Live streaming has rapidly evolved from being a niche tool to a must-have for many businesses and individuals. Whether you’re a church wanting to broadcast your services to a wider congregation, a fitness trainer wanting to reach more clients with your workout videos, or a wedding planner showcasing spectacular events, live streaming can catapult your visibility and engagement to new heights.
But, there’s a catch.
Despite the myriad of video streaming platforms available, not all offer the level of customization and control you might desire.
Imagine you’re an artist, but instead of a blank canvas, you’re handed a pre-painted one, limiting your creative expression.
Similarly, traditional streaming platforms often constrain your ability to tailor the viewing experience to your brand, sometimes even plastering their own logos or ads over your content.
Enter white-label OTT platforms: the answer to your creative and branding needs.
These platforms give you full control over your content presentation, keeping your brand in the spotlight, without any third-party logos or ads.
Plus, they come packed with a trove of additional features, from diverse monetization options to integration support, making them a comprehensive solution for your streaming needs.
Now, you may be thinking, “Sounds fantastic, but how do I choose the right platform from the sea of options?” We’re glad you asked.
In this guide, we’ll journey through the world of white-label OTT streaming platforms, from demystifying what they are to understanding their benefits, followed by a deep dive into what makes a good white-label platform.
Let’s begin!
What is a white-label OTT streaming platform?
Understanding white-label OTT streaming platforms can seem like a puzzle.
However, it’s easier to comprehend when we break it down into two core components: OTT streaming platforms and white-label streaming platforms.
Let’s dive in and unscramble this puzzle piece by piece.
What are OTT streaming platforms?
“OTT” stands for “Over-The-Top”. OTT service platforms deliver video content over the internet, bypassing traditional mediums like cable or satellite TV systems. It’s akin to delivering a letter directly to your friend’s house, skipping the post office entirely.
OTT platforms offer a smorgasbord of content types. You have live video content, which could range from high-octane sports live events, enlightening conferences, and spiritual church services, to engaging fitness classes. Then, you have on-demand content like movies and TV shows – think of it as a virtual library where your favorite titles are available whenever you want.
OTT apps span across a spectrum, each with its unique offerings. You have video-on-demand (VOD) services like Netflix, Hulu, and Apple TV offering a vast buffet of movies and shows.
Then there are free live streaming platforms like YouTube Live and Facebook Live, which offer an open stage for anyone to stream in real-time.
On the other end, you have professional web streaming solutions like WpStream, which are like personal TV stations tailor-made for your needs.
These platforms are versatile and can be accessed on various devices, be it smartphones, tablets, computers, or smart TVs. It’s like having a universal remote for your entertainment.
What are white-label streaming platforms?
A white-label video platform is a ready-to-use, customizable product provided by one company that you can rebrand and sell as your own.
In the streaming world, white-label video streaming platforms are like your personal broadcasting channel.
They allow content creators to create a streaming service with your branding on it, without getting tangled in the complex web of building the underlying technology. It’s a ready-to-use stage where you get to design the backdrop.
Here’s a simple comparison table to help you understand the key points:
| OTT Streaming Platforms | White-label Streaming Platforms | |
| Definition | Services that deliver video content over the internet, bypassing traditional cable or satellite TV systems. | A ready-to-use, customizable product that can be rebranded as your own. |
| Examples | Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and WpStream. | WpStream, other customizable OTT solutions. |
| Accessibility | Can be accessed on various devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. | Accessibility depends on the chosen platform, but most can be accessed across various devices. |
| Customizability | Limited, as most of these platforms come with their own branding and layout. | High, as they allow users to implement their branding and layout preferences. |
A white-label OTT streaming platform combines the best of both worlds. It allows you to deliver a wide range of content over the internet with the added advantage of full control over your brand’s look and feel.
Why should you use a white-label OTT streaming platform?
Imagine you’re a chef. You’re given a kitchen, but it’s stocked with someone else’s ingredients and tools. You’re told you can only cook certain dishes, and any profit you make has to be shared.
Limiting, isn’t it?
Now imagine a kitchen tailored to your tastes, with your preferred ingredients and tools, allowing you to cook whatever you want and keep all the profit.
That’s the difference a white-label OTT streaming platform can make. Let’s delve into the reasons why you should consider using one.
Customization and branding
The hallmark of white-label platforms is customization. You have the freedom to tailor the look and feel of your streaming service, providing a consistent experience to your subscribers.
Full control over content
White-label streaming services allow you to have complete control over what you broadcast.
Unlike free platforms like YouTube Live or Facebook Live, which often have restrictive content guidelines, white-label OTT platforms give you the liberty to publish whatever content you want.
Monetization options
One of the star advantages of white-label OTT platforms is the array of video monetization options. You can implement subscription-based services, pay-per-view, or even accept donations.
You’re not bound by strict monetization guidelines, and there’s no fear of your content being unexpectedly taken down or demonetized.
For instance, if you’re a trading advisor, you could set up premium webinars on complex trading techniques, creating a steady revenue stream. Or, if you are a fitness trainer, you could offer a series of online fitness classes, getting interested fitness enthusiasts to sign up for a weekly session.
Scalability and extendibility
Professional white-label OTT service providers are built to accommodate growth.These platform providers offer a wider range of features than free video solutions, either as part of their core functionality or through integrations, making them adaptable to different levels of streamers.
As your audience grows, you can easily scale your OTT business.
On the whole, white-label OTT solutions are customizable, versatile, and designed to grow with you. They allow you to take the reins of your streaming service, providing you with the tools to create a unique, branded platform that can scale according to your needs.
So why settle for less when you can have it all?
What makes a good white-label OTT streaming platform?
Choosing the right white-label OTT streaming service is much like finding the perfect house. You want something that reflects your personality, is comfortable to live in, can accommodate your growing family, and has all the amenities you need.
Similarly, the right OTT platform should reflect your streaming business, be user-friendly, scalable, and have a robust set of features.
Here’s what to look for when house hunting in the world of streaming platforms:
Full control over stream content and appearance
Having control over your content and the appearance of your streaming service is crucial. The right platform will let you curate your content and design your streaming service to align with your brand’s image. It may even have a watermarking feature so you can brand your content. This way, you create a unique and branded experience.
Ease of use
A user-friendly interface and straightforward management tools are essential for managing your video streaming service efficiently.
Look for a platform that simplifies the process of setting up, broadcasting, and managing your live videos. This leaves you with more time to focus on creating and delivering great content.
Scalability
As your audience and content library expand, your streaming platform should be able to scale accordingly. Choose a platform capable of handling end-to-end video hosting as well as fluctuating levels of user demand and traffic.
This ensures a consistent and smooth streaming experience for your viewers, regardless of how large your viewer base becomes.
Monetization options
The best OTT streaming platforms will support various monetization models like subscription-based services, pay-per-view, and donations. For a seamless user experience, choose a service that integrates with your preferred eCommerce platform, to enable easy, fast, and secure transactions that enhance viewer experience.
Integration with other platforms and services
Your OTT platform should be able to integrate with other platforms, services, and tools for seamless operation and to expand its capabilities. Depending on your needs, you might want a platform that supports integration with content management systems (CMS), analytics tools, payment gateways, and interactive tools like live chat systems or virtual whiteboards.
The right white-label OTT streaming platform, much like the perfect house, should be a reflection of your brand, easy to use, able to scale with your growth, offer a variety of monetization options, and integrate seamlessly with other platforms and services.
With these key characteristics in mind, you’re well on your way to finding your perfect streaming home!
The 5 best white-label OTT streaming platforms in 2023
Now that you know what to look for in a white-label OTT streaming platform, it’s time to explore the top contenders in 2023. These platforms have it all – full control over your stream’s content and appearance, ease of use, scalability, diverse monetization options, and integration capabilities.
To help you decide which one could be your perfect streaming home, we’re going to focus on their unique features and how well they meet the aforementioned criteria.
Here are the five best white-label OTT streaming platforms of 2023:
1. WpStream
If you’re looking for a platform that combines power, flexibility, and simplicity, WpStream is the ideal choice.
Here are some standout features that make WpStream the top white-label OTT streaming platform in 2023:
- Flexible integrations: The plugin enables you to stream directly from your WordPress website and supports integration with the most popular streaming software and hardware, allowing you to connect to any service that supports custom RTMP connection. This enables you to add additional features like advanced customization, multistreaming support, and more, with ease.
- Diverse monetization options: WpStream offers an array of monetization models, including pay-per-view and subscription streams through integration with WooCommerce, and donations through GiveWP. You have full control over your stream and website content, meaning you can set up sponsored streams, generate revenue through adverts, or even sell merchandise directly from your streaming page.
- Suitable for all levels of streamers: Regardless of your streaming proficiency, WpStream is easy to use. You can set up the plugin and start streaming to Android and iOS devices within minutes, even with just a phone or laptop webcam. Alternatively, you can use the range of integration options to create a professional streaming experience for your viewers.
- Scalable pricing plans: WpStream offers flexible pricing plans that can accommodate your growing audience, based on specific requirements such as the amount of streaming data, the number of concurrent channels and viewers, and the amount of recording storage. Plus, you can try it out with a free trial before committing to a paid plan.
As a true white-label platform, WpStream allows streamers to build a setup that suits their specific needs and customize their stream content and appearance to their liking. With its low barrier to entry and powerful potential to scale and extend your setup, WpStream is an excellent choice for streamers of all levels.
2. Wowza
Wowza is a great streaming platform that offers substantial freedom and control over the content you want to share.
Here are some key features that make Wowza one of the best white-label OTT streaming platforms in 2023:
- Extensive customization and integration: Designed with developers in mind, it offers an impressive array of APIs and SDKs. This enables streamers to extensively customize the platform, integrating powerful additional functionality to suit their specific needs.
- Flexible monetization options: While Wowza does not offer built-in monetization options, it does provide the ability to integrate with third-party monetization solutions. This gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred revenue model.
- Scalable pricing: Wowza offers various pricing options to suit your streaming/viewing hours requirements and recording storage needs. Adaptive bitrate streaming and a global content delivery network (CDN) ensure high stream quality, regardless of the size or location of your audience.
However, it’s important to note that Wowza requires a certain level of technical knowledge. While it offers comprehensive documentation and support resources, it can be somewhat daunting for those new to the streaming field or those with limited technical knowledge.
3. Dacast
Think of Dacast as a fully-equipped, professional live streaming studio, making it an all-in-one solution that’s perfect for hosting live and on-demand video content.
Here are some of Dacast’s main features that make it a top contender for the best white-label OTT streaming platform in 2023:
- Powerful development options: Dacast is a platform that doesn’t just hand you the tools, but also gives you the blueprint for building your own streaming empire. It comes with a suite of built-in features that make customizing your video player straightforward. Dacast also provides player and video content management APIs, allowing you to build your own video portals and mobile apps.
- Scalable delivery: Dacast is built around popular and reliable Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) like Akamai and Limelight. This ensures scalable delivery of your stream content to a global audience.
- Monetization options: Dacast supports SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand), AVOD (Advertising-based Video On Demand), and TVOD (Transactional Video On Demand) pay-per-view monetization strategies.
Dacast is an excellent option for streamers looking to reach a wider, global audience. It’s a comprehensive solution that provides a robust set of features.
However, its affordability may be a point to consider. Its cheapest plan starts at $39/month, which is about twice the price of WpStream.
But Dacast does offer a 14-day free trial, so you can explore and understand its wide feature set before committing to a paid plan.
4. JW Player
JW Player is a comprehensive streaming solution designed for broadcasters, publishers, and all kinds of streamers. Renowned for its ability to deliver both live content and on-demand video to a global audience, JW Player is indeed a heavyweight contender in the realm of white-label OTT platforms.
Let’s break down some of the key features that make it a top choice:
- Multi-CDN setup: JW Player is all about delivering a superior viewing experience, no matter where your audience is located. It utilizes a multi-CDN setup to ensure reliable content delivery across the globe. JW Player boasts a 99.99% global delivery uptime and offers transcoding optimized for all screens and devices, even up to 4K resolution, regardless of the geographical location.
- High ad revenue: JW Player claims to deliver higher levels of ad revenue than competing platforms through built-in integrations with any video ad server, network, or exchange. Moreover, it supports TVOD and SVOD models and even offers innovative options like seasonal pricing, coupons, and vouchers, providing streamers with a diverse range of ways to monetize their content.
- Integrates easily into your streaming ecosystem: JW Player is built to be an integral part of your streaming ecosystem. You can easily integrate it into your existing mobile and TV apps through a dedicated API.
- Full control: You can control every aspect of the video playback experience using JW Player’s Javascript APIs and CSS customization of the HTML5 video player. This means you have full control over the look, feel, and functionality of your streaming service.
JW Player stands out for its extensive feature set and robust scalability. However, it’s important to note that the platform is primarily aimed at businesses rather than individual streamers, which could influence its suitability for your specific needs.
5. Brightcove
Rounding up our list is Brightcove, a white-label OTT platform tailored for larger businesses and enterprise-level streamers. Brightcove offers a host of features that make it a top-tier choice for those needing a powerful, comprehensive streaming solution.
Let’s delve into some of the features that set Brightcove apart:
- Expansive feature set: Brightcove has a robust feature set, including built-in analytics, marketing tools, and a state-of-the-art media player suite. It offers even more flexibility through integrations with a wide array of eCommerce partners like Salesforce and Shopify, payment gateways/billing platforms like Stripe and Evergent, and others.
- Flexible monetization models: Brightcove supports all major monetization models, including AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD, and even allows a mix of the three, giving you the ultimate flexibility when choosing your revenue generation model.
- Built to scale: Brightcove enables streamers to distribute live content to millions of concurrent viewers while maintaining reliable, high-quality video delivery to every device. It also comes equipped with built-in marketing tools to help acquire new viewers and promote better engagement with your existing ones.
Brightcove is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive white-label OTT platforms on the market today. However, it’s important to note that Brightcove is primarily targeted at larger-scale streamers. As such, it might be less suitable for newer or less-established streamers.
Create the content of your dreams with WpStream
In the world of streaming, where the competition is fierce, and audience expectations are high, white-label OTT platforms are more than just an asset — they are a necessity.
They provide not only a reliable streaming service but also a platform for growth and expansion that carries your unique brand identity.
White-label OTT platforms offer full control over your content and its appearance, creating a seamless, personalized experience that aligns with your brand.
They provide ease of use with user-friendly interfaces and management tools, saving you time to focus on what truly matters — creating and delivering excellent content.
In this journey of choosing the right white-label OTT platform, we have explored five of the best ones available in 2023.
Each one of these platforms offers a unique set of features and advantages, but one platform that stands out for offering a scalable solution that caters to all levels of streamers is WpStream.
WpStream, with its flexible integrations, extensive monetization options, user-friendly interface, and scalable pricing plans, is a great choice for streamers of all levels. It’s a powerful WordPress plugin that enables you to build and manage your own streaming website with ease.
If you’re looking for a platform that grows with you while giving you the control to make your streaming service truly your own, we encourage you to check out WpStream.
Sign up for a free trial today to test out the entire feature set and start building your dream streaming platform.