In this day in age, you may be familiar with what a streaming media platform is. However, you might have a limited definition of what a streaming platform CAN be and what it can do for you.
By definition, streaming platforms are on-demand online entertainment sources for TV shows, movies, and other streaming media. For example, think of services like Hulu, Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
There are also other examples of social media platforms that are free to publish content and free to watch, such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, and Vimeo. Let’s break these down even further.
Subscription-Based Streaming Platforms
For this example, we’ll classify the likes of Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+ as subscription-based streaming platforms. Typically, you have to pay on a per-month basis to use these platforms. Often, the content on these platforms is professionally produced by studios and media companies, and there is a significant barrier to entry to getting your content on those platforms. These platforms are also called OTT Platforms or Services.
Non-Subscription-Based Streaming Platforms
On the other side, platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube can be classified as non-subscription-based streaming media platforms. Although you can watch, follow, and subscribe to creators on these platforms, there is typically no cost to watching content on these platforms. In addition, these streaming media platforms are considered to be social media platforms, which means they allow creators to create and share their content for free and interact with their followers. They also allow users to be introduced to new content and creators through each platform’s algorithmic suggestions.
At this point, you’re probably thinking, so what? How do these viewer-centric streaming platforms really help you as a creator?
Here’s the truth: Video streaming platforms are the bread to your butter if you’re in the business of creating content, telling stories, building brands, and engaging audiences. Why? Because in the Age of Technology, people are increasingly giving up on television and turning to online streaming sources. In fact, U.S. viewers aged 18-43 spend more time streaming TV than they do watching traditional cable, broadcast, or satellite.
That’s huge, and part of the reason for that is the rise of over-the-top (or OTT) and everything it stands for. Now that everyone is going online for their content, it’s definitely where you should be going if you want to get your content seen. Let’s take a look at the best streaming platforms creators should be using for their content.