VOD

VOD, short for Video on Demand, is a media distribution service that enables users to select and watch video content at any time of their choosing rather than at fixed broadcast times. Content is typically stored on servers or in the cloud and delivered to a user’s device via streaming or progressive download, often through a user interface that presents a catalog and search tools. Delivery may use content delivery networks and digital rights management to protect rights.

Common models include subscription video on demand (SVOD), which provides unlimited access for a recurring fee; advertising-supported video on demand (AVOD), which is funded by ads; and transactional video on demand (TVOD), where users pay per title or rental. Some platforms operate primarily as electronic sell-through (EST). These models reflect different monetization approaches and licensing arrangements.

Applications include traditional broadcast operators’ catch-up and startover services, cable or streaming platforms, and consumer apps on phones, tablets, and televisions. VOD has become a core component of both entertainment and educational content delivery, enabling curated libraries and personalized recommendations.

History and development: VOD began in the late 20th century with cable operators offering on-demand libraries; the rise of broadband and streaming in the 2000s led to internet-based VOD platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. As of the 2020s, VOD is a major form of media distribution, complementing or replacing scheduled programming in many markets.

Impact and considerations: VOD provides convenience, binge-watching, and personalized libraries but raises licensing complexity, rights management, and potential market fragmentation across regions and platforms. Technical challenges include latency, streaming quality, and data usage.