Could you please share your perspective on the current state of the digital video landscape?
Certainly. The digital video landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by factors like 5G, AI, and the increasing demand for new ways to consume content. We’re seeing a shift towards higher-quality video formats, snackable content, OTT, immersive experiences and real-time interactions
How do you see the role of the Online Video Platform (OVP) in this evolving landscape?
OVPs are playing a pivotal role in enabling this transformation. They provide the infrastructure and tools necessary for businesses to deliver and monetize their video content effectively.
As the complexity of video delivery increases, the value of OVPs becomes even more apparent, be it for publishers, large corporations, broadcasters, sports clubs and other businesses where video plays an important role.
What are some of the key trends that you’re observing in the OVP market?
The OVP market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by several key trends:
- Personalization and data-driven decision-making are key: OVPs are increasingly leveraging AI and machine learning to deliver tailored content experiences and optimize ad targeting. This enables businesses to provide more relevant and engaging content to their audiences.
- Generative AI a massive time and cost saver: Honing in on generative AI, this creates many opportunities for OVP’s and their clients. Massive strides will be made in areas such as editing, like automatically creating numerous snackable clips from a single long form item. Production costs can be reduced, and resource saved with features like auto-generated and auto-translated subtitle
- Short-form video outside the walled gardens : The popularity of short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels has led to increased demand for OVPs that can support the production and distribution of this type of content. OVPs must offer features such as easy editing, sharing, and monetization options to cater to the needs of creators and publishers.
- Accessible video to become the norm: As businesses strive to make their content accessible to a wider audience, there is a growing emphasis on features like closed captioning, audio description, and support for assistive technologies. OVPs must ensure that their platforms are accessible to users with disabilities.
- The rise of the FAST channel: With advancements in technology, the cost of producing and distributing high-quality content has decreased significantly. FAST channels will offer a compelling alternative to subscription-based streaming services, and provide opportunities for new players to challenge the traditional tv broadcasters.
How is Blue Billywig positioned to capitalize on these trends?
Blue Billywig is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the market. We have a strong focus on innovation, investing heavily in research and development. Our platform is designed to be highly scalable, flexible, and secure. We’re also committed to providing exceptional customer support and partnering with leading technology providers to deliver cuttng-edge solutions.
What are your thoughts on the role of short-form video for open web publishers?
Short-form video has become a major force in the digital video landscape, particularly among younger audiences. Open web publishers are increasingly embracing this format to attract and engage viewers.
OVPs can play a crucial role in enabling content creators to produce and distribute high-quality short-form video content on their own channels, and take back control of their content and revenue lines from the walled gardens.
How do you see the future of interactive video?
Interactive video has the potential to revolutionize the way we consume and engage with content. By allowing viewers to influence the narrative, interactive video can create more personalized and engaging experiences. OVPs will need to evolve to support interactive video formats and provide the necessary tools for creators to develop these experiences.
What role will AI play in the digital video landscape?
AI will play a significant role in shaping the future of digital video. We’re already seeing AI being used for tasks such as video editing, metadata, content personalization and ad targeting. As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the digital video space.
Given the increasing popularity of Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming services, how can OVPs help content creators establish their own channels and reach a wider audience?
OVPs can play a crucial role in enabling content creators to establish their own OTT channels. By providing the necessary infrastructure and tools, OVPs can help creators to:
- Streamline content delivery: OVPs offer scalable and reliable streaming solutions that can handle large audiences and diverse devices.
- Monetize content: OVPs can integrate with various monetization models, such as subscriptions, ad revenue, and pay-per-view, allowing creators to generate revenue from their content.
- Reach a wider audience: Smart TV apps allow creators to tap into the growing number of viewers who consume content directly on their televisions.
- Enhance viewer engagement: OVPs can provide features like analytics, personalization, and social sharing, helping creators to better understand their audience and build a loyal following.
- Simplify compliance: OVPs can help creators navigate complex regulatory requirements, such as copyright laws and content restrictions, as well as integrate with market leading DRM partners.
What challenges do you foresee for the OVP industry in the coming years?
One of the biggest challenges will be keeping up with the rapid pace of technological change. OVPs will need to continuously invest in research and development to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, there will be ongoing pressure to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Given the increasing complexity of digital video delivery, how do you envision the future of OVPs? Will we see a consolidation of the market or the emergence of new, specialized players?
It’s likely that we’ll see a combination of both consolidation and specialization. As the market matures, there may be opportunities for mergers and acquisitions among larger OVP providers. At the same time, we could, and in fact already do see the emergence of smaller, more specialized OVPs that cater to specific niches or industries.
How do you see the role of OVP’s in addressing concerns about data privacy and security?
OVPs have a responsibility to ensure the privacy and security of their users’ data. This requires implementing robust security measures and complying with relevant regulations. As data privacy becomes an increasingly important issue, OVPs will need to invest in technology and processes to protect their users’ information.
How important a role does the advertising market play in the OVP market?
The advertising market plays a crucial role in the OVP market, providing a significant source of revenue for many OVP providers. As digital video consumption continues to grow, so too will the demand for advertising opportunities. OVPs must offer effective advertising solutions so that their clients can attract advertisers and monetize their platforms.
However, it’s important to strike a balance between advertising revenue and the user experience. Excessive advertising can negatively impact viewer satisfaction and lead to churn, something the IAB has recently addressed in how they now classify video formats.
Given the growing importance of retail media, how can OVPs contribute to this market and help retailers monetize their video content?
A tough one, and early days, but I believe OVPs can play a crucial role in the retail media market by providing retailers with the tools they need to manage and monetize their video content effectively. OVPs can help retailers centralize video management, deliver targeted advertising, provide detailed analytics, and integrate with retail systems. By leveraging these capabilities, retailers can enhance the effectiveness of their retail media strategies and drive revenue growth.
Finally, what advice would you give to businesses that are considering investing in an OVP?
When choosing an OVP, it’s important to consider factors like scalability, flexibility, security, and, often under-appreciated, but perhaps most importantly, customer support. It’s also essential to have a clear understanding of your business goals and how an OVP can help you achieve them. By working with a reputable OVP provider with experienced and professional staff to help execute on a vision, businesses can unlock the full potential of digital video and gain a competitive advantage in the market.
