VOD App: 5+ features to develop a video on demand application

Most people are proficient in digitalization with the technological advancements they have adept. With a set of content available online, people have switched from television content to videos that are available online.

It is important to focus on the right features while developing the video on demand application to ensure a smooth user experience. As the demand for streaming platforms grows, the competition is also rising.

Video on demand application is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2027) of 8.27%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$231.50bn by 2027.

Source: Statista

To stand out, your app should offer more than the basic functionalities; it should deliver the seamless and engaging experience for the viewers. 

This blog will guide you through the key features to focus on when developing a Video On Demand application. From user-friendly design to robust streaming capabilities, these features are vital for keeping your users happy. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• A Video on demand application must offer adaptive streaming to ensure smooth playback on varying network speeds.

• VOD application need secure hosting to prevent unauthorized access and protect content.

• Video on demand app should be compatible across multiple devices to maximize user engagement.

• Offering flexible monetization models like subscriptions or ads enhances the revenue potential of a VOD application.

• Customizable features and scalability in a Video on demand application ensure growth and adaptability.

What is video on demand application?

A Video on demand (VOD) application is a digital platform that enables users to stream video content at their convenience, providing a level of flexibility that traditional TV cannot match. Users can choose from a wide variety of movies, TV shows, and other videos, watching them whenever they like.
VOD platforms often come with features that allow viewers to pause, rewind, or fast-forward through content, giving them full control over their viewing experience. These services can generate revenue through subscription fees, advertisements, or pay-per-view options, meeting the needs of both users and content creators.

Why Invest In Video On Demand App?

Investing in Vod application is a promising opportunity as streaming continues to lead the not just entertainment but every industry as 5G penetration is almost done across countries, every user has access to fast data, streaming is the new,  next big industry. With an increasing number of consumers choosing on demand content, the VOD platform offers the flexibility to connect with a broader audience worldwide. 

Unlike traditional television, VOD enables users to watch content whenever they want, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.

The potential for various monetization strategies is another significant reason to invest in a Video On Demand app. 

Companies can earn revenue through subscription services, advertisements, or pay-per-view options, making it suitable for different market demands.

Top 5 features you should look at while considering to develop a Video On Demand Application

User-Friendly Interface

According to a Think with Google study, 52% of users say a poor mobile experience makes them less likely to engage with a brand.

A user-friendly interface is essential for a successful Video On Demand app. An intuitive design allows users to navigate the app quickly and easily. Users should be able to search for content effortlessly, and categories should be well-organized. 

The design must also be responsive, adapting smoothly across devices, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. A clean layout, easy to read fonts, and strategically placed buttons can enhance the user experience, encouraging users to spend more time on the app.

Interesting Fact: When Hulu redesigned its interface in 2020 with simpler navigation and personalized recommendations, its average time spent on the platform increased by 15%.

How to achieve this: Use A/B testing to determine the best layout for maximum user engagement. For example, platforms like Netflix use personalized rows and previews to guide users effectively.

Multi-platform Compatibility

A report by Statista shows 73% of VOD users access content on more than one device daily.

In today’s digital world, users want to access content from various devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and more. Ensuring that your VOD application functions smoothly across all these devices is key to maximizing your audience. 

Compatibility goes beyond just adjusting screen sizes; it also involves optimizing performance on different platforms, whether iOS, Android, Samsung or LG or Roku TV or Fire TV, Android TV or just web browsers. Delivering a consistent experience across all devices encourages users to engage with the app wherever they are, whether at home on a large screen or on the go with a mobile device.

Interesting Fact: Disney+ ensured seamless integration across devices, supporting Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles, achieving over 10 million sign-ups on the launch day.

How to achieve: Test the app’s performance using tools like BrowserStack or Sauce Labs to simulate real-world usage across platforms.
Focus on platforms like Android app, iOS app, Android TV, ROKU, LG, Samsung for streamlined multi-platform deployment.

Adaptive bitrate streaming

Studies by Akamai indicate that a 1-second delay in start time results in a 6% drop in engagement.

Adaptive bitrate streaming allows user to watch the content seamlessly by adjusting the video quality based on the internet speed automatically. This feature helps to eliminate the buffering, even when there is no network stability, which increases user satisfaction. 

Whether users watch the content on 4k television or smartphones, this technology helps them to load the content quickly without any interruptions. By offering a wider range of resolutions from HD to 4k, adaptive bitrate streaming appeals to a wider audience, which allows them to enjoy the content seamlessly.

Interesting Fact: YouTube reduced buffering rates by 50% after implementing adaptive bitrate technologies and global CDNs.

How to achieve: Offer a minimum of five bitrate options (e.g., 144p to 4K).

Test adaptive algorithms using tools online like AWS Elemental.

Secure video hosting

According to Allied market research, The global DRM market is projected to grow to $7.3 billion by 2030, driven by the increasing demand for secure content delivery

Security is the important feature for VOD platform, and secure video hosting ensures that the content is protected from piracy and unauthorized access.

By encrypting video files and implementing Digital Rights Management(DRM) protocols, VOD platform can limit downloads and prevent sharing. This particular feature does not only protect the intellectual property but also build the trust among the content creators and distributors.

This security assesses that users are accessing high-quality and authorized content, which enhances the credibility of the Video on Demand application.

Interesting fact: Apple TV+ uses hardware-based encryption for content on iOS devices to ensure utmost security.

How to achieve: Use TLS/SSL protocols to secure content during data transmission, ensuring end-to-end encryption.

Push notifications

According to Leanplum, Personalized push notifications result in 4x higher open rates compared to general ones

Push notifications plays an important role in keeping the users engaged with the VOD application. By delivering timely and relevant content, users can get informed about the content releases, special promotions and live events that might interest them.

These notifications help users to revisit the application and find new or existing content which ultimately increases the app usage and retention rate. Personalizing the notifications based on user preferences, viewing history  and subscription rates can automatically increases the effectiveness of the user.

Interesting fact: Netflix uses AI-driven personalization to notify users about recommended titles based on their watch history and Disney+ sends reminders for upcoming new releases, helping it maintain long-term subscriptions.

How to achieve: Use Application Programming Language(API) like Firebase Messaging or third-party platforms like CleverTap for streamlined notification delivery.

Flexible monetization options

A report by statista, shows that Over 80% of OTT users prefer subscription-based models for uninterrupted viewing 

Flexible monetization options are essential for VOD platforms, as they help maintain a consistent revenue flow. Subscription-based models (SVOD) offer regular income, while pay-per-view (TVOD) appeals to users looking for particular content. 

Advertising-based models (AVOD) provide free access to viewers while generating revenue through ads. By offering various payment plans and promotional deals, platforms can attract a wide range of audiences and keep long-term subscribers, ultimately supporting the platform’s financial health.

Interesting fact: YouTube’s AVOD model pays content creators based on ad revenue while allowing free access to viewers and Amazon Prime Video’s combination of SVOD and TVOD ensures revenue from both regular subscribers and pay-per-view users.

How to achieve: Use billing software like Recurly or Zuora to manage diverse monetization models.

Offline viewing and downloads

According to Techcrunch, Platforms with offline download options see a 35% increase in user retention rates

Offline viewing and downloads have gained popularity among VOD application, particularly among users who travel and have the unstable internet connection. The option to download content for offline viewing without the need for an internet connection is the greatest advantage.

This feature enables users to enjoy their favorite shows on planes, trains, or in remote locations with limited connectivity. With the help of a secure download system, users can save content directly to their devices and watch it whenever they choose. 

Offering offline access ensures users can have a smooth experience, even when streaming isn’t possible.

Interesting fact: Netflix allows downloads for offline viewing and accounts for 15% of mobile data traffic globally
How to achieve: Use file compression codecs like HEVC to save storage without sacrificing quality.

Live streaming support

According to conviva, Live content accounted for 23% of total viewing hours on OTT platforms in 2023

Live streaming capabilities enhance your VOD application by allowing real-time content delivery. Whether it’s live sports, concerts, or webinars, this feature engages users with exclusive, time-sensitive events. 

Incorporating live chat options or interactive polls during streams further boosts user engagement. Live streaming draws in more viewers and opens up opportunities for ad placements and sponsorships, increasing your platform’s revenue potential.

Interesting fact: Facebook Live streams generate 6x more interactions than pre-recorded videos.

How to achieve: Implement tools like OBS Studio or professional-grade streaming platforms for high-quality delivery.

Customizable features and scalability

According to Deloitte 82% of users prefer apps that offer personalization in interface and recommendations

Every VOD platform has unique needs, and customizable features enable you to adapt the app to fit your target audience. From personalized user interfaces to additional options like multi-language support or offline viewing, customization improves user satisfaction. 

Scalability ensures that as your platform expands, it can accommodate growing user traffic and content libraries without sacrificing performance. This adaptability keeps your Video On Demand application competitive and relevant.

Interesting fact: Spotify’s personalized recommendations contribute to 41% of all user engagement and YouTube’s multilingual support ensures global reach, with more than 70 languages available.

How to achieve: Build customizable UI/UX with frameworks like React Native or Flutter for cross-platform adaptability.

Conclusion

Creating a successful Video On Demand (VOD) application requires a strong emphasis on features that improve user experience, foster trust, guarantee reliability, and boost engagement. Key elements such as adaptive bitrate streaming, secure hosting, and compatibility across multiple platforms are crucial for providing smooth content access to a wide range of audiences. 

Various monetization strategies, including subscriptions, advertisements, and pay-per-view options, offer flexibility in revenue generation, while functionalities like offline downloads and live streaming enhance usability. As the Video on demand application continues to expand, investing in customizable and scalable solutions will help ensure your app remains competitive, relevant, and attractive to users around the globe.

Frequently asked questions