OTT stands for over-the-top and has become a new way to consume the media. OTT delivers audio and video content directly to the audience through the internet. It thus bypasses the traditional channels such as cable, satellite and broadcast TV. Thus, the name over-the-top of the old school methods.

Content providers use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to distribute their offerings. CDNs have their servers all across the globe. The viewers access the content fast through streaming, regardless of the location. The content is accessed through internet-connected devices, say consoles, computers, smartphones, tablets.

There are apps or web interfaces. In fact, they act as gateways to content libraries. Here the users can browse, select and play what they want, e.g. YouTube or Netflix.

There are some key technologies involved. The content is encoded into formats suitable for different devices. They are adjusted for different internet speeds. The content is transcoded. There are streaming protocols. There is HTTP Live Streaming. There is Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP called DASH.

OTTs are different from linear TV which is seen by appointment. OTTs could be seen at your convenience. There is a wider choice from a library of content. It has diversity of content — different genres and niche interests. One is at liberty to choose a convenient subscription plan and cancel it anytime. The content becomes personalized since there are recommendatory algorithms and the play lists can be curated.

OTTs have disrupted traditional media landscape. It encourages independent content creators. It enables new methods of monetizing content.

Technological advances such as 5G and fiber internet promise faster streaming. There is personalization of content. It uses interactive techniques and immersive techniques such as AR/VR.