Understanding and implementing the latest trends in the industry

As the industry continues to make ground-breaking innovations on a day-to-day basis, it is important to be in tune with the latest developments in the IT industry. TV2Z strives to monitor the latest trends and implement it into the work we do for our clients every day. Let us explore some of the current trends in the industry and understand how we here at TV2Z are at the forefront of following and implementing these trends.

For any business, it is always paramount to keep your head in the game. There are many examples of well-known companies who fell through the cracks since they failed to understand the latest developments within their respective industry or decided to ignore them altogether. That is why it is imperative to stay updated with anything and everything that is shaping the industry. As we regularly monitor the latest trends, we have picked out three specific ones we would like to explore, out of the many current trends out there.

Prioritizing user experience

The importance of User Experience (UX)

Over the years, the importance of a well-rounded UX has become pertinent to the streaming environment. With so many video-on-demand streaming companies and operations, UX becomes an important tool to use to have an advantage over the competitors. Viewers and users prefer to commit to streaming platforms that are easiest to use and navigate. Weak interfaces or a lack of organization or direction can easily dissuade consumers from wanting to commit to a streaming service. Accessibility is one of the key attributes to consider when evaluating whether the UX is productive.

Not only that, but platforms need to look good. There is less of a chance that users will commit to a streaming platform if the interface is not visually appealing and disorganized. Streaming platforms must evoke emotion and desire to encourage viewers to watch a specific item. If this is not taken into consideration, you are left with a 'clunky' interface that bores customers.

TV2Z ensures that we develop an overall UX that will put a smile on the faces of our clients, and their customers. While we have designated templates for a variety of different platform options, we also specialize in creating custom made interfaces for clients. While we allow our clients to contribute to the creative outlook of their application, we also provide consultations to ensure that our clients are receiving industry expertise to build an application that is suited for success.

Streaming localization

Over-the-top (OTT) Streaming localization

Streaming localization takes many forms. Whether it is multi-currency payment options, translated captions, or geo-blocking, these are all individual elements to consider when prioritizing streaming localization. Geo-blocking is another prominent form of streaming localization, which essentially restricts access to specific content depending on a specific user's location.

Segmenting content is another popular form of streaming content localization, which entails the creation and distribution of content curated for specific audiences, regions, communities, etc. Some of the big names in streaming are no stranger to this practice, as many streaming platforms have successfully been able to create, distribute, and target localized content specifically targeted for one audience.

We work with clients from all over the world, spanning multiple continents. For this reason, we are always keeping tabs with the latest developments within the realm of streaming localization. One aspect that we have recently practiced, is the concept of geo-blocking. In this day and age, some streaming platforms can only show specific content in a specific location. TV2Z is able to execute this with ease.

The rise of live streaming

Last, but not least, the last trend is the expanding world of live streaming possibilities

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world saw many physical concerts, events, and conventions cancelled. With that, the world began to look for another alternative. The answer? Live streaming. The practice was used as a replacement for many physical events, and even with pandemic measures being lifted worldwide, the interest in live streaming possibilities has not died down.

Many streaming platforms and media companies began experimenting with the idea of live streaming content in the beginning of the pandemic. Yet while streaming companies are just getting into the game, other media, information, and entertainment companies such as YouTube, have been at the forefront of revolutionizing the ability to live stream content. CNN has recently launched 'CNN+', a subscription streaming service that live-streams news programming and other relevant content. The need for live streaming may not be as pertinent as it was two years ago, but live streaming is still popular, and is here to stay.

TV2Z has also worked with specific clients on being able to improve their live streaming capabilities, specifically through our Lightning capabilities. It is a concept we are excited to explore further and see how live streaming continues to be an important way of watching and enjoying content.