MAZ Blog

Getting Started With Your First OTT App

In the world of video on demand (or VOD), there are many ways to make money. If you’re researching VOD business models, you’ve probably heard of acronyms like SVOD, AVOD and TVOD. But what do all these terms stand for? And more importantly, what do they mean for your business?

Content paywalls are an essential part of any subscription businesses. From video publishers to magazines, paywalls are the #1 way to convert free viewers into paying subscribers. But how many different types of digital paywalls are there? What are best practices? And how do you choose the right ones for your business? 

The Quibi platform has been all over the news lately. From low user numbers to major product complaints, many are calling Quibi’s streaming service’s launch a fail. But what is Quibi? Does it really suck that much? Was Quibi’s launch really a failure?

Late last week, the Indian government announced that it would ban the popular video sharing platform TikTok due to “privacy and integrity concerns”. Following their lead, a few US senators have stated they are considering a similar TikTok ban in the US.

Whether you have content on a website, mobile app, connected TV app, or a presence on social media, you might be asking yourself, how can I be helpful during the COVID-19 crisis? How can I enhance communications to engage with audiences, and is there a way to support local, small businesses? While no business or person is unaffected by the current status of the world, there are positive ways to approach this difficult time. 

1. Support local businesses with banner ads or sponsored content
Consider pro-bono or affordable ad banners, section takeovers or sponsored content to the local businesses in your city. With restaurants moving to take-out or delivery only, nonessential businesses relying on online orders, and museums, and nonprofits struggling to stay afloat – give these businesses another outlet through your dedicated audience.

While you are social distancing in the coming weeks, you may find yourself with an overload of content options. Perhaps Netflix isn’t cutting it for you, and you’ve had enough of scrolling through Instagram.

Consider an alternative source of entertainment from smaller niche publishers, musicians, instructors, and even puppies. Check out these free TV and mobile apps:

MUSIC APPS:
Musicians and producers around the world are making the best of a crazy situation by bringing music and concerts into the home.

There is no doubt that students are more connected than ever. Thanks to classroom technology use being an at all-time high, both educators and pupils are used to having software and hardware incorporated into their daily school day. 

With the popularity of co-working spaces at an all time high, it’s no wonder businesses are rushing to accommodate millennials in need of affordable, communal offices. Thanks to pioneering startups like WeWork Green Desk, leasing shared offices have become the norm for many landlords looking to fill empty inventories. 

Watch the full panel discussion between thought leaders from across the media and tech industry to discuss subscription “paywalls.” The panel, moderated by Adweek emerging tech reporter Patrick Kulp, was made up of MAZ CEO Paul Canetti, The New York Times’ former VP of Product Eric Hellweg, Quip’s Director of Growth Mike Schanbacher and former CEO of Visto, Kerri Bianchi.