Technology rarely stands still but instead keeps evolving. With each evolution, it changes the way a lot of things used to be and how they used to be done. Mobile technology has evolved to the point where mobile devices can stream and broadcast content in real-time, making mobile users both consumers and content creators. This has led to significant shifts in the content streaming market and it is these shifts and changes we will be exploring below.
Higher Quality Streams
Mobile devices are now capable of streaming content in much higher quality than they could five years ago. Views, therefore, expect content creators to keep up, and this is what has led to an increase in the quality of video streams. Many streaming services now offer HD content as standard, to cater for viewers watching content on HD devices.
Rise of Independent Content Creators
As the number of devices that can stream high-quality content, be it audio or video content, has increased, so has the number of potential consumers. With this demand, content creation has become a very lucrative business, and this has led to a rapid increase in the number of independent content creators.
The availability of suitable technology has also made it possible for these independent creators to grow their own brands using white-label solutions. For example, OTT by Red Bee Media allows you to launch a branded streaming service that delivers broadcast-quality quality with low latency, monetisation, personalised recommendations, and so much more. Red Bee Media also offers a managed solution for enterprises, which is used by content owners, telcos, and broadcasters, not just independent creators.
Shifting and New Monetization Models
As mobile tech and streaming capabilities have improved, a lot more people are choosing to stream content on their mobile devices. This has led content providers to think of ways to monetize content. Many of them have chosen to monetize their content on mobile the same way they do on other devices, by allowing users to access all their content by paying a single monthly payment.
Another monetization channel is advertising. Ads worked well on cable and traditional TV but they are very annoying on mobile devices, and so content providers came up with the option of allowing consumers to pay more for ad-free content.
One-time payments for blockbuster films are also catching on with streaming services such as HBO Max debuting the option in 2020.
Diversification of Content
Not everyone wants to watch TV shows or films all the time and new streaming services and platforms are coming in to fill the gaps that are left by other streaming services. Since there is sufficient demand, it is now possible to find streaming services that focus on education, science, or music and only cater to people who are interested in that type of content.
The ability to get into niches that were not covered before is what has led to the diversification of content on the content streaming market, as well as the rise of niche streaming services and platforms. There has also been a rise in original content premiered on streaming services first, which is something Netflix and Amazon have invested heavily in.
Mobile tech has changed a lot of areas in our lives but the one area many people think about is the content streaming market. Mobile tech has not only made it possible to consume more content, but it has also created the demand that has led to the rise of independent content creators and niche streaming services and platforms to serve those who cannot find the content they like on other platforms and services.
