Top 10 Advanced Features in Streaming Platforms

Streaming Platforms in Different Industries

The usage of streaming platforms can be applied in various niches. Of course, in some industries, even the most top-notch platform with advanced features of streaming services won’t be effective and profitable. But for what industries the streaming platform would be the most relevant? Here are your answers.

Education

Nowadays, the education industry is undergoing more transformation to fit into the new reality. It requires flexibility, engagement, and personalization. With the help of streaming platforms, students can visit virtual classrooms, lectures, and webinars wherever they are. We can learn through streaming platforms, whether it’s a live stream, previously recorded video, or podcast.

Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer online courses covering diverse subjects and disciplines. These platforms empower students to learn at their own pace, from anywhere. Institutions like Harvard University also use streaming platforms to offer live virtual seminars and conferences. Netflix is another example, providing viewers with educational content through documentaries, docuseries, and educational programs on various topics and subjects.

eCommerce

Do you remember the TV shows where people showed off home utensils, fitness equipment and even jewelry? And now, how is it different from using a streaming platform? With a more modern approach, more and more buyers worldwide choose to try out this method of selling through social media and streaming websites. 

But really, what can sell a product better than an aesthetically pleasing video of it? That’s why eCommerce brands utilize platforms like Instagram Live and TikTok for live shopping events, showcasing products and providing exclusive discounts to viewers. It fosters deeper connections with consumers and drives sales. 

For example, Amazon hosts live shopping events on platforms like Twitch, offering special deals. The company also uses Amazon Live, a dedicated platform for brands and influencers, to engage with customers in real time. These streaming initiatives enhance the shopping experience for Amazon customers, delivering interactive content and fostering deeper engagement during product discovery.

Healthcare

Certainly, the spread of digitalization has had a significant influence on the healthcare industry. Telehealth introduced a new way of remote communication with healthcare professionals and service providers. Undoubtedly, we can’t provide every single service with a video streaming service. Still, streaming platforms have become an inseparable part of this phenomenon, making the industry more accessible and practical.

Telehealth platforms such as Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, and Amwell enable patients to access medical consultations remotely, facilitating convenient and efficient healthcare delivery. Moreover, organizations like the American Medical Association use streaming technology to conduct virtual seminars and training sessions for healthcare professionals.

YouTube and Vimeo also serve as patient education platforms, providing valuable resources for healthcare providers and patients. They allow medical experts to share educational content on preventive care, disease management, and healthy lifestyle practices to support patients’ well-being.

Entertainment

Probably, one of the most apparent markets that can be integrated with the streaming platform is entertainment! The list might be never-ending: cinematography, gaming, music, art, sports, festivals, literature, etc. All of the services this industry offers are doomed to success. Or at least it seems like it. It is actually hard to become a worthy opponent to those corporate giants that have been in the game forever.

Streaming platforms shape entertainment consumption across industries, offering diverse content to cater to different preferences and interests. For cinematography enthusiasts, platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video provide access to a vast library of movies and TV shows, allowing viewers to stream their favorite titles on demand. 

Gamers use platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming to watch live streams of their favorite games, interact with content creators, and participate in gaming communities. Music streaming platforms such as Spotify, YouTube Music, and Apple Music offer personalized playlists, curated recommendations, and access to millions of songs and albums. These platforms also help creators showcase their talents and connect with audiences on a global scale.

What Are the Types of Streaming Platform Features?

When developing a streaming platform, you must understand the feature types for seamless functionality, meeting user demands, and getting ROI. Here are some categories of streaming app features to consider:

Content management features

This is one of the must- have streaming platform features for efficiency and success. It includes content uploading, categorization, and organization tools for seamless user navigation. Advanced content management features like automated metadata generation enable efficient content tagging and indexing, further enhancing searchability.

User experience features

A flawless and intuitive user experience is paramount for retaining users. User experience features include customizable user profiles, personalized recommendations, and easy-to-use navigation menus. Furthermore, features like cross-device synchronization ensure a consistent experience across different devices, enhancing user convenience.

Accessibility features

Accessibility features make your platform inclusive for all users. They include closed captioning, audio descriptions, and customizable playback options to accommodate users with disabilities. Additionally, optimizing the platform for mobile devices is crucial, considering the growing trend of mobile streaming.

Social integration

Integrating social features into the platform enhances user engagement and virality. They include social sharing, commenting, and interactive live chat during streams. Furthermore, integration with social media platforms enables users to share their favorite content with friends and followers, expanding the platform’s reach organically.

Monetization

Monetization features enable it to generate revenue from the platform. For instance, subscription models, pay-per-view options, and ad-supported content. Features like sponsored content and merchandise sales can provide additional revenue streams for the platform and content creators. 

Sophisticated monetization strategies may involve dynamic pricing algorithms for personalized subscription plans, targeted advertising based on user preferences, and integrated e-commerce functionality.

Analytics

Analytics features provide valuable insights into user behavior and preferences. It includes metrics like viewer demographics, engagement metrics, and content performance analytics. By analyzing streaming platforms’ user data, you can optimize content recommendations, marketing strategies, and monetization efforts to maximize user satisfaction and profitability.

Top Advanced Streaming Platform Features to Implement Into Your Project 

Now that we have categorized the essential functionality, let’s dive deeper into the latest streaming platform features to help you stay ahead of the curve. From AI-powered recommendations to real-time analytics, advanced features empower you to captivate audiences and drive business success.

AI-powered recommendations

This is one of the most requested streaming platform features. Implementing AI algorithms for content recommendation significantly enhances user engagement. They accurately predict user preferences and recommend relevant content by analyzing vast user data. It enables personalized suggestions based on viewing history, preferences, and behavior patterns. 

AI increases content discoverability and retention, improving user satisfaction and platform loyalty. For instance, Netflix utilizes AI algorithms to analyze viewer preferences and viewing history, recommending personalized content based on individual tastes. It enhances engagement by surfacing relevant movies and shows, increasing user satisfaction and retention.

Adaptive streaming

Adaptive streaming technology optimizes real-time video delivery, adjusting quality and bitrate according to the user’s device capabilities and network conditions. This dynamic adjustment ensures seamless playback, minimizing buffering and interruptions, which is particularly beneficial in regions with fluctuating internet speeds.

Adaptive streaming provides a seamless viewing experience across devices and network environments. For instance, YouTube employs this technology to adjust video quality based on network conditions for smooth playback across devices and internet speeds. By dynamically optimizing video delivery, YouTube provides a seamless viewing experience for users worldwide.

Interactive content

Interactive content features enable users to actively engage with the streaming platform through quizzes, polls, and interactive storytelling experiences. It enhances user participation and immersion, fostering deeper connections with the content and extending session durations. 

Interactive elements transform passive viewing into an interactive and engaging experience, encouraging users to spend more time on the platform and increasing user satisfaction. Platforms like Twitch integrate polls and chat commands during live streams, allowing viewers to participate and influence the content actively. These interactive elements help the platform to foster a sense of community among viewers and streamers.

Virtual and augmented reality

Integrating virtual and augmented reality technologies into the streaming platform creates new immersive experiences. VR and AR features enable virtual concerts, interactive gaming environments, and augmented reality overlays for live events. These features blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds, attracting audiences seeking engaging content. 

By integrating VR and AR technologies, streaming platforms can differentiate themselves in the market and offer unique, immersive experiences that keep users returning for more. For example, Oculus Venues offers VR experiences, allowing users to attend live concerts and sporting events. This option differentiates the platform and attracts a dedicated user base.

Real-time analytics

Real-time analytics capabilities provide valuable insights into user behavior, content performance, and platform usage patterns. Streaming platforms can make dynamic data-driven decisions to optimize content offerings, marketing strategies, and monetization efforts by monitoring metrics such as viewer engagement, retention rates, and audience demographics in real time.

With real-time analytics, platform operators can quickly identify trends, respond to user feedback, and improve user experience to drive business growth. For example, Spotify uses real-time analytics to track user behavior and preferences. It enables dynamic adjustments to personalized recommendations and curated playlists. Spotify optimizes content offerings and marketing strategies by analyzing listener data in real time.

Voice control

Voice control functionality allows users to interact with the streaming platform using voice commands. It enhances accessibility and convenience, enabling users to search for content, control playback, and access features hands-free.  Voice control improves the user experience and provides a more intuitive way to engage with the platform.

Integrating voice control technology can attract users seeking seamless and convenient ways to interact with the streaming platform, driving user engagement and satisfaction. For instance, Amazon Prime Video incorporates voice control functionality through Alexa. It enables users to search for content and control playback using voice commands. This hands-free interaction enhances user convenience and accessibility.

Digital rights management technology

Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology protects copyrighted content from unauthorized distribution and ensures secure delivery to authorized users. By encrypting content and implementing access controls, DRM technology prevents piracy and unauthorized access. It safeguards the intellectual property of content creators and rights holders. 

Integrating robust DRM solutions into the streaming platform enhances content security and builds trust with content creators. It also enables the monetization of premium content through subscription or pay-per-view models. For example, HBO Max uses DRM to protect copyrighted content and ensure secure delivery to authorized users.

User-generated content

This feature  enables users to create and share their content on the streaming platform. It fosters community engagement and user participation. UGC features enrich the content ecosystem by allowing users to upload videos, reviews, and comments. They also help create a sense of ownership and belonging among users. 

Incorporating such a feature  enhances user engagement, drives user-generated content creation, and cultivates a vibrant community. Platforms like TikTok allow users to create and share short-form videos, creating a sense of belonging within the platform.

Multi-user viewing

Multi-user viewing functionality enables users to simultaneously watch and interact with content together, regardless of their physical location. By supporting synchronized playback, real-time chat, and collaborative viewing, multi-user viewing features promote social interaction and shared experiences among users. 

Implementing multi-user viewing capabilities attracts users seeking communal entertainment experiences, increasing their engagement and retention on the platform. Disney+ offers a GroupWatch feature that allows multiple users to watch synchronized content together, enabling real-time chat and reactions.

Multilingual content support

Multilingual content support enables the streaming platform to offer content in multiple languages, expanding market reach globally. By providing localized content experiences tailored to different regions and languages, multilingual support enhances user accessibility and inclusivity. It attracts international audiences and drives user engagement. 

With this feature, Netflix transitioned from being solely available in the US to having international streaming revenues surpassing domestic ones in just a decade. By offering content in multiple languages and producing local originals, Netflix saw a 33% year-over-year growth and widened its subscriber base by nearly 50% in two years.

How to Determine the Best Streaming Platform Features? 

With this number of features, it can be daunting for businesses to tailor streaming platforms to meet industry-specific needs and target audience preferences. Let’s explore tips for selecting the important features for streaming platforms.

• Identify user needs: Conduct thorough market research and gather feedback from potential users to understand their preferences and requirements.
• Analyze competitors: Study existing streaming platforms in your niche to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and feature offerings.
• Evaluate market trends: Stay updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and consumer behavior to anticipate future demands.
• Make an MVP: Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with essential features for streaming platforms to test the market and gather user feedback. 
• Conduct pilot testing: Conduct pilot tests with a small user group to evaluate your platform’s functionality, usability, and performance.

If you need a complete streaming platform features checklist, you can request product discovery services from Inoxoft. You can also read more on how to build an MVP in our blog for an informed decision. 

What Technologies Are Required for Streaming Service Features Development?

Discussing the top 10 streaming platform features is one thing but developing them is another story. To begin the development process of streaming platforms, you need to choose a tech stack. Here are the technologies we frequently use for streaming platform development. 

• Data processing: The Apache Kafka, Flink, Sanza, and Spark frameworks provide fault-tolerant, scalable, and real-time data processing capabilities. These are essential for handling large volumes of streaming data efficiently.
• Data management: MySQL, Oracle, Cassandra, and PostgreSQL are reliable databases for managing user data, content metadata, and transactional records. They offer high performance, scalability, and robust data integrity.
• Back-end infrastructure: HTTP Live Streaming, Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP, Java, Python, and C# are key technologies for delivering high-quality video streams that adapt to varying network conditions. These technologies ensure the back-end can handle concurrent streams and provide the APIs for front-end integration.
• Front-end development: JavaScript, Node.js, and React facilitate dynamic and responsive front-end, which is vital for a good user experience. These technologies allow for the efficient development of interactive and real-time interfaces, enhancing user engagement.
• Cloud hosting and storage: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon EC2, and Amazon S3 cloud services ensure scalability, reliability, and cost-efficiency. AWS provides a suite of tools for API management, content delivery, and secure storage for modern streaming platforms.

Read how to build a video streaming website in our step-by-step guide.

How Live Streaming Platform Features Influence The Final Development Cost

The development cost of a live streaming platform varies depending on numerous factors, with the complexity and number of features being key determinants. Here’s a breakdown of the primary cost components:

• Discovery Phase: This initial stage involves researching, defining goals, and creating prototypes. It’s crucial to set the project’s foundation and ensure alignment with business objectives. The cost for this phase can reach up to $10,000. 
• Development Stage: Basic functionality like user authentication, content management, and standard video streaming is less expensive. Advanced features such as AI-powered recommendations, interactive content, and multi-user viewing can significantly increase costs. Depending on the features, development can cost about $25,000.
• Testing Phase: Ensuring the platform’s functionality and performance requires thorough testing, covering unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance testing. This phase might cost around $7,000, 

After six months of development and a total expenditure of up to $50,000, you can have a fully functional live-streaming platform. Adding more advanced features or customizations will increase this cost, enhancing the platform’s capabilities and user experience, offering a better ROI.

Contact our team to get an estimate for your specific requirements. 

Advanced Features in Streaming Platform’s Development: Inoxoft’s Experience  

If you consider building a streaming platform, Inoxoft’s certified engineers craft powerful, tailored web and mobile applications that meet your business needs and exceed client expectations. We deliver highly functional and innovative streaming websites and mobile apps that satisfy user demands and yield results. 

Let’s review how we built an advanced mobile app for managing TV content.

Case study: Mobile app for managing TV content

Our client, a Ukrainian TV channel, sought to enable viewers to influence the content aired on their channel. They needed to build a mobile application for iOS and Android to engage a wider audience. The challenge was to select and define the right functionality to ensure an intuitive UI/UX design and seamless navigation within the application.

Inoxoft addressed these challenges by implementing several advanced features:

• Private user accounts: Enabled personalized experiences and secure access for each user.
• Communication widgets: Facilitated reciprocal communication between users and the TV channel, fostering a sense of community.
• Voting and polling: Allowed users to quickly and comfortably vote on and influence the content.
• Personalized libraries and viewing history: Provided users with personal libraries and histories of viewed videos for easy access to favorite content.
• Flawless online TV streaming: Ensured seamless streaming of TV shows on mobile devices.
• Categorized TV shows: Organized shows by date and projects for easier navigation.
• User-driven news topic suggestions: Empowered users to suggest news topics, increasing engagement and relevance.

We built the mobile app using Android and iOS for cross-platform compatibility. Java and Swift powered the back-end for a seamless user experience, while push notifications kept users engaged and informed about new content. This tech stack ensured a highly functional and interactive app tailored to the client’s needs.

As a result, our client received flawless online TV streaming on mobile devices with personalized profiles, easy navigation, and categorized TV shows. Features like polls, voting, and news topic suggestions enabled reciprocal communication with the audience. The ability to maintain personal libraries and track viewing history enhanced their overall user experience and engagement.

Key Takeaways

Advanced features in streaming platforms are essential for boosting viewer loyalty and driving product growth. AI-powered recommendations, adaptive streaming, interactive content, and multilingual support reshape the streaming industry, enhancing user engagement and driving business success. The outlined tips will help you select the best features for your streaming platform.

If you need professional help identifying the most innovative and future-proof features for your platform, Inoxoft has your back. We craft custom streaming solutions that offer top-notch user experiences and profitability. With our proven track record in the sector, you can trust us to bring your vision to life. 

Start developing your streaming platform today with the Inoxoft team and take your business to new heights of success.