTSP, PowerPoint, photos, solid color backgrounds, and more.

Streaming, Recording, and Output

• Simultaneous Streaming and Recording: Stream to platforms like Facebook Live, YouTube, and Twitch while recording in full HD.
• Output Options: Compatible with AJA, Blackmagic, and Bluefish cards for professional recording decks and monitors.
• Virtual Camera: Stream to third-party software like Skype, Zoom, Teams, and VLC.

Transition Effects

• 13 Transition Effects: Includes cut, fade, zoom, wipe, slide, and more, with customizable transition buttons and up to 4 custom stinger transitions.

Efficiency and Performance

• Efficient HD Production: Utilizes full 3D acceleration for efficient live production, optimized for NVIDIA hardware encoding for enhanced performance.

Built-In Animated Titles

• Title Templates: Over 100 built-in animated titles, scoreboards, and tickers.
• GT Designer: Create custom static and animated titles, with advanced features in higher editions.

Desktop Capture

• PC and Mac Sources: Capture screens from remote desktops and local displays, with audio capture support.

Remote Guests

• vMix Call: Easily add up to 8 remote guests with a browser and webcam.
• Zoom Integration: Integrate Zoom meetings directly, supporting up to 1080p HD.

vMix Live Streaming Production

Below explained are the key steps in creating live productions using vMix software, emphasizing its versatility and comprehensive functionality.

Cameras – vMix supports a wide array of camera inputs, including cinema cameras, handy cams, camcorders, PTZ cameras, IP cameras, and webcams, available in various resolutions such as SD, HD, and 4K. This flexibility allows users to switch seamlessly between different camera types and NDI sources, facilitating diverse and dynamic live production setups.

Capture – The software supports advanced capture devices using the latest PCIe, Thunderbolt, and USB technologies from well-known manufacturers like Blackmagic Design, AJA, and Magewell. Users can capture high-quality audio and video through multiple methods, including USB and ASIO, ensuring optimal input quality for their productions.

Content Creation – vMix enables the creation of dynamic live productions by integrating live guests, NDI sources, videos, images, desktop capture, and SRT feeds. The platform’s customization features, such as the vMix GT Titler and data-driven content tools, allow for the animation and personalization of titles, enhancing the visual appeal and engagement of live streams.

Recording – Users can record their live productions in various high-quality formats, catering to different post-production needs. The vMix Multicorder, available in the vMix 4K and PRO versions, offers the capability to ISO record camera sources, simplifying the post-production process by providing individual camera feeds for detailed editing.

Streaming – vMix facilitates easy streaming to multiple platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Vimeo, with just a few clicks. This feature ensures that live productions can reach a broad audience across various popular streaming services, maximizing viewer engagement and interaction.

Output – Finished live productions can be outputted to monitors, projectors, and TVs for immediate viewing. The software’s NDI support allows for the integration of production, audio, and individual camera feeds into other productions, promoting real-time collaboration. Additionally, vMix supports SRT for global streaming and SDI output for professional production environments.

Production Features – At the core of vMix’s capabilities are its production features, which include overlaying titles and graphics, mixing and switching content, and interacting with viewers via video calls (vMix Call). The platform also offers advanced audio monitoring and mixing, instant replay in 4K and Pro resolutions, and audience engagement tools through vMix Social.

vMix for Windows: Compatibility and Setup

Installation Process for vMix

• Visit the vMix website and navigate to the download section.
• Download the latest version of the vMix installer.
• Locate the downloaded installer file on your computer.
• Double-click the installer file to start the installation process.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation.
• Accept the license agreement and select the installation location.
• Click ‘Install’ to begin the installation process. Once the installation is complete, click ‘Finish’ to exit the installer.
• After installation, you can launch vMix from the desktop shortcut or the Start menu.
• Upon first launch, you may be prompted to enter a license key or start a trial period

vMix for Mac

vMix is primarily designed for Windows, and there is no native version of vMix software for mac available for macOS. However, Mac users can still run vMix by using alternative methods to create a suitable Windows environment on their Mac devices. Here are the most common approaches:

Using Boot Camp

Boot Camp is a utility that comes with macOS, allowing users to install and run Windows on a separate partition of their hard drive. This method provides the best performance for running vMix as it utilizes the full power of the Mac’s hardware.

Using Virtualization Software

Virtualization software allows you to run Windows within macOS without rebooting. Popular options include Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, and VirtualBox. This method is convenient but may not offer the same performance as Boot Camp, especially for demanding applications like vMix.

Getting Started with vMix Studio live streaming

1. Download and Install vMix
Download: Go to the vMix website and download the installer for the latest version.
Install: Run the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts.

2. Set Up Your Inputs
Launch vMix: Open the vMix application.
Add Input: Click on Add Input in the bottom left corner.

Camera: Select Camera and choose your camera from the dropdown list. Configure resolution (e.g., 1920×1080) and frame rate (e.g., 30fps or 60fps).
NDI Source: Select NDI / Desktop Capture for network sources. Choose your NDI source from the list.

Screen Capture: For capturing your desktop, select Desktop Capture. Choose the display or application window you want to capture.
Media Files: For videos, images, or audio, select the appropriate input type and browse for your files.3. Configure Inputs

Input Settings: Right-click on an input and select Input Settings. Here you can adjust:
Color Correction: Adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance.
Chroma Key: Enable and configure chroma key for green screen effects.
Audio: Assign audio sources and adjust audio settings.

4. Create Multiviews and Layers

Multiview: Right-click on an input and select Multiview. Add other inputs as layers to create composite shots.
Layering: Adjust the position, scale, and crop of each layer within the multiview.

5. Audio Setup

Audio Mixer: Open the audio mixer by clicking on the Audio Mixer button.

Inputs: Ensure each audio input is assigned correctly (e.g., microphones, video audio).
Levels: Adjust the volume levels and apply audio effects like EQ and compression.

6. Add Overlays and Titles

Overlays: Click on the Overlay button (1, 2, 3, 4) to assign overlays.
Graphics: Add static or animated graphics as overlays.
Titles: Use the built-in title designer or import custom titles.

7. Configure Streaming Settings

Stream Settings: Click on Stream to open the streaming settings.

Destination: Select your streaming platform (YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, etc.).
Stream Key: Enter the stream key provided by your streaming platform.
Server URL: Enter the RTMP server URL if required.
Streaming Quality:
Resolution: Choose the output resolution (e.g., 1920×1080).
Bitrate: Set the bitrate according to your internet upload speed (e.g., 4000-6000 Kbps for 1080p).
Encoder: Select the encoder (e.g., x264 for software encoding or NVENC for NVIDIA GPU encoding).

8. Start Streaming

Start Stream: Click on the Stream button to start broadcasting.
Monitor: Keep an eye on the Stream panel for any alerts or issues.

9. Recording (Optional)

Record Settings: Click on Record to configure recording settings.
Format: Choose a recording format (e.g., MP4, AVI).
Destination: Select the destination folder for the recording.
Quality: Set the recording quality and resolution.
Start Recording: Click the Record button to start recording the live stream.

Steps needed to begin streaming to the web with vMix

Step 1: Open the Streaming Window
Click the cog icon next to the “Stream” button in the main vMix interface.

Step 2: Access the Streaming Window
A new window dedicated to streaming settings will appear.

Step 3: Enter Your Streaming Provider Details
Choose your streaming provider from the drop-down menu. If your provider is not listed, select “Custom RTMP Server.”

If your provider is listed, log in and select the desired channel directly from vMix.
For a custom setup, gather the following information from your streaming provider:
URL: For example, rtmp://example.com/live
Stream Name or Key: This might also be referred to as “Stream” or “Stream Name.”
Input this information into the provided fields.

Step 4: Select a Quality Setting

The quality of your stream will depend on your internet connection and your audience’s bandwidth.
The default setting of 360p at 1.5mbps is suitable for most broadband connections.
For custom quality settings, click the cog icon to open the “Streaming Quality” window and adjust according to your needs.

Step 5: Choose an Application

vMix comes with FFMPEG installed by default, which supports high-quality streaming with H264 video and AAC audio.
Optionally, you can install the Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder (FMLE) from Adobe’s website if your provider doesn’t support FFMPEG or if you require MP3 audio encoding.

Step 6: Start Streaming

Click “Start All” to initiate streaming. The button will turn red in both the Streaming window and the main vMix window, indicating that streaming is active.
If you encounter an error, double-check your settings from Step 3 to ensure they match the details provided by your streaming provider.
This streamlined process ensures a smooth start to your live streaming experience with vMix.

vMix 27 features (latest vMix version)

vMix 27 is now available for download, offering a range of new features and enhancements for users. Those who purchased vMix after January 2022 or have a vMix Max license can update for free. For others, a $60 fee provides 12 months of updates.

Zoom Integration: vMix 27 allows direct connection to Zoom meetings, managing all audio and video for remote guests. This simplifies the setup, removing the need for multiple devices. Users can integrate Zoom participants directly into their production with up to 1080p HD quality, depending on their Zoom plan.

Audio Upgrades: The new Audio Bus Manager enables quick routing of inputs to audio buses, and the Audio Bus Mixer allows for volume adjustments within each bus. Additionally, the Pre-Fader Listen (PFL) option is now available for individual inputs.

Streaming Enhancements: vMix 27 supports AV1 and HEVC streaming to YouTube, offering high-quality streams with lower bandwidth requirements. This feature requires compatible GPUs (NVIDIA GeForce 4050 or higher for AV1, and GeForce 2050 or higher for HEVC).

Layer Designer: The updated Layer Designer simplifies layer control, including alignment, borders, and cropping. This tool allows for precise adjustments and improved border animations.

Additional Outputs: vMix 27 introduces an experimental feature allowing up to 4 external outputs, which requires a powerful computer and appropriate capture card.

vMix vs OBS vs Wirecast: which is better for live streaming?

vMix and OBS Studio are both popular choices for live streaming and video production, each with its unique strengths. Deciding which one is better depends on the complexity of your shows and specific production needs.

Why vMix is Considered Better for Complex Shows

Multiple Output Streaming: vMix allows for multiple different output streams simultaneously, which is beneficial for complex productions needing various stream outputs.

vMix Call: This feature enables easy integration of remote participants, supporting up to 8 guests. Each participant can have a customized view, such as a teleprompter feed, enhancing the remote production capabilities.

Multi-corder: vMix can record multiple inputs simultaneously, making it a robust choice for productions requiring extensive recording capabilities.

Real-time Animated Graphics: vMix supports sophisticated real-time animated graphics, providing a polished look to broadcasts.

Web Controller: This feature allows a second operator to manage graphics or curate social media questions, adding an extra layer of operational efficiency.

Robust Scripting: vMix offers powerful scripting capabilities to automate transitions and other actions, which can be assigned to hotkeys for quick access during live shows.

Audio Busses: vMix supports creating audio sub-mixes, grouping audio sources together for easier control, and even creating virtual talkback systems for remote talent.

What Reddit users say:

Color Correction and Overlay Channels: vMix has built-in color correction and overlay channels, allowing for advanced visual adjustments and overlays.
Ease of Use for Complex Shows: vMix functions like a traditional switcher and control room, making it easier to manage complex inputs and outputs compared to OBS.
Professional Feel: Users report that vMix feels more reliable and robust, especially for professional or “big boy” productions.
Data Source Integration: vMix offers advanced data source integration, allowing for dynamic content updates, which can be crucial for live sports or news broadcasts.
OBS Studio: The Cost-Effective Alternative
Free and Open Source: OBS is free, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users or simple setups.
Good for Basic Streaming: OBS is sufficient for basic streaming tasks, such as streaming a few webcams for a YouTube video.
Community Support: As an open-source tool, OBS benefits from a large community of users and developers contributing to its improvement and offering support.

While OBS Studio is excellent for simpler setups and those on a tight budget, vMix is preferred for more complex live streaming software due to its extensive features, ease of use for professional setups, and robust performance. If your needs include multiple outputs, remote guest integration, advanced graphics, and scripting, vMix is likely the better choice. For simpler or budget-friendly projects, OBS Studio remains a strong contender.

vMix vs OBS Studio vs Wirecast

vMix Live Streaming Software Pricing

vMix offers both lifetime and subscription licensing options, each with different features and prices to accommodate various needs and budgets.

Summary

• BASIC HD: Best for small-scale productions with essential features.
• HD: Suitable for more complex setups with enhanced input capacity and basic advanced features.
• 4K: Offers high-resolution support and more advanced features for significant productions.
• PRO: Provides a comprehensive set of tools for professional-level productions.
• MAX: Subscription-based option with all the PRO features and continuous updates, ideal for those preferring a monthly payment model.

FAQs

What are vMix virtual sets?

vMix Virtual Sets are pre-designed, customizable virtual backgrounds integrated within the vMix software, a popular tool for live streaming and video production. These sets feature high-quality graphics and multiple camera angles, providing a professional look for various productions, such as news broadcasts, talk shows, and webinars. They can be easily customized to match branding needs by adjusting colors, adding logos, and configuring layouts.

Can I record in 4K with vMix 4K?

Yes, vMix 4K allows you to record your productions in stunning 4K resolution.

What is vMix Studio?

vMix Studio is a comprehensive live video production software enabling users to produce, stream, and record professional-quality video content.

How can I use vMix software on a Mac?

You can use vMix software on a Mac by running Windows through Boot Camp or virtualization software such as Parallels Desktop.

Is there a free trial for vMix software?

Yes, vMix offers a 60-day free trial for all versions.

What is vMix Advanced?

vMix Advanced refers to the more advanced features of the vMix software, such as multi-camera mixing, instant replays, and advanced graphics.

Jyoti

Jyoti began her career as a software engineer in HCL with UNHCR as a client. She started evolving her technical and documentation writing skills to become a full-time Content Marketer at VdoCipher.

The post vMix live streaming software & setup on Windows & Mac appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

Brief Overview of Video on Demand (VOD)

Video On Demand (VOD) is reshaping how consumers access and view content. It provides a convenient platform for audiences to select and watch video content whenever they want, removing the traditional broadcasting schedules’ constraints.

VOD refers to digital systems that allow users to select and view video content on their devices at their convenience. Unlike live broadcast or scheduled television programming, VOD users can pause, rewind, fast forward, and stop the content as they please.

The concept of VOD dates back to the early 1990s. The boom of the internet and advancements in streaming technology in the 21st century have skyrocketed its popularity. Initially, VOD streaming services were offered through cable television providers. Subscribers could pick movies or shows from a limited catalog. The shift began with the rise of broadband internet, enabling services like Netflix and Hulu to emerge.

The global VOD service market was valued nearly $56 billion in 2019. It is projected to reach approximately $120 billion by 2025 with a CAGR growth of around 15%. Factors like increasing internet penetration, advancements in digital infrastructure, and the growing adoption of smart devices play a crucial role in this upswing.

Categories of VOD

1. Transactional VOD (TVOD) – Users pay for each piece of content. Examples include rental services or purchasing a digital copy of a movie.
2. Subscription VOD (SVOD) – Users pay a regular subscription fee to access a library of content. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ are classic examples.
3. Ad-supported VOD (AVOD) – Users can watch content for free but are served with advertisements. Platforms like YouTube and Tubi operate on this model.
4. Premium VOD (PVOD) – Typically, newly released content that’s made available for rental at a premium price before it’s available elsewhere.

Understanding the Rise of PVOD on demand

In the past, we waited months for movies to move from theaters to our TVs. Then came the digital age, making everything faster and more accessible. PVOD, or Premium Video On Demand, is a product of this change.

Premium Video On Demand (PVOD) is a video service that lets you watch the newest movies shortly after they’re released in theaters. It’s similar to having early access to the latest films without going to the cinema. For many, PVOD means comfort, as they can enjoy these movies from their living rooms.

“According to an August 2023 survey, most U.S. adults are willing to spend less than $10 on premium video-on-demand (PVOD) content, with just 4% prepared to pay $25 or more for early access to movie releases.” – statista

Now, with PVOD, movies are available to rent or buy at home shortly after theater release. The comfort of home and the allure of latest releases made PVOD popular. The COVID-19 pandemic further boosted its demand, with many choosing or forced to stay indoors. Studios saw this as a chance to maintain revenue without relying only on cinemas.

The growth of high-speed internet and smart devices also played a big part. People could easily stream high-quality videos without glitches.

To sum it up, the convenience of watching new movies at home, combined with technological advancements, has driven the rise of PVOD in the digital age.

What is PVOD Streaming & benefits

Immediate access to the latest movies

Before PVOD, audiences had to wait for weeks, if not months, after a film’s theatrical release to rent or buy it for home viewing. With PVOD, this window has dramatically shrunk. This means that we don’t need to mark calendars or wait for movies to arrive on traditional video-on-demand platforms. Instead, we can simply access some of the latest movies right after their theatrical release or sometimes even concurrently.

Comfort and convenience of home viewing

The age-old appeal of the silver screen is undeniable, but home viewing offers advantages that a cinema can’t provide. Firstly, there’s the sheer comfort of watching a movie in your pajamas, on your couch, under a cozy blanket. There’s no need to find parking, sit next to a stranger, or be confined to a specific showtime. With the evolution of home entertainment systems, most households now have high-definition TVs and sound systems. This, combined with the ability to pause, rewind, or take breaks, grants viewers unparalleled control over their viewing experience.

Potential cost savings compared to going to the cinema

There are other associated costs that can make the outing quite pricey. Transportation, whether it’s fuel for your car or public transit fares, adds to the bill. And then there’s the cinema experience of popcorn, drinks, which can sometimes cost as much as the ticket itself, if not more. For families or groups, these costs multiply. By contrast, renting a movie on PVOD, even if priced at a premium, can offer significant savings. When you factor in the added value of convenience and comfort, the economic benefits of PVOD become even more apparent.

The Technology Behind Premium VoD

The tech behind PVOD is all about streaming. With fast internet connections and advanced servers, movies are sent to your device in real-time. Encryption is a key part of PVOD. This means movies are coded for security to prevent piracy. When you rent or buy a PVOD film, decryption happens, letting you watch the movie without hiccups. This blend of streaming and security ensures studios can release new films early, knowing they’re safe from illegal sharing.

“In July 2022, 24 percent of U.S. millennials reported spending at least $19.99 on a premium video-on-demand (PVOD) transaction to watch a new movie at home, while only five percent of baby boomers did the same.”

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how PVOD works, along with the technology behind it:

Content Creation

Studios produce movies or content. This is the phase where directors, producers, actors, and crew come together to create a film.

Digital Conversion and Compression: Once the movie is produced, it’s converted into a digital format suitable for online streaming. Modern video compression technologies, like the H.264 or H.265 codecs, reduce the file size while retaining quality.

Digital Rights Management (DRM)

To prevent unauthorized sharing and copying, PVOD content is encrypted using DRM. Popular DRM solutions include Widevine (by Google), FairPlay (by Apple), and PlayReady (by Microsoft). VdoCipher, a secure video hosting and streaming service provides easy integration of Apple FairPlay DRM and Google Widevine DRM. Videos streamed via VdoCipher cannot be illegally downloaded or pirated. Apart from Multi-DRM video encryption, VdoCipher offers Dynamic watermarking, custom video player, AWS powered hosting, video analytics, secure offline downloads and much more. The pricing is competitive without any hidden charges.

Content Hosting

The encrypted content is then hosted on Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) which are specialized, distributed servers that help in delivering content efficiently to users around the world.

Platform Interface

Platforms like Amazon Prime, Apple iTunes, or dedicated PVOD platforms provide users with a user-friendly interface to browse, rent, or purchase movies. These platforms also facilitate payment processing.

Content Streaming or Download

Once a user decides to rent or purchase a film,

• Streaming – The film is streamed over the internet, requiring a stable internet connection. Adaptive bitrate streaming (ABS) technologies are often employed to dynamically adjust the quality of the video stream in real-time according to the viewer’s network conditions.
• Download – Some platforms may offer an option to download the content. This is useful for offline viewing and can provide consistent high quality regardless of internet speed.

Payment and Licensing

Users pay for the content, often with a set window to watch the film (e.g., 48 hours). The payment also determines the type of access (rent vs. purchase) and sometimes the quality (SD vs. HD vs. 4K). The licensing agreements with studios often determine the pricing and availability windows.

Viewing Restrictions

Due to DRM and platform limitations, there can be restrictions such as:

• Limited time to start watching after renting.
• Limited time to finish watching once started.
• Restrictions on the number of devices or the type of devices where content can be viewed.

Analytics and Feedback Loop

Platforms often collect data on user viewing habits, purchase patterns, and feedback. This data can be used to improve user experience, refine content recommendations, or for studios to adjust their release strategies.

End of Viewing Window

After the viewing period expires (for rentals), the content becomes inaccessible until it’s rented or purchased again. For purchased content, viewers can access it indefinitely, though sometimes there might be restrictions on device transfers or downloads.

Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) vs VOD

Release Windows – Traditional VOD waits for the typical movie release cycle: cinema, then maybe Blu-ray/DVD, and finally, streaming. PVOD disrupts this by offering movies shortly after their cinema debut.

Pricing Structure – PVOD often comes at a premium price. Since you’re accessing a new release, you’re likely to pay more than you would for a regular VOD title. Regular VOD, especially older titles, can be cheaper or even included in subscription packages.

User Experience – PVOD is all about freshness and immediacy. The excitement is similar to watching a new release in a theater but from the comfort of home. Traditional VOD is more like browsing a vast library of content, some old, some new, but not as fresh as PVOD.

Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) vs SVOD

Content Availability – PVOD primarily focuses on fresh releases, allowing viewers to watch the latest movies shortly after their theatrical debut. On the other hand, Subscription-Based Streaming offers a broad library of content, ranging from old classics to recent hits, but might not have the very latest releases that PVOD offers.

Pricing Models – PVOD operates on a pay-per-view model. You pay for each movie you want to watch. In the SVOD model, charges are a monthly (or sometimes yearly) fee, giving subscribers unlimited access to their content library.

User Engagement and Retention Strategies – PVOD depends on the allure of new content. The promise of watching the latest releases can be a significant draw. The SVOD model engages users by constantly updating their library, offering original content, and using recommendation algorithms to suggest content tailored to individual user preferences.

PVOD movies, the future of the film industry?

In recent years, film studios have moved away from the traditional model of theatrical releases followed by a 90-day wait for digital sales. Now, a new model incorporating a premium video-on-demand (PVOD) tier is more common. Films are available on PVOD for premium rental or purchase prices shortly after their theatrical debut, preceding their availability on regular video-on-demand (VOD) and subscription services like Netflix and Disney+.

Just 19 days following its U.S. cinema release, Universal’s “The Fall Guy” was released on Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) and quickly topped many charts. Directed by David Leitch, the film’s rapid transition to PVOD while still screening in cinemas has reignited debates about the impact of shorter cinematic release windows on the struggling theater industry. There are questions about whether the $125 million action-comedy starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, projected to gross about $165 million globally, suffered at the box office due to early availability at home, or if the declining theater attendance reflects a deeper disinterest in the cinematic experience, despite what audiences claim.

Additionally, it’s important to note that PVOD, requiring a $20 payment for 48-hour access, differs from free streaming services. Since late 2020, Comcast has consistently released its cinematic titles on PVOD 19-21 days post-theatrical debut, except for a few pre-planned exceptions like Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” and M. Night Shyamalan’s “Old.” Those films with initial earnings over $50 million received extended 31-day windows. The recent PVOD release of “The Fall Guy” follows this established pattern and was not a reactionary measure to unexpected box office performance.

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” 2023’s top-grossing film so far, exemplifies the success of this strategy. Released theatrically in April 2023, it moved to PVOD 41 days later and continued to perform strongly in both arenas.

While other studios have hesitated, preferring longer theatrical runs followed by simultaneous releases on SVOD and VOD, Universal’s strategy has allowed it to capture the largest domestic box-office market share last year. This indicates that PVOD can coexist with traditional revenue streams, enhancing rather than cannibalizing overall earnings.

When factoring in PVOD (premium video-on-demand) revenues, Universal’s total earnings increase to $4.5 billion. Notably, PVOD revenue, which includes contributions from the U.K. where digital release windows are extended, adds around $1 billion to their earnings, accounting for a significant 30% increase in overall revenue.

PVOD has been a strategic boon for Universal, providing a 44% enhancement over its estimated $1.8 billion in theatrical film rentals, with PVOD alone contributing about $800 million. Universal’s assertive PVOD strategy, which includes 53 releases since January 2022, has not only led in box office gains but has also fostered a productive cycle, allowing for the production of more films.

Despite initial resistance from major cinema chains like AMC and Regal, Universal managed to negotiate agreements that have gradually eased the industry’s acceptance of PVOD. This acceptance is bolstered by the observation that PVOD releases can sustain box office revenues, as home marketing efforts often complement theatrical showings. This synergy suggests that the PVOD audience typically does not frequent theaters, providing a complementary rather than competitive revenue stream.

This approach is particularly beneficial for Focus Features, where lower production and marketing costs mean that PVOD revenues are highly impactful. For example, $5 million in PVOD earnings can translate to a net return similar to $8 million in theatrical gross, significantly enhancing the viability of green-lighting these films.

Overall, Universal’s use of PVOD illustrates a strategic shift in film distribution, emphasizing its growing importance in the financial ecosystem of film production and distribution. This shift might not only elevate the status of PVOD in media discussions but also reshape the sequencing of film releases to maximize revenue across multiple platforms.

Challenges faced by Premium Video on Demand Sector

Cinema Owners’ Concerns About Increased Losses

The revenue of Cinema or movie theater owners heavily depend on the number of people visiting. With Premium Video On Demand (PVOD), viewers get the convenience of watching the latest movie releases at home. This poses a concern for theater owners, but why?

• Immediate Availability – If a movie is available at home on its release day, many might skip the theater experience altogether.
• Economic Consideration – Watching at home can be cheaper, especially for families. Instead of buying multiple tickets and spending on concessions, they might just pay once for PVOD.
• Comfort Factor – Home environments can be more comfortable. No need to drive, find parking, or sit in a crowded hall.
• Health and Safety – In a world mindful of health and safety (like post-pandemic scenarios), avoiding crowded places can be a priority for many.

This decline in footfalls impacts theaters’ profit margins and may even lead to closures of some establishments.

Potential Impact on Movie Piracy

Piracy has always been a problem of the media industry . With PVOD in the picture, the dynamics change but not necessarily for the better.

• Easier Access to Content – Once a movie is out on PVOD, pirates can more easily access high-quality versions of the film, leading to faster proliferation of pirated copies.
• Quicker Piracy Turnaround – Instead of waiting for theatrical releases to end or for DVDs to launch, pirates can now get content almost immediately.
• Potential Loss in Revenue – The easier availability of pirated versions might deter individuals from purchasing the PVOD version or visiting theaters.
• Higher Stakes for Filmmakers – With PVOD, filmmakers have a tighter window to recoup investments before pirated versions flood the market.

Impact of PVOD’s on Movie’s Box Office Performance

Recently, the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce made a decision regarding the duration of OTT and theatrical release. The OTT movies can only be released 42 days after the their theatre release.

The introduction of PVOD has stirred debates on how it impacts a movie’s box office performance.

• Shortened Theatrical Windows – Traditionally, movies would stay in theaters for a set period before moving to home video or streaming. PVOD might shorten or overlap this window, leading to debates on revenue cannibalization.
• Dual Revenue Streams – Some argue that PVOD can act as an additional revenue stream without necessarily harming theater collections. It targets a different audience—those who prefer or need to stay at home.
• Changing Metrics of Success – The yardstick of a movie’s success may shift from just box office collections to a combination of theatrical and PVOD revenues. This shift can change how movies are marketed and perceived.

The rise of PVOD presents both opportunities and challenges for the film industry. Balancing the interests of theaters, content creators, and audiences will be crucial as the industry navigates this new terrain.

FAQs

What is Premium Video On Demand (PVOD)?

PVOD refers to newly released movies made available for rental or purchase on digital platforms prior to their typical home entertainment window.

How is PVOD different from regular VOD or streaming?

PVOD releases come out much sooner after a movie’s theatrical debut, often within weeks, while regular VOD or streaming might wait several months. PVOD titles are also priced higher than standard rentals due to their newness.

Why are studios releasing movies on PVOD?

The rise of streaming platforms, changing viewer habits, and external events like global pandemics have disrupted traditional cinema attendance. Studios are exploring PVOD as a way to recoup losses and meet demand.

Will PVOD replace traditional cinemas?

While PVOD offers flexibility, many believe that the cinematic experience can’t be replaced entirely. It’s more likely that the two will coexist, with some movies getting exclusive theatrical runs and others opting for simultaneous or early PVOD release.

Can I watch a PVOD release on any streaming platform?

It depends on the studio’s distribution strategy. Some movies may be exclusive to a particular platform, while others might be available across multiple services.

Are PVOD releases available worldwide?

Availability can vary. Some titles might be available in certain countries before others, depending on distribution agreements and regional release strategies.

Jyoti

Jyoti began her career as a software engineer in HCL with UNHCR as a client. She started evolving her technical and documentation writing skills to become a full-time Content Marketer at VdoCipher.

The post PVOD streaming/Premium Video on Demand platforms explained appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

These platforms offer various ways for creators to make money, like showing ads, offering subscriptions, or getting direct payments from fans. This has turned into a big business, not just for the creators but for the platforms themselves. Today, anyone with a good idea and a camera can try to make a living by sharing their content online. This has led to a new kind of economy called the “content creator economy”

But making money from online content isn’t just about earning an income, it also brings up important questions about the rules and rights on these platforms. For example, what can be shared or sold, and who gets to decide? These are big questions that affect not only the people making the content but everyone who uses the internet.

Online Content Business Model Opportunities

The online content business offers several ways for digital publishers to generate revenue by strategically offering their content. Here’s a simple breakdown of these models:

Implement a Paywall – Publishers can limit access to their content to paying customers only. They might allow free access to some content, like the first few articles, before charging.

Tiered Access Offerings – This model allows users to start with free or limited content access through registration or a trial. Paying more unlocks higher levels of access, offering more content and features.

Subscriptions and Micropayments – Many content creators and platforms are shifting towards subscription models where users pay a recurring fee for access to content. This model is popular among streaming services like Netflix and Spotify, as well as among individual creators on platforms like Patreon.

Regular subscriptions provide a consistent revenue stream and usually involve a commitment from the subscribers. On the other hand, micropayments allow consumers to pay for individual items. Both models can be used together to cater to different consumer preferences.

“35% of beginner creators have monetized but earned below what can be considered as a ‘livable income’”

Premium Content – Occasionally, publishers might offer exclusive content that can be purchased as single items or collections. This approach has been especially successful with digital magazine subscriptions on devices like iPads.

Tools and APIs – Publishers can make their content available through APIs, maintaining control over their distribution. This method lets them monetize both new and archived content.

Archive Access – Access to older or archived content might be included as a free perk with a subscription.

Multi-platform Access – It’s important for publishers to ensure that their content is accessible and provides a seamless experience across all devices and platforms, as technology and user habits evolve.

“Failing to disclose sponsored content can lead to legal issues and loss of trust among followers. Always adhere to advertising standards and guidelines”

Advertising-Based Revenue – Despite the growth in subscription services, advertising remains a significant source of revenue for many content platforms. This includes traditional display ads, sponsored content, and native advertising. Platforms like YouTube and Facebook heavily rely on ad revenues.

E-commerce and Affiliate Marketing – Influencers and content creators are increasingly leveraging their platforms to promote products and earn commissions through affiliate marketing. This includes direct product placements, reviews, and dedicated e-commerce stores linked to social media platforms.

Microtransactions and Pay-Per-View – This model is particularly popular in gaming and live streaming, where users can pay small amounts for specific content pieces, like special in-game items or access to a particular live event. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube enable such transactions.

Licensing and Syndication – Content, especially professional and high-quality content like that produced by major media houses, can be licensed to other platforms or syndicated to reach a broader audience, thereby generating additional revenue.

Crowdfunding – Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow creators to fund their projects directly through audience contributions. This has been particularly successful for niche and independent projects.

Digital Products and Online Courses – Many content creators, especially in educational and professional fields, are creating their own digital products, such as e-books, online courses, and webinars. These products provide high value and can be sold to audiences at a premium.

Content monetization policies

Direct /Indirect content monetization

Direct content monetization refers to strategies where content creators earn revenue directly from their content itself, rather than through associated or secondary sources. This approach involves charging users directly for access to the content or receiving payments based on the content’s consumption. Here are some of the most prevalent forms of direct content monetization:

Subscriptions – Users pay a recurring fee to access content. This model is widely used by streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify, as well as online publications and specialized content platforms like Patreon, where subscribers receive exclusive access to content.

Pay-Per-View or Pay-Per-Access – Users pay a one-time fee to access a specific piece of content, such as a movie, article, or live event. This model is common in digital media distribution platforms like iTunes or Google Play Movies and live streaming of special events.

Sales – Selling digital content outright, such as eBooks, music files, digital art, software, or games. This can occur on personal websites, digital storefronts, or platforms like Amazon and Steam.

Freemium with Paid Upgrades – Offering basic content for free while charging for premium features or content. This model is common in software and apps, including mobile games and productivity tools, where users can pay for additional features, functionality, or content.

Micropayments – Charging very small amounts for content access or per use, often used for online articles or services. This allows users to pay small, manageable amounts for content they consume rather than committing to a subscription.

Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD) – Similar to pay-per-view, this model involves users paying for each piece of video content they wish to watch. Platforms like Vudu and Google Play operate on this model, offering movies and TV shows that users can rent or buy.

E-learning Courses and Webinars – Charging fees for educational content, courses, or live webinar access. This can be a significant source of revenue for experts and educators in various fields.

Direct monetization provides content creators with a clear link between content creation and revenue, potentially leading to a more predictable and sustainable income stream, depending on the audience’s willingness to pay for content.

“57% of beginner creators haven’t monetized yet”

Indirect content monetization refers to earning revenue through methods that are not directly tied to the sale of the content itself. Unlike direct monetization, where creators earn money by selling access to their content (like pay-per-view or subscriptions), indirect monetization involves strategies that generate income from related activities or secondary sources. Here are some common forms of indirect content monetization:

Advertising – This is one of the most common methods. Content creators earn money by allowing ads to be displayed alongside their content. This can be through display ads on a website, sponsored content, or advertisements during videos and podcasts.

“Overdependence on ad revenue can be risky as platforms frequently change their monetization criteria and algorithms, impacting earnings significantly”

Affiliate Marketing – Creators promote products or services and earn commissions for every sale that is made through their referral. This is common among bloggers, YouTubers, and social media influencers who link to products in their content.

Merchandising – Selling branded merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, or other physical goods that relate to their brand or content but aren’t the content itself.

Licensing – Creators might license their content to other platforms or services for use. This can include syndicating a popular blog post or selling a high-quality photo for use in publications or other media.

Sponsorships and Partnerships – Engaging in partnerships with brands that pay to be associated with the creator’s content, often through integrations or mentions that aren’t direct advertisements.

Donations and Crowdfunding – Gaining support from the audience through donations or crowdfunding platforms like Patreon, where fans can contribute financially to support the creator’s ongoing work.

Events and Appearances – Earning income by hosting events, workshops, or speaking at conferences which are promoted through their content channels.

Indirect monetization is particularly attractive because it allows creators to make money from their content while often keeping it free for consumers, broadening their audience reach and engagement.

Digital content monetization strategy

Content monetization involves several key steps and considerations that can greatly influence the effectiveness and profitability of your efforts. Whether you’re monetizing a blog, a YouTube channel, a podcast, or any other digital content, here’s a general outline of the steps and considerations to keep in mind:

Content Quality and Consistency

Ensure your content is high-quality, engaging, and delivers value to your audience. High-quality content is more likely to attract and retain a loyal audience. Also, regularly Regular posting schedules help build an audience and maintain engagement. Consistent content creation also supports SEO efforts and audience expectations.

Understand Your Audience

Knowing who your audience is and what they care about can help you tailor your content and monetization strategies effectively. Keep track of how your audience interacts with your content. This can guide you in optimizing your content strategy and improving engagement.

Compliance and Legal Considerations

Each platform has its own set of rules regarding monetization. Understanding these is crucial to avoid penalties or bans. For content monetization, make sure all content is original or properly licensed. Copyright infringement can lead to demonetization and legal issues. Monetizing content often counts as income, so it’s important to understand the tax implications in your jurisdiction.

Monitor Analytics

Use analytics to track how your content performs. This includes views, engagement rates, click-through rates on ads, and more. Based on analytics, adjust your content and monetization strategies to optimize revenue and audience satisfaction.

Expand and Diversify

Don’t rely on a single monetization method or platform. Diversifying can provide more stable income streams and reduce risk. As your platform grows, look into more sophisticated monetization strategies like partnerships with bigger brands, merchandising, or creating your own digital products.

Marketing and Promotion

Use social media platforms to promote your content and interact with your audience. Implement search engine optimization techniques to improve visibility and attract more traffic to your content. Connect with other creators and professionals in your field to leverage cross-promotion and collaboration opportunities.

Feedback and Adaptation

Regularly seek and listen to feedback from your audience to improve your content and adapt your monetization strategies. Stay updated on trends within your niche and platform changes that could affect your monetization capabilities.

By systematically following these steps and regularly reviewing each aspect, you can effectively monetize your content and create a sustainable revenue stream from your digital assets.

Content monetization platform guidelines for various platforms

DRM in content monetization

DRM is a set of access control technologies used by publishers, copyright holders, and distributors to enforce their policies on the use of digital content. This technology plays a critical role in content monetization strategies by helping to ensure that only legitimate, paying customers can access and use digital media, such as music, films, software, and ebooks.

Protection of Intellectual Property – DRM protects copyright by preventing unauthorized distribution and copying of digital content. This helps maintain the value of the content and ensures that creators and rights holders are compensated for their work.

Revenue Generation – By controlling access to content, DRM helps create scarcity in the digital environment where copying is otherwise easy and nearly cost-free. This controlled access allows publishers and content creators to monetize their products through various models, such as sales, rentals, and subscriptions.

Consumer Experience and Market Impact – While DRM helps in monetizing content, it can also affect consumer experience and market perception. Overly restrictive DRM can lead to consumer frustration, driving some to seek out non-DRM alternatives, which might be illegal copies. Balancing protection with a positive consumer experience is critical for successful content monetization.

Data Analytics – Modern DRM systems can collect data on how and when content is being accessed, which can be invaluable for marketing and customer insight. This data helps content providers tailor their offerings to better match consumer demand, potentially leading to increased revenue.

How VdoCipher is helping creators in monetization

VdoCipher is a video streaming service specifically designed to provide a secure platform for video content monetization. It is tailored for businesses and content creators who want to distribute and monetize their video content without the risk of piracy. VdoCipher achieves this through a robust implementation of DRM (Digital Rights Management) and other security features. Here’s how VdoCipher works for content monetization:

DRM Protection – VdoCipher employs strict DRM policies to ensure that video content is securely encrypted. This prevents unauthorized downloading and sharing of the video content. The Multi-DRM solution is integrated with industry standards like Google Widevine and Apple FairPlay, covering a wide range of devices and ensuring compatibility and security.

Dynamic Watermarking – In addition to DRM, VdoCipher offers dynamic watermarking capabilities. This means that personal information (like the user’s email or IP address) can be overlaid on the video during playback. This acts as a deterrent against screen capture and redistribution, as the watermark can help trace the source of a leak.

Secure Video Hosting and Delivery – VdoCipher provides secure video hosting and delivers content over a content delivery network (CDN). This ensures that videos load quickly and efficiently from anywhere in the world, providing a smooth viewing experience that is essential for retaining paying customers.

Analytics and Reporting – VdoCipher offers comprehensive user-based Video Analytics for Piracy Tracking and Hacker Identification that help content owners understand viewer behavior, such as watch time, geographical distribution, and device usage. This data is crucial for making informed decisions about content strategy, marketing, and customer engagement.

API and Customization – The service provides a robust API that allows businesses to integrate VdoCipher seamlessly with their existing platforms and customize the player to match their branding and user experience requirements. This flexibility is essential for businesses that need to provide a consistent brand experience across all touchpoints.

“VdoCipher caters to over 3000 businesses and content creators across 120+ countries who are serious about protecting their video content from piracy while monetizing it through secure streaming. By combining DRM, watermarking, secure delivery, and live streaming , VdoCipher offers a comprehensive solution for content monetization in a digital age where content security is paramount.”

FAQs

Does monetize mean to make money?

Yes, to monetize something means to convert it into or establish something as a source of income. This typically involves finding ways to earn money from a product, service, or content that was previously non-revenue generating.

What are examples of monetization?

Examples of monetization include advertising, affiliate marketing, selling services/products, licensing content, subscription models are more.

How to monetize video content?

To monetize video content, you can ad platforms, sponsorships, fan funding, merchandise sell, offering exclusive content, paywall or membership models

Can I earn without monetization?

Yes, you can earn without traditional monetization methods through donations, crowdfunding, exchanging skills.

Jyoti

Jyoti began her career as a software engineer in HCL with UNHCR as a client. She started evolving her technical and documentation writing skills to become a full-time Content Marketer at VdoCipher.

The post Content Monetization Policies for Global Creators in 2024 appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

Microsoft didn’t earn much from Media Services and lacked a strong marketing strategy for it. The company will now concentrate on areas promising steady growth and a competitive edge, excluding streaming video. Azure video delivery clients shouldn’t worry about disruptions. Microsoft has been outsourcing this segment for around a decade, mainly to Verizon’s EdgeCast CDN (now named Edgio) and later included Akamai as another partner. Microsoft is discontinuing its Akamai collaboration but will focus more on their in-house CDN, Azure Front Door. An update on Microsoft’s CDN page to reflect current partnerships would be helpful. Moreover, Microsoft’s departure from this segment won’t heavily impact the streaming media industry.

What is Azure Media Services?

Azure Media Services (AMS) is a cloud-based media processing, storage, and streaming platform provided by Microsoft Azure. It enables users to securely upload, store, encode, and package video or audio content for both on-demand and live streaming to various devices.

Features

Media Processing – Use Azure Media Indexer for audio and video content analysis and extract insights. Also, encode, protect, or process multimedia content using Azure Media Encoder.
Live Streaming – Supports live event broadcasting, with tools to manage and monitor the live event.
Dynamic Packaging – Transcode media files into multiple formats dynamically as per device and bandwidth conditions.
Content Protection – Offers a set of content protection features including DRM (Digital Rights Management).
Video on Demand – Stream previously recorded content to any device at any time.
Video AI – Enhanced video indexing capabilities, allowing features like facial recognition, voice transcription, and extracting metadata.

Azure Media Player and Azure Media Streaming

Azure Media Player (AMP) is a web player built to playback media content from Azure Media Services. It offers:

Adaptive Streaming – AMP supports formats like MPEG-DASH, Smooth Streaming, and HLS, allowing playback on various devices with different bandwidth conditions.

Azure Media Services provides adaptive bitrate streaming, ensuring viewers get the best possible quality based on their device capabilities and network conditions. Supported protocols include:

• MPEG-DASH
• Microsoft Smooth Streaming
• HLS (HTTP Live Streaming)
• RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol)

It’s also worth noting that AMS provides a feature called “Azure Live and On-Demand Media Streaming,” which enables users to deliver content efficiently to a global audience.

• Monetization – Integrated support for advertising standards like VAST, VPAID, and VMAP.
• Accessibility – Support for multi-language audio tracks and closed captions.
• Customizability – AMP can be styled and customized to fit any brand or design requirements.

In conclusion, Azure Media Services provides a comprehensive suite of tools and features to handle media processing and delivery tasks, catering to businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re looking to stream live events, host on-demand videos, or even delve into video analytics, AMS is equipped to handle it all. However, just like any other cloud service, careful consideration regarding costs, scalability, and specific requirements is vital before diving in.

Pros

• Scalability – AMS scales automatically to meet demand. This is especially useful for live events with unpredictable viewership.
• Versatility – With the wide array of tools and services on offer, AMS can handle both VOD and live streaming seamlessly.
• Global Reach – Azure’s CDN ensures content is delivered quickly to users worldwide.
• Security – DRM and AES encryption keep content secure. Also, it integrates with Azure’s identity and access management tools.

Cons

• Complexity – The breadth of features might be overwhelming for some users.
• Cost – Depending on usage, AMS can be expensive, especially for small businesses or individual users.
• Learning Curve – Requires some time to understand and optimize all its capabilities.

Azure Media Services Pricing

Azure Media Services provides on-demand and live streaming in multiple formats, scaling for various customer needs through standard and premium services. The standard streaming endpoint suits typical needs, automatically scaling bandwidth and including core features found in premium units, which are ideal for high-demand scenarios and offer scalable, dedicated bandwidth. Costs are calculated based on service type and data usage. If the Azure Content Delivery Network is active, its standard pricing applies; otherwise, data transfers are billed according to regular data transfer rates.

Media reserved units were previously used to manage encoding performance by controlling concurrency. However, as of April 17, 2021, the system for V2 and V3 accounts now automatically adjusts, scaling up or down based on the current load, eliminating the need for manually setting these units. Consequently, there are no longer any charges associated with media reserved units for accounts that are configured to use them.

Azure Media Services Alternatives

Listed below are the best alternatives to Azure Media Services as per user reviews and feature capabilities.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elemental Media Services

AWS offers a suite of services designed for media processing and delivery. This suite includes MediaLive (for live video processing), MediaConvert (for on-demand video processing), and MediaPackage (for video packaging and origination).

AWS Elemental Media Services is a suite of services designed to make it easy to build reliable, broadcast-quality video workflows on the cloud. This set of services provides the tools needed to create, package, and deliver video content, all integrated with AWS’s vast cloud infrastructure.

MediaLive – Live video processing

Allows you to create high-quality live video streams for broadcast and streaming to multiple devices. Supports standard streaming protocols, rich encoding features, ad marker insertion, and more.

MediaConvert – File-based video processing for on-demand content

Transcodes content for broadcast and multi-platform delivery. It supports a wide range of codecs, DRMs, ad insertion, and other advanced features needed for on-demand content delivery.

MediaPackage – Video packaging and origination

Prepares and protects your video for delivery over the internet. It packages content on-the-fly to support just-in-time packaging, allowing for various streaming formats and DRMs. It also provides DVR-like features for live streams.

MediaStore – Media storage optimized for video

It provides an AWS service tailored for storing media, allowing for high performance and low-latency retrieval. This is crucial for live and on-demand media workflows.

MediaTailor – Video personalization and monetization

Lets broadcasters personalize and monetize content through server-side ad insertion. This ensures a seamless playback experience as ads are stitched into the content on the server-side, reducing the chances of viewers using ad-blockers.

Integration with AWS Ecosystem – The strength of AWS Elemental Media Services is its deep integration with the AWS ecosystem. For instance, you can use Amazon CloudFront for content delivery, AWS Lambda for serverless workflows, and Amazon S3 for storing raw content.

Use Cases

From live sports broadcasting to streaming a company’s internal meetings, AWS Elemental Media Services can be used for a wide range of applications. Its scalability ensures that it can serve both small businesses and major broadcasters.

Google Cloud Video Intelligence API

This is more for video analysis but can be combined with other Google Cloud services for a comprehensive media solution. The Google Cloud Video Intelligence API is a part of Google Cloud’s machine learning offerings, and it’s specifically designed to analyze video content. The API utilizes Google’s machine learning models to extract actionable insights from videos.

Features

Label Detection – Recognizes over 20,000 objects and activities, assigning labels to sections of the video where these appear.

Shot Change Detection – Detects scene changes in a video. Useful for understanding the structure of a video and separating it into logical segments.

Face Detection – Identifies faces within videos, but not specific individuals (i.e., it doesn’t name the person, but it can detect if a face is present).

Object Tracking – Tracks objects as they move through frames in a video.

Explicit Content Detection – Recognizes inappropriate content within videos, which can help with content moderation.

Text Detection – Detects and extracts text from video frames, which can be useful for things like sign or license plate recognition.

Speech Transcription – This feature isn’t limited to just video but can convert spoken words into readable text.

Person Detection – Detects the presence of a person in video segments.

Integration – Being a part of the Google Cloud Platform (GCP), the Video Intelligence API seamlessly integrates with other GCP services. For example, you could store your videos in Google Cloud Storage and then process them with the Video Intelligence API. After processing, you could use tools like BigQuery to analyze the output or Pub/Sub to notify users of certain detections.

Use Cases

• Media Archives – For large media organizations with vast amounts of archived footage, the Video Intelligence API can help categorize, tag, and make this content searchable.
• Content Moderation – For platforms where users upload videos, the API can help in identifying inappropriate content
• Advertising – Ad agencies can use it to identify themes or objects in videos to place relevant ads.
• Surveillance and Security – The API can help in detecting anomalies or specific activities in security footage.
• Education – Teachers and institutions can auto-generate metadata for educational videos, making them easily searchable for students.

VdoCipher

The importance of DRM, or Digital Rights Management, in video security cannot be overstated. Its primary function is to safeguard videos from unauthorized use and piracy, ensuring that creators receive their rightful revenue. Think about premium platforms, such as Netflix; they release movies and series that are protected by DRM to prevent subscribers from downloading and freely distributing them. This level of control is essential in a world where the film industry loses billions to piracy every year. Additionally, DRM upholds the integrity of content by ensuring it remains unaltered, preserving the creator’s original vision.

Furthermore, DRM facilitates various business models like rentals and subscriptions. On a consumer level, there’s added trust in knowing that the content they’re consuming is secure and unaltered. Sometimes, the use of DRM isn’t just a choice but a legal requirement, especially when licensors mandate its use for content distribution. DRM ensures the longevity and sustenance of content creation by protecting and securing the revenue streams of creators.

Serving over 3000 customers across 120+ countries, VdoCipher is a top-tier video hosting solution for elearning and media businesses.

The key features include Hollywood Grade Multi-DRM Video Encryption, Live streaming, AWS-powered servers, customizable HTML5 player, dynamic watermarking, a user-friendly dashboard, video analytics, adaptive streaming, and integration plugins.

Custom Video Player

• DRM Protected Video Streaming (Google Widevine and Apple FairPlay DRM)
• Make Your Smart Video Player with easy to use toggle buttons
• Custom HTML5 Video Controls
• SDKs available for various platforms like React Native, Android, iOS, Flutter, JS
• Live streaming
• Easy customization without coding.
• Users can jump to video sections using chapters.
• Supports multi-language captions and search function.

AWS Server Storage

• Videos are stored on Amazon S3.
• Data remains secure, even during network or hardware issues.

Dynamic Watermarking

• The player displays dynamic watermarks to deter screen capture.
• You can overlay user details, like email or user ID.

Dashboard

• Easy-to-use interface
• Upload, import, or organize videos in folders.
• Sections include accounts, payments, support, analytics, and player customization.
• Tutorial videos are available for guidance.

Video Analytics

• Bandwidth and video usage for each video as well as for all the videos.
• Most of these analytics data can also be downloaded in CSV file.
• Avg watch percent and finishes
• Popular videos and cities
• Total view count
• Per video views & bandwidth data
• Total storage and bandwidth usage

Plugins

• Supports major CMS like WordPress and Moodle.
• Videos can be embedded effortlessly on your website.
• Compatible with WP membership plugins and LMS platforms like LifterLMS and LearnDash.

Use cases

• To secure videos from online piracy and unauthorized access
• Protect your revenue stream by restricting access and applying geo/domain restrictions
• To securely store and stream premium video content
• To live stream online classes and sessions
• Restrict screen capture on majority of browsers and devices
• Make video content available to a large audience base even in tier 2 and tier 3 cities with Adaptive Bitrate Streaming. The video bitrates are automatically adjusted as per the network availability and device capabilities to deliver a buffer-free viewing experience.

IBM Video Streaming

Certainly! IBM Video Streaming, formerly known as Ustream, is a platform designed to provide both live and on-demand video streaming solutions. IBM acquired Ustream in 2016 and subsequently expanded and integrated it into its suite of enterprise offerings. It provides reliable, scalable, and professional live and on-demand video streaming services for businesses and enterprises.

Features

Live Streaming – Allows broadcasters to stream live events, webinars, or any live content. This comes with real-time analytics, chat integration, and more.

Video On Demand (VOD) – Store and deliver pre-recorded content to viewers at their convenience.

Built-in Video Player – Embeddable, customizable, and supports adaptive bitrate streaming to provide an optimal viewing experience.

Multi-Device Streaming – Ensures content is accessible on desktops, mobile devices, and tablets.

Security – Offers password protection, encryption, restricted embeds, and access controls to ensure content remains secure.

AI-driven Insights – Uses IBM’s Watson to provide insights into video content, such as automated closed captioning.

Video Analytics – Understand audience engagement, track viewer metrics, and monitor performance.

Content Management – Organize and manage video assets, with features such as playlists, scheduling, and archiving.

Integration – Works with various enterprise solutions and has API support for custom integrations. Being a part of IBM’s broader cloud and enterprise services, IBM Video Streaming integrates well with other IBM offerings. This ensures businesses can weave it into their existing infrastructure and solutions seamlessly.

Use Cases

• Corporate Communications: Use for town hall meetings, training sessions, and other internal communications.
• Marketing and Sales: Product launches, webinars, and other customer-facing events.
• Events and Conferences: Stream keynote addresses, panels, or entire events to a global audience.
• Education: Lectures, seminars, and educational content delivery.
• Entertainment: For artists, musicians, or other entertainers to broadcast their events.

Akamai Media Delivery Solutions

Akamai Technologies is one of the world’s largest distributed computing platforms, known primarily for its content delivery network (CDN) services. The company’s media delivery solutions are designed to optimize the delivery of video, music, and software content over the internet. Let’s delve into the details:

Features

Content Delivery Network (CDN) – At the heart of Akamai’s media delivery is its global CDN, ensuring content is served from the optimal location to reduce latency and improve speed.

Adaptive Media Delivery – Dynamically adjusts video quality in real-time based on the viewer’s network conditions, ensuring a smooth playback experience.

Download Delivery – Optimized for large file downloads, ensuring users can download software, games, or other large files quickly.

Media Services Live – Offers solutions for live streaming events, ensuring scalability and reliability.

Media Services On Demand – Optimize and deliver on-demand content to any device, anywhere.

Cloud Wrapper – Integrates and caches content closer to users by wrapping around multi-cloud environments.

Media Acceleration – Enhances traditional content delivery methods by optimizing data delivery for video, gaming, and other dynamic applications.

Security – Offers a suite of security features including DDoS protection, secure socket layer (SSL) encryption, and content protection to prevent piracy.

Integration – Akamai’s solutions are designed to work seamlessly with major streaming platforms, content management systems, and cloud providers. This makes it easier for businesses to integrate Akamai into their existing infrastructure.

Use Cases

• OTT (Over-the-Top) Platforms: Ensure smooth delivery of streaming video content to global audiences.
• Gaming: Optimize the delivery of game downloads, updates, and in-game assets.
• E-commerce: Enhance website performance, especially during traffic spikes, ensuring users have a seamless shopping experience.
• Live Events: Stream high-profile live events, ensuring minimal buffering and high quality.

FAQs

What are some popular alternatives to Azure Media Services?

Popular alternatives include AWS Elemental Media Services, Google Cloud Video Intelligence, and VdoCipher.

Which service provides the best video security?

VdoCipher is known for its advanced video security capabilities, including DRM encrypted video streaming, secure offline downloads, and dynamic watermarking. However, “best” can vary based on specific requirements.

Is there a significant price difference among these alternatives?

Pricing can vary considerably based on the specific services, usage volume, and additional features required. It’s essential to compare the cost structures of each provider based on individual needs.

Which platforms are best for mobile or low-bandwidth scenarios?

Most of these services offer adaptive bitrate streaming to adjust video quality in real-time based on the viewer’s connection. However, the effectiveness of these solutions can vary, so testing is advised. VdoCipher offers adaptive video streaming to match the bitrates with the user’s network capabilities and device type.

Jyoti

Jyoti began her career as a software engineer in HCL with UNHCR as a client. She started evolving her technical and documentation writing skills to become a full-time Content Marketer at VdoCipher.

The post Azure Media Services Alternatives | Top Picks before June 2024 Retirement appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

What is LMS (learning management system) platform

An LMS (Learning Management System) is a web-based or software application specially designed to facilitate the creation, management, delivery, and monitoring of e-learning, educational content, development programs and learning activities. LMS acts as a central platform to manage courses, evaluate performance, and track learning progress at various stages. Since it is a cloud-based service, it can be accessed from anywhere using an active internet connection.

Some key features of an LMS platform are course creation and management, curriculum and learning paths management, reporting and analytics, collaboration tools, and other integrations with business intelligent tools like Tableau or its alternatives.

Popular LMS platforms include Moodle, TalentLMS, Blackboard, and Canvas. These platforms cater to different industries and use cases such as K-12, higher education, professional development, and corporate training.

For example, a course creator can create courses on ‘Digital Marketing’ and upload videos and other resources on an LMS platform. They can later create assignments and quizzes. Many companies use LMS platforms to onboard new joiners and provide training material based on their job profile. An organization may integrate an LMS platform with their HR system to automatically enrol newly hired employees and track their completion status.

Types of LMS platforms or LMS website

Cloud-Based LMS

These LMS are hosted on the service provider’s servers and accessible anytime from any place. It’s a good choice for organizations, remote teams, and learners across different locations. Example – LearnUpon and TalentLMS

Self-Hosted LMS

This type of LMS is hosted within an organization’s servers. Installation and setup require technical expertise but there are many customization options. Examples – Moodle and iSpring Learn.

Open Source LMS

As the name suggests, open-source LMS are free to use, modify, and distribute. These LMS usually have a strong community where people contribute updates and various improvements. They require technical expertise to set up and manage but can be easily customized as per business needs. Examples – Open edX and Sakai.

Commercial LMS

These are typically sold by a vendor as a locally hosted enterprise product, hosted on an organization’s servers, or as a SAAS offering, hosted on the vendor’s servers with online accessibility.

Benefits and Importance of an online LMS platform

Centralized learning repository – LMS platforms provide a central platform to store, organize and manage learning content. It makes the content easily accessible to admins and learners. It also reduces the risk of losing learning resources.

Time and cost efficiency – LMS platforms have a lot of automated administrative processes such as registration, enrollment, and tracking. This reduces a lot of time and cost. It also reduces the workload on educators and admins, giving them more time to focus on the learning process aspects.

Personalized learning experience – Educators can create curriculum and learning materials on LMS platforms as per the learner’s unique preferences and needs. A personalized learning experience ensures learning engagement and higher retention rates.

Flexibility and accessibility – LMS platforms support various content types such as images, videos, and text, and cater to different learning styles. Learners also get to access the content anytime and anywhere on any supported device.

Scalability – Most LMS platforms are easily scalable to accommodate the growing count of learners or users and educational content, making it cost-effective for organizations where the learning and training needs are expandable.

Data security and privacy – Popular LMS platforms have robust security measures in place to protect their confidential data such as user information and video content. This includes measures such as secure authentication protocols, encryption, and access control to ensure secure access and sharing.

 Some of the basic features of LMS Tools

Role of LMS Platforms in Education

In an LMS setting, teachers are facilitators, providing a learning environment where students can conduct research and engage with technological resources to professionals.

• • Role of Teachers – In an LMS, teachers act more as facilitators than traditional instructors. They set up an environment where students can independently explore and learn using various technological tools. This helps students become adept in handling information, which is crucial in today’s information-heavy world.
  • Adapting to Student Needs – Different students have different learning paces and capabilities. Some may struggle with deadlines, while others may need more challenges. The LMS helps instructors to tailor their teaching strategies to meet these diverse needs.
  • Continuous Learning and Assessment – The LMS enables continuous monitoring of students’ learning progress and provides ongoing feedback. Teachers can set clear expectations, and students can regularly assess their progress and achievements.
  • Accessibility and Flexibility – Students can access educational materials, participate in discussions, and complete assessments all within the LMS. This system supports various learning activities like group chats and online discussions, making education more interactive and accessible.
  • Constructivist Learning – The LMS allows for constructivist learning, where students build their knowledge through experiences and interactions within the platform. This method focuses on students’ active participation and encourages them to construct their own understanding of the material.

Must have capabilities in an LMS System

Centralize and Automate Administration – An LMS should bring all administrative tasks related to education and training into one central system. This includes automating processes like enrolling students, tracking their progress, and managing resources, which saves time and reduces errors.

• Use Self-Service and Self-Guided Services – It should allow learners to manage their own learning experiences. This includes enrolling in courses, accessing learning materials, and tracking their own progress without needing to rely on others.
• Assemble and Deliver Learning Content Rapidly – An LMS should be able to quickly put together educational content from various sources and deliver it efficiently to learners. This helps in keeping the learning content up-to-date and readily accessible.
• Consolidate Training Initiatives on a Scalable Web-Based Platform – The system should be able to support different training programs or initiatives within a single platform that can scale as the number of users grows. This is essential for organizations that want to expand their training programs without switching systems.
• Support Portability and Standards – An LMS should adhere to industry standards for e-learning, which ensures that the content and data can be easily transferred or used across different systems and platforms. This compatibility is crucial for maintaining flexibility and extending the reach of educational programs.
• Personalize Content and Enable Knowledge Reuse – The system should offer options to tailor the learning experience to individual needs, preferences, and learning styles. It should also facilitate the reuse of existing content in new educational contexts, which can enhance learning efficiency and resource utilization.

How to choose the best LMS platforms for your business

• Define clear objectives – It’s important to have a clear understanding of your organization’s learning and training requirements and objectives.
• Evaluate the ease of use – A user-friendly interface ensures administrators and learners navigate and use the LMS more effectively. This includes an intuitive user interface, customizations, mobile accessibility, and an efficient platform learning curve.
• Access scalability – As your organization’s requirements grow, the demand to accommodate more users, content courses, and learning requirements increases. An LMS platform must be capable of handling such evolving needs without compromising performance and resources.
• Integrations – An LMS needs to have seamless integrations with 3rd party systems to improve efficiency. Integrations with content libraries enrich course offerings and communication tools to improve collaborations.
• Mobile and responsive support – Most LMS platforms support mobile learning and responsive web design to encourage learners to access course content and other activities on a range of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, desktops, and more.
• Data privacy and security – Modern LMS platforms have robust security measures in place to secure sensitive data and content from piracy and unauthorized access. It includes encryption (platforms like VdoCipher offer DRM encryption), password protection, secure authentication protocols, and access controls.
• Budget and pricing – Before making a final decision, compare the pricing model and features of different LMS platforms. Your own budget is also a crucial factor in making a choice. Apart from one-time or subscription fees, consider other factors such as set-up costs and other additional costs.

LCMS vs LMS: Similarities and Comparison

The Learning Content Management System (LCMS) is a newer term and is primarily concerned with the creation, management, and distribution of learning content. It allows for the handling of digital learning objects in a multi-user environment. Users can create, store, reuse, manage, and deliver these learning objects, which may include media files, assessment items, simulations, and other content types. The LCMS also enables content editing and storing. The LCMS provides tools that support the repurposing and efficient assembly of learning content. This avoids redundancy in content creation and enables quick customization of content for different training needs.

Similarities and Comparison

• Similar Tools – Both systems may share tools for delivering and managing online training, including synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (on-demand) methods.
• Content Development – LCMSs are specifically equipped for authoring and reusing content, which includes the ability to modify and republish learning materials for various audiences while maintaining version control and history.
• Integration – Despite distinct roles, the term LMS is often colloquially used to refer to both systems. However, the LCMS is a more specialized development that focuses on content management, which is not a capability of a traditional LMS.

In summary, while both LMS and LCMS are crucial for educational organizations, they serve different but complementary roles. The LMS administers and delivers learning processes, whereas the LCMS focuses on the content itself, providing robust tools for creating, managing, and optimizing digital learning materials.

Best LMS platforms and learning management solutions

TalentLMS

TalentLMS is a cloud-based learning management system (LMS) designed to deliver online training courses and educational programs. Catering businesses of any size, it offers a streamlined approach to e-learning. It provides an intuitive interface that makes the creation and management of online courses a seamless process.

Features

• Course Management – Build courses from scratch, a variety of assessments, latest eLearning content standards, like SCORM, xAPI, and cmi5.
• Blended learning, Certifications, and gamification include badges, points, levels, rewards, and leaderboards.
• VideoConferencing support
• Ecommerce to sell individual courses or via the subscription model.
• API and integrations with Salesforce, GoToMeeting, Shopify, and more.
• GDPR compliant
• Easy customizations and themes

Pros – Course creation tools, ease of use, mobile learning, reporting & analytics
Cons – Limited customization. Some users find the platform’s design somewhat plain.

User Reviews – “One of the advantages is to train multiple people at once with sometimes different training modules. With the fast turnaround of employees, it is difficult to think of other ways to keep up. Also, recruitment of employees is made easy and fair.” – capterra.com

Canvas LMS

Canvas LMS is a cloud-based educational platform designed to facilitate online teaching and learning. Developed by Instructure Inc., it’s used by educational institutions of all levels, from K-12 to higher education, as well as by businesses for employee training. Canvas LMS provides an open, customizable, and scalable solution to engage and educate learners.

Features

• Course Creation and Management
• Rubrics, Modules, Calendars, Schedules, Quizzes, Syllabi, Analytics
• Canvas API to integrate with tools and apps such as Adobe, Microsoft Teams, and G Suite.
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• SpeedGrader feature allows teachers to view and provide feedback on student assignments.
• Integrated tools for real-time communication, including announcements, discussions, chat, and video conferencing

Pros – Integration capabilities, strong user community, and scalability
Cons – Pricing seems somewhat expensive compared to other LMS platforms. Limited customizations.

User Reviews – “I loved that Canvas was easy to use. Even though I had never used Canvas before, I jumped in and was able to do everything I needed pretty quickly. I had all of the features I needed but it wasn’t difficult to use.” – elearningindustry.com

Moodle LMS

Moodle (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) is an open-source LMS designed to provide a secure, robust, and integrated system to create a personalized learning system. As it is open-source, it is customizable by educators, administrators, and learners to offer flexibility and numerous alterations.

Features

• Complete control as an open-source platform
• Easy add-ons with more than 200 open-source plugins
• Moodle versions 3.10 and 3.11 are WCAG 2.1 AA compliant
• Content access and manage activities and assignments with the Moodle app
• Collaborative learning with Forums, Web Conferencing, and more.

Pros – Highly customizable, open-source, extensive features, and community support. Adding and embedding videos in Moodle is also very straightforward and easy.
Cons – Some users find Moodle’s interface less intuitive. Although free, it requires additional costs for hosting, maintenance, and other services.

User Reviews – “Moodle’s high adaptability enables us to create lessons and learning activities that precisely suit their requirements and preferences. It is simple to design exciting and interactive classes thanks to this flexibility.” – g2.com

iSpring Learn

Cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS), iSpring Learn facilitates online training for businesses of all sizes. It offers a set of features to create, deliver, track, onboard, train, and develop corporate training activities. The various training programs include new hire onboarding, compliance, product, and sales training.

Features

• Easy content creation – interactive courses, role-plays, assessments, and video lessons.
• Data and analytics tracking to give insights into training effectiveness
• Automated progress reporting, deadlines, notifications, and smart user groups.
• Multiple admin roles on iSpring Learn’s supervisor dashboards
• Social learning along with newsfeed with reactions.

Pros – iSpring Suite, a complete toolkit for creating eLearning content. Structured learning paths
Cons – Reports lack flexibility. iSpring Suite comes with additional pricing

User Reviews – “We are using iSpring Learn as a tool to deliver training materials to our staff team across multiple departments, eradicating the need to complete multiple face-to-face sessions. Whilst primarily focused on our technical support team, we are also using the platform for bulk training needs, such as health and safety and fire safety.” – trustradius.com

360learning

360learning is a collaborative LMS focusing on learning creation and training delivery within an organization. Organizations can create and share learning modules, connect all of their business systems, and optimize workflow integrations. The platform reduces your administrative burdens and maximizes fill rates.

Features

• Host and review the existing eLearning catalog of SCORM courses without content migration
• Create company-specific trainings, automated enrollments
• Data-driven insights and dashboard
• Audit proof e-signature
• Customizable validity period for a certificate
• Real-time one-click feedback

Pros – Collaborate learning, easy content creation along with fast customer support
Cons – Not enough gamification. Complex workflow to create trainings reported by some users

User Reviews – “I like that 360Learning makes it easy for anyone to create learning content that is actionable and measurable. I like that the interface of the tool is intuitive, making it easy to navigate through the various courses and modules.” – gartner.com

Thinkific Plus

Thinkific Plus is a premium learning management system from Thinkific, designed to create, market, and sell eLearning products. With no coding required, you and your teams can create amazing learning experiences. It comes with high customizations, controls, and support for enterprise-level services.

Features

• Advanced security features and Single Sign-On OpenID (SSO)
• Enterprise API access. Advanced CSS customization. Custom migration planning
• Multiple seats and tiered pricing checkout options
• White-labeled mobile app. Dedicated customer success manager
• Unlimited administrators and B2B group management

Pros – Automated reminder based on progress, dedicated support team, easy customizations
Cons – Reporting could be better with complex analysis. Need more integrations.

User Reviews – “We can upload our contacts from the previous database within just a few minutes. Also, there are additional groups of learners, which is easier for us to take care of various learning cohorts.”- g2.com

LearnDash

Specially designed for WordPress users, LearnDash is a flexible LMS plugin to create and sell online courses. It is used mainly by universities, startups, and mid-size companies. With LearnDash, you can create free and paid courses.

Features

• Drag and drop course builder, No coding required.
• Easy course cloning to head start on a new course.
• Learning Paths to with challenge exams
• Onboarding wizard, assignment management, and focus mode
• Built-in payment system with subscriptions
• For WordPress

Pros – Integration with 3rd party extensions. Good documentation, support, and webinar guides. Easy-to-use built-in tools.
Cons – Compatible with only WordPress. Limited default payment options. No free trial.

User Reviews – “LearnDash is a power-packed LMS plugin that caters to all types of LMS requirements. It is a very user-friendly, lightweight, and robust system that provides a seamless end-user experience in online learning.” – g2.com

Adobe Learning Manager (formerly Adobe Captivate Prime)

Previously known as Adobe Captivate Prime, Adobe Learning Manager is a cloud-based LMS to set up, deliver, and track enjoyable learning experiences. On a single platform, engage customers, drive sales, and develop staff skills. With Adobe Learning Manager, you can deliver personalized learning across multiple devices with ease.

Features

• A suite of API integrations and custom connectors
• AI-based recommendations, social learning, and gamifications
• Headless LMS with personalized dashboard
• Extended enterprise learning
• Hybrid learning support with flexible learning options

Pros – Various modes to track learner engagement. Badging and gamification. Easy content creation.
Cons – Mobile experience is a little clunky. Pricing is a bit higher.

User Reviews – “It has helped our Learning & development division very effectively. It helped us get huge amounts of people trained and certified, and it’s a great LMS. Its powerful ability to create different types of e-learning content easily.” – trustradius.com

Teachable

Teachable is a cloud-based learning management system to create personalized online courses and coaching products like videos, quizzes, and lectures. Creators engage with online audiences and collect payments on their own terms with coaching, courses, and downloaded content.

Features

• Advanced editing tools. Less to no coding skills to create, manage, and sell courses.
• Variety of templates to create landing pages for marketing and sales campaigns
• Majority control over your payment solutions
• Drag and drop builder with multiple file format support across devices
• Built-in authoring tools and automated enrollment based on user data

Pros – Free trial. Support for offline access. Built-in shopping cart.
Cons – Payout options seem a problem for subscribers outside the USA. The basic paid version has a limitation of only 5 courses at a time.

User Reviews – “My overall experience with Teachable has been very positive.Improved features, and excellent onboarding training. My only frustration is the inability to auto-schedule blog posts.” – capterra.com

Blackboard Learn

Features

• Automated assessment grading
• Built-in software with accessibility and anti-plagiarism tools
• Easy-to-use tools and workflows
• Personalized support for students from their own institutional resources
• Real-time improvement insights

Pros – Customizations as per educational institutions. Built-in web tools
Cons – Some find it expensive. Integrations are a little tedious.

User Reviews – “Blackboard has been very user-friendly and easy to navigate. After years of using it, it is not hard” – g2.com

Vdocipher Secure Plugin for seamless integration with popular LMS platforms

The VdoCipher plugin works smoothly with most LMS platforms like LifterLMS, WpCourseLMS, LearnPress, Teachable TutorLMS, and LearnDash. Hosting your videos on the LMS may result in a website slowdown. This can hamper the user experience when someone with low internet connectivity comes to access your content and ultimately drops out.

The best case scenario is to host your videos on a video hosting service like VdoCipher which offers numerous features along with Hollywood Grade DRM Encryption at affordable pricing. To do so, simply upload the video on the VdoCipher dashboard and embed it on the page you want. Learn more about embedding on 3rd party LMS websites or platforms like Teachable.

How VdoCipher Plugin is the best choice to stream videos on your LMS platform

Multi-DRM Protection using Google Widevine and Apple FairPlay DRM for the highest level of protection against piracy and unauthorized access.

Dynamic Watermarking to deter screen capture and establish branding. Customizable for color, size, and transparency.

Custom HTML5 Video Player with closed captioning, adaptive bitrate streaming, picture-in-picture, offline download, subtitle support, chapters, and video analytics.

Domain/IP Restrictions to whitelist/blacklist specific countries and regions. Block a range of IPs and set time-based restrictions and expiry of URLs.

Easy Embed Options to generate embed code using one line code in simple steps.

Video Analytics gives video parameters to monitor your content. It includes the number of visitors, bounce rate, average view time, and other engagement metrics.

Video APIs to automate and ease the integrations and other functionalities. Server and Player APIs automate video upload, inject custom HTML in the video player for Android or customize player design.

Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR) automatically adjusts the video quality as per the viewer’s internet connectivity. To do so, the player must be capable to offers multiple video quality options.

We’ve written several other blogs on LMS, feel free to check them out if it piques your interest

• Video LMS
• Enterprise LMS
• Corporate LMS
• Top LMS Platform
• LMS Systems
• Learning Management Systems

FAQs

What is LMS software?

Often used interchangeably, the LMS platform and LMS software have slight differences in their meaning as per the context. LMS software refers to a standalone application or some module within a larger system, designed for learning purposes. LMS software often has fewer features and functionalities in comparison to LMS platforms.

How does an LMS work?

An LMS platform allows content creation, enrolling learners, and tracking and accessing their performance. An LMS automates the workflow of administration, managing, and reporting events.

Are LMS platforms available on mobile devices?

Most modern LMS platforms have a mobile app or a responsive web design. There is also the option of offline access, making it a hybrid learning experience.

How much does an LMS solution cost?

Based on the number of users and features, the pricing model of an LMS platform varies. While some have free plans and others have subscription pricing models or one-time fees.

Can I integrate LMS with other systems?

Each LMS has specific integrations with 3rd party systems. For example, most LMS integrate well with Human Resources Management Systems (HRMS) or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

Jyoti

Jyoti began her career as a software engineer in HCL with UNHCR as a client. She started evolving her technical and documentation writing skills to become a full-time Content Marketer at VdoCipher.

The post Best LMS (Learning Management System) Platforms & LMS Tools appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

“A content creator is an individual who uses their influence, skills, and creativity to amass and monetize an audience online.”

What is Content Creator Economy?

The creator economy is a term to describe the growing trend of content creators, curators and community builders making a living off of their online creations. It can include everything from YouTube videos and podcasts, creating and selling online courses, social media influencer marketing, and blogging. It also includes other businesses supporting the creators, such as analytic platforms, video hosting services, and advertising firms. There has been a big rise in the number of tools to create, share, monetize and gain an audience. Creators are rising, and anyone can now create and contribute to the creator economy.

The major components of a creator economy are

• Creators
• Consumers or Target Audience
• Platforms (to create, distribute, consume and monetize content)
• Prospective Businesses and Brands
• Tools & Services to assist in content creation

According to the payment company Stripe, “the number of creators went up by 48% in 2021, compared to 2020 on its 50 most popular creator platforms. If this exponential growth continues, these 50 platforms in themselves will contribute to 15.5 million creators in five years”.

Who is a content creator?

A content creator produces and shares written, visual and entertaining content, usually digital. Content creators is a broad term covering different works and mediums to disperse the work. In this blog, the term “content creator” refers to someone focused on creating content to target an interested specific audience and connect with them.

The content produced is mostly original and commonly includes YouTube videos, blogs, social media posts, and much more. The content distribution is via social channels like Instagram, YouTube, personal websites, and more.

Content is the soul of creators, and the focus is on creating fresh content or adding value that interests, informs, and educates their audience. Each content field requires creators to have the proficiency to thrive and earn, including good communication, proper knowledge, and engaging content delivery.

Historical Evolution of the Creator Economy

Early 2000s – Birth of Blogging

• People began sharing content online.
• Platforms like Blogger provided tools.
• Monetization mainly through ads and sponsors.

Mid-2000s – Rise of YouTube

• YouTube launched in 2005.
• Video creators could monetize through AdSense.
• The partnership program helped creators earn.

Late 2000s – Social Media Growth

• Platforms like Facebook, Twitter expanded.
• Influencers began to emerge.
• Brand partnerships and sponsored content became popular.

Early 2010s – Emergence of New Platforms

• Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok launched.

Diverse content formats evolved.

• Influencer marketing industry grew significantly.

Mid-2010s – Subscription Models

• Patreon allowed subscriptions.
• Creators earned directly from fans.
• A new, more sustainable revenue stream developed.

Late 2010s – Expansion of Tools & Platforms

• More platforms provided monetization tools.
• Live streaming, eCommerce integration flourished.
• Creator-focused startups emerged.

2020s – Mainstreaming and Growth:

• Pandemic increased online content consumption.
• New platforms and features continued to launch.
• Creator economy valued at approximately $104 billion by 2021.

Factors contributing to the rise of the creator economy

There are several factors that contribute to the rapid growth in creator space and boost the creator economy. Some of these common factors include

The rise in internet usage and the globalization of content consumption

According to datareportal insights, by the start of April 2021, over 300 million people worldwide started using the internet in the past 12 months. The annual change in the number of global internet users is more than 7.6%. The demand for creative content will likely grow with the world becoming more digitized.

With wider internet access, the market gap between the supply and demand side of the creator economy narrows. Wireless infrastructure and last mile internet reach are surely giving an economic boost to localized content to reach a global audience. In the next few years, we will likely see high volume growth in the creator economy.

“Number of creators on the 50 most popular creator platforms stands at 668,000.”

Disruption in formal employment opportunities

Ever since the pandemic outbreak, there have been massive job losses and an increase in countless job-seekers. Fresh graduates had to sit idle at home. Some of them jobless and creative artists became overnight sensations. In 2021 itself, the 50 million creator economy escalated to $14 billion. Creators now look for additional revenue sources and flexible job culture empowered by remote work technologies.

Many small businesses collaborate with influencers and online creators to boost brand visibility and attention. By leveraging these influencers’ voices and reach, many could ensure business continuity and increase their sales. In fact, boosting the creator economy is the dire need to compensate for the lack of formal job opportunities.

• YouTube is considered the birthplace of the creator economy, and a report outlined its contribution to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP).
• Oxford Research found that YouTube’s creative ecosystem supported 394K equivalent jobs in the United States in 2020, paying over $30 billion to creators, artists, and media companies.

The popularity of short-form video content

Video is now the most popular form of content on the internet, and people are continuously looking for new and interesting videos to watch. People love short-form video content as it is easy to consume and can be watched on any device. People watch short-form videos while on the go and are also more likely to share them with their friends. You can learn or get a good laugh within minutes by watching reels or short videos.

“53% of content creators’ fans say that their ideal length for a video is under 5 minutes.”

• According to a HubSpot report, 85% of marketers consider short videos as the most effective video format on social media.  In 2022, brands will focus more on short-form educational videos focused on how-to’s, DIYs, and explainer videos.
• People are increasingly turning to short online videos for entertainment, news, and even education. More and more students and teachers are using short-form educational videos to supplement traditional classroom instruction.

An increasing number of creator economy platforms and tools

A lot of content creators look for different ways to monetize their work. Now there are many monetization platforms helping creators earn a decent income from their work.

• One of the most popular monetization platforms is YouTube. You can create videos and then monetize them through ads. You can even join the YouTube Partner Program, which gives you a share of the revenue from the ads shown on your videos.
• Educators now possess multiple no-code and easy solutions like LMS to create, integrate and monetize their educational content.
• Video security mechanisms like DRM, which used to be available only for Google and Apple, are now available to everyone through Authorized license partners like VdoCipher. Earlier the creators had no option to tackle their video piracy problem and eventually had to face revenue loss.
• Another popular monetization platform is Patreon. With Patreon, you can create content and ask your fans to support you by becoming patrons. It may be a good earning source if you have a large audience base.
• Several platforms also specialize in selling digital products, such as ebooks, courses, and other types of content. These platforms can be a great way to monetize your work if you have something of value to sell. Find the right platform for your content, experiment with free templates, and see what works best for your specific situation.

“Nearly 41% of creators make a liveable wage from their content at $50k in annual income or higher.”

Many creators are moving beyond popular earning models like sponsorships and Patreon towards new and innovative monetization methods. Be it NFTs or workshops or developing own brand into a full-scale business. Not all models seem to prove successful, but some certainly will.

Bond of trust between Creators and Audience

Creators have become the key players for brands to reach targeted audiences. Many creators build their audience on social media by promoting their knowledge and talents. Their admiration or reputation roots in their creativity and unique individuality. Multinational companies engage with the mass audience with unique campaigns involving famous creators instead of big celebrities. Creators now have the power to connect with unrepresented groups and nations, which is a big opportunity for creators and companies.

Communicating with creators can take many forms, including leaving comments, sending messages, or following their social media handles. When fans take the time to communicate with creators, it shows that they are invested in what they are doing and that they are willing to support them. This can go a long way in building trust between fans and creators.

In some cases, the close relationship and bond of trust between fans and creators allow for the wrong transmission of inaccurate and misleading information. Some creators even take undue advantage of the trust fans put in their favourite creators. There have been plenty of examples of content creators propagating wrong and conspiracy theories. 

“44% of fans feel they know their favourite creators, as well as they know their real-world friends.”

Investment in creative content

Investing in high-quality creative content is wise for businesses of all sizes regardless of whether your business is about SEO link building software or eCommerce. After all, compelling content is one of the most effective ways to reach and engage your target audience. It helps build trust and credibility, drive your website or business traffic, and generate leads and sales. Creators and businesses (especially after announcing ChatGPT), sometimes rely on AI content tools. Our advice will be to use also AI Detector tools to ensure that your content looks human-like and will be perceived positively by your audience. It’s also possible to create captivating AI art effortlessly with the use of AI art generator tools, but you may still need a graphic artist to develop brand-ready images. Since 2020, venture capital has invested $850 million into the creator economy.

The growing number of unicorns in the creator economy shows the huge potential for venture capital investors, startup founders, and creators. This type of investment into the creator space sends a strong message that the creator economy is a big force to be reckoned with. According to Crunchbase data, funding for startups focused on creative content in 2021 was $939 million.

“The actual rate an advertiser pays per view on YouTube is between $0.003 to $0.005, which means a YouTuber receives nearly $3 to $5 per 1000 views”

Creators are doing what they like to do and are best at what they do while delegating out the things they are not good at. There is a need for other tools to help creators run their work, such as hosting videos, managing revenue, contacting brands and businesses, hiring resources and more.

• LinkedIn announced a $25 million fund via its Creator Accelerator program
• Pinterest built monetization tools and launched a $500,000 creator fund
• YouTube added a $100 million fund just for Shorts, its TikTok-like feature
• In 2020, TikTok, after a $200 million fund, launched new monetization features     

                                             Creator Economy Ecosystem

The Benefits of working with Creators

Enhanced Return on Investment

Among marketers who implement influencer marketing strategies, approximately 25% report it as having the second-highest return on investment (ROI) compared to other marketing approaches. In the B2B sector, influencer marketing is particularly potent, yielding an ROI that is eleven times greater than that of traditional advertising methods. This strategy is especially effective in influencing Generation Z consumers, with one-third reporting purchases based on influencer endorsements within a recent three-month period.

Expanded Reach and Brand Awareness

As organic reach diminishes on social media platforms—which promote a pay-to-play model—the importance of influencer collaborations becomes increasingly crucial. For example, by July 2022, the average organic reach for Instagram posts by brands had fallen to 13.51%, a decrease of 29% from the previous year. Similarly, Facebook’s post reach reduced from 10.43% to 8.6%. Influencers can significantly extend a brand’s reach by tapping into their established communities.

Innovations in Search and Discovery

Modern consumers frequently prefer social media platforms over traditional search engines for finding information. Surveys by Google indicate that 40% of younger users favor platforms like TikTok and Instagram for searches, attributable to the personalized and relevant content these platforms offer through sophisticated algorithms. Thus, collaborating with content creators is becoming essential for enhancing a brand’s search engine optimization (SEO) and visibility.

Authenticity and Trust

Utilizing user-generated content (UGC) from creators helps B2B companies enhance their brand’s authenticity and foster trust among potential clients. Moreover, UGC allows brands to diversify their content sources, which is particularly beneficial for organizations with limited marketing and creative resources.

Strategic Data Capture

Engaging with new communities via influencers enables brands to access a rich source of audience data. As regulations make acquiring third-party data increasingly challenging, the information gathered directly from interactions on creators’ platforms—such as post feedback, comment tags, and user engagement metrics—becomes invaluable. This data can inform future marketing strategies and help refine target audience profiles.

eLearning Creator economy

In the last two years after the pandemic, there’s been a growing trend of people making a living off by creating and selling eLearning courses. This is often referred to as the “elearning creator economy.” There has been a growing demand for online learning platforms, which makes it easy for educational creators to sell and monetize their content. More people now look for affordable and non-traditional ways to learn new skills online. They can study at their own pace and in their own time. They can also access learning materials from anywhere in the world. Year over year, creators are succeeding in generating revenue through online education.

Top creators are broadening their revenue streams, moving from online courses to selling other products and services. Around 83% of the top educational creators already offer multiple services and products. Instead of a single course, creators provide a complete learning package for students, including memberships, interactive sessions, ebooks, physical products, and other complimentary services. Creators use live and scheduled lessons to build a sense of community among students. These small interactions, in turn, build engagement with each other. The end purpose is to create a learning environment to achieve success.

OTT Creator Economy

Most YouTube creators look for different ways to monetize their content. Even when their channel has built a fan following, there is a constant fight to retain the audience. To achieve a sustainable income, creators must navigate their followers from the platform their audience is built on to a place with diversified monetization options. Many creators have perfected the transition to subtly divert a loyal audience towards more financially supported content creation platforms. An OTT platform matches the portfolio of these creators and offers a valuable extension to their earning mediums. 

“By 2026, media OTT revenue is expected to surpass $200 billion”

OTT platforms have proven to be a boon for content creators. The OTT space is where talent is respected and rewarded, irrespective of who you are or where you come from. OTT platforms offer a more direct path to audiences than traditional television or movie platforms. This means that creators can build a more direct relationship with their fans and can more easily connect with viewers who are interested in their work.  OTT gives content creators a more stable revenue source and chances to reach a larger audience.

Creator Economy Market Size & Statistics

• By 2022, the global digital video content market is expected to reach $204 billion USD
• The total investments in creator economy startups was $1.7 billion in Q2, 2021
• 12% of full-time creators earn more than $50K 
• 9% niche creators earn more than $100K in a year
• 68% creators consider themselves part-time creators
• Short-form video is the most engaging content on Instagram
• Online learning market expected to surpass $305 billion by 2025
• 17% of consumers subscribe to a creator’s membership website
• 67% consumers learned about a new product through creator videos
• YouTube paid creators more than $15 billion throughout 2021
• During the pandemic, ad-revenue for creators declined by 31%
• Over 21K YouTube creators have more than 1 million subscribers
• 425% increase in enrollments to online learning courses 
• Twitch has over 300K professional streamers

Why do Creators need secure video hosting and video protection?

Video hosting platforms allow users to upload, share, or view videos. Popular video hosting platforms include YouTube and Dailymotion. There are several reasons why video content creators need secure video hosting. One reason is that secure video hosting helps ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized individuals. Additionally, secure videos protect learners’ privacy by protecting their personal information from sharing with third-party organizations.

“As per Digital TV Research, by 2022, the total loss from stream piracy will reach $52 billion”

To discourage video piracy and protect your videos from unauthorized access and usage, creators need a secure video hosting platform with additional security and features. The moment someone has access to their premium content, the very next minutes, the content is freely available on the web. Everyone must keep their videos secure, whether they’re vloggers, gamers, individual creators, Ed-tech or media enterprises.

VdoCipher’s Hollywood Grade Video DRM encryption allows you to protect a wide range of video file formats. The videos streamed via VdoCipher cannot be downloaded by any internet plugin or software. DRM technology uses encryption to protect content from unauthorized copying and playback. The user needs a valid DRM license to play the video content with access on only authorized devices. Only people with the appropriate key can decrypt and access the video.

DRM Encrypted Streaming

DRM encrypted streaming uses digital rights management technology to prevent unauthorized copying and playback of digital video content. DRM-protected content is typically streamed over the internet from a content provider to a user’s computer or other devices. The user’s device decrypted the video using a DRM key that the content provider provides. The user’s device then plays the content using a DRM-compliant media player. We offer the highest security from video piracy using Google Widevine and Apple FairPlay DRM.

Dynamic watermarking

Watermarking your videos is yet another great way to protect your videos from being duplicated and let others know who the original owner or creator is. Content creators can add watermarks to their videos to give the branding and restrict others from claiming it as their own. Our dynamic watermark features let you add User name, User IP, and User email to the video. The watermark can be easily customized for movement, colour, size, and transparency.

Smart HTML5 Video Player

Our smart HTML5 video player comes with dynamic controls, Multi-Language Subtitles support, adaptive bitrate streaming, and more.  In the Adaptive Multi-bitrate Playback, the media player automatically adjusts the quality of the video stream according to the bandwidth availability. It ensures smooth video playback without any buffering or interruptions. You can easily embed using iFrame, plugins and API.

Easy to integrate Plugins For WordPress/LMS and other CMS

VdoCipher provides easy integration support for many platforms like WordPress, Moodle, Joomla and many others. These plugin let you easy embed your videos and even place customization as per your requirements. For more advanced usage APIs and SDKs are also available.

Content Creators and Social Media Platforms

The relationship between creators and social platforms is simple. The platforms offer the creators a space to reach a broader audience, and in turn, creators supply almost free content for users to engage. This engagement drives the monetization options (advertising) on the platform. Creators use the platform to build fandoms and monetize on the platform. Content creators get a share of the ad revenue, which is nearly 5% of the overall generated revenue on the platform.

In short, social media provides creators with both top-of-funnel and middle-of-the-funnel marketing reach. Creators can choose to publish general content creating awareness about a broad topic. Also, they can target a niche audience by creating content only for that niche. In general, what we see is a combination of both generic and niche content combined with the final product knowledge using the text description in captions, bio, etc.

Tagging a product, retargeting, and other such platform-dependent features have now evolved into social media. Creators and companies that used to publish on social media to create awareness are now directly targeting it for sales. Also, these features are expected to become ubiquitous and enhanced, leading to more sales and commissions.

Types of content produced by creators

Popular Content Produced by Creators
Writing	Video & Audio	Social Media
Blogs	Vlogs	Testimonials
White Papers	User-Generated Content	Infographics
eBooks & Guides	Live Streams	Contests
Email Newsletter	Reels	Announcements
Product Content	Tutorials & courses	Social Posts
Case Studies	Interviews	Reviews

Common Revenue Models for Content Creators

Membership

In the membership program, the creators offer exclusive perks and benefits upon joining. The common benefits members receive include

• Exclusive Content (member-only articles, podcast episodes, newsletters, etc.)
• Member-Only Events (in-person or online events, meetups, both online and offline)
• Contents and Challenges
• Coupons and discounts

Subscriptions

A subscription is a recurring payment customers pay to access a service, content or product. The subscription pricing model can be either Flat-rate, Tiered or usage-based.

• Flat-Rate Subscription – A fixed subscription fee billed weekly, monthly or annually
• Tiered Subscription – Subscribers choose a subscription pricing model based on features and additional benefits they wish to avail of. There are usually basic and premium subscriptions.

Earlier this year, Instagram introduced “Subscriptions” with a handful of creators to set a monthly subscription price and give benefits to their subscribers. The features include Subscriber Lives, Badges, Stories and more.

Selling Merchandise

Creators and businesses may choose to sell their products and exclusive merchandise to their fans and followers through social media, websites or other mediums. About 43% of consumers are likely to make a purchase after knowing about it on social media. With these kinds of stats, creators cannot miss-selling their merchandise then and there. Many social sites even include product search features, wishlists and make a purchase.

Brand Sponsorship

In a brand sponsorship campaign, businesses and brands partner with creators to promote their products, services or content. The creators distribute and promote the sponsored content on various social platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and more. Even micro (<25K followers) and nano influencers (<10K followers) contribute a large part of brand sponsorships.

Donations

Nowadays, several creators earn money through donations from fans and supporters. It is usually done through websites like Patreon, where fans sign up and donate a specific amount to their favourite creators each month. Many social media platforms and websites have donation buttons. Moreover, different organisations can also get nonprofit donations thanks to technology and online platforms available.Sometimes creators hold crowdfunding campaigns to raise money for their work or project.

Google Adsense and other ad networks

Ad revenue sharing is the most common way creators earn. Ad revenue sharing is when a creator agrees to allow an ad network to place ads on their content in exchange for a share of the revenue generated from those ads.

Google AdSense is the most popular way creators earn money from their online content. AdSense works by displaying relevant ads on your site based on your content and visitors. To promote products and services, advertisers create and pay for ads. These advertisers pay different prices for different ads. Based on ad clicks and impressions, Google pays a share of revenue with the publishers.

“For displaying ads with AdSense for content, publishers earn 68% of the ad revenue while for AdSense for search, the revenue share is 51%”

The other ad monetization methods are cost-per-click (CPC) and cost-per-impression (CPM) advertising. In CPC advertising, the creators are paid based on the number of times users click on their content and the amount earned depends on the ad network. On the other hand, in CPM advertisements, creators earn based on the number of times their content is viewed. 

Endorse or sell NFTs

NFTs are non-fungible tokens. They are unique digital assets that cannot be interchanged with other assets of the same type. NFTs are bought and sold online, commonly with cryptocurrency, and are generally encoded with the same underlying software as many cryptos. NFTs can be anything, from video clips, GIFs, and digital paintings to music like some paintings sold in auctions in previous decades.

Some NFT marketplaces pay creators a percentage every time their NFT is sold. By buying NFTs, supporters and fans can financially support their favourite creators. Earlier this year, Jack Dorsey sold his first tweet for $2.9 Million.

Selling digital products

Creators can sell digital products like courses, webinars, video games, and digital downloads. They can sell these through online marketplaces like Etsy, Podia, their own website, or social media platforms.

Challenges and Criticisms of the Creator Economy

Market Saturation and Competitiveness

As the creator economy continues to grow, it faces challenges related to market saturation and increased competitiveness. With millions of creators producing content across various platforms, standing out and gaining traction becomes more difficult. This heightened competition can lead to oversaturation in certain niches and make it harder for new creators to establish themselves. While this challenge reflects the vibrant and dynamic nature of the creator economy, it also raises questions about sustainability and the need for differentiation.

Criticisms Regarding Inclusivity and Accessibility

The creator economy has also faced criticisms concerning inclusivity and accessibility. While the internet has democratized content creation to some extent, disparities still exist. Not all creators have equal access to tools, resources, and opportunities. Barriers related to technology, education, and capital can hinder participation for some individuals. Moreover, algorithms and platform policies may inadvertently favor certain types of content or creators. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring that the creator economy remains an inclusive and equitable space for all.

Future of the Creator Economy

The creator economy seems to only grow in the future. With increasing monetization platforms and access to tools, creators can make a living off of their content. And as more people become creators, the economy will only grow.

In the future, we may see new monetization mediums and even creators with their own platforms. This will lead to more and more brands and companies partnering with creators to promote their products and services. The future of the creator economy looks promising and full of opportunity.

Creators who can adapt and evolve will be able to thrive in this ever-changing landscape. In the coming times, creators must come up with fresh, engaging and interesting ideas.

• Community-based platforms will grow
• Influencer marketing will become more important
• Demand for content creation tools will increase
• Creator-led brands will gain popularity
• NFTs are likely to play a key role in the creator economy
• Web3 technologies will open new avenues for content creation

Latest in the Content Creator Economy

The Creator Economy, once enveloped in widespread enthusiasm, is now facing the harsh realities of an economic downturn. This sector, defined by its digital content creators ranging from bloggers and YouTubers to podcasters and social media influencers, is reportedly struggling as investments wane and economic conditions worsen.
Investor interest is declining, with the valuation of new startups falling significantly from previous highs. For instance, the era of startups achieving $1.3 billion valuations merely for their potential seems to be over. Additionally, the infrastructure supporting these creators, heavily reliant on venture capital, is also at risk as funding dries up.

Challenges Faced by the Creator Economy

• Economic downturns and reduced investment levels are pressuring all sectors, but the Creator Economy feels it acutely due to its reliance on discretionary spending. As consumers tighten their belts, spending on subscriptions and sponsored content can decline, which directly affects creator revenues.
• Market saturation is another significant challenge. With low barriers to entry, new creators are constantly emerging, making it increasingly difficult to capture and retain audience attention.
• The reliance on algorithmic platforms means that changes in platform algorithms can dramatically alter a creator’s visibility and revenue overnight, which adds an element of unpredictability to their earnings.

The Myth of a Non-existent Middle Class

A critical issue highlighted is the absence of a well-defined middle class within the creator community. The viability of content creation remains feasible primarily for the top-tier creators, leaving those in the middle struggling to find their footing. This disparity is emphasized by the example of the “37th best finance creator,” who, despite being highly ranked, faces significant challenges in standing out and securing a sustainable income.

• The notion that only the top creators make a viable living overlooks the experiences of thousands of mid-tier creators who carve out comfortable niches. These creators often benefit from highly engaged, though smaller, audience bases that can offer more sustainable and predictable income streams through direct support mechanisms like Patreon and memberships.
• Diversification strategies are critical here; successful mid-tier creators often spread their presence across multiple platforms and revenue streams, reducing their vulnerability to changes in any single channel.
• Community building is also a vital strategy for these creators. By fostering a strong sense of community, mid-tier creators can enhance audience loyalty and increase the willingness of followers to support them financially.

Challenging the Negative Outlook

Critics of the creator economy, like Kantrowitz, cite shrinking advertising markets and a faltering middle class as signs of decline. However, this narrative is challenged by data indicating that the advertising sector, while slowing, is still growing. Moreover, platforms like YouTube continue to see robust payouts, with significant sums being paid to creators annually.

• While some focus on the contraction of advertising budgets, they fail to account for the rise of alternative monetization strategies that creators are increasingly tapping into. These include direct sales, e-learning courses, and premium content models, which can be more resilient to economic downturns.
• It is also essential to recognize the resilience of niche markets within the Creator Economy. Certain niches continue to experience growth despite broader economic challenges, driven by specific audience needs and evolving content trends.
• The expansion of global internet access is continually opening new markets where creators can find fresh audiences and untapped opportunities for monetization.

Analyzing the Investment Trends

• While the overall venture funding landscape has seen a retreat, this needs to be viewed in context. Not all sectors are experiencing this equally, and within the Creator Economy, areas like educational technology and digital marketplaces are still attracting significant interest.
  The decline in some high-profile investments should not overshadow the continued investment in foundational technologies such as streaming infrastructure, content management systems, and creator-focused fintech solutions.
• Historical cycles suggest that investment in innovation does not cease but rather shifts towards supporting sustainable growth and profitability in response to economic pressures.

Sustainability of the Creator Economy Infrastructure

• The robustness of the Creator Economy’s infrastructure is often underappreciated. Platforms like Stripe and WordPress not only continue to operate but actively expand their services to better meet creator needs, such as integrating more advanced payment and monetization options.
• New developments in content delivery technology, including augmented reality and virtual reality, promise to open up novel content interaction modes that could rejuvenate interest and engagement among audiences.
• Furthermore, the success of platforms such as Patreon and Twitch showcases the viability of models centered around direct audience support, which lessens reliance on traditional advertising and enhances sustainability.

FAQs

Name of some of the famous creator economy startups.

Beacons, Buy me a Coffee, and Patreon are some of the creator economy startup examples.

What are some of the editing creator tools for YouTubers?

The most common tools used for editing are iMovie, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Rush.

Why do creator videos require DRM encryption?

Video creators need DRM encryption to protect their content from online video piracy. DRM encryption ensures that only authorized users access and view the content and that unauthorized users cannot copy or distribute the content. It secures the video against unauthorized access and copyright infringement. When the video is properly secured from hackers, there is boost in generated revenue.

What are the challenges of the creator economy?

The creator economy challenges include the need for creators to constantly create unique content to hold the audience and more platforms to support a wide range of content types with monetization methods that work for both creators and platforms. To have uniformity across the sector, there needs to be standard and well-established practices.

Which is the biggest platform for creators?

According to Statista, Instagram has the most creators ( more than 30 million), followed by YouTube with over 12 million creators.

How many creators earn more than $1 million?

Roughly 0.5% of creators make over  $1 million annually, while those earning between $500K-1M are nearly 1.7% of the creator economy.

References:

• https://influencermarketinghub.com/state-of-the-creator-economy/
• https://linktr.ee/creator-report/
• https://www.springboard.com/blog/business-and-marketing/creator-economy/
• https://stripe.com/blog/creator-economy
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2021/08/30/the-continuous-growth-and-future-of-the-creator-economy/
• https://www.thinkific.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/online-learning-trends.pdf

Jyoti

Jyoti began her career as a software engineer in HCL with UNHCR as a client. She started evolving her technical and documentation writing skills to become a full-time Content Marketer at VdoCipher.

The post Content Creator Economy Growth & Growth Creator Statistics Report appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

‘The WordPress plugin directory has nearly 60,000 free plugins’

Different Ways to Add Video in WordPress

Pasting the video URL directly on WordPress Page or website

• Find a video you want to paste on.
• Copy the URL to your clipboard
• Paste the copied URL in the blog post or relevant position as an src attribute of < video > tag where you want the video to show.
• The video will be automatically embedded in that post.

Block Method

• To add a new block, Click on the “+” icon. Select the block which is associated with your video hosting service provider which in this case is VdoCipher.

• Enter the video ID, video title, and update the player width and height settings. Finally, embed.

Embedding using Video Block editor

This scenario is applicable in cases when WordPress does not have the block for the hosting provider your videos are hosted on.

• To add a new block, click the + icon.
• Select the video block.
• You can either directly upload the video, select from the media library or via URL.

HTML Block Method

Another method to embed video on WordPress is through embed codes (HTML scripts).

• Copy the embed code from the video.
• On the page editor, click on the + icon to add a new block.
• Select ‘Custom HTML’ block to open the block.
• Paste the embed code in the block.

Embedding using classic editor

• Copy the embed code from your video.
• Go to the classic editor and select the tab ‘Text, near the Visual editing area.
• Paste the embed code where you want the video to show.
• To see visual changes, click on the ‘Visual’ tab.

Using Video Player Plugin

Embedding through video player plugins is one of the best ways to embed videos in WordPress. In this blog, we have already covered the secure VdoCipher WordPress plugin to embed videos. Plugins typically display your videos, blogs, website, and other platforms. Embedding via custom video player plugins gives additional functionalities like customization, adding captions, playlists, and more.

WordPress Video Format and Recommended Settings

The recommended settings to ensure the best possible compatibility with WordPress editor blocks (except Video or VideoPress block) are:

• Resolution – 1920×1080 (1080p)
• Max Resolution – 3840×2160 (4K)
• Format – H.264 (if the uploaded plays only in the Video block or shared via VideoPress links, H.265 or VP9 codecs can be uploaded)
• Bitrate – 8mbps for 1080p30, 12mbps for 1080p60
• Audio – AAC minimum 160kbps

WordPress Supported Video formats

• avi
• .mpg
• .mp4, .m4v (MPEG-4)
• .mov (QuickTime)
• .ogv (Ogg)
• .vtt (upload by inserting a Video block only)
• .wmv (Windows Media Video)
• .3gp (3GPP)
• .3g2 (3GPP2)

Best Practices for Using Video in WordPress

• Video file compression – a website’s page load time slows down due to large video files. There are a number of ways to compress video and reduce file size without impacting the video quality.
• Adding transcripts and captions – Applying captions and transcripts to your videos not only increases the accessibility but also boosts video SEO. The content becomes more searchable and readable in the eyes of Google. In simple words, captions and transcripts increase traffic and user engagement with higher SEO value.
• Video Metadata – The text data associated with a video is Metadata. Search engines cannot directly crawl videos, but instead rely on the texts like video description, video titles, and tags to make it searchable.
• Video Schema Markup – Video schema markup is a piece of code that you add to your website and tells search engines how you have structured the video. It helps in making your video appear with rich results in the SERPs. The code includes a thumbnail URL, description, and upload time.
• CDN-based content delivery – Videos served via CDN suffer minimum latency and buffering. CDN is actually a group of servers that are geographically distributed across the world. The media files are temporarily stored or cached on the servers and whenever a user makes a playback request, the video is delivered from the nearest CDN server. This way the content delivery is fast and interrupted.
• Video sitemaps – a video’s sitemap includes the additional information of the video hosted on your page. It helps search engines easily find your videos. There are a number of videos in WordPress plugins to automatically create video sitemap.
• Optimize video thumbnail – a relevant, eye-catchy, and high-resolution thumbnail improves the click-through rate.

VdoCipher WordPress Video Player Plugin

VdoCipher offers highly secure DRM-encrypted video hosting along with a range of features to protect your videos from video piracy and illegal downloads. It includes Google Widevine and Apple FairPlay DRM encryption, secure offline downloads in apps, and dynamic watermarking. The DRM encryption technology we use to protect your premium videos ensures that no downloader or plugin can download your videos. Only authorized users have access to the video content along with a layer of security features.

Along with this, our VdoCipher WordPress Video Hosting Plugin provides the most secure and customizable online video player which comes with DRM content protection, Dynamic watermarking, multi-bitrate adaptive streaming, video player themes, easy integrations, and much more.

Using our plugin, you can easily embed videos in WordPress. The plugin has seamless integration with popular WordPress membership plugins like MemberPress, WP eMember, and, Restrict Content Pro. Coming to Learning Management Systems (LMS), the video player plugin works perfectly with the most popular WordPress LMS plugins such as LearnDash, LifterLMS, WPCourseWare, Sensei, and LearnPress.

How to Integrate Vdocipher WordPress Plugin in Simple Steps

• Create an account on VdoCipher and log in.
• In the Security & Config section seen on the left side of the dashboard, navigate to the API Keys section. Add API Key.

• The key must be kept confidential and is used to authorize the plugin to play videos from the dashboard.
• Go to your WordPress dashboard. On the ‘Add Plugins’ page, search for ‘VdoCipher’.

• Click on ‘Install Now’
• Click on the link “Activate”. On the top of the page, you will see a message.

• “Click here to configure VdoCipher”

• On the next page, enter the API Secret Key. On entering the Secret Key, you would be shown the status ‘Ready’.

• On your VdoCipher dashboard, you can start video upload and import. On successful video upload, the video ID is displayed.

‘Of all the websites using WordPress, nearly 64% use Version 6 – W3Tech’

Default Video Security in WordPress

When it comes to videos, WordPress does not have any default security measures in place. Videos hosted on WordPress are downloadable using software and plugins. Unless you use a video player plugin with strong encryption technology like DRM as offered by VdoCipher, videos of WordPress lack strong security protocols.

How VdoCipher Plugin Secures Videos in WordPress

DRM encryption

DRM protects videos from illegal downloads, unauthorized access, and sharing using Google Widevine and Apple FairPlay technology. The video file is converted into an encrypted format and decrypted at the player’s device via a private decryption key. The encryption methods used by other video hosting providers have a partial key exchange mechanism using AES128 and RTMPe. The key can be hacked, making them vulnerable to piracy.

Dynamic Watermarking

In this technique, digital information like user ID, email, and organization name embed into the video stream which cannot be altered or removed. The watermark is dynamic as the information changes with time. The dynamic watermarking feature we offer includes customizable text, color, transparency, and more.

Secure offline download in SDK

VdoCipher Android SDK lets you securely download the videos to your local storage device for offline playback. It also includes APIs to download media files to local storage, monitor download progress, and Fetch available download options for a video in your dashboard.

Screen capture block in Android & iOS Native app

Our native SDK integration blocks screen capture at the hardware level and discourages screen capture. It is a very helpful feature for securing your videos against piracy.

Multi-level user access

Often multiple users need access to the same video content but with different access rights. Some people have editor-level access while some are restricted as viewers. VdoCipher multi-users have four different roles, editor, uploader, OTP creator, and viewer.

Geo-Restrictions

Often you wish to restrict or limit access to your content for some regions or countries. It can be due to different pricing models, audience and market size, legal restrictions, availability of regional content, and much more. You may even need to blacklist or whitelist specific countries. Through our API guide, you can easily configure the IP and country restrictions.

OTP-based authentication

To play videos, VdoCipher uses a unique embed code based on a short-lived access token, OTP. In every session, it ensures video authentication so that only logged-in paid users can access the premium content.

Multiple file format support

Based on the browser or device type, the file format varies. On one device, a video may be low quality while comparatively better on another device. The video file into converted into various formats so that the best video resolution is served on every device.

App-based security by Google SafetyNet

With Google’s SafetyNet integration, playback on emulators is by default blocked, protecting against replay attacks and application tampering. Also, SafetyNet blocks duplicate apps by allowing playback on only the apps published by you and not modified APKs.

Creating Video Sitemap in WordPress

Firstly, a sitemap is a file with a structured listing of all the web pages of your website. Sitemaps help search engines crawl your site more efficiently and accurately. Search engines can understand your site content, changes you made to existing pages, or added new pages through sitemap, making indexing faster.

The video sitemap lists all the video content available on your website. Video sitemaps contain information like video publish date, duration, thumbnail image, video embed code, and description. This provides accurate information to the search engines and improves the video search results ranking.

A point worth noting here is that search engines like Google still index your video content and rank it but video sitemaps make the process of discovering your video much faster than waiting for the search engine to find it naturally.

Important Tags for a Video Sitemap

<loc> – URL of the webpage having the video
<video:video> – Parent tag or video container with the following sub-tags
<video:title> – video title
<video:description> – video content description
<video:thumbnail_loc> – URL pointing to the video thumbnail image file
<video:content_loc> – URL of the video file
<video:duration> – Video duration in seconds
<video:player_loc> – URL of the video’s player page
<video:publication_date> – Video publish date
<video:tag> – Specifies several tags under one category. Max permitted tag count is 32.

Sample Video Sitemap

Video sitemap are manually added or using sitemap generator tool. When using WordPress, there are several plugins that help in creating video sitemaps for your website. Popular video sitemap plugins for WordPress are All in One SEO (AIOSEO) and Yoast Video SEO.

FAQs

How to customize the video player in WordPress?

Many plugins for hosting videos on wordpress have customizable options. One such plugin is from VdoCipher which allows theme change, custom controls, subtitles, and customizable colors to match your website’s tone.

Can I improve the performance of my videos hosted on WordPress?

Compressing the video file size without affecting the video quality, CDN content delivery, and choosing a professional video hosting platform like VdoCipher that has an uptime of 99.99%.

What video formats does WordPress support?

WordPress supports a variety of video formats, including but not limited to MP4, WebM, and Ogg. The most straightforward method to add videos is by uploading the video file directly to your website using the Video block. This allows for direct playback on the site. WordPress can also embed videos from popular services like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and more, where videos from these services will embed automatically by simply placing a link to the video in your post or page.

Are there any specific settings recommended for uploading videos to WordPress?

When uploading videos to WordPress, it’s recommended to use a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p) for optimal viewing on most devices, with a maximum resolution of 3840×2160 (4k) supported by the player. The video should be encoded in the H.264 format for wide compatibility. It’s advisable to have a bit rate of 8mbps for 1080p30 and 12mbps for 1080p60, with audio in AAC at a minimum of 160kbps. Ensure the video is optimized for fast start/web optimized playback and consider using video compression tools for adjusting the video before uploading if it doesn’t meet these specifications.

Jyoti

Jyoti began her career as a software engineer in HCL with UNHCR as a client. She started evolving her technical and documentation writing skills to become a full-time Content Marketer at VdoCipher.

The post Videos in WordPress Guide & Best WordPress Video Format appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

What is a video streaming server?

A streaming server is a specialized server that handles the delivery of video and audio content to viewers over the internet. To offer quality streaming, streaming servers process multimedia data under time constraints. This prevents any jerkiness or hindrance in the video delivery and playback.

A streaming server typically has 3 subsystems:

Communicator – It involves application layer and transport protocols which are implemented on the server. In other words, it manages the network communication between streaming servers and clients. It handles how the data flows over the network, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted streaming. It manages streaming protocols like HTTP, RTSP and aspects like buffering and bandwidth optimization.

Operating system – The OS provides the necessary environment for all the processes and applications to run within the server. It manages the server’s hardware resources such as memory, CPU. It includes optimizations to handle high volume of data throughput and connections which are common while streaming.

Storage System – Here the actual streamable content is stored. It needs to ensure fast and reliable access to the media files. It has an effective caching mechanism and redundancy to ensure high performance and availability.

Video streaming architecture

Video Compression

Video compression is crucial in streaming technology. It reduces the size of the video files, making them easier to transmit over the internet. Compression is achieved using codecs (encoder/decoder). Common codecs include H.264, H.265, and VP9. The process involves two key steps:

• Encoding – It compresses the video file, reducing its size without significantly compromising quality. This is done through techniques like inter-frame compression, which only stores changes from one frame to the next rather than entire frames.
• Decoding – On the user’s end, the compressed video is decompressed by the decoder to be viewed. Efficient compression balances file size reduction and video quality.

Application-Layer QoS Control

Quality of Service (QoS) at the application layer ensures a smooth streaming experience. It involves:

• Adaptive Bitrate Streaming – Dynamically adjusting video quality based on the user’s internet speed to prevent buffering.
• Network Monitoring – Continuously monitoring network conditions to adapt the stream accordingly.
• Resource Allocation – Prioritizing network resources for critical components of the stream to maintain quality.

Continuous Media Distribution Services

This section refers to the services that enable continuous, uninterrupted delivery of streaming content. Key elements include:

• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) – Distributed network of servers that deliver content efficiently by caching it closer to the end-user.
• Load Balancing – Distributing network traffic across multiple servers to ensure stability and reduce latency.
  Redundancy – Implementing backup systems to avoid service interruptions.

Streaming Servers

Streaming servers are specialized servers designed to efficiently deliver streaming content. They handle:

• Client Requests – Managing simultaneous requests from a vast number of users.
• Data Transmission – Utilizing protocols like RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) or HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) for efficient data transmission.
• Storage and Retrieval – Storing large volumes of media and retrieving them quickly upon request.

Media Synchronization Mechanisms

Synchronization ensures the audio and video tracks play in harmony. This includes:

• Lip Sync – Matching audio with the corresponding video (especially speech).
• Frame Synchronization – Ensuring frames are displayed at the correct rate.
• Buffer Management – Balancing buffers to avoid delays between audio and video.

Types of streaming servers

Streaming servers are categorized based on the content they deliver, functionality, and technology they use.

Live streaming servers – These servers broadcast live events in real-time. The process includes live audio and video feeds, encoding and then transmitting over the internet.

On-demand streaming servers – These servers store pre-recorded videos and media files and deliver upon request from the user. The services include movie streaming, playing recorded sessions, podcasts and more.

Audio streaming servers – These servers are designed for audio content (streaming music, podcasts, radio broadcasts)

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Streaming Servers – Unlike traditional client-server approach, in P2P streaming, a peer simultaneously acts as a client and a server. A video can be downloaded from a set of peers and simultaneously uploaded to another peer set. This significantly reduces the bandwidth requirement.

Private Streaming Servers – Private servers have restricted access and more security. They are primarily used within organizations for training, webinars, and internal communications.

Functionality of a live streaming server

Capture and Encode – The server receives live video and audio feeds, typically from a camera or a computer. These feeds are then encoded, meaning they are compressed into a digital format suitable for transmission over the internet. Common encoding formats include H.264 for video and AAC for audio.

Transcoding – Some servers also transcode the stream, which means converting the original encoded content into multiple formats or qualities. This is crucial for adaptive streaming, where the quality of the stream adjusts based on the viewer’s bandwidth.

Delivery – After encoding, the server distributes the stream to viewers. This can be done directly (in smaller setups) or via a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for larger audiences to reduce latency and buffering.

Live streaming server protocols and technologies

Streaming protocol is a set of rules governing how data travels from one device to another. For online video delivery, both streaming protocols and HTTP-based protocols are used. For example, RTMP offers fast video delivery while HTTP protocols optimize viewing experience.

RTMP

Adobe defines RTMP as “Adobe’s Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) provides a bidirectional message multiplex service over a reliable stream transport, such as TCP [RFC0793], intended to carry parallel streams of video, audio, and data messages, with associated timing information, between a pair of communicating peers.”

Flash player and RTMP were the main players for live streaming for many years. Even with the decline of Flash, still, RTMP encoders are the most used streaming protocol for ingest. Mostly, live video streams are initially encoded and later transcoded using a streaming server for content delivery to various devices and players. The most common live streaming workflows include RTMP and HLS.

HLS

Developed by Apple, HLS streaming is a widely used streaming protocol. It was originally used both for live streaming and on-demand video content over HTTP to iOS devices. Now, it is platform agnostic.

HLS is also an adaptive bitrate streaming protocol, meaning the video quality is adjusted in real-time as per the viewer’s internet speed. Initially, compared to RTMP, HLS had higher latency but later Apple introduced low-latency HLS that reduced latency to 2 seconds or less.

Supported Codecs and Formats:

• Video Codecs – H.264, H.265/HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding).
• Audio Codecs – AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), MP3.
• Transport/Package Format – MPEG-2 TS (Transport Stream)

MPEG-DASH

Developed by Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG), MPEG-DASH is an alternative to HLS. Being open-source, it is highly customizable for audio and video codecs. It supports adaptive bitrate (ABR) protocol, delivering best quality video as per the viewer’s network connectivity.

MPEG-DASH allows use of any encoding standard unlike HLS that requires H.264 or H.265. Also, iOS devices cannot play video that is delivered over MPEG-DASH.

Similar to other streaming protocols, MPEG-DASH breaks video into small chunks that are transmitted over HTTP.

• Chunked Transfer Encoding – In this method, as soon as the segment of a video chunk is ready, it is sent to the client. In other protocols, there is a wait time for the entire segment to be encoded and packaged before sending. This approach significantly reduces latency and makes MPEG-DASH an ideal streaming protocol for live streaming.
• No minimum queue required – DASH doesn’t require a minimum number of segments to be queued before playback can start. This lowers latency because the video can begin playing as soon as enough data has been received, rather than waiting for a larger buffer to fill up.
• Codec Agnostics – MPEG-DASH is not tied to any specific video codec. A codec is a method for encoding and decoding video and audio data.

Setting up a live streaming server

Hardware requirements

Processing power – live streaming is a highly resource intensive process. To As the number of concurrent streams and resolution increases, the CPU consumption for video encoding in real-time increases. We then need powerful CPU.
Storage – To ensure smooth operation, adequate storage and RAM is required. SSDs are preferred for faster data access.
Network interface – The server should be highly reliable and have robust internet connectivity for faster data transmission.

Software and Platform selection

Operating System – Choose between Windows Server, Linux, or other server operating systems based on compatibility with your streaming software and your own expertise.
Streaming Software – Open-source software like OBS Studio (for encoding) and NGINX with RTMP module (for server-side streaming). If you want know more about how to use obs studio, you can check the blog linked.
Codec Selection – Choose the right codec (e.g., H.264, H.265) based on a balance between quality and required bandwidth.

Server configuration and optimization

Network Configuration – Ensure that your network settings, including firewalls and port forwarding, are configured to allow uninterrupted streaming.
Software Configuration – Set up your streaming software. This involves configuring input sources (e.g., cameras, microphones). Setting up encoding options, including resolution, bitrate, and frame rate.
Configuring the streaming protocol (e.g., RTMP, HLS) and stream destinations (e.g., YouTube, Twitch, or a CDN).
Security – Implement security measures like encryption, access controls, and, if necessary, a VPN.
Testing: Before going live, conduct thorough testing to ensure everything works seamlessly. Check for stream quality, latency, and stability.
Optimization – Based on the testing, optimize settings like bitrate and encoding options for the best performance. Monitor CPU and memory usage to ensure the server is not overburdened.
Scaling – Plan for scalability, especially if you expect a large number of viewers. This might involve setting up load balancing or using a CDN.

Network considerations for live streaming

Bandwidth consumption

Live video streaming consumes significantly higher bandwidth. The requirement depends on the stream’s resolution, compression and frame rate. For example, streaming at 1080p might require 4-5Mbps, while a 4k stream might need upwards of 20Mbps. Make sure the network handles maximum bandwidth requirement without hindering simultaneous internet usage.

Upload speed

The upload speed determines how much data you can send to the internet per second. Higher upload speeds allow for higher quality video and audio streams.
With a faster upload speed, you can stream at higher resolutions (like 1080p or 4K) and higher bitrates, which translates to clearer, more detailed images and better sound quality.

Latency

Low latency is essential for real-time interaction between the streamer and the audience. In interactive streams, like Q&A sessions, gaming, auctions, or live events, high latency can disrupt the flow of conversation and engagement. The closer the stream is to real-time, the more engaged the audience can be, as they can react to and interact with the content as it happens.

Content Delivery Network (CDN)

For reaching a wider audience, especially geographically dispersed, a CDN can distribute the load, reduce latency, and improve the overall viewing experience. CDNs work by caching the stream on multiple servers located closer to different viewers. During high-traffic events, a CDN can distribute the load among multiple servers, preventing any single server from becoming overwhelmed. This ensures consistent streaming quality even when viewer numbers are high.

FAQs

Which server is best for live streaming?

The best server for your live streaming website depends on your specific needs, such as the number of viewers, stream quality, and budget. Cloud-based solutions like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are also highly regarded for their scalability and reliability.

What is a streaming server?

A streaming server is a specialized server that distributes audio and video content to viewers over the internet. Unlike traditional download servers, streaming servers allow users to view content in real-time without downloading the entire file first. They are optimized to manage large, continuous data flows essential for streaming media.

What is streaming server price?

The cost of a streaming server can vary widely. A basic setup using open-source software like OBS Studio can be relatively inexpensive, mainly requiring a capable computer and internet connection. Professional-grade servers can cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the features and scale. Cloud-based solutions often operate on a pay-as-you-go model, where costs depend on usage and bandwidth.

Jyoti

Jyoti began her career as a software engineer in HCL with UNHCR as a client. She started evolving her technical and documentation writing skills to become a full-time Content Marketer at VdoCipher.

The post Live Streaming Server Technology in 2024 appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

Comparing top video player for Android

VLC for Android

VLC media player is a cross-platform open source multi-media player. VLC for Android supports audio and video playback as well as network streams, DVD ISOs, network shares and drivers. It is similar to the desktop version of VLC.

Rating & Reviews – 4.2, 1.7M reviews

“Excellent app but the only thing that I found bugging me is that in some long videos (~2h-3hr) we can not jump to a certain position and the video automatically stops playing. Even if we play video from the beginning and when it reaches this certain point, it stops playing. I even tried to change h/w acceleration options but it didn’t work. Hope this gets fixed asap.” – Play Store review

MX Player: Video Player & OTT

MX Player supports all popular video formats and offers MX Silver Ad-Lite subscription. MX Player app supports seamless 8K / 4K Ultra HD / HD video playback. Additionally , you get access to a vast collection of free multilingual movies, TV shows, MX Originals, music videos, and much more.

Rating & Reviews – 4, 12.3M reviews

“Best app, Add 1.25 speed on video player” – Play Store review

BSPlayer

BSPlayer is a hardware accelerated video player, suited for older Android devices. It supports multi-core (dual and quad-core) HW decoding and it’s also known for its automatic subtitle finding functionality.

Rating & Reviews – 4, 145K reviews

“Used this app for the past decade but now Too many ads, switched to VLC” – Play Store review

Kodi

Kodi is an open-source software media player for digital media for Home Theatre PCs (HTPCs). It’s ideal for users who want to integrate their video, music, and gaming experiences in one platform.

Rating & Reviews – 3.2, 328k reviews

“Powerful app. Has a lot of features and functionalities and still runs smooth. Can not only convert your phone to a server can also act as an intermediate device to boost functionalities of other devices. Like if your router only has ftp or smb can use this phone as a upnp middle man. Lots of other stuff too.” – Play Store review

KMPlayer – All Video Player

KMPlayer caters to all forms of HD videos, music and subtitle files. Features include bookmark, quick button, chromecast support, and play speed settings.

Rating & Reviews – 3.6, 388K reviews

“Impressive. First app giving all the desired options after over 10 attempts with other players. Flawless. Good songs management, can play in background without blocking the screen, sound amplifier… even cool options like wifi broadcast. Probably the BEST AND MOST USEFUL app on google play.” – Play Store review

XPlayer (Video Player All Format)

XPlayer is a highly popular online video player, supporting all video formats and 4K/Ultra HD video files. The player supports password for your private album and Night Mode, Quick Mute & Playback Speed.

Rating & Reviews – 4.7, 1.56M reviews

“Have been using this video player app for a while now, and it’s been a bit of a mixed bag. On the positive side, all my videos play seamlessly, and the interface is user-friendly. However, I’ve encountered an issue with song detection. Not all my songs are being picked up by the app, which can be frustrating when I want to create playlists including both videos and music. I appreciate the smooth video playback, but I hope the developers can address the song detection issue in future updates.” – Play Store review

Must have features in a custom video player for Android App

Multi-Format Support – support for various video formats (FLV, MKV, MP4 and AVI) and codecs. This ensures video availability and playback on a variety of video files on devices.

Adaptive Streaming – adaptive streaming auto adjusts the video quality as per the viewer’s internet speed, thus ensuring smooth playback. The video player has to support adaptive streaming protocols like DASH and HLS.

User-Friendly Interface – The player must have an easy to navigate and intuitive interface. This improves the viewing experience and accessibility for the viewers.

Responsive and Efficient Playback Controls – Various controls like play, pause, seek must be responsive and smooth, giving the viewer complete control over the video playback.

Subtitle Support – subtitle support makes the content accessible to non-native speakers and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The player should have support for various subtitle formats.

Hardware Acceleration – This involves utilizing the device hardware tor video decoding, which improves the performance. High-resolution videos have a smooth playback and at the same time, battery life is conserved.

Customizable Playback Speed – Without disturbing the audio quality, the player must have the option to alter playback speed. It is highly useful in education videos or watching videos at preferred speeds.

Aspect Ratio and Zoom Controls – changing aspect ratio and zoom in/out allows viewers to adjust the video display as per their preference or screen size.

Error Handling and Reporting – There will be instances of playback errors and a proper clarification and potential solution should be displayed to the viewer.

Security and DRM Support – VdoCipher custom video player for Android offers the highest level of video security i.e, DRM support to protect copyrighted content and ensure compliance.

Analytics and Reporting – Gathering data on viewer’s viewing behavior and preferences make it easy to improve and personalize their viewing experience.

Integrations – with Native, Flutter, React Native SDK

Offline download & playback – Ability to support offline download and secure playback.

Play Integrity Integration – To prevent app cloning and prevent hacking attempts. Check out our play integrity apk documentation to know more.

Picture in Picture Option – multi-window mode to shrink a video to a small player so that you can keep using other apps on your smartphone.

Background playback possibility – play videos in background

Creating custom video player for Android

Most developers, while creating a custom video player for Android, rely on two primary options provided by Google, MediaPlayer and ExoPlayer. MediaPlayer is a customizable open source library, part of android SDK and suited for simple playback video requirements. On the other hand, ExoPlayer offers more features and flexibility. Developers use it for advanced features like adaptive streaming.

MediaPlayer

The framework supports various common media type playbacks, allowing easy integration of images, video and audio into your applications. Audio and video media files stored in application’s resources can be played from standalone files or using MediaPlayer APIs to play from a data stream arriving over a network connection. MediaPlayer is easy to integrate, making it a popular choice for developers who do not need extensive customizations.

Following classes are used to play sound and videos in the Android framework:

• MediaPlayer – primary API to play sound and video. It supports various media sources such as Local resources, Internal URIs and External URLs (streaming)
• AudioManager – manages audio sources and audio output on a device

MediaPlayer has limited support for adaptive streaming protocols like HLS or DASH and doesn’t provide as much control over buffering, rendering, and track selection.

Media3 ExoPlayer

Jetpack Media3 has a Player Interface which defines basic functionalities such as pause, play, seek and display track information. The default implementation of this interface in Media3(a powerful media playback library by Google ) is ExoPlayer. Compared to MediaPlayer, it provides support for multi streaming protocols, default media renderers, and components to handle media buffering. ExoPlayer is highly customizable and can be updated via Play Store application updates.

• Add ExoPlayer as a dependency to your project.
• Create an ExoPlayer instance.
• Attach the player to a view (for video output and user input).
• Prepare the player with a MediaItem to play.
• Release the player when done.

Comparison between MediaPlayer and ExoPlayer Framework

VdoCipher Security and DRM in video players for Android

VdoCipher has mastered the art of delivering encrypted video content to Android devices, leveraging the power of ExoPlayer/Media3. Let’s dive into the four key components that make this possible:

• The Client’s Role – At the heart of the process is the client, eagerly attempting to play content. This is where the user’s journey begins.
• VdoCipher’s License Server – This is the brains of the operation. The license server responds to client requests by generating decryption keys, ensuring that only authorized users can access the content.
• Provisioning for Unique Credentials – Some scenarios require unique credentials for specific devices. Here, a provisioning server steps in to ensure that each device gets what it needs for a seamless streaming experience.
• The Content Server – The final piece of the puzzle is the content server, which safely serves the encrypted content to the client.

Now, let’s look at how these components interact at the client-side

• Playing Protected Content – The client attempts to play protected content from the content server. This is done using a DashMediaSource, paired with a DrmSessionManager.
• The Role of DRMSessionManager – The DRMSessionManager, a pivotal element, implements the MediaDRMCallback. It’s further enhanced by the HttpMediaDrmCallback, which adds layers of functionality, such as wrapping/unwrapping license requests and responses, and throwing custom exceptions to pinpoint issues.
• Device Provisioning – If a device needs provisioning, a request is made to the provisioning server. This is seamlessly handled via a callback.
• License Acquisition and Playback – Once the MediaDRM client secures the license, it’s passed to ExoPlayer, kickstarting media playback. This process is a must for each media playback request, especially for non-persistent licenses.
• Handling Persistent Licenses – The application smartly saves and reuses persistent licenses until they expire. Plus, persistent license requests are pre-fetched before video playback begins, using OfflineLicenseHelper. This ensures video initialization is smooth, regardless of the success of the license fetch operation.

FAQs

What is the best video player for Android?

Some of the best-rated video player for Android based on customer reviews are MX Player, VLC for Android, and ExoPlayer.

Is MX Player allowed in India?

Yes, MX Player services are accessible in India.

Is VLC better than MX Player?

Each of these Android video players have their own strengths and weaknesses. Some reddit reviews find MX Player having better customizations and preference for pc, laptop unlike VLC which is recommended by many for smartphones.

Can the interface of Android video players be customizable?

Video players for Android like VdoCipher custom video player offer a high level of customizations like theme and layout change.

Do video player for Android have adaptive streaming?

VdoCipher video player supports adaptive bitrate streaming which means the video quality dynamically adjusts based on the viewer’s internet connection and playback device. The feature is highly useful in times of low internet connectivity or for those living in tier 2,3 cities. Learn more about VdoCipher’s Android video SDK  for adaptive streaming

References:

https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/media/platform/mediaplayer

https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/media/exoplayer

Jyoti

Jyoti began her career as a software engineer in HCL with UNHCR as a client. She started evolving her technical and documentation writing skills to become a full-time Content Marketer at VdoCipher.

The post Best Video Player for Android Comparison 2024 appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

What is a Video Thumbnail?

A video thumbnail is like a mini-poster for your video. It’s a small, clickable image that viewers see before deciding to hit play. Think of it as the cover of a book or the front display of a shop. it needs to be inviting and give a hint of what’s inside. Thumbnails are essential in guiding viewers’ choices and can significantly impact the number of people who watch your videos.

A Brief History of Video Thumbnails

Video Thumbnails have come a long way since the early days of digital video. Originally, they were just small frames automatically picked from the video, often not representing the content effectively. As online platforms like YouTube grew, the importance of thumbnails became more evident. Content creators started to design custom thumbnails, turning them into an art and science that combines marketing, design, and psychology to grab viewers’ attention.

The concept of video thumbnails originated as a practical solution to represent digital video files. In the early days of digital video, browsing through content was challenging due to the lack of a visual preview. Thumbnails emerged as a quick reference point, a small visual snapshot of the video’s content.

As online video platforms like YouTube gained popularity, the role of video thumbnails evolved from mere representation to a powerful marketing tool. Thumbnails began to be crafted more thoughtfully, with an emphasis on attracting viewers and improving click-through rates. Today, they are an integral part of video SEO and digital marketing strategies.

Importance of Video Thumbnails

• First Impression – Thumbnails are often the first thing viewers see and can significantly impact their decision to click and watch.
• Increases Click-Through Rate (CTR) – An attractive and relevant thumbnail can significantly increase the CTR of a video, directly impacting its visibility and success.
• Conveys Content – It provides a quick insight into the video’s content, setting expectations for the viewer.
• Branding – Consistent thumbnail styles can enhance brand recognition and viewer loyalty.
• SEO Benefits – Thumbnails can affect a video’s search ranking on platforms like YouTube, as videos with higher engagement (clicks) are often favored in search results.
• Social Media Engagement – On social media platforms, thumbnails can stand out in a crowded feed, attracting more viewers and shares.

Types of Video Thumbnails

Custom Thumbnails – These are designed specifically for the video, often featuring graphics, text overlays, or custom images. They are tailored to convey the essence of the video content and are used to attract viewers’ attention.

Still Frame Thumbnails – Selected from a frame within the video itself. These give a direct glimpse into the video content but might not always be as eye-catching as custom thumbnails.

Text Overlays – These combine a still image from the video with added text, summarizing the video content or adding a catchy title.

Collage Thumbnails – Composed of multiple images or frames from the video, these provide a snapshot overview of the video’s content.

The Psychology Behind Thumbnail Effectiveness

Understanding Viewer Behavior

Why do some video thumbnail make you want to click on a video while others don’t? It’s all about human psychology. A good thumbnail captures attention, sparks curiosity, or evokes an emotional response. When scrolling through videos, viewers make split-second decisions based on thumbnails. The right image can intrigue, surprise, or excite them, leading to that all-important click.

“Thumbnails with minimal text (usually less than six words) tend to perform better, potentially increasing viewer engagement by up to 40%.”

The Power of First Impressions

First impressions matter, especially in the digital world where attention spans are short. Video thumbnails are your first and sometimes only chance to make an impression. A compelling thumbnail sets the tone and expectations for the video. It’s not just about being flashy; it’s about conveying a story or message at a glance. The best thumbnails are those that create a sense of anticipation and promise value to the viewer.

Technicalities of Video Thumbnails

Aspect Ratio and Resolution

• Aspect ratio refers to the width-to-height ratio of an image. It ensures the thumbnail fits properly on different platforms without being cropped awkwardly.
• Standard Ratios: For YouTube, 16:9 is preferred, while Instagram often uses a 1:1 square format.

Image Quality and File Types

• High Resolution: Thumbnails should be high-resolution to avoid appearing blurry, especially on larger screens.
• File Types: JPEG and PNG are standard due to their balance of quality and file size.

Text and Typography

• Legibility: Any text used should be easy to read, even on smaller screens.
• Font Choice: Select fonts that are clear and stand out against the background.
• Minimal Text: Use text sparingly to avoid clutter and maintain focus on the visual message.

“Videos with thumbnails featuring dominant blue hues are believed to receive 20% more clicks than those with warmer colors like red or orange.”

Color Usage

• Attention-Grabbing Colors: Bright and contrasting colors can make thumbnails more noticeable.
• Color Psychology: Different colors can evoke different emotions; choose them wisely to reflect your video’s tone.

Composition and Layout

• Visual Balance: Arrange elements in the thumbnail to create a visually balanced look.
• Focal Points: Use the rule of thirds to position key elements in areas that naturally draw the viewer’s eye.

File Size and Loading Time

• Optimal File Size: Keep the file size small to ensure quick loading times, enhancing user experience.
• Compression: Use image compression tools to reduce file size without losing quality.

Brand Consistency

• Brand Elements: Incorporate consistent branding elements like logos, color schemes, and fonts for recognition.
• Series Thumbnails: For video series, maintain a consistent style across all thumbnails for cohesive branding.

Platform-Specific Guidelines

• Adherence to Guidelines: Each social platform has its own set of guidelines for thumbnails; adherence is crucial.
• Customization: Customize your thumbnail based on the platform to maximize engagement.

Accessibility

• Inclusive Design: Consider viewers with visual impairments; avoid overly complex designs.
• Alt Text: Use descriptive alt text for thumbnails to improve accessibility and SEO.

Recommended Video thumbnail aspect ratios for social platforms

Instagram

• Stories & Reels – 1080×1920 resolution, 9:16 aspect ratio, max file size 4GB, video length up to 15 minutes for Reels​​.
• Carousel Video Ads – 1080 x 1080 resolution, 1:1 aspect ratio, max length 120 seconds, max file size 4GB​​.

Twitter (X)

Videos – Varied resolutions (1280×720, 720×1280, 720×720), aspect ratios (16:9, 1:1), max file size 512MB, video length up to 140 seconds​​.

TikTok

• Organic In-Feed Content – 1080×1920 dimensions, 9:16 aspect ratio, max size 287MB, length up to 10 minutes​​.
• In-Feed Ads – Multiple dimensions and aspect ratios (9:16, 1:1, 16:9), max size 500MB, length 5-60 seconds​​.

Snapchat

Single Video – 1080×1920 resolution, 9:16 aspect ratio, max file size 32MB, video length 3-10 seconds​​.
Long-Form Video Ad – Similar resolution and aspect ratio, max file size 1GB, length 3-180 seconds​​.

YouTube

• Video Player – Multiple resolutions (from 240p to 2160p), aspect ratios (16:9, 4:3), max file size 128GB, length up to 12 hours​​.
• Shorts – Multiple resolutions for 9:16 aspect ratio, max length 60 seconds​​.

LinkedIn

• Shared Video – Aspect ratio 1:2.4 to 2.4:1, max file size 5GB, length 3 seconds to 10 minutes​​.
• Video Ads – Various resolutions and aspect ratios (16:9, 1:1, 9:16), max file size 200MB, length up to 30 minutes​​.

Guidelines for Creating Effective Video Thumbnails

Clarity and Resolution – Ensure the thumbnail is clear and high-resolution to be visually appealing even on smaller screens.

Relevance – The thumbnail should accurately represent the content of the video.

Eye-Catching Design – Use bright colors, contrast, and compelling imagery to grab attention.

Include Text Sparingly – If using text, it should be concise and readable, complementing the image without overcrowding it.

Consistency – Maintain a consistent style across thumbnails if they’re part of a series or channel.

A/B Testing – Experiment with different thumbnail designs to see which gets more engagement.

Avoid Misleading Images – Ensure the thumbnail is not misleading or clickbait, as this can lead to viewer dissatisfaction.

Brand Consistency – For channels or creators with a brand, consistency in style, color, and font in thumbnails helps in building brand recognition.

Visual Appeal – An eye-catching design with vibrant colors and intriguing visuals draws attention in a sea of content.

Simplicity – Overly cluttered thumbnails can be off-putting. A balance between eye-catching and straightforward is key.

Emotion and Curiosity – Thumbnails that evoke emotions or spark curiosity tend to perform better. Whether it’s humor, surprise, or intrigue, an emotional pull is a powerful tool.

Using Text Effectively – Any text included in the thumbnail should be easy to read, even on smaller screens. This part discusses font size, style, and color contrast.

Methods, Techniques, and Tools for Creating Video Thumbnails

1. Graphic Design Software – Utilize tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva for custom thumbnail creation. These platforms offer extensive features for image editing, text overlay, and design elements.
2. Screen Capture – For still frame thumbnails, use screen capture tools to grab a frame directly from your video.
   Online Thumbnail Generators: Websites like Fotor or Snappa offer user-friendly interfaces to create thumbnails without needing extensive graphic design skills.
3. Adobe Photoshop – A professional tool for custom designs with advanced editing features.
4. Canva – Offers easy-to-use templates and design elements for quick creation.
5. GIMP – A free, open-source alternative to Photoshop.
6. PicMonkey – Another web-based tool with simple editing features.
7. Visme – A tool geared towards infographics but useful for thumbnail creation.

FAQs

What is the ideal size for a YouTube video thumbnail?

The ideal size for a YouTube video thumbnail is 1280 x 720 pixels, with a minimum width of 640 pixels. The aspect ratio should be 16:9.

Can I change the thumbnail of my video after uploading it?

Yes, you can change the thumbnail of your video after uploading it on most platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook.

Do video thumbnails affect SEO?

Yes, video thumbnails can affect SEO. An engaging thumbnail can increase your click-through rate, which is a positive signal to search engines.

What are the common mistakes to avoid in video thumbnail design?

Common mistakes include using misleading imagery, overcrowding the thumbnail with text or elements, poor image quality, and ignoring platform-specific guidelines.

Should I use custom thumbnails for all my videos?

It’s advisable to use custom thumbnails for your videos as they can be tailored to accurately represent and promote your content, potentially increasing viewer engagement.

How can I test the effectiveness of my video thumbnail?

You can test the effectiveness of your video thumbnail by conducting A/B testing, where you compare the performance of two different thumbnails to see which one performs better.

Are there any free tools to create video thumbnails?

Yes, there are free tools like Canva, Adobe Spark, and GIMP that offer functionalities to create effective video thumbnails.

How does a video thumbnail impact viewer engagement?

A compelling thumbnail can significantly impact viewer engagement by attracting more clicks, which leads to higher view counts and better engagement metrics.

Can animated GIFs be used as thumbnails for videos?

Animated GIFs generally cannot be used as thumbnails on most major video platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. They require static images.

Jyoti

Jyoti began her career as a software engineer in HCL with UNHCR as a client. She started evolving her technical and documentation writing skills to become a full-time Content Marketer at VdoCipher.

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