Finding the best streaming app-building solution for your business can be complicated—there are many options to choose from, and the “right” one depends on having a clear understanding of needs and resources. Are you just starting out or getting ready to scale? What level of customization do you need? Do you have a clear idea of your budget?

We address these questions with different types of businesses every day at Applicaster, and find that each company’s streaming needs are different and evolve as businesses grow. To offer clarity to both potential customers and the larger OTT industry, we’ve identified four distinct app-building solutions to compare against your goals. Learn about each option below and pick the best approach for your business.

The 4 OTT App-Building Approaches:

1. The Templated Approach
2. The App Management Platform
3. The Semi-Custom Approach
4. The Fully Custom Approach

Solution 1: The Templated Approach
The Basics: A templated solution for building quick, simple no-code apps with limited customization and scaling needs. 

Example: Vimeo, Maz, Zype

Cost: $ (The Templated Approach is the least expensive app-building solution.)

Benefits: Lower cost, easy onboarding, quick launch

Challenges: Limited customization, lower-level video platform can lead to poor UI/UX, fixed functionality

Makes Sense for: Smaller and/or new streamers with limited budgets.

RELATED
OTT App-Building Solutions Comparison: Get a downloadable PDF with additional comparisons.

Solution 2: The App Management Platform

The Basics: A customizable product approach to building no-/low-code apps that utilizes a design studio and experienced team.

Cost: $$ (The App Management Platform charges a predictable annual fee with no surprises or surcharges.)

Example: Applicaster

Benefits: Full UI/UX customization without developer dependencies, open architecture, built for agility and scalability, quick launch, streamlined distribution

Challenges: May not work for businesses that are just starting out with a smaller budget

Makes Sense for: A range of app businesses that need full agility and control over UI/UX changes.

Solution 3: The Semi-Custom Approach

The Basics: A combination approach with a no-code base and custom coding capabilities.

Cost: $$$ (The Semi-Custom Approach charges annually in addition to integration fees.)

Example: Accedo, Float Left

Benefits: Lower cost than an in-house platform, allows for customization and integrations

Challenges: Expenses and fees can quickly pile up, design changes require custom development and lengthy timelines

Makes Sense for: Larger companies requiring customization beyond streaming for event & product promotion.

Solution 4: The Fully Custom Approach

The Basics: An entirely custom-coded approach managed by a development team.

Cost: $$$$ (The Fully Custom Approach is the costliest option.)

Example: Netflix, Disney+

Benefits: Created to fully meet one company’s specific needs 

Challenges: Very costly, relies on development teams, slow to make changes and launch across devices

Makes Sense for: Larger companies with dedicated development teams.

For many companies, Applicaster’s App Management Platform will offer them the control, agility, and data insights they need to create a successful app business and drive performance. That said, the right solution for you could change based on your company’s current needs and future growth.

So which solution is best for your business? We’ve also created a downloadable one-sheet guide with additional comparisons for easy reference. Get it by filling out the one-field form below.

Our sales team is always happy to talk through these approaches and help you understand if Applicaster is right for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out!