What is OTT TV? Complete Guide to Over-the-Top Television, Shows, and Series

12/11/2025

Table of Contents

Imagine settling into your favorite spot at home, clicking a button, and instantly diving into the latest binge-worthy series, no cable box, no fixed schedule, just pure entertainment at your command. That’s the power of OTT TV (Over-the-Top Television), and it’s reshaping how the world consumes content.

Today, streaming content via OTT platforms is a phenomenon. Viewers now expect the freedom to watch any time, anywhere, on any device they choose. In the U.S., about 59% of people access streaming content on smart TVs, while mobile devices remain widely popular too.

In this guide, we’ll explore what is OTT TV, how it works, and compare it with traditional TV models like connected TV and cable. We’ll also look at the exciting range of OTT TV shows, series, and programmes, explain how to get started watching them, and introduce how businesses can launch their own OTT TV platform with OTTclouds.

What is OTT TV?

OTT TV, or Over the Top Television, refers to video content delivered over the internet rather than through traditional broadcast methods like cable or satellite. The phrase “over the top” describes content delivered directly to viewers via online apps and services, bypassing traditional TV providers.

When you open Netflix on your smart TV, stream Disney+ on your tablet, or watch Amazon Prime Video on your phone, you are experiencing OTT TV. Unlike traditional TV, which follows fixed schedules, OTT allows users to choose what to watch and when to watch it.

It is essential to distinguish OTT from IPTV. While both deliver video through the internet, IPTV relies on a closed network provided by telecom operators, whereas OTT TV works openly through any internet connection.

>>> See more: What is the difference between IPTV vs. OTT?

How OTT TV Works

OTT TV works by delivering video content through online streaming platforms. Instead of receiving signals from a cable operator, you simply need a stable internet connection and a compatible device.

Content providers upload their movies, shows, or live programmes to OTT platforms. These platforms then use servers and streaming protocols to make the content available on demand. For viewers, you just press play, and the video starts streaming.

OTT services generally operate under different models:

SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand): A monthly fee for unlimited access, like Netflix or Hulu.
AVOD (Advertising Video on Demand): Free viewing supported by ads, such as YouTube or Pluto TV.
TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand): Pay-per-view or rental services, like Apple TV’s movie rentals.

>>> Maybe you are interested in:

What is Streaming and How Does Streaming Work?

How to Access OTT TV?

Accessing OTT TV is simple and does not require special hardware beyond a device connected to the internet. Viewers can watch OTT content through:

Smart TVs: Most modern TVs come with pre-installed apps, such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
Streaming Devices: Sticks or boxes such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast.
Mobile Devices: Dedicated apps on iOS and Android smartphones or tablets.
Desktops and Laptops: Direct streaming through web browsers.
Gaming Consoles: Platforms like PlayStation or Xbox also support OTT TV apps.

Some platforms require a paid subscription, while others provide free access with ads. This flexibility is one of the main reasons OTT TV is attracting millions of new users every year.

Compare OTT TV vs Connected TV

Though the terms OTT TV and Connected TV (CTV) are often used together, they describe different things. OTT TV refers to video content delivered over the internet via apps and platforms. Connected TV refers to the device used to access that content, any television set connected to the internet, either directly as a Smart TV or through a streaming device.

For example, when you use a Smart TV to open Netflix, Netflix is the OTT service, while the Smart TV is the Connected TV device. Without CTV, many people would still watch OTT on phones or computers. Together, OTT TV and CTV create a seamless living-room viewing experience.

>>> Read more:

CTV vs Linear TV: What Advertisers and Broadcasters Need to Know
What Is Linear TV? How Linear TV Has Changed in the Streaming Era
How To Create A Linear TV Channel From Existing Videos

Over-the-Top Television vs Traditional Television

The rise of OTT TV marks a clear break from traditional TV. Traditional TV forces viewers to follow a fixed schedule, pay for large channel bundles, and depend on hardware installations. In contrast, Over-the-Top Television empowers audiences with choice and flexibility.

Key differences include:

Viewing control: OTT lets you pause, rewind, and binge-watch at your convenience.
Cost: OTT subscriptions are often more affordable than traditional cable bundles.
Content variety: From global blockbusters to niche documentaries, OTT platforms offer wider selections.
Multi-device access: Traditional TV ties you to a set, while OTT can be enjoyed on multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops.

As a result, “cord-cutting” has become a major trend, with an increasing number of households opting for OTT services over cable.

OTT TV Shows, Series, and Programmes

One of the main attractions of OTT TV is the variety of content. Let’s break down the categories:

OTT TV Show

These are short-format or regularly updated episodes such as talk shows, variety shows, or entertainment programs. OTT TV shows are easy to access and often exclusive to certain platforms.

OTT TV Series

OTT TV series are some of the most popular content types. From drama and comedy to crime thrillers and science fiction, series on OTT platforms often release entire seasons at once, encouraging binge-watching. Global hits like “Stranger Things” or “The Crown” demonstrate how OTT series can rival or even surpass traditional television productions.

OTT TV Programme

The term “programme” covers a broader range of content, including live-streamed sports, concerts, or special events. Increasingly, news outlets and sports organizations are using OTT TV to reach their audiences directly, thereby bypassing traditional broadcasters.

>>> Related articles:

Benefits of OTT TV for Viewers

OTT TV streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu offer viewers many great benefits. The biggest one is complete control over your viewing experience. You are no longer stuck with a fixed TV schedule. You can watch movies and shows on demand, meaning you can start, pause, or rewind instantly, anytime you like. You can also watch on almost any device, like your phone, tablet, or Smart TV, which makes the content truly mobile.

Another huge advantage is the massive selection, including thousands of movies, TV series, and high-quality original shows that you can’t find anywhere else. Finally, OTT often helps you save money because you can choose to pay for only the services you want, making it more flexible and generally more affordable than a big, traditional cable package.

Popular OTT TV Platforms

The OTT industry is dominated by global giants and complemented by regional players. Some of the most notable platforms include:

Netflix: The pioneer of OTT TV with a massive library of shows, series, and movies.
Disney+: Focused on family entertainment, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars content.
Amazon Prime Video: Offers both global blockbusters and regional hits.
Hulu: Known for its mix of on-demand and live programming.
HBO Max: Popular for high-quality series and exclusive releases.

In addition, regional OTT platforms are growing rapidly in markets like India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. FAST channels are also becoming mainstream, offering free, ad-supported access to streaming programmes.

>>> See more:

Future of Over-the-Top Television

The future of over-the-top television looks even more dynamic. Several trends are shaping the industry:

Global Expansion: As broadband access improves, more viewers worldwide are adopting OTT TV.
AI and Personalization: Platforms will deliver increasingly tailored recommendations.
Interactive Content: Choose-your-own-story formats and live audience participation.
Beyond Entertainment: OTT is expanding into education, fitness training, telehealth, and religious programmes.

This growth indicates that OTT TV is not just a trend but the future of media consumption.

Launch Your Own OTT TV with OTTclouds

For businesses, the rise of OTT TV represents a powerful opportunity. Launching a streaming service once required a massive investment. However, with solutions like OTTclouds, it has become significantly more accessible.

OTTclouds offers comprehensive end-to-end white-label OTT TV solutions for companies seeking to establish their own OTT TV services. With customizable, white-label TV apps, businesses can launch across Smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers without having to build everything from scratch.

Key features include:

Multi-device compatibility for maximum reach.
Flexible OTT monetization models, from subscriptions to ad-supported streaming.
Fast deployment and easy content management.

Whether you want to launch a niche OTT TV series platform, a global entertainment service, or a live streaming programme, OTTclouds offers the tools to get started quickly and professionally.

>>> Related articles:

White Label OTT Platforms – The Best Solution for Media Businesses

Conclusion

OTT TV has revolutionized the way audiences experience television. From binge-worthy OTT TV series to live-streamed programmes, it offers flexibility, variety, and global reach that traditional TV cannot match. For viewers, it means entertainment on their terms. For businesses, it means new opportunities to connect with audiences through their own branded platforms.

As technology evolves, Over-the-Top Television will continue to shape the future of media, and companies like OTTclouds are making it possible for anyone to become part of this transformation.

FAQs about OTT TV

What is OTT TV?
OTT TV stands for Over-the-Top Television, meaning video content streamed over the internet instead of through traditional broadcast methods.

Is OTT TV different from Connected TV?
Yes. OTT TV is the content, while Connected TV refers to the internet-enabled device used to watch it.

How do I watch OTT TV shows and series?
You can access them through apps on Smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile apps, or web browsers.

What are examples of OTT TV programmes?
Programs include talk shows, news broadcasts, sports events, concerts, and live streams, all available on OTT platforms.

Can businesses create their own OTT TV platform?
Yes. With service providers like OTTclouds, businesses can easily launch and manage their own streaming platforms.