13 Best Video-On-Demand (VOD) Platforms in 2023

video on demand platforms vod platforms featured

Video taking over the internet has become old news by now. For years now, the video format has been the most popular content type on the web, and it is here to stay. Video businesses are sprouting up, and if you’re thinking of starting a VOD business yourself, you should first get acquainted with video-on-demand platforms.

Choosing the right platform for your video business won’t be an easy decision, but it will be a crucial one. So to help you pick, we’ve put together a list of the top 13 VOD platforms for businesses. But first, let’s take a closer look at what these platforms are exactly and what you should be looking for.

What Is a VOD Platform?

A VOD platform is a set of tools that allow publishers to deliver on-demand content to their audience. These platforms offer an array of solutions designed to make launching and running a VOD business easier. This includes, for instance, a video content management system, a reliable CDN, solutions for secure video hosting, and so on.

How Do Video-on-Demand Platforms Work?

Online VOD platforms work on the basis of over-the-top (OTT) delivery. Firstly, content has to be hosted on a video server. There should also be a library, in the form of a VOD website or OTT app, where users can access said content. 

When a user chooses a piece of content to stream, the video player sends a request to the video server. Through streaming protocols, the hosted video is compressed and sent back to the player, which then decompresses it. This allows the player to begin streaming the video for the user.

Who Are VOD Platforms For?

So who actually needs VOD platforms? VOD streaming is widely used across industries, with media and entertainment taking up the biggest share of the market. Other industries where VOD dominates include education, sports, and marketing. In short, anybody who produces or holds the license to video content that they want to distribute could benefit from signing up for a VOD platform.

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Features to Look for in a Video-on-Demand Platform

When searching for the right VOD platform for your business, it’s important to know exactly what to look for. Not all platforms are built the same, and not all of them will have the features you need. Let’s take a look at some of the major solutions a good VOD platform should have.

Built-In Video Hosting

First things first, you will need a place to host all of your content. Built-in enterprise video hosting can make the process of delivering content to your audience much simpler. While integrating a third-party solution can cost quite a bit, choosing a platform with built-in video hosting will not only be a more affordable option but also a more reliable one.

Affordable and Reliable CDN

Video platforms use content delivery networks (CDN) to distribute content to audiences worldwide. So, a reliable global CDN is paramount if you want to build a high-quality VOD service. As a result, it will ensure shorter loading times for your videos, improved user experience, reduced bandwidth consumption, and higher security.

Variety of Monetization Options

The VOD platform you choose doesn’t have to have a wide array of monetization options, but it should at least provide the necessary infrastructure for the monetization model you choose. For instance, if you decide to monetize through advertisements, easy video ad setup should be high on the list of priorities. 

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DRM Protection

Digital rights management (DRM) is the technology used to protect digital assets from copyright infringement, illegal editing and distribution, unauthorized access, and so on. It works by encrypting digital files, which can only be decrypted using a key stored on a DRM server.

Video and User Engagement Analytics

Once your VOD service takes off, you will want to know just how well it is doing. This is where video analytics comes in. With data such as user engagement, video completion rates, and more, you will be able to provide the high-quality service your audience expects.

The 13 Best Video-on-Demand (VOD) Platforms in 2023

Knowing what to look for in a video-on-demand platform is important, but actually browsing for the right one is a task of its own. So to help you make the final decision, we’ve put together a list of the top 13 best video-on-demand platforms for publishers.

1. Vimeo

Vimeo logo
Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
AVOD, SVOD, TVODYesStarts at $9/monthYes

Vimeo is a popular online video platform that allows publishers to provide on-demand content to audiences worldwide. They can do this using Vimeo On Demand, the platform’s proprietary VOD service, or they can integrate Vimeo’s solutions into their existing VOD website or apps. Finally, Vimeo also comes with an OTT web and app builder, so viewers can access content across devices.

vimeo ott home
Vimeo OTT

Publishers can monetize their content through Vimeo in a number of ways. In fact, the platform supports all major video monetization modelsAVOD, SVOD, and TVOD. However, ad-based monetization is only available with the more expensive Vimeo OTT plan.

Pros:

  • End-to-end VOD and OTT support
  • All three monetization models available
  • Large existing user base
  • Rich set of features and integrations available

Cons:

  • OTT services are priced separately
  • OTT apps only available with the more expensive plan
  • Pricing comes with a lot of fine print and hidden fees

Pricing

Vimeo has two separate pricing systems, depending on the services you need. The main video platform has four pricing tiers:

  • Plus ($9/month) — Good for smaller publishers with limited needs.
  • Pro ($20/month) — Good for businesses of all sizes.
  • Business ($50/month) — Good for large video businesses.
  • Premium ($75/month) — For enterprise-level publishers with specific requirements.

However, if you’re looking to build an on-demand OTT platform, you will need to enlist the Vimeo OTT package, which comes at two pricing tiers:

  • Starter ($1/subscriber/month or 10% of individual transactions) — For publishers who only need an OTT website and want to monetize through SVOD and TVOD.
  • Enterprise (custom) — For publishers looking to build a well-rounded OTT service and incorporate video ad monetization into their strategy. 

2. TargetVideo

targetvideo logo
Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
AVODYesN/AYes

TargetVideo is a robust video platform that comes with an array of solutions for medium and large publishers. From unlimited private video hosting and a user-friendly CMS to a lightweight HTML5 player and detailed video analytics, TargetVideo offers everything a publisher would need to start a VOD service.

Most importantly, TargetVideo provides publishers with the ability to create, customize, brand, and monetize OTT apps for their VOD business. In addition, they can be compatible with an array of devices and operating systems, including Android and AndroidTV, iOS and AppleTV, Tizen, WebOS, FireTV, and more.

targetvideo home page screenshot
TargetVideo

Aside from the video platform, TargetVideo comes with a proprietary video ad network, TargetVideo Premium Demand. With it, publishers can also sell ad inventory to high-quality demand sources, access detailed ad analytics, optimize ad yield, and more.

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Pros:

  • Well-rounded video solutions for publishers
  • Built-in video programmatic ad demand
  • Extensive OTT support with white-label OTT apps
  • Detailed video and ad analytics
  • Excellent ad-based monetization features

Cons:

  • SVOD and TVOD available only through third-party integrations
  • CMS can pose a learning curve to inexperienced publishers
  • Premium demand comes with a minimum traffic requirement

Pricing

TargetVideo’s solution comes with a free trial, after which publishers can apply for the custom plan. These plans can be designed to fit the needs of each individual publisher.

3. Uscreen

Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
TVOD, SVODYesStarts at $149/monthYes

Uscreen is a video streaming platform for publishers of all sizes. It has a proprietary, customizable video player, along with an intuitive CMS, high-end security features, and audience acquisition and retention tools. Uscreen also allows publishers to launch branded OTT apps on an array of devices and operating systems.

uscreen home page
Uscreen

When it comes to monetization, Uscreen supports transaction- and subscription-based models. This also includes content rentals, bundle deals, lifetime access, and free trials. However, the platform doesn’t support ad-based monetization. 

Pros:

  • Comprehensive set of features for video businesses
  • Extensive SVOD and TVOD options
  • Branded OTT apps available
  • Scalable pricing plans

Cons:

  • No support for ad-based monetization
  • Platform takes a cut from each subscription and transaction
  • OTT support only available with the premium plan

Pricing

Uscreen’s solutions come at three pricing tiers, along with a free trial:

  • Growth ($149/month + $1.99/subscriber/month) — Great for web-only VOD publishers with limited video needs.
  • Pro ($499/month + $0.99/subscriber/month) — A good choice for medium-sized web-focused publishers.
  • Plus (N/A + $0.50/subscriber/month) — For OTT publishers who want to deliver content across channels and scale their VOD business.

4. CONTUS Vplayed

Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
SVOD, TVOD, AVODYesN/ADemo

CONTUS VPlayed is a video monetization platform with extensive OTT and VOD support. It comes with a robust infrastructure for video delivery, including a reliable, scalable CDN, real-time analytics, an HTML5 player, DRM technology, and more. The platform also offers various useful tools, such as bulk uploads, video scheduling, custom thumbnails, and more.

contus vplayed home page
VPlayed

In terms of monetization options, Vplayed is quite diverse. This includes subscriptions, one-time purchases, time-restricted purchases, and various pay-per-view plans. Lastly, the platform offers extensive support for AVOD, specifically instream and outstream video ads, but ad demand is only available through third-party providers.

Pros:

  • Robust OTT and VOD support
  • Extensive monetization options
  • White-label OTT app
  • Marketing and audience acquisition tools

Cons:

  • On the more expensive side
  • Non-transparent pricing
  • Only third-party ad demand available

Pricing

CONTUS Vplayed doesn’t have a publicly available pricing system. To find out how much their services cost, you will need to contact their sales team.

5. Muvi

Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
TVOD, SVOD, AVODYesStarts at $399/monthYes

Muvi is an OTT-focused video and audio platform. It comes with a full set of features necessary for launching and running an OTT on-demand streaming service. The robust infrastructure includes a video player, security features, video hosting, analytics and reports, engagement tools, and more. The platform also provides publishers with the necessary means to launch OTT apps on an array of devices.

muvi home page
Muvi

Muvi offers all three major monetization models. With SVOD, publishers can create custom plans on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis with automated recurring payments. The TVOD model includes solutions such as PPV and time-restricted purchases. Lastly, the platform also supports AVOD, which comes with ready-made integrations with third-party ad networks.

Pros:

  • End-to-end OTT support
  • All major monetization models available
  • High-end security features
  • No revenue sharing with the platform

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other platforms
  • Pricing system not entirely transparent
  • Not a good choice for smaller publishers

Pricing

As we already mentioned, Muvi is by no means a cheap platform. Its pricing tiers are as follows:

  • Standard ($399/month + $299/month/app) — A white-label website and apps with all necessary features, hosting, and CDN.
  • Professional ($1499/month + $499/month/app) — Everything in Standard and an AI recommendation engine, DRM technology, and more.
  • Enterprise ($3900/month + $499/month/app) — Everything in Professional and a dedicated server and enterprise-level support.
  • Ultimate (N/A) — Everything in Enterprise and monthly reports on security and performance, unlimited concurrent viewers.

6. Brightcove

Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
SVOD, TVOD, AVODYesN/AYes

Brightcove is an all-in-one, enterprise-level video platform for large publishers. It offers features such as a video player with SSAI capabilities, secure video hosting, an array of video marketing tools, rich video analytics, and so much more. Although the platform is not the most transparent about its offer, it is known to be a staple of the industry.

brightcove home page NEW
Brightcove

Brightcove supports all three major monetization models. It comes with ad server integrations and a secure paywall. However, information on the extent and availability of these features is only available through the platform’s sales team.

Pros:

  • One of the most robust platforms on the market
  • Supports all major monetization models
  • High-end hosting and security
  • Dozens of marketing and CRM integrations

Cons:

  • Non-transparent pricing system
  • Non-transparent offer of services and solutions
  • Extensive customer support comes at an extra fee

Pricing

Much like with their services, Brightcove is quite secretive about their pricing plans, too. To learn more about the cost of using the platform, you will need to contact them directly.

7. JW Player

JWPlayer logo
Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
SVOD, TVOD, AVODYesN/AYes

JW Player may have started off as a standalone web player back in the early 2000s, but it has since grown into a robust video platform with a long list of products and features. The platform is designed to help publishers grow their VOD business, with an offer of solutions such as scalable cloud hosting, multi-level customer support, high-end content protection, audience engagement tools, and more.

JW Player allows publishers to monetize their content using any of the major monetization models. Its AVOD capabilities include extensive ad network integrations, VAST/IMA compatibility, ad podding, and more. The SVOD and TVOD models also come with an array of customizable plans, customizable purchase forms, flexible payment options, and a highly secure paywall.

Pros:

  • Robust online video platform
  • Extensive support for AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD
  • White-label OTT apps
  • Cross-channel compatibility

Cons:

  • Not the most beginner-friendly platform
  • Non-transparent pricing
  • Mandatory one-year contract

Pricing

JW Player doesn’t have defined pricing plans. Instead, they offer a custom-tailored plan for each publisher. Finding out their prices will have to entail contacting their sales team.

8. Dacast

Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
SVOD,  TVOD, AVODNoStarts at $39/monthYes

Dacast is an OTT platform with extensive VOD-focused solutions. With Dacast, publishers can easily host and organize their video libraries, ensure the security of their content, deliver it across the globe with a reliable CDN, and monetize it. Although the platform doesn’t have an OTT app builder, it does offer services for OTT publishers who already have apps.

dacast home page ss NEW
Dacast

Dacast allows publishers to generate revenue using any of the three main monetization methods. However, these features are only included in the higher-priced plans, while Starter plan users have to pay extra for the add-on.

Pros:

  • Well-rounded VOD platform
  • Global CDN with availability in China
  • An array of available monetization options
  • 24/7 support for all plans

Cons:

  • No support for launching OTT apps
  • Monetization for lower plans comes at an extra cost
  • Strict limits on storage and bandwidth

Pricing

Dacast has four pricing tiers, and it also offers a two-week free trial:

  • Starter ($39/month) — Designed for smaller publishers with limited audiences. 2.4 TB bandwidth a year and 500 GB of storage.
  • Event ($63/month) — Tailored to one-time or occasional virtual event hosts. 6 TB bandwidth upfront and 250 GB of storage.
  • Scale ($165/month) — Good for businesses and organizations with larger video needs. Comes with 24 TB a year and 2000 GB of storage.
  • Custom (custom) — Fully customizable plan according to your needs.

9. Kaltura

Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
N/AYesN/AYes

Kaltura is not exactly a VOD platform, as it is mainly tailored to companies and organizations looking to host virtual events, webinars, meetings, or courses. However, its Kaltura Streaming Platform is designed to help media and broadcasting companies offer over-the-top content to viewers worldwide.

kaltura home page
Kaltura

Although Kaltura claims to support SVOD, AVOD, and TVOD monetization, the information provided on their website is quite vague. It is unclear to what extent these models are supported, and the best way to find out is by requesting a demo.

Pros:

  • Open-source platform
  • Extensive customization
  • Support for OTT apps
  • Monetization support

Cons:

  • Complex and non-transparent pricing
  • Non-transparent services
  • Requires some technical know-how

Pricing

Kaltura has a very complex and non-transparent pricing system. Its plans are divided according to the necessary services, so publishers need to decide whether they need the Virtual Events package, Webinar package, Video Portal package, Town Halls package, and so on. Each of these packages has its own pricing plans with different services. The best way to find out how much you’d have to pay for Kaltura’s services is by contacting them directly.

10. SproutVideo

Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
N/ANoStarts at $10/monthYes

SproutVideo is an eco-friendly video platform with all the major features a VOD publisher needs, from hosting and security to management and distribution. SproutVideo comes with a white-label solution for building a VOD website, making it easy for publishers to offer a branded library to their audience. However, the platform lacks any kind of OTT app support, so if you’re looking to build a cross-device service, you’ll have to resort to third-party providers.

sproutvideo home
SproutVideo

Unfortunately, SproutVideo doesn’t offer any built-in monetization solutions, either. They do, however, allow third-party paywall integrations.

Pros:

  • Detailed analytics and reporting
  • High-end privacy and security features
  • An array of video marketing tools
  • White-label VOD website support

Cons:

  • No OTT app support
  • No built-in monetization options
  • Strict limits on bandwidth and storage

Pricing

SproutVideo offers its solutions in four pricing tiers, all of which can be tested out for free for a month:

  • Seed ($10/month) — Platform’s core features for entrepreneurs and smaller businesses.
  • Sprout ($35/month) — For publishers looking to build a secure VOD website.
  • Tree ($75/month) — Tailored to teams and larger publishers looking for advanced security features.
  • Forest ($295/month) — Enterprise-level offer with top-tier security and support.

11. Vidizmo

Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
N/AYesStarts at $89/monthYes

Vidizmo is an all-in-one video and audio platform with an array of enterprise-level solutions. Its streaming solution, EnterpriseTube, allows publishers to launch their own, private streaming service with a white-label website. The solution comes equipped with all the usual tools, such as analytics and performance tracking, privacy and security features, and an HTML5 player with adaptive bitrate streaming. With Vidizmo, publishers can also launch their own mobile video app.

vidizmo home page ss
Vidizmo

Despite being a robust platform, Vidizmo noticeably lacks any built-in monetization solutions. Monetizing your content with Vidizmo is only possible through third-party integrations.

Pros:

  • High-end security features
  • Advanced analytics
  • A long list of available integrations
  • Extensive video management tools

Cons:

  • No CTV app support
  • No built-in monetization solutions
  • Non-transparent pricing

Pricing

Vidizmo’s EnterpriseTube comes at four pricing tiers, along with a 7-day trial:

  • EnterpriseTube 50 ($89/month) — Unlimited anonymous viewers, 50 authenticated viewers, 40 GB storage, 100 GB bandwidth, standard support.
  • EnterpriseTube 100 ($139/month) — Unlimited anonymous viewers, 100 authenticated viewers, 100 GB storage, 250 GB bandwidth, standard support.
  • EnterpriseTube 250 ($349/month) — Unlimited anonymous viewers, 250 authenticated viewers, 250 GB storage, 500 GB bandwidth, standard support.
  • A la Carte (custom) — A plan tailored to the publisher’s needs.

12. Vodlix

Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
SVOD, TVOD, AVODYesStarts at £299/monthYes

Vodlix is a high-performance OTT and IPTV solution with the full stack of features necessary for launching a video-on-demand business. Publishers can create a custom platform, including OTT apps for various devices, and make their content available to audiences worldwide. 

Vodlix

Vodlix has extensive monetization support for all three major models. What’s more, the platform allows publishers to combine two or all three models into a hybrid for maximum revenue. Lastly, all monetization models are available at all pricing levels.

Pros:

  • SVOD, TVOD, and AVOD support
  • Cross-device OTT app support
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Fully white-label platform

Cons:

  • OTT apps only available with more expensive plans
  • Limited bandwidth and storage included with plans
  • On the costlier side

Pricing

Vodlix offers its services at three pricing levels, all of which come with a two-week free trial:

  • Standard (£299/month) — 5 TB bandwidth, 1 TB storage, fully white-label platform, full monetization support. OTT and CTV apps and extra bandwidth and storage available as add-ons.
  • Professional (£1199/month) — 50 TB bandwidth, 5 TB storage, everything in Standard + Android and iOS apps bundle. CTV apps and extra bandwidth and storage available as add-ons.
  • Enterprise (£2999/month) — 100 TB bandwidth, 10 TB storage, everything in Professional + DRM and AppleTV and Android app bundle. LG, Samsung, and Roku apps available as add-ons.

13. Wowza

Monetization ModelsOTT AppsPricingFree Trial
N/ANoStarts at $25/monthYes

Wowza’s scalable VOD solution offers cross-device support with an extensive video CMS. It has a high-performance video streaming engine and a top-tier video player with capabilities such as adaptive streaming. Publishers also get full access to Wowza’s API and SDKs, so they can easily integrate the platform wherever they want.

wowza home page screenshot
Wowza

While Wowza has a robust, extensive video streaming infrastructure, it has no in-house monetization solutions. Third-party integrations are the only way Wowza’s publishers can generate revenue from their content.

Pros:

  • Top-tier online video player
  • Robust video streaming infrastructure
  • Reliable and highly secure hosting solution
  • Designed for scalability

Cons:

  • No built-in monetization
  • Strict bandwidth and storage limits
  • Complex pricing system

Pricing

Wowza has a somewhat complex pricing system. Its services come in two separate packages — Wowza Video, an integrated video platform, and Wowza Streaming Engine, an on-premise software solution. Each of them has its own pricing plans.

Wowza Video has three pricing tiers:

  • One Month of Streaming ($149) — A one-time, 30-day streaming service package.
  • Pay as You Go ($25/month + per-usage fees) — Best for ongoing streaming needs.
  • Enterprise (custom) — For publishers with large viewerships and high-volume needs.

Wowza Streaming Engine also comes at three separate pricing levels:

  • One Month of Streaming ($295) — A one-time, on-premises streaming solution for one month.
  • Basic Monthly ($195/month) — Best for publishers with medium-sized businesses and needs.
  • Enterprise (custom) — For publishers who are looking for a plan tailored to their needs.

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Launching a VOD business doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you have the right platform by your side. TargetVideo provides publishers with an end-to-end VOD solution for the hosting, management, publishing, and monetization of their content. From a comprehensive online video platform to cross-device white-label OTT solutions and built-in programmatic ad demand, we have it all. Join TargetVideo and get started today!

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FAQ

1. What is a video-on-demand platform?

2. Why use a VOD platform?

3. Which VOD monetization model is best?

4. What is the best VOD platform?