Next.js vs Pure React for Web OTT Platforms
Next.js vs Pure React for Web OTT Platforms This decision affects everything from launch timeline to long-term scalability. Here’s how to get it right. When streaming and sports platforms come to us with greenfield projects or major rebuilds, one question surfaces early: pure React or Next.js? It sounds like a developer decision. It isn’t. This choice directly impacts your time to market and your subscriber acquisition costs. It determines how painful it will be to swap providers when rights deals change. After building OTT platforms across sports, entertainment, and live events, we’ve developed a clear framework for making this decision. This article shares that framework so you can pressure-test your own technical direction, whether you’re building in-house, evaluating vendors, or inheriting a platform that needs modernisation. What streaming platform architecture actually requires Before comparing technologies, let’s establish what matters. Streaming platforms and OTT services share specific architectural requirements that generic web applications don’t face. Discoverability drives subscriber acquisition. Your content pages need to rank. When someone searches “watch [title] online” or “stream [league] live,” your platform should appear. Poor SEO visibility means higher customer acquisition costs, because you’re paying for ads to compensate for organic traffic you’re not getting. First impressions happen in milliseconds. Users decide whether your video on demand platform feels “premium” or “sluggish” within seconds of landing. A slow initial load creates friction right at the moment you’re trying to convert browsers into subscribers. This is especially true on mobile and smart TVs. Scale isn’t linear. A major match. A premiere. A viral moment. Traffic surges without warning. Your architecture needs to handle 50,000 concurrent users hitting the same content page without your servers buckling or your costs exploding. The vendor mix shifts constantly. Video player providers, authentication services, payment processors, CDNs: the best choice today may not be the best choice in eighteen months. Your streaming platform architecture should allow module swaps without platform rebuilds. Most interactions are client-side, but first load can’t be. Once users are watching content, everything happens in their browser: playback controls, favourites, profile switching. But that first page load needs to be fast and indexable. With these requirements clear, let’s examine how each framework delivers. React vs Next.js for streaming platforms: feature comparison React for streaming: Where SPAs fall short React as a single-page application keeps things simple. Your server delivers static files (JavaScript, CSS, assets) and steps aside. Everything else happens in the user’s browser. Where this works well: Minimal infrastructure complexity. No server-side rendering means no server compute to manage. Your hosting costs stay predictable and low. Developer familiarity. Most frontend teams know React deeply. There’s no learning curve for SSR patterns, hydration strategies, or server component boundaries. Debugging clarity. When something breaks, it broke in the browser. One environment to investigate. Maximum flexibility. No framework opinions to navigate. You architect everything exactly as you want it. Where streaming platforms hit problems: SEO is genuinely compromised. Search crawlers receive an empty HTML shell and a JavaScript bundle. While Google’s crawler can execute JavaScript, it’s slow, resource-intensive, and often deprioritised. Your content pages may take weeks to index properly, if they index at all. Smaller search engines may never see your content. Initial load times grow with your platform. Every feature adds to the JavaScript bundle that users must download and execute before seeing anything. For feature-rich OTT platforms, this bundle gets heavy. First load suffers. You build your own caching layer. Service workers, HTTP cache headers, client-side state management: it’s all possible, but you’re engineering it from scratch. Lower-end devices struggle. Not every user is on the latest iPhone. Smart TVs and budget Android devices need to parse and run your entire application. You’re pushing compute costs onto your users’ devices. The bottom line: Pure React works for platforms where SEO doesn’t matter, where your user base has modern devices, and where you have engineering bandwidth to build custom caching infrastructure. For most video streaming platforms, these constraints become painful quickly. Solving React SEO problems with server-side rendering The React SEO problems described above aren’t theoretical. We’ve seen OTT platforms struggle to index their content catalogues for months after launch. The root cause is architectural: single-page applications render content in the browser, but search crawlers prefer content that’s already rendered when they arrive. There are workarounds: prerendering services, dynamic rendering for bots, hybrid approaches. But they add complexity and failure points. You’re patching around a fundamental limitation. This is where Next.js changes the equation. How search crawlers see React SPAs vs Next.js pages Next.js for streaming platforms: The advantages Next.js adds a server-side layer to React, enabling multiple rendering strategies: static generation, server-side rendering, and client-side rendering, mixed as needed across your application. Where this transforms OTT platform development: SEO works natively. Content pages render as complete HTML before reaching the browser. Crawlers see your titles, descriptions, metadata, and content immediately. No JavaScript execution required. Your movie and match pages become indexable from day one. Fast first load without sacrificing interactivity. The initial content shell renders on the server for instant display. Interactive elements (your video player, profile switcher, favourites functionality) hydrate client-side afterward. Users see content immediately while rich functionality loads in the background. Incremental Static Regeneration handles content catalogues well. Your library of titles doesn’t need real-time rendering. Generate pages statically, serve them from cache globally, and revalidate periodically (hourly, daily, your choice). Most requests never touch your origin server. When your catalogue updates, targeted cache invalidation refreshes only what changed. Layered caching out of the box. Data caching for API responses, full route caching for rendered pages, router caching for client-side navigation. These layers work together automatically. You’d spend months building what the framework provides natively. Edge deployment distributes load globally. Rendering logic can run on CDN nodes close to users rather than on centralised servers. A user in São Paulo gets their page rendered in São Paulo. Latency drops; origin server load stays minimal. The server-client boundary encourages clean architecture. You must be explicit
OTT Trends 2026: FAST, Ad Tiers & Live Sports
OTT Trends 2026: FAST, Ad Tiers & Live Sports OTT in 2026 looks less like a growth story and more like a product and operations story. Pricing is under pressure, ad tiers are mainstream, FAST keeps expanding, and churn has become normal user behavior. At the same time, live sports and connected TV keep raising the bar for reliability and usability. The challenges themselves are familiar. What’s changed is how exposed the underlying systems have become. Small execution gaps now surface quickly, especially under scale. Below are the OTT streaming trends 2026, grounded in recent data and focused on the build and delivery decisions that tend to matter long after strategy decks are forgotten. 1) Ad-supported streaming & FAST channels dominate 2026 Ad-supported models have moved from a secondary option to a central pillar of the UK streaming market. By Q3 2025, ad-supported streaming services in the UK reached approximately 23 million subscriptions, according to Kantar, representing an increase of around six million year-on-year. This growth spans ad-supported subscription tiers and free ad-funded platforms, reflecting sustained pressure on household media spending rather than changes in content supply. This shift has pushed platforms toward hybrid monetization models that combine paid tiers, advertising, and free access within the same product ecosystem. As prices for premium plans have risen, ad-supported tiers increasingly serve as default entry points, particularly for rotational or secondary subscriptions. Paid, ad-free tiers remain relevant, but they no longer define the baseline experience. FAST has expanded alongside ad tiers, with FAST channels growth becoming one of the clearest signals of this shift. Nielsen/Gracenote reported nearly 1,850 active FAST channels globally in Q3 2025, representing a 76% increase since 2023. At this scale, FAST changes discovery behavior, especially on smart TV home screens where channel-based viewing now sits alongside on-demand apps. Usage data reinforces this shift. In the US, Comscore reported that 45% of Netflix household viewing hours in August 2025 occurred on the Netflix ad tier, up from 34% the year before. While regional splits differ, the direction is consistent: ad-supported streaming and FAST are no longer secondary products. From a product perspective, this hybrid monetization environment expands the surface area of OTT advertising, making ad delivery, pacing, and playback stability visible parts of the core viewing experience. 2) OTT bundling shifts to product integration By 2026, OTT bundling is less about discounts and more about distribution and integration. Industry data from 2025 shows that streaming bundles have become common practice rather than an edge strategy. Research from Fabric Data indicates that around 25% of streaming platforms globally are engaged in active bundling, with over 75% of those deals tied to telecom operators. Aggregation increasingly happens at the entry point, where multiple services are surfaced through a single interface via telcos, pay-TV platforms, or device operating systems. Consumer behavior supports this approach. A 2025 Hub Entertainment Research study found that 42% of viewers say they are more likely to keep streaming services when they are part of a bundle. Bundles do not eliminate churn, but they change how and when users cancel by raising friction at the account and interface level. This shift moves the problem from pricing to execution. Bundled environments expose identity, entitlement, and discovery logic more frequently, especially across devices. When access rights, profiles, or search results behave inconsistently, users perceive it as a product failure, regardless of how many partners sit behind the scenes. As aggregation expands, the quality of integration matters more than the size of the bundle. Seamless authentication, stable entitlements, and unified discovery increasingly determine whether bundled OTT services feel reliable or disposable. 3) Streaming churn becomes normal user behavior Subscription churn is no longer treated as an anomaly. It has become a baseline behavior shaping streaming churn in 2026. A YouGov survey conducted in September 2025 found that 49% of Americans had changed streaming subscriptions in the previous six months. Deloitte’s 2025 Digital Media Trends report showed that 39% of consumers canceled at least one paid SVOD service in the same period, with churn exceeding 50% among Gen Z and millennial audiences. In the US, this pattern aligns with broader cord-cutting, where households rotate streaming services rather than committing long term. This behavior reflects episodic engagement. Users subscribe for specific shows, seasons, or events, cancel, and return later. Attempts to suppress churn entirely have limited effect. As a result, streaming churn in 2026 is increasingly addressed through lower re-entry friction rather than hard retention barriers. Retention mechanics increasingly live in the interface itself: watchlists, unfinished content reminders, release scheduling, and profile persistence across devices. Cancellation flows are also being reworked to support pause and resume states rather than binary exits. 4) Live sports streaming: latency & reliability in 2026 Live sports streaming remains the most demanding use case for OTT delivery, and 2026 amplifies that pressure. Global events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Olympic Games are expected to draw broadcast-scale audiences into streaming environments, concentrating traffic into short, highly synchronized viewing windows. These events expose limits that are less visible in on-demand streaming. Millions of viewers join within minutes, sports streaming latency becomes noticeable through social and second-screen usage, and failures leave no recovery window. At the same time, the growing penetration of 4K and HDR-capable devices raises baseline expectations around picture quality, increasing bandwidth demand during already compressed traffic peaks. Reliability is no longer evaluated only through user sentiment. Sports rights agreements increasingly include explicit quality thresholds around startup time, buffering, and availability. Missed targets during marquee events risk more than negative feedback; they can trigger contractual consequences and damage long-term rights relationships. As a result, sports delivery continues to shape infrastructure priorities across OTT platforms. Low-latency configurations, resilient multi-CDN strategies, codec efficiency, and real-time observability are treated less as optimizations and more as prerequisites. In this context, delivery quality becomes inseparable from the product itself. If live streams fail under peak conditions, no amount of content depth or pricing flexibility compensates for the loss of
Announcing Mux Video Uploader v1.1.3
Custom Titles, Enhanced Security, and More We are announcing the release of Mux Video Uploader by 2Coders v1.1.3! This update includes new features, performance improvements, and major security enhancements to provide you with a more powerful and secure video experience in WordPress. Here is what is new: What’s New in v1.1.3? This release focuses on providing more control over your video assets and improving the overall user experience: Custom Video Titles: You can now add a custom title when uploading a new video. Edit Existing Titles: Easily modify or add titles to videos already in your Asset List. Enhanced Video Search: Quickly find videos by searching for a title or ID in the Asset List. Performance Boost: We’ve optimized the performance when loading the Gutenberg Mux block. Improved Compatibility: The plugin is now fully compatible with the latest WordPress version (6.x). Smarter JWT Token Handling: We’ve enhanced the JWT token generation logic to prevent expiration during editing, fixing the “Invalid playback URL” issue. These updates directly address a common challenge: managing a growing library of video assets. Previously, finding a specific video might have meant scrolling through thumbnails or trying to remember a Mux Asset ID. With the introduction of custom titles and a searchable asset list, you can now organize your content more effectively. This allows you to locate the exact video you need in seconds, simply by searching for its title, significantly speeding up your content management workflow. 🔒 Security First! This version delivers major security hardening based on our latest security audit. We are committed to keeping your site and your data safe. Here are some of the key security improvements: CSRF Protection: All 32 endpoints now have nonce verification for 100% CSRF protection. Public Access Restrictions: We’ve removed 5 unnecessary wp_ajax_nopriv hooks for sensitive actions. SQL Injection Prevention: All queries now use $wpdb->prepare() with sanitized inputs to prevent SQL injection attacks. XSS Protection: We’ve implemented consistent escaping and sanitization across all user inputs and outputs to protect against cross-site scripting (XSS). Enhanced Capability Checks: Critical functions are now restricted to appropriate user roles. Secure File Uploads: We’ve added server-side validation for MIME types, extensions, and file sizes. 🔧 Other Changes We’ve also made several other improvements under the hood, including refactoring internal functions for better code maintainability and updating the plugin’s README documentation. Ready to Update? You can update to v1.1.3 from your WordPress dashboard. For more information about the Mux Video Uploader by 2Coders, please visit our website: https://muxvideo.2coders.com/ We’re excited for you to try out the new features and improvements in this release. As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions. Happy uploading!
IBC 2025 Through the Eyes of 2Coders: OTT Innovation, Gen Z, and What’s Next
Amsterdam, 12-15 September 2025 — Another IBC wrapped up, and once again, the halls of the RAI were buzzing with conversations about the future of media and streaming. As the 2Coders team, we didn’t just attend — we came to share, learn, and connect. After four intense days of panels, booths, and conversations, here are our takeaways — what’s trending, what’s promising, and where 2Coders can lead. Big Themes We Heard Again & Again Immersive, Participatory Experiences Over Passive ViewingMultiple sessions emphasized that fans don’t just want to watch anymore — they want to be part of the experience. Real-time interactivity, alternate camera angles, VR/AR augmentations, and second-screen engagements are becoming baseline expectations. Personalization + ContinuityWith so much content, subscribers are fatigued. Platforms must deliver not just content, but the right content: tailored to preferences, viewing habits, and even mood. We also saw “always-on” content models (beyond flagship events) gaining traction — including blurbs, behind-the-scenes content, micro-episodes, and community content. AI & Automation as EnablersA strong current through IBC was: AI isn’t just hype. From automating workflows (localization, dubbing, subtitling), to deploying generative tools for personalization, to using data to drive interactivity, efficiency, and a better fan experience. Low Latency, Scalable Streaming InfrastructureFor live sports, especially, reducing lag, smooth delivery over varying network quality, and being scalable without breaking the bank were recurring concerns. New transport protocols, cloud-native pipelines, hybrid architecture, and smarter content delivery networks are in focus. Gen Z / Next Gen Audience is Not One-DimensionalGen Z doesn’t behave like older viewers. Some key observations: They expect interactive, snackable content: shorter formats, social-first content, maybe even UGC (user-generated content) or creator collaborations. Attention spans are fragmented: multitasking, switching between devices/screens, interacting (chat/social) while watching. Sustained loyalty is tied to constant value, not just event-based content. Authenticity and adaptability matter: what feels real, immediate, and “owned” by the community wins, be it through storytelling, behind-the-scenes, fan contribution, or just letting fans shape the experience New Monetization ModelsIt’s not enough to get eyeballs — platforms need to turn engagement into sustainable revenue. We saw experimentation with flexible subscriptions (pay-per-match, modular bundles), more creative ad formats, interactive commerce (merch, fandom tokens), and sponsorships embedded in immersive experiences. Also, rights fragmentation forces creative thinking around how and where content is distributed. Our Moment on Stage: “Designing for the Unreachable Fan” One of our proudest moments at IBC2025 was presenting Designing for the Unreachable Fan: A New OTT Sports Playbook on the Content Everywhere stage. We explored how younger, hyper-connected audiences — often disengaged by traditional broadcast and even standard OTT — demand more. They want choice, agency, and community. They want experiences that adapt to their preferences and let them engage in real time. Our session wasn’t just about theory; it reflected the way we build at 2Coders — with design and tech aimed squarely at the next generation of fans. At the Booth: Velvet & Our Innovation Lab While the talk sparked ideas, our booth (5.B10) brought them to life. Velvet, our SDK-based front-end framework: We showed how Velvet enables platforms to build dynamic, adaptable apps at speed — without vendor lock-in, and ready to scale as needs evolve. Our Innovation Lab prototypes: Alongside Velvet, we showcased prototypes from our own Innovation Lab — experimental concepts like the Adaptive Sports Universe and new ad experiences designed to make OTT more immersive, personal, and flexible. For many visitors, it was the first time seeing how these ideas could actually work in practice. The feedback was clear: innovation isn’t just welcome, it’s expected. 👉 See more about our Innovation Lab here What We Think 2Coders Should Focus On Going Forward From our vantage, here are priority areas for us (and companies like ours) to double down on: Priority Why It Matters What We Can Do Fully interactive OTT sports experiences To satisfy Gen Z’s expectations and differentiate our offerings. Build UX that allows multiple camera angles, fan polls, social overlays, in-play statistics, maybe even allow user camera control or “choose your commentary”. Snackable & hybrid content For retention + continuous engagement — content between events. Partner with content creators, produce behind-scenes, short highlight reels, explanation / “how it works” segments; ensure those are optimized for mobile / social. Smart personalization To reduce churn, improve satisfaction. Use analytics / ML to suggest content, tailor timelines, allow users to control length / style of recap; personalize UI and features based on preferences. Low latency & scalable infrastructure Streaming live sports demands tight latency; poor experience kills retention. Experiment with new transport protocols (e.g MoQ, QUIC-based streaming), cloud-native pipelines, edge computing. Ensure fallback strategies and robust handling for low bandwidth. Design for Gen Z’s mindset Gen Z is already influencing defaults; ignoring them is risky. In UX: faster load, minimal friction, social features integrated; in content: authenticity, community voice, user participation; in business: flexible pricing, perhaps ad-supported or hybrid tiers. Innovative monetization As rights get expensive & competition increases, revenue must come from multiple places. Explore interactive ads, sponsorship integrations inside immersive experiences, merch/fandom commerce, micro-transactions, loyalty programs. What Impressed Us / What We Think Are Early Signals Multi-language / localization as standard: Several vendors showed tools for real-time dubbing and subtitling. Not “add-on”, but baked in. That’s important to reach a global audience, especially younger fans, who are comfortable with consuming non-native content with translations. “Content everywhere” meaning deeper than devices: It’s not just about being on mobile, tablet, big screen — it’s about delivering content in formats that suit different user contexts: social media snippets, interactive stories, live vs VOD vs highlights. The sessions on “How knowing who your customers are and where they are is reinventing the media landscape” stood out. Emerging standards and protocols: Media over QUIC (MoQ), new codecs or transport layers, low-latency pipelines are more than lab experiments; they’re showing up in vendor demos and conversations. If we don’t plan for them, we risk being left behind. Viewer fatigue & platform consolidation: Everyone is talking about subscription overload, viewer
Top Tips for Attending IBC 2025: Pro Advice From Seasoned Visitors & Exhibitors
Planning to attend IBC 2025 in Amsterdam? Whether you’re a first-timer eager to explore or a returning attendee ready to make the most of the show, having a few insider tips can turn a busy week into a smooth and inspiring experience. As long-time IBC visitors and exhibitors, our team has learned the ropes—sometimes the hard way—so we’re sharing our best advice to help you get the most out of the world’s leading broadcast, media, and entertainment technology event. 1. Get Ahead: Register Early & Download the IBC App It sounds obvious, but early registration saves you time and stress—plus, you can secure your free travel pass for trams and metro during the show. The official IBC App is your pocket guide for everything: hall maps, session schedules, and quick exhibitor searches (handy when you’re trying to find that booth you heard about over coffee). 2. Plan Your Route—Your Feet Will Thank You With multiple halls, each dedicated to different areas of media tech—from OTT streaming to AI solutions—the layout can feel like a maze. Plan your day by location to avoid sprinting across the RAI. Think of it as a fitness plan you don’t want. 3. Pack the Essentials (and a Few Comfort Items) Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable—break them in before you arrive. Add a refillable water bottle, light snacks (protein bars are a lifesaver), and lip balm to your daily kit. The air-con can be unpredictable, so layers are your friend. 4. Leave Room for Serendipity While a plan keeps you focused, the magic of IBC often happens between meetings—like discovering a hidden innovation stand or running into a potential partner while grabbing a drink at The Beach. Leave some open space in your schedule for the unexpected. 5. Insider Tips From Our Team We’ve collected real, practical advice from our own IBC experiences—spanning everything from smart footwear choices to navigating the halls like a pro: Romy Suarez, Global Sales & Alliances Manager: “Never underestimate the power of two pairs of shoes. Swap daily to give your feet a break—it’s the difference between ending Day 4 standing tall or hobbling like you’ve done a marathon.” Dailos Medina, Co-founder: “Plan your meetings in hall clusters. Back-to-back meetings in opposite corners of the RAI will turn you into an accidental sprinter—and not the fun kind.” David Santana, Co-founder: “The Beach isn’t just for drinks—it’s one of the best informal networking spots. Some of our best leads started over a quick drink there.” Marija Nikolova, Marketing Lead: “Always have a small ‘emergency kit’—power bank, mints, painkillers, and a pen. You’ll thank yourself when you’re halfway through a 10-hour day.” 6. Networking Is Everywhere IBC is as much about conversations as it is about technology. Industry leaders, innovators, and newcomers are everywhere—from conference stages to coffee queues. Don’t be shy; a quick chat could lead to your next collaboration. Pro tip: keep LinkedIn handy for quick connects. 7. Visit Us at IBC 2025 We’ll be there too, showcasing our latest solutions at Booth 5.B10. If you’re curious about how we’re shaping the future of streaming app experiences, come by and say hello. Want a guaranteed time with our team? Book a meeting with us here 8. Enjoy Amsterdam (But Pace Yourself) Amsterdam during IBC is buzzing—canal strolls, lively evenings, and late-night networking. But remember: IBC is a marathon, not a sprint. If you get the chance for an early night, take it. Your future self will thank you. Final Word IBC is a week where ideas, innovations, and connections all come together under one roof. With a little preparation—and a few insider hacks—you can focus less on logistics and more on the inspiration that makes this event special. See you in Amsterdam! 🇳🇱
Bring Better Video to WordPress: The Updated Mux Video Uploader by 2Coders
Say hello to an even better video experience on WordPress We’ve updated the Mux Video Uploader plugin to make it easier than ever to upload, stream, and manage videos on your WordPress site. Whether you’re a developer building sites for clients or a content creator running your own platform, this plugin is designed to help you work with video without the extra hassle. Built by 2Coders in collaboration with Mux, the latest version introduces features like auto-generated captions in 22 languages, MP4 export options for offline use, and more control over video quality. You can preview videos instantly, customize the player to match your site, and manage everything from your WordPress dashboard — no switching tabs or tools. Let’s walk through what’s new and how to get the most out of the plugin. Why We Built This Plugin Video is one of the most powerful ways to share content online, but WordPress hasn’t always made that easy. Uploading large files, optimizing playback, managing captions, or simply getting analytics? Not built-in. That’s where Mux comes in — and that’s why we teamed up to build this plugin. Our goal? To help you add professional-grade video to your WordPress site in minutes, not hours. No complex setups. No extra code needed. Just drag, drop, and deliver great video. What’s New in This Release? This latest version of the plugin brings three highly requested features, all designed to give you more control, accessibility, and flexibility when working with video content. 1. Auto-Generated Captions in 22 Languages in This Release? Now you can automatically generate captions for your on-demand videos, making your content more inclusive and searchable. Captions are available in 22 languages and can be edited right inside the WordPress editor, giving you full control over how they appear. The transcript will be produced based on the language spoken in the video. Whether you’re trying to meet accessibility standards or improve viewer engagement, this feature has you covered. 2. MP4 Download Options You can now create downloadable MP4 versions of your videos with a click. This is ideal if you want to: It’s flexibility at your fingertips — all handled through the plugin. 3. Quality Selection Controls Optimize performance or boost quality — the choice is yours. This feature lets you choose how each video is delivered based on your audience’s needs or your site’s bandwidth limitations. What You Can Already Do (And Why It Matters) This update builds on a powerful foundation. The Mux Video Uploader by 2Coders already includes: It’s everything you need for a smooth video workflow — no extra plugins or tools required. Designed for WordPress Creators and Developers This plugin is built to feel native to WordPress. If you’re a developer, you’ll appreciate the seamless integration with Mux’s APIs and developer-friendly customization. If you’re a content creator or editor, you’ll love how easy it is to upload, manage, and embed videos without having to leave the dashboard or depend on others. From editorial teams to online educators to creative agencies — this tool gives you everything you need to create, publish, and scale with video. Quick Start Guide: Get Set Up in Minutes You don’t need to be a tech expert to get started. Here’s how to get the Mux plugin running on your WordPress site: For more advanced options, you can check out the full documentation here. Built in Collaboration with Mux We built this plugin in close partnership with the team at Mux — experts in video infrastructure and developer experience. Together, we’re committed to helping creators, publishers, and developers take video further with tools that just work. This latest update is a reflection of that ongoing partnership — and of your feedback. We’ve listened closely to what matters most to you, and we’ll continue improving based on your needs. Try the New Features Today Whether you’re launching a new video series, running an online course, or just want better playback and analytics, this plugin can help you do it all without leaving WordPress. Download the plugin now and give it a try. We’d love to hear what you think and how you’re using it.
CASE STUDY: Our Successful Integration of Easelive’s Overlays
CASE STUDY: Our Successful Integration of Easelive’s Overlays When live overlays don’t sync, viewers notice. Engagement drops. And ads interrupt the flow. We solved these challenges and boosted engagement by 50%. Want to know how we did it? Get the full breakdown (limited-time access!) Get the Case Study for free Enter your email below, and we’ll send the full case study straight to your inbox.
Android 16 for Streaming Apps: Key Updates & What Developers Must Know
If you’re building an Android app—especially for streaming and OTT (Over-the-Top) services—you probably keep an eye on Android updates. Each new version brings opportunities to improve user experience but also introduces challenges that developers must navigate. Android 16 is no exception. With a push toward adaptive layouts, system-wide UI changes, and performance improvements, it’s clear that Google is preparing for a more seamless, device-agnostic future. If you’re wondering what this means for your app (and how to avoid unnecessary headaches), you’re in the right place. Why Android 16 Matters for Streaming Apps Streaming apps are unique. Unlike standard applications, they need to handle complex UI interactions, video playback, adaptive layouts, and performance optimization across various devices—from smartphones to tablets to TVs. With Android 16, Google is enforcing more consistent user experiences across all screens, meaning: Let’s break down the key changes and how they impact your development process. 1. Edge-to-Edge Opt-Out is Gone In Android 15, apps had the option to opt out of full edge-to-edge rendering. Android 16 removes this option, meaning all apps must support immersive layouts that extend content to the entire screen. What This Means for Your Streaming App What to Do Next 2. Predictive Back Navigation is Now Default Android 16 introduces predictive back navigation—meaning users see a preview of the previous screen before completing the back action. This change is intended to improve navigation flow, but it also means that onBackPressed() no longer works the way it used to. Why This is Important for Streaming Apps How to Fix It 3. Adaptive Layouts Are the Future Android 16 is pushing developers toward responsive, adaptable UIs that work across phones, tablets, foldables, and even desktop modes. If your app assumes a fixed orientation or aspect ratio, it’s time to rethink your design. What This Means for Streaming Apps How to Adapt 4. Performance Changes Affect Background Tasks Android 16 includes optimized background task scheduling to improve battery life and performance. This means apps can no longer rely on scheduleAtFixedRate() to run catch-up tasks when returning from the background. What This Means for Streaming Apps What to Do Next Wrapping It Up: Future-Proofing Your Streaming App Android 16 is all about consistency, adaptability, and performance—which, let’s be honest, is great for users but means extra work for developers. If you’re building (or updating) a streaming app, now’s the time to: And if this all sounds like a lot—don’t worry, we’ve got you! At 2Coders, we specialize in building future-proof OTT and streaming apps that run smoothly on Android. Whether you need help with UI adaptation, performance tuning, or full-scale app development, let’s chat.👉 Schedule a call with us (we promise to make it fun—like a well-buffered stream on a strong WiFi connection).
OTT Trends and Predictions for 2025
The OTT industry is on the cusp of significant transformation. As global active subscriptions inch toward 2 billion, streaming services face growing competition, content fragmentation, and evolving viewer preferences. Traditional broadcasters, telecom operators, and emerging platforms are experimenting with new technologies, distribution strategies, and engagement models to stand out. Below are the major trends set to define the OTT landscape by 2025, along with a look at how our capabilities—including our Velvet SDK-based platform, our Innovation Lab, and strategic partnerships—can help providers thrive in this rapidly changing environment. Live Sports Integration: Beyond Exclusive Deals By 2025, sports fans will expect more than standard live broadcasts. OTT platforms are moving toward interactive, multi-camera angles, live chat features, and instant highlights that bring fans closer to the action. Content providers will look for ways to minimize latency and ensure seamless playback at scale. Our Velvet SDK-based platform makes it easier for broadcasters to deploy low-latency streaming and interactive overlays for live sports, ensuring viewers experience every thrilling moment in real-time. Hybrid Monetization Models: Combating Subscription Fatigue As households juggle multiple streaming services, hybrid monetization models—combining subscriptions, ad-supported tiers, and pay-per-view events—will gain traction. This approach allows providers to offer flexible entry points for price-sensitive viewers while still capturing premium revenue streams. Our Innovation Lab is actively exploring new ways to integrate these models, working with partners to test innovative advertising formats and pricing structures that keep audiences engaged and drive sustainable growth. Strategic Partnerships: Expanding Capabilities and Reach OTT players are increasingly collaborating with technology and analytics companies to enhance the streaming experience. From advanced video encoding and analytics to smarter content delivery, alliances will be crucial for staying competitive. We’ve established strategic partnerships with leaders like Mux, Bitmovin, and NPAW to integrate best-in-class video solutions, ensuring that our clients can seamlessly adapt to market shifts and exceed viewer expectations. AI-Driven Personalization: Content Tailored for Every Viewer Artificial Intelligence will do more than just recommend shows—it will anticipate what viewers want before they even search. Future-facing OTT platforms will analyze viewing habits, context, and even mood to deliver hyper-personalized experiences. Beyond improving discovery, AI will assist in localization, subtitling, and dynamic content insertion, making sure every viewer feels catered to, regardless of language or location. Short-Form Content: Catering to Rapid Viewing Habits The ongoing popularity of platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts reflects a broader cultural shift toward bite-sized entertainment. By 2025, many OTT services will weave short-form content into their offerings, engaging viewers who have limited time or shorter attention spans. These quick segments can serve as effective promotional tools and content teasers, guiding viewers toward longer-form shows and increasing overall platform stickiness. Telecom Bundling: Streamlined Access for Broader Audiences Teaming up with telecom operators to bundle data, connectivity, and OTT subscriptions will introduce streaming to new audiences and deepen customer loyalty. Such packages provide a simplified, cost-effective way for consumers to get premium content. The seamless integration of OTT platforms with telecom billing and user accounts will remove barriers to entry and enable a smoother, more accessible streaming experience. Sustainability and Responsible Streaming With growing awareness of environmental impacts, data centers and CDNs will focus on energy efficiency, advanced video compression, and green infrastructure. Platforms that adopt sustainable practices could resonate more with consumers and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Expect more industry players to embrace innovative encoding technologies and cloud-based architectures that reduce their carbon footprint without compromising quality. Innovation in User Engagement: Interactive and Gamified Viewing OTT platforms will continue adding features that turn passive watching into active participation. Interactive storytelling, watch parties, polls, quizzes, and gamified elements will cultivate communities around specific content. This enhanced engagement not only keeps viewers on the platform longer but also offers valuable audience insights. Over time, richer viewer data will inform better recommendations, content development, and monetization strategies. Global Expansion: Localization and Niche Content As the OTT market matures, platforms will look beyond established markets to regions where streaming adoption is still on the rise. Success in these markets will depend on local-language content, user-friendly interfaces, and affordable pricing strategies. Niche genres and regional programming will gain prominence as platforms cater to diverse tastes and cultural contexts, turning localization into a key competitive advantage. The Road Ahead: Convergence of Technologies and Business Models Post-2025, expect to see AI-driven personalization blending seamlessly with emerging technologies like AR/VR. Content delivery could become even more immersive, with virtual experiences and social viewing events simulating in-person gatherings. OTT services will borrow strategies from gaming, social media, and traditional TV, evolving into platforms that not only deliver entertainment but also foster community and personal connection. Looking Beyond 2025 The OTT industry’s trajectory points to a future where content, technology, and personalization converge. Our Velvet SDK-based platform and Innovation Lab stand ready to help clients navigate these changes—optimizing live sports delivery, experimenting with monetization models, and leveraging strategic partnerships for superior streaming quality. By embracing AI, sustainability, and interactive features, OTT providers can position themselves as leaders in a marketplace that shows no signs of slowing down.
IBC 2024: Innovation, Connections, and Velvet
IBC 2024 was a milestone for us—it marked our first time exhibiting after years of attending as visitors. For more than a decade, we’ve been deep in OTT projects, honing our expertise, and this year, we proudly presented Velvet Media our flagship product. We made some rookie mistakes as first-time exhibitors, but we also learned a lot. Most importantly, we had a full agenda for all four days, meeting so many incredible people and industry leaders, and we are immensely proud of this achievement While our highlight of the show was sharing Velvet and connecting with all of you, we kept our eyes on the buzz around the event. IBC 2024 brought together more than 45,000 visitors from 170 countries, making it one of the strongest post-pandemic years. Here’s our take on the key topics that had everyone talking. AI: Driving the Future of Content Delivery Artificial intelligence was everywhere at IBC (again). AI innovations touched all areas of content creation and delivery, from production workflows to audience personalization. The halls was buzzing with demos that showcased how AI is reshaping video production, post-production, and distribution. For us, one of the standout trends was AI’s role in sports streaming, where it’s revolutionizing how content is tailored and delivered to viewers. The ability to analyze data and make content more personalized in real time is becoming essential, especially as sports events shift more towards streaming platforms. Monetization and Ad Tech Innovation Monetization strategies were another big focus this year. Advanced advertising technology, from hyper-targeted ads to new subscription models like pay-per-view, showcased a wide range of opportunities to generate revenue from content. But with more options comes more competition, and staying innovative is crucial. [check what’s new in our Innovation Lab] We noticed how many companies emphasized the need to not only adopt these advanced ad-tech solutions but also ensure they run seamlessly to avoid technical glitches that could impact revenue streams. Celebrating Diversity in AI One inspiring highlight at IBC 2024 was the strong presence of women-led AI startups. We believe this diversity in leadership is a critical driver of innovation in AI. The involvement of more diverse perspectives, especially in training AI models, is key to creating solutions that benefit the entire industry. It was refreshing to see this recognition and commitment toward inclusivity. Focus on Viewer Experience and Retention A recurring theme across many discussions was how to improve the viewer experience to drive both acquisition and retention. In an era of fierce competition among streaming platforms, those who prioritize personalization and ease of use are clearly leading the pack. Whether it’s through AI-driven content recommendations or refined user interfaces, delivering an engaging experience is more important than ever. Looking Back and Moving Forward In summary, IBC 2024 was a huge success for us, not just because it was our first time as exhibitors but also for the invaluable learning and connections we gained. We want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth and supported us throughout the show. If you didn’t get a chance to visit, feel free to reach out—we’re excited to continue the conversations and build on everything we’ve learned!