In the competitive IPTV/OTT video streaming landscape, it becomes paramount that content owners provide a smooth viewing experience to their customers. Otherwise, viewers not satisfied with the service leave the platform for another. They can even switch to your competitors. And you lose users and revenue.
One of the key aspects of ensuring a seamless experience for viewers is using professional technology, software, and hardware capable of providing what you need. For video streaming services, content delivery through the Internet is vital.
Video transmission is a complicated process that requires multiple elements working together. One of them is a content delivery network (CDN) that transfers videos with minimal delays. Let’s explore it in detail.
What is a CDN Exactly?
CDN, or a content delivery network, is a group of servers distributed across the globe, speeding up content transmission by storing cached files on edge servers. Instead of transferring videos from an origin server each time a user makes a request, the video is cached on an edge server that is located closer to them.
This operating principle decreases the time gap between a user’s request to play a video and a video displayed on their screen. If an origin server delivered content to each user, it would take much more time.
If you want to add a CDN to your video streaming business, check the article on content delivery network pricing.
Why is CDN Beneficial for a Video Streaming Business?
#1 CDN helps you reach people worldwide
The servers of a CDN are distributed worldwide, which ensures content delivery anywhere. It means that you can reach people around the globe and provide a seamless viewing experience to them.
This also gives you an opportunity to grow your video streaming business since you can reach more people. You will generate more revenue and also become a global streaming service provider.
#2 CDN reduces latency
Latency is a delay that happens when a video loads too slowly. CDN is capable of reducing latency because it delivers content based on the user’s geographical location. It transmits videos from a server closest to a viewer. The result is reduced latency.
The video loads quicker, and the viewer receives a smooth video playback without interruptions. As a result, you have a happy user who returns for a more similar experience.
#3 CDN ensures security
CDN can protect your video streaming platform from DDoS attacks aimed at it disabling. Malicious actors or your competitors may send a huge number of requests to your servers so that your service stops operating.
A content delivery network can help you handle large amounts of traffic. When your service has a sudden increase in traffic, CDN can distribute requests across multiple servers, which reduces the load and ensures that the attack doesn’t reach your origin server.
Also, a CDN may include an encryption layer to protect your content from data leaks. You can be ensured that nobody spreads your content without your permission.
#4 CDN allows scalability
You will likely experience sudden spikes in viewership during live events or new video releases. To handle them, more resources are required.
Instead of purchasing new infrastructure, you may use a CDN. It can scale up when the service needs more resources and back when the load reduces. It helps you provide a seamless experience to each viewer and save money.
Final Thoughts
A content delivery network delivers videos to end-user devices. Alongside that, it performs other functions that improve the transferring process and quality of experience.
CDN reduces latency, ensures protection from DDoS attacks, and saves you revenue. Moreover, it allows you to generate more money by reaching people worldwide.