Live Streaming vs Video On Demand: A Quick Comparison

Video streaming was already quite a rage when the coronavirus pandemic came along. Streaming video online has gained traction because the way brands utilize video content has evolved. Today it is one of the key elements of the brand mix with an extensive focus as part of the business model strategy. And, choosing between using a live streaming model doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive for video content over an on-demand model. The right streaming platform can enable you to share videos both ways and successfully monetize your views.

    1. Live streaming apps: Live-streaming service apps offer a world of benefits to businesses, such as:

 - Engagement: The biggest advantage of live-streaming an event is the opportunity to engage with viewers.

 - Reduced cost: Live streaming an event means companies end up saving a whole lot of money they would otherwise spend on travel, accommodation, etc. for the events’ attendees.

 - Real-time: This one is a tad obvious but important nonetheless. Besides the engagement and interactions, it also helps the audience feel like they are part of the event in, you know, real-time.

Live streaming has many uses without a doubt, but it mostly works in situations where the content provider wants to and needs to set up a real-time connection with viewers.

    2. Video-on-demand services apps: Here are some of the main benefits of a video-on-demand service app:

 - Variety: Since VOD offers the scope to edit content and such, there is immense scope to adapt the content following customers’ preferences and offer as much variety as they want.

 - Accessibility: Thanks to the evolution of technology and the prevalence of the internet, VOD content can be accessed with ease across smartphones, smart TVs, laptops, etc.

 - Agility: With VOD, service providers have the option to edit content and make any other changes before pushing out the content for public consumption.

VOD is typically used when the company wants to offer complete convenience to users. It is one of the biggest reasons why VOD services such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hotstar, etc. are so popular now.

Now let us also quickly look at some of the key differences between live-streaming and VOD, which primarily emerge in the context of the type of events and content involved.

    1. Conferences: This should be ideally offered via live-streaming, but it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to also offer it as VOD to allow viewers to watch the conference later at their convenience.

    2. Educational content: Sure live streaming is an option here, but VOD would be ideal to ensure people can access the content whenever they want or need it.

    3. Media events: Since these events are often time-sensitive, live streaming is better suited for media events. This can be especially handy for journalists and other invitees who are unable to attend in person.

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