By Dacast Editorial Team | Reviewed by Jon Whitehead, COO at Dacast | Updated May 2026<\/i><\/p>\n
Today\u2019s viewers want complete control over their video streaming experience. That\u2019s why many broadcasters are providing <\/span>video on demand (VOD) streaming<\/u><\/span><\/a> content for their audiences. Choosing a VOD software solution, however, can be challenging.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s take a closer look at<\/span>\u00a0video on demand platforms<\/span> and how it differs from live streaming. We\u2019ll also cover the key features to look for in a <\/span>VOD platform<\/u><\/span><\/a> and compare the top <\/span>10 video on demand<\/span> software solutions currently available.<\/span><\/p>\n We will give you the information you need to choose the best VOD solution for your business\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What is VOD streaming?\u00a0<\/span>VOD streaming<\/span><\/a> allows viewers to select the video content they want to watch, whenever and wherever they choose. Viewers have the option to stream the content immediately or download it to view later on.<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s take a closer look at how <\/span>video on demand streaming software works<\/u><\/span><\/a> and how it\u2019s different from live streaming, so you can better understand how it works and what <\/span>streaming services<\/span> you need from a VOD software.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n VOD <\/span>programming<\/span> requires video content to be stored online and readily accessible by users. For this, most broadcasters use <\/span>video on demand software to host<\/u><\/span><\/a>, manage, and share their content.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These <\/span>VOD platforms<\/u><\/span><\/a> usually store the video content on a cloud server in a compressed or encoded file format and transmit the stream to end-users through the Internet. In addition, many VOD solutions allow viewers to create their own playlists, fast forward, or rewind videos and control their viewing experience in many other ways.<\/span><\/p>\n Video on demand solution providers <\/span>offer platforms <\/span>that<\/span> do more than store video content; they help you manage the content and create a unique and custom video experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n VOD streaming differs from live streaming<\/a> because users can choose what to watch from a library of options. Viewers can start, stop, and resume content whenever they want and as many times as they\u2019d like. On-demand streaming, therefore, is more flexible for viewers than traditional broadcasts.<\/span><\/p>\n Live streaming content, on the other hand, is chosen and made available by broadcasters. Viewers can choose whether they want to watch one or more live channels, but they can\u2019t control the specific content. These live streams are delivered in real-time as events unfold, so they may be more authentic and less polished than VOD content.<\/span><\/p>\n Luckily, broadcasters can repurpose live content as VOD content using <\/span>live stream recording<\/u><\/span><\/a>. That way, their audience can continue to enjoy the content long after the event is over. So live streaming content can be turned into VOD content<\/span> for a VOD streaming platform.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The terms \u201c\u2018VOD software\u201d and \u201cVOD platform\u201d are often used interchangeably, but they describe different things and the distinction matters when you\u2019re choosing a solution.<\/span><\/p>\n A VOD platform is an all-in-one SaaS solution: you sign up, upload your content, configure your player, and start streaming. The infrastructure : transcoding, CDN delivery, monetization tools, is fully managed for you. Most broadcasters and businesses start here.<\/span><\/p>\n VOD software, by contrast, refers to tools that give you more control over the underlying infrastructure. This includes server software you deploy yourself, API-first platforms you integrate into existing systems, and encoder or middleware tools that slot into a broader tech stack. The tradeoff is more flexibility at the cost of more technical overhead.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re evaluating this list because you need to integrate VOD capabilities into an existing platform, build a custom viewing experience, or deploy on your own infrastructure, you\u2019re in the right place. If you\u2019re looking for the simplest all-in-one solution to get live and on-demand streaming running quickly, see our comparison of the 20 best VOD platforms.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Now that we\u2019ve covered what on-demand video is, let\u2019s look at some of the key features VOD software should have.<\/span><\/p>\n When video files are uploaded to a <\/span>streaming platform<\/u><\/span><\/a>, the software needs to support a variety of formats for multiple viewing devices. That means the capability for <\/span>video transcoding<\/u><\/span><\/a> of different file types, sizes, bitrates, and more. This feature allows for the <\/span>transcoding process<\/u><\/span><\/a> to happen automatically, taking the RAW <\/span>video<\/span> files directly from a camera and making them viewable online.<\/span><\/p>\n The best VOD software can support a wide range of formats, and encode video on the fly to give users the best viewing experience possible. With an automatic encoder, your viewers will never know they\u2019re receiving a different file format than someone else, as the video on demand server software takes care of all that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A VOD server is essentially designed to store, manage, and deliver on-demand video content to viewers over the internet. It works by encoding the content uploaded by broadcasters or creators and compressing them into appropriate formats for streaming. Some of the most popular VOD server providers include Brightcove, Vimeo OTT, Woza, Akamai, and Kaltura.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another key aspect of on-demand video is the ability for viewers to find the right content easily. This requires a VOD software solution <\/span>or a VOD streaming platform <\/span>that has robust <\/span>video CMS capabilities<\/u><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n An effective video CMS<\/a> should let broadcasters categorize and tag their content, which the software can use to build playlists and recommend videos automatically. This metadata makes it much easier for end-users to search for videos within a vast library of content as well.<\/span><\/p>\n Content management features, therefore, enable brands to reach the right audience and maximize the ROI for the videos they publish.<\/span><\/p>\n A video content management system is about effectively managing the content for the viewer and being able to effectively manage the content on the back-end as well.<\/span><\/p>\n Look for VOD software that has advanced video management capabilities <\/span>and streaming services.<\/span><\/p>\n Unless VOD content is meant for internal training or corporate events, most companies will want to <\/span>monetize their video content<\/u><\/span><\/a>. That means <\/span>the best video on demand software<\/span> solution should have options for generating revenue from content that align with their business.<\/span><\/p>\n In particular, these are some key video monetization<\/a> options to look out for:<\/span><\/p>\n Not all VOD software supports the monetization of video content. If you want to make money from your video content, it is important to find VOD software that video monetization options, as well as paywall options.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Most broadcasters have audiences with a wide range of devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. The problem is that these devices have varying process power and are used anywhere there\u2019s an internet connection<\/a>. Broadcasters can\u2019t guarantee their viewers have a strong connection and ability to playback video at high bitrates<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n That\u2019s why a VOD software solution that can provide <\/span>multi-bitrate streaming<\/span><\/a> with options for low and high-quality video<\/a> is crucial. Viewers can choose the highest bitrate that their device is capable of playing smoothly. Broadcasters, however, will need video-on-demand applications with the option to transcode their videos into multiple bitrates from a single source file.<\/span><\/p>\n Another method is <\/span>adaptive bitrate streaming<\/span><\/a>, where an adaptive video player can automatically adjust the stream quality based on network conditions and other factors. That way, viewers can have an <\/span> optimal viewing experience<\/span><\/a> without issues.<\/span><\/p>\n Delivering a quality video experience is essential for retaining and increasing viewership, which is why multi-bitrate streaming and adaptive bitrate streaming is so important to look for in on-demand software solutions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Along with the ability to deliver multi or adaptive bitrate streams, VOD software should include an <\/span>HTML5 video player<\/span><\/a> that can handle adaptive playback. Otherwise, viewers could still experience buffering or latency.<\/span><\/p>\n As we\u2019ve said before, a video player is the most tangible part of the streaming experience, but that doesn\u2019t mean viewers should have to think about it. Broadcasters are shifting from Flash Players to <\/span>HTML5 video players<\/span><\/a> because they just work.<\/span><\/p>\n A customizable video player allows you to position your brand how you want to; make sure any video on demand solution you choose offers a customizable video player.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While most live streams are encoded by broadcasters before they reach a <\/span>cloud streaming platform<\/span><\/a>, quality video on demand solutions should be able to handle encoding after video content is uploaded<\/a>. Video file compatibility should never hold back a brand from delivering on-demand content.<\/span><\/p>\nTable of Contents<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What is VOD?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"vod](\"https:\/\/www.dacast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/dacast-vod-platform-1024x683.jpg\")
How Does Video on Demand Work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What Is the Difference Between VOD vs Live Streaming?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
VOD Software vs. VOD Platform: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Key Features of Video on Demand Software<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"video](\"https:\/\/www.dacast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/video-on-demand-server-software.jpg\")
Transcoding & Encoding<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Video Content Management<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Video Monetization<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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VOD Multi-bitrate & Adaptive Bitrates<\/strong><\/h3>\n
HTML5 Video Player<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"HTML5](\"https:\/\/www.dacast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Untitled-design-67-1-e1670609343756-1024x468.png\")
VOD Settings<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Video Privacy and Security<\/strong><\/h3>\n