Over-the-top media service

In 2011, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Canada's telecommunications regulator, stated that it "considers that Internet access to programming independent of a facility or network dedicated to its delivery (via, for example, cable or satellite) is the defining feature of what has been termed 'over-the-top' services".{{cite web|url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/publications/reports/rp1110.htm#ftn2|title=Results of the fact-finding exercise on the over-the-top programming services|first=Government of Canada, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission|last=(CRTC)|website=www.crtc.gc.ca|date=3 October 2011 |access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603162457/http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/publications/reports/rp1110.htm#ftn2#ftn2|archive-date=2017-06-03|url-status=live}}

In contrast to video on demand systems offered by cable and IPTV, which operate over managed networks where channels can be changed instantly and thus content available instantaneously, some OTT services such as iTunes require that the video be downloaded first and then played.{{cite book| last1= Gibbon|first1=David C.|last2=Liu|first2=Zhu | title = Introduction to Video Search Engines | year = 2008 | location = Washington, DC | publisher = Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | page = 251 | bibcode = 2008ivse.book.....G }} Relatedly, some OTT services require movie download but can start playing the content before the download completes (streaming).{{cite web|url=http://disruptionmatters.com/2008/10/13/will-internet-tv-kill-iptv/|title=Will Internet TV Kill IPTV?|first=Jose Miguel|last=Cansado|date=13 October 2008|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606123042/http://disruptionmatters.com/2008/10/13/will-internet-tv-kill-iptv/|archive-date=2017-06-06|url-status=live}}

The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) categorizes OTT services into two groups: multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) and online video distributors (OVDs).{{cite report | author = FCC | date = 6 May 2016 | title = Annual Assessment of the Status of Competition in the Market for the Delivery of Video Programming [Seventeenth Report; MB Docket No. 15-158; DA 16-510] | location = Washington, DC | publisher = Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | pages = 4417–4587 | url = https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-16-510A1_Rcd.pdf | access-date = 26 December 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161026075525/https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-16-510A1_Rcd.pdf | archive-date = 2016-10-26 | url-status = live }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/washington/fcc-officially-launches-ovd-definition-nprm/136544|title=FCC Officially Launches OVD Definition NPRM|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=19 December 2014 |language=en|access-date=2018-03-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819093215/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/washington/fcc-officially-launches-ovd-definition-nprm/136544|archive-date=2017-08-19|url-status=live}}

Virtual MVPDs include such services such as DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

The FCC defined an OVD as:{{quote|any entity that provides video programming by means of the Internet or other Internet Protocol (IP)-based transmission path where the transmission path is provided by a person other than the OVD. An OVD does not include an MVPD inside its MVPD footprint or an MVPD to the extent it is offering online video programming as a component of an MVPD subscription to customers whose homes are inside its MVPD footprint.}}

In broadcasting, over-the-top (OTT) content is the audio, video, and other media content delivered over the Internet, without the involvement of a multiple-system operator (MSO) in the control or distribution of the content. The Internet provider may be aware of the contents of the Internet Protocol (IP) packets and may be able to block or restrict their transit to end users (unless that internet provider operates within a jurisdiction that requires "net neutrality"). However, the ISP is not responsible for the viewing abilities, copyrights, and/or other redistribution of the content from the OTT provider. This model contrasts with the purchasing or rental of video or audio content from an Internet service provider, such as pay television, video on demand and internet protocol television (IPTV).{{efn|IPTV is the delivery of television content using signals based on the logical Internet protocol (IP), rather than through traditional terrestrial, satellite signal and cable television formats.}}

OTT refers to content from a third party that is delivered to an end-user, with the ISP simply transporting IP packets.{{cite web|url=http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/jeff-bewkes-goes-over-the-top/|title=Time Warner Goes Over the Top|last=Hansell|first=Saul|work=The New York Times|date=3 March 2009|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710232313/http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/jeff-bewkes-goes-over-the-top/|archive-date=2011-07-10|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ecnmag.com/News/2009/11/Over-the-Top-Video-and-Content-Delivery-Networks-Will-Transform-Video-On-Demand-Provisioning/|title=Over-the-Top Video and Content Delivery Networks Will Transform Video-On-Demand Provisioning|work=Electronic Component News|date=19 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305082324/http://www.ecnmag.com/News/2009/11/Over-the-Top-Video-and-Content-Delivery-Networks-Will-Transform-Video-On-Demand-Provisioning/|archive-date=5 March 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/what-will-it-take-to-make-over-the-top-video-successful-2010-12|title=Why 2011 Is Being Called The Year Of "The Cable Cut"|work=Business Insider|date=30 December 2010|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403042433/http://www.businessinsider.com/what-will-it-take-to-make-over-the-top-video-successful-2010-12|archive-date=2016-04-03|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-playing-the-ott-game-and-how-to-win-it-2010-12|title=Who Is Playing The OTT Game And How To Win It|work=Business Insider|date=30 December 2010|access-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403052256/http://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-playing-the-ott-game-and-how-to-win-it-2010-12|archive-date=2016-04-03|url-status=live}} OTT content is delivered via the public Internet instead of a closed, private network system that uses exclusive equipment like set-top boxes,{{cite book |last1=Moro-Visconti |first1=Roberto |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NiMqEAAAQBAJ&dq=OTT+also+encompasses+a+wave+of+%22skinny%22+television+services&pg=PA310 |title=Startup Valuation: From Strategic Business Planning to Digital Networking |date=17 April 2021 |publisher=Springer |isbn=9783030716080}} or through IPTV services (such as U-verse TV).{{citation needed|date=July 2024|reason=IPTV statement lacks reliable source(s). See WP:RS + WP:RS/P}}

OTT television signals are received over the Internet or through a cell phone network, as opposed to receiving television signals from terrestrial broadcasters, cable networks, or via satellite transmission. The video distributor controls access through an app, a separate OTT dongle, or a box connected to a phone, PC, or smart television set.{{cite web|last1=Orlowski |first1=Andrew |title=Can the last person watching desktop video please turn out the light? |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/08/08/desktop_vs_ott_video/ |website=The Register |date=8 August 2017|access-date=8 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808154651/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/08/08/desktop_vs_ott_video/ |archive-date=8 August 2017 |url-status=live}} By mid-2017, 58 percent of US households accessed one OTT service in a given month through a streaming device, game console, or Smart TV; with 84 per cent of advertising revenues originating from OTT channels, exceeding revenues from videos playing in web browsers on desktops and laptops.

In 2019, the record of simultaneous users watching an OTT event was set at 18.6 million in India by Disney Entertainment's video streaming platform Hotstar.{{cite news|last1=Singh |first1=Manish |title=Hotstar, Disney’s Indian streaming service, sets new global record for live viewership |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/12/hotstar-disneys-indian-streaming-service-sets-new-global-record-for-live-viewership |website=TechCrunch |date=12 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228115355/https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/12/hotstar-disneys-indian-streaming-service-sets-new-global-record-for-live-viewership/ |archive-date=28 December 2019 |url-status=dead}} This was surpassed in 2023 with 59 million concurrent viewers on Disney+ Hotstar.{{Cite web |last1=Singh |first1=Manish |title=Disney's Hotstar draws 59 million concurrent viewers, setting new record |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/19/india-and-australia-world-cup-final-shatters-streaming-records-on-hotstar/ |website=TechCrunch |date=November 19, 2023 |access-date=October 27, 2024 |archive-date=9 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609120317/https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/19/india-and-australia-world-cup-final-shatters-streaming-records-on-hotstar/ |url-status=live }} In 2025, the record was broken again with 61.2 million viewers on JioHotstar.{{Cite news|title=JioHotstar sets 540+ crore viewership record in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/jiohotstar-sets-new-records-of-viewership-in-champions-trophy/article69329960.ece |work=The Hindu |date=March 14, 2025 |access-date=April 28, 2025 |language=en-IN}}{{efn|Disney+ Hotstar India and JioCinema merged to form JioHotstar on February 14, 2025. Hotstar was launched February 11, 2015 and rebranded as Disney+ Hotstar on April 3, 2020. JioCinema was launched on May 4, 2016.{{Cite news|title=JioHotstar: New streaming platform merging Jio Cinema and Disney+ Hotstar, a look at plans |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/jiohotstar-jio-cinema-disney-hotstar-streaming-platform-9834789/ |access-date=2025-05-15 |work=The Indian Express |date=February 16, 2025 |language=en}}}}

In 2023, the viewing of TV content on streaming platforms represented 38% of global television consumption with 1.8 billion subscriptions to OTT platforms.{{cite magazine|last1=Rotblut |first1=Charles |title=How Streaming Services Netflix, Disney And Spotify Stack Up |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/investor/2023/11/09/how-streaming-services-netflix-disney-and-spotify-stack-up/ |magazine=Forbes |date=November 9, 2023 |access-date=29 January 2025}}

Consumers can access OTT content through Internet-connected devices such as smart TVs,{{cite magazine|last1=Roettgers |first1=Janko |title=LG's New TVs Mix Streaming Channels from Buzzfeed, GQ & Vogue with Traditional Networks |url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/lgs-webos-internet-tv-channels-1201675137/ |magazine=Variety |date=January 8, 2016 |access-date=December 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203122444/http://variety.com/2016/digital/news/lgs-webos-internet-tv-channels-1201675137/ |archive-date=February 3, 2017 |url-status=live}} digital media players, gaming consoles, set-top boxes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones.{{cite web |last1=Grgurović |first1=Marta |title=What Is OTT: A Guide to Over-the-Top Streaming for Video Publishers |url=https://target-video.com/what-is-ott/ |website=TargetVideo |date=March 7, 2024 |access-date=12 August 2024 |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812045032/https://target-video.com/what-is-ott/ |url-status=live }}

The results of a 2018 in-house data analysis of their subscribers by Uscreen (a membership platform for video creators and entrepreneurs) reported that 45% used iOS and Android mobile devices to access their OTT content, while 39% used web browsers for streaming.{{Cite web|last1=Johnson |first1=James |url=https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/ott-content-trends/ |title=OTT Content: What We Learned From 1.1 Million Subscribers |website=Uscreen |date=January 24, 2019 |access-date=November 1, 2019 |archive-date=2 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102100301/https://www.uscreen.tv/blog/ott-content-trends/ |url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of streaming media services}}

Examples of OTT platforms with 1m–100mm+ subscribers include:

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• Acorn TV (UK-US)
• Amazon Prime Video (US)
• AMC+ (US)
• Apple TV+ (US)
• Binge (Australia)
• BritBox (UK)
• Chorki (Bangladesh)
• Coupang Play (South Korea)
• Crunchyroll (US)
• Curiosity Stream (US)
• Discovery+ (US)
• Disney+ (US)
• Dropout (US)
• ESPN+ (US)
• FuboTV (US)
• Hayu (US)
• Hulu (US)
• Iflix (Malaysia)
• iQIYI (China)
• JioHotstar (India)
• Kocowa (US)
• Max (US)
• MGM+ (US)
• Mubi (UK)
• Netflix (US)
• NFL+ (US)
• Paramount+ (US)
• Peacock (US)
• Philo (US)
• Plex (US)
• Pluto TV (US)
• Showmax (South Africa)
• Shudder (US)
• Sling TV (US)
• SonyLIV (India)
• Stan. (Australia)
• Starz (US)
• Tubi (US)
• TVING (South Korea)
• TVNZ+ (New Zealand)
• U-Next (Japan)
• Vidio (Indonesia)
• Viki (US)
• Viu (China)
• YouTube TV (US)
• ZEE5 (India)

{{div col end}}

The term "OTT" has also been used to describe no-carrier cellphones, for which all communications are charged as data,{{cite web |last1=Weaver |first1=Todd |title=What a No-Carrier Phone Could Look Like |url=https://wp.puri.sm/posts/what-a-no-carrier-phone-could-look-like/ |website=Purism |date=1 August 2019 |access-date=10 April 2020 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130014615/https://wp.puri.sm/posts/what-a-no-carrier-phone-could-look-like/ |url-status=live }} avoiding monopolistic competition, or apps for phones that transmit data in this manner, including both those that replace other call methods{{cite web |last1=Fitchard |first1=Kevin |title=Can you hear me now? Verizon, AT&T to make voice-over-LTE interoperable in 2015 |url=https://gigaom.com/2014/11/03/can-you-hear-me-now-verizon-att-to-make-voice-over-lte-interoperable-in-2015/ |website=gigaom.com |date=3 November 2014 |access-date=10 April 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111203158/https://gigaom.com/2014/11/03/can-you-hear-me-now-verizon-att-to-make-voice-over-lte-interoperable-in-2015/ |url-status=dead }} and those that update software.{{cite web |title=Why Startups Are Beating Carriers (Or The Curious Case Of The Premium SMS Horoscope Service & The Lack Of Customer Consent) |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/03/25/startups-beating-carriers/ |website=TechCrunch |date=25 March 2013 |access-date=10 April 2020 |archive-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923070020/https://techcrunch.com/2013/03/25/startups-beating-carriers/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=A Closer Look At Blackphone, The Android Smartphone That Simplifies Privacy |url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/02/26/close-look-at-blackphone/ |website=TechCrunch |date=February 26, 2014 |access-date=10 April 2020 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919200600/https://techcrunch.com/2014/02/26/close-look-at-blackphone/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine|last1=Tariq |first1=Haseeb |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2021/02/08/what-is-ott-advertising-and-why-is-it-a-trend/ |title=Council Post: What Is OTT Advertising, And Why Is It A Trend? |magazine=Forbes |date=February 8, 2021 |access-date=3 August 2021 |archive-date=21 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421040948/https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2021/02/08/what-is-ott-advertising-and-why-is-it-a-trend/|url-status=live}}{{cite book|last1=Willemyns |first1=Ines |date=2021 |title=Digital Services in International Trade Law |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DPw7EAAAQBAJ&dq=What+is+ott+service&pg=PA23 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge, England |isbn=9781108837538}}

OTT messaging is defined as instant messaging services or online chat provided by third parties, as an alternative to text messaging services provided by a mobile network operator.{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-mobile-messaging-2013-5|title=Chart of the Day: Mobile Messaging|work=Business Insider|date=17 May 2013|access-date=10 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222070154/http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-mobile-messaging-2013-5|archive-date=2014-02-22|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://mobilemarketingmagazine.com/over-the-top-messaging-overtakes-sms|title=Over-The-Top Messaging Apps Overtake SMS Messaging|last=Maytom|first=Tim|work=Mobile Marketing Magazine|date=4 August 2014|access-date=28 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907085209/http://mobilemarketingmagazine.com/over-the-top-messaging-overtakes-sms|archive-date=2015-09-07|url-status=live}} An example is the Meta Platforms-owned mobile application WhatsApp, that serves to replace text messaging on Internet connected smartphones.{{cite news|title=Facebook's $18 Billion Deal Sets High Bar|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=20 February 2014|last1=Albergotti|first1=Reed|last2=MacMillan|first2=Douglas|last3=Rusli|first3=Evelyn}}{{cite web|url=http://fortune.com/2015/09/04/whatsapp-900-million-users/|title=WhatsApp hits 900 million users|last=Rao|first=Leena|work=Fortune|date=4 September 2015|access-date=27 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128054624/http://fortune.com/2015/09/04/whatsapp-900-million-users/|archive-date=2016-01-28|url-status=live}} Other providers of OTT messaging include Viber, WeChat, iMessage, Skype, Telegram and the now defunct Google Allo.{{cite web|url=http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/654-best-messaging-apps.html|title=Apps Roundup: Best Messaging Apps|work=Tom's Guide|date=4 Oct 2016|access-date=2017-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214102110/http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/654-best-messaging-apps.html|archive-date=2017-02-14|url-status=live}}

OTT voice calling, usually called VoIP, capabilities, for instance, a softphone or as provided by FaceTime, Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, WeChat, and Zoom use open internet communication protocols to replace and sometimes enhance existing operator controlled services offered by mobile phone operators.

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

• List of smart TV platforms
• Media aggregation platform
• Access-independent services
• TV Everywhere
• Multichannel television in the United States
• Over-the-top media services in India
• Content delivery network
• Home theater PC
• Multi-screen video

{{div col end}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite web|last1=Harris |first1=Deja |last2=Holden |first2=Lisa |title=The Complete List of Streaming Services in 2025 – 200+ Services |url=https://agoodmovietowatch.com/how-to/complete-list-streaming-services/ |website=A Good Movie To Watch |date=January 31, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250207133040/https://agoodmovietowatch.com/how-to/complete-list-streaming-services/ |archive-date=7 February 2025 |url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|last1=Wells |first1=Emma K. |title=User Interface Holds the Key to OTT Success |url=http://www.payott.tv/2011/03/11/user-interface-holds-the-key-to-ott-success/ |website=Pay OTT TV |publisher=Tvinci |date=March 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618155638/http://www.payott.tv/2011/03/11/user-interface-holds-the-key-to-ott-success/ |archive-date=June 18, 2011 |url-status=dead}}
• {{cite magazine|last1=Willcox |first1=James K. |title=Guide to Streaming Video Services |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/streaming-media/guide-to-streaming-video-services-a4517732799/ |magazine=Consumer Reports |date=October 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611095036/https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/streaming-media/guide-to-streaming-video-services-a4517732799/ |archive-date=June 11, 2024 |url-status=live}}
• {{cite news|last1=Yi |first1=Whan-woo |title=Platform subscription fee hikes weigh on consumers |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2024/06/602_373799.html |work=The Korea Times |date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602015335/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2024/06/602_373799.html |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |url-status=live}}

• {{cite web|title=FCC Adopts 15th Report on the Status of Competition in the Market for the Delivery of Video Programming |url=https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-322282A1.pdf |website=Federal Communications Commission |date=July 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907174405/https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-322282A1.pdf |archive-date=September 7, 2018 |url-status=live}} (Announcement of adoption.)
• {{cite web|title=OTT 101: The History and Future of OTT Streaming |url=https://www.conviva.com/blog/the-history-and-future-of-ott-streaming/ |website=Conviva |date=April 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301212958/https://www.conviva.com/blog/the-history-and-future-of-ott-streaming/ |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|title=Over the top (OTT) Market Size Worth USD 128 Billion at CAGR of 14%, By 2026: Reports and Data |url=https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/550295867/over-the-top-ott-market-size-worth-usd-128-billion-at-cagr-of-14-by-2026-reports-and-data |website=EIN Presswire |date=September 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714012206/https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/550295867/over-the-top-ott-market-size-worth-usd-128-billion-at-cagr-of-14-by-2026-reports-and-data |archive-date=July 14, 2024 |url-status=live}}

• [https://www.nielsen.com/data-center/the-gauge/ The Gauge] by Nielsen
• [https://ottbusiness.com/ott-directory/ott-platform-provider-companies/ OTT Platform Providers] at OTTBusiness.com

{{CATV USA}}

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Category:Streaming television

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