The history of OTT video streaming can be traced back to the early days of the internet, when streaming audio and video first became possible.
In 1995, Macromedia released Shockwave Player for Netscape Navigator, which became the primary tool of streaming media on the Internet for the late 1990s and 2000s.
In 1997, RealNetworks launched RealPlayer, the first streaming media player, which allowed users to stream video and audio content over the internet [2].
Akamai Technologies began delivering streaming video and audio content over the internet in 1999, using its global network of servers to improve the quality and reliability of streaming [3].
In 2005, YouTube was launched, offering a platform for users to upload and share their own video content. This platform became a major player in the OTT video streaming market.
In 2007, Netflix began offering streaming video to its subscribers in addition to its DVD rental service.
In 2008, Hulu, a joint venture between several major TV networks, launched its OTT video streaming service [2].
In 2013, Netflix became the first OTT video streaming service to be nominated for an Emmy award, marking the growing mainstream acceptance of streaming video [4].
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the Video on demand (VOD) and OTT video streaming industry, as lockdowns and social distancing measures led to a surge in the use of these services [5].
These milestones and technological advancements demonstrate the rapid evolution of OTT, VOD and even live video streaming industry, which has transformed the way that we consume video content.
If you could recognize all firms mentioned above, you probably have been through that period, a legendary legacy~
References:
- [2] “Timeline of online video”, in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_online_video
- [3] “Akamai Company History”, in https://www.akamai.com/company/company-history
- [4] “List of Primetime Emmy Awards received by Netflix”, in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Primetime_Emmy_Awards_received_by_Netflix
- [5] S. Azhar, R. Casey, S. Guillot, and B. Morris. “The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Subscription Video-On-Demand Services”, in https://ecommons.luc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?filename=0&article=1269&context=ures&type=additional