What are the best video on demand (VOD) platforms? 2022 list

It is no secret to anyone that the way of consuming videos and television has changed remarkably, producing a radical turn in the entertainment industry. Since, through the Internet, a change in pattern has been brought about in the way in which this content is produced, sold, distributed and consumed by users.

In this sense, the increase in transmission services through the Internet, it is extremely remarkable; especially because you don’t have a need for a TV service provider, specifically, and this offers greater simplicity to access the movies or series you want to watch.

For this reason, it is necessary to learn more about what a video-on-demand platform is and how it works. As well as knowing what are the main types of content that are observed there and the best options to watch VOD streaming video.

What is a VOD video platform and how does it work?

Also known as video on demand or television on demand, VOD (Video on Demand) refers to a television system that offers users the ease of access multimedia content in a personalized waywithout necessarily having to rely on traditional TV services.

Thus, by making use of a video-on-demand platform, people have the power to request and watch a specific movie or a certain program at the precise moment when they want it.

Therefore, it is also possible viewing movies, series or programs in real time or, if they prefer, they can download it to any device (PC, portable player, digital video recorder, etc.) and watch it whenever they can.

With regard to the operation of VOD video platforms, it is necessary to limit the following:

• The system includes the basic functions of the video clip (resume the program, stop it, take it forward or backward, place it in slow motion, etc.) and all at the user’s own will.
• It offers total availability of the desired programs, without having to stick to fixed schedules like traditional TV channels do.
• They contain wide variety of contentso people have a varied à la carte offer and can also make a payment for certain exclusive programs, if they wish.
• This type of platform works to grant users, total disposition of an alternative system to the usual movie rentals.
• exist two forms of on-demand content distribution: Via LAN, in which faster distribution to users is possible. The other way is via WAN which has longer range but slower response compared to LAN mode.
• The VODs make use of real-time protocols, either: RTP (Real Time Transport Protocol), RTCP (Real Time Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol). With an RSVP (Resource Reservation Protocol) plugin.

What type of content can I watch on an on-demand streaming television platform?

Beyond series and movies, the content provided by a streaming TV platform on demand it is totally varied. Therefore, its remarkable growth worldwide, as it manages to satisfy the requirements of millions of users when it comes to entertainment and variety. Next, the main types of content that VODs currently provide:

Series

These platforms have released different series in recent years, attracting the attention of thousands of users around the world.

These consist of an audiovisual work that maintains a plot unity in itself and thanks to its very attractive plots, they manage to catch people who consume content from their computer, mobile or tablet. Taking into account that, they cover all genres. A clear example of these is the Spanish production “The Money Heist” (aired on Netflix).

It is worth noting that, today, the series show the largest number of users who watch video on demand through these platforms (as you can see in the graph provided at the end of this section).

Films

After series on VOD platforms, movies are the ones that gather the most views there. being a cinematographic work which, in general, narrates a story adapted by a screenwriter and its staging depends solely on a director. These can count on the participation of famous actors around the world and span all genres.

One of the greatest advantages offered by on-demand television platforms in terms of movies is that on various occasions they promote and premiere many of them before its broadcast in cinema. Therefore, users choose to purchase movies from HBO, Netflix, etc.

documentaries

For those who prefer to enjoy a recording of an aspect of real life and shown before the cameras and a large audience, it is best to watch a documentary. Which, basically, are categorized according to the nature of the materials used in the video, what these materials are and also by the figure of the narrator during the recording.

In this sense, you can see purely real documentaries or, a “docudrama” where the protagonists of the narrated events participate acting under the same role. As can be seen in the final graph, the documentaries rank third on VOD platforms.

Entertainment programs

Although it is true, practically all traditional televisions have broadcast hundreds of entertainment programs around the world and many of them have achieved notable success. However, to be able to see them every day of transmission, it was necessary stick to a fixed schedule and otherwise you missed the episode of your favorite show.

However, this has changed with this class of VOD platforms, so users can access said content when they can and whenever they want. Consequently, these programs play a transcendental role in the development and implementation of VOD streaming today, thus occupying The fourth place when it comes to more visualizations (see graph).

Thematic channels

These refer to channels that offer specialized content on a specific theme or that is aimed at a certain part of the population. Generally, they are used by users who prefer to demand specific content, such as: information, entertainment, children’s, religion, music, TV contests, etc. These, in video on demand, have occupied fifth place.

Sports events

Sports lovers, be it soccer, basketball, boxing, Formula 1, etc. They have also chosen to make use of television on demand, before preferring the traditional one. Since, many of the exclusive sporting events are only broadcast by certain television channels and various users do not have access to said channel, on several occasions.

Thanks to these platforms, it is possible to enjoy games and competitions in real time. For this reason, it occupies sixth place.

Cartoon

In the last place, we place the cartoons that have also gained considerable power on VOD platforms today. Since, many parents prefer to select the content that their little ones see and thus, these enjoy a wide variety of cartoons from any device.

Below, the graph that shows the acceptance that each type of content has had on video-on-demand platforms during 2018 and so far in 2019:

List of the best VOD platforms to watch free and paid streaming video on demand

As expected, below, we detail the main and best video on demand platforms that you can currently drive. Taking into account that, depending on its characteristics and functions, some are completely free and others are paid:

Netflix

Most internet users know that Netflix it is one of the best VOD platforms that there is today, thanks to the fact that it incorporates various options capable of meeting the requirements of each user, when it comes to leisure. The strong point of this interface are the series and movies; the types of content most consumed today.

In this sense, it is a payment platform that offers three plans to the public: Basic (for 7.99 euros), Standard (it costs 10.99 euros) and Premium (it is the most expensive for 13.99 euros); all these prices per month. Among other features, Netflix supports various devices, allows video downloadconstantly provides numerous premieres, has its own Spanish production, etc.

HBO Spain

Although it does not have as much content capacity as Netflix is ​​a good alternative widely used to consume content on demand, especially in Spain. Which guarantees great quality and offers a variety of titles for children and young people, especially; taking into account that his strongest point is the series. For example, “Game of Thrones”.

In this sense, the platform supports various devices and is also paid, so its users must cancel 7.99 euros monthly. For its part, HBO allows the connection of two simultaneous devices, offers you the ease of using your account outside the country and also shows premieres in a row. Nevertheless, does not support video download.

Amazon Prime Video

It stands out as one of the streaming services of greater fame in the whole world, especially, thanks to the fact that hosts its own series on its platform and also stores some Emmys and Golden Globes. For this reason, it can be classified as one of the best alternatives to see varied content and especially movies. Now that it has a large catalog of Bollywood movies (Ideal if you are a lover of Indian cinema).

In reference to its subscription price, you will have to pay 36 euros annually and this adds your store services as well. On the other hand, it allows the download of its content to view offlinecan be used outside of Spain, has a very appropriate navigability and supports numerous devices.

Movistar +

It is another of the most recognized and also paid platforms, which offers various packages, but in order to use it you must have a Fusion rate with the operator. That is, it is required hire a TV package to be able to enjoy all the series it offers. But not everything is bad, well Movistar + in an agreement with Netflix, allows its customers use both services with discounts.

In reference to the programming, it is of total quality and in addition to series, it provides an extensive offer of cinematographic releases. This, as well as the other solutions, also supports many devices and operating systems. Additionally, it allows downloads of certain content, but it cannot be seen with subtitles or in the original version. If you leave Spain, you can use it in most European countries.

Sky

It is a platform that was born in England and since then, it has spread throughout Europe and other locations worldwide. Taking into account that it was established in Spain at the end of 2017 and to this day, it comprises a large number of users. Which, in order to manage Sky, must cancel 7 euros per month.

To access the VOD service, you can do it through its mobile application or on its website. In this way, enjoy diverse content, including the most watched private channels in Spain. However, for now it does not have its own Spanish production and does not accept video downloads either.

filmin

Basically, it is a slightly different alternative to the rest, mainly because it is less commercial. But, in the same way, it offers very well valued films and videos on demand of independent or classic cinema. In most cases, such films belong to European fictionsespecially British. Additionally, she has an extensive variety of short films.

In this sense, it is a platform with a wide catalog of independent films and among its greatest advantages, we find that Filmin offers good subscription prices, with two types of plans. The first is a basic plan that you have to pay for €7.99 for each month and for the Monthly Plus subscription, you will have to pay €14.99, which adds first-run movies available for rent. Also, accept downloads.

Rakuten TV – WUAKI

It is a VOD platform very similar to HBO, since has an agreement with Disney and therefore, its main purpose is to provide content aimed especially at children and adolescents. Therefore, you can find series and especially movies ideal for the little ones in the house. Taking into account that, it also works as a video store without the need to pay a flat fee.

In this sense, it offers you two ways to view the content: A monthly subscription to enjoy the extensive variety of the catalog, paying only 6.99 euros per month. The other way is through the section “Ticket office” that does not require a monthly subscription, but you can pay for the content when you see it (from 1.99 to 4.99 euros). Also, supports downloading on mobiles and tablets.

YouTube Movies

It is a platform created in 2005, which currently facilitates access to various content uploaded from all over the world. In this way, it can also be described as another of the most famous streaming video-on-demand platforms, especially for the excellence of the catalog it offers.

In this sense, YouTube Movies allows the purchase and rental of movies of any genre, with HD video quality and audio reproduced in stereo. As for the prices it provides, they are cheap compared to other interfaces of this type.

Voddler

It is an on-demand television provider that makes use of a P2P streaming service and I arrive in Spain around the year 2012. Basically, its operation consists of transmitting movies through the same users who have the information stored on their servers, but being controlled by the transmission platform of Voddler.

Its best feature, without a doubt, is that it is completely free (although with many commercials). However, in addition to providing free content, it also offers movie rentals with a total of 800 available or more, some of which are highly commercial because they come from Disney and Paramount. It should be noted that it provides video quality in MP4 and MKV.

DAZN

A platform where we can easily access a large amount of content related to the world of sports, especially motor sports, which is why MotoGP is one of its main star products. In addition, you can also enjoy the Champions League and the major European football leagues. It gives you a free trial month like most, and its subscription is considerably cheap.

Movistar+ Lite

Movistar has been investing for years in the world of Internet television and has not fallen short. Now they launch a new service that promises to be a direct competitor of Netflix, with a huge catalog of on-demand series and movies totally exclusive to its platform, with the addition of sports as well. His star program is currently La Resistencia.

fuboTV

This is another platform specially designed for sports lovers in general, especially soccer lovers, and that’s where its name comes from. Also, It also accompanies its content with good series from some of the platforms on this list.as well as a series of streaming DTT channels.

FlixOle

If you were looking for a platform to watch traditional Spanish cinema, this is the one for you. It brings together a wide selection of the best of the seventh art made in Spain, with classic sagas and modern films. In addition, you can also find Latin American movies and movies from any Spanish-speaking country.

eurosport

This is a project of Sky TV and FT1 that come together to provide all the sports content that the modern citizen needs on a single platform. In it you can see the English Premier League, as well as other major leagues on the European continent. Some time ago they made an agreement with DAZN and you can also enjoy their content on that platform.

OpenSport

An excellent platform where you can perfectly organize all your sporting events to enjoy from any of your devices. Basically all the sports you could want are in it, and its subscription price is quite accessible that does not include any type of permanence commitment.

Orange TV

The well-known telephone service in Spain, Orange; It also offers a VOD platform that provides different content for the whole family, based on series and movies that it hosts in a large catalog. Which, you can hire for only a price of 9.95 euros for each month and if you are a client of the company, they can offer you some interest plans.

As for “Orange Series”, it should be noted that there you can find exclusive and exclusive content, taking into account that it provides more than a full thousand hours of content for the whole family and thus, it is the first platform of its kind that offers series in 4K quality. Usually, Orange TV It also has 40 premium channels and allows you to enjoy the best premiere movies.

Vodafone TV

With a very similar operation to the previous alternative, this platform provides a wide range of channels and content with which you can entertain yourself whenever you want. Taking into account that, when subscribing, you can select the packs you want based on the content. One of them is the pack “seriesfans“what’s worth 10 eurosof course specialized in series with all its seasons and the best thing is that it includes HBO.

On the other hand, it also has a section called “movie fans” what does it cost 12 euros, where it adds the classic cinematographic successes and also allows you to see the latest box office releases in Spain. Also, it has documentary packages (for 8 euros) in high quality and content packs totally aimed at children and young peoplebeing the cheapest for a price of 5 euros.

LovesTV

Another streaming video platform that combines broadcasting and broadband services at the same time, making use of HbbTV technology. In other words, it works like integrating the internet into DTT channels in order to add more functions of interest to them. Thus offering a more complete programming guide than usual.

In this sense, you can get free access to all LovesTV content for 7 days and upon completion of said time, the interface provides a final phase that is used for the creation of an OTT service, in which a comprehensive offer such as HBO Spain and Netflix. It has compatibility with multiple devices.

FilmStruck

It is one of the newest on-demand television platforms in Spain and, therefore, one of the cheapest. Since, it was established in the market with a very competitive price because it only requires 5.99 euros per month or you can pay for the full year for just 59.90 euros. Although it does not allow the download of content, it is an ideal solution to enjoy a kind of online video store.

For its part, it is responsible for offering quality content and thanks to this, it compiles the best movies seen worldwide (but does not provide recent releases). It also offers a regularly updated service with carefully chosen local content. In reference to the devices it supports, they are varied such as: Android, iOS and it is available on other web platforms.

Nubeox

Through this VOD managed by the Atresmedia group in Spain, you can get unlimited different series and movies, since it has around 1,400 featured titles that suit all tastes. Which provides a rental service for premiere movies to its users at very affordable prices. As for the monthly subscription, It has a cost of 10 euros.

For its part, for greater coverage, Nubeox has an online television module that offers more than 10 channels; being live and direct alternatives. Best of all, is that you can find this platform for PC, as well as for Android, iOS and Smart TV.

Disney+

Another of the newest proposals is this VOD platform that will be inaugurated by the famous children’s channel, Disney. Which, basically, is a streaming service that will be released to the public next November of this year and basically, it will be in charge of provide original film and television content from Walt Disney Studios.

So far, it is known that it will have two subscription modes, that is, one monthly and the other annual. In reference to the payment per month, it will simply be 6.25 euros approximately and if you want to pay per year, the amount will be 62.52 euros. Taking into account that it will be published first in the United States and then in Europe.

footers

If you are a true football lover, it is more than likely that you are not only a fan of the big European teams, but also enjoy watching a lower category team meet. On this platform you can enjoy the matches of the second B and third division of Spanish Professional Footballthose where everyone is equal and goes to death in each contest.

Back Player

The VOD television platform of Atres Media, one of the most important Spanish audiovisual production companies in the world. Its catalog includes a huge number of series, among which La Casa de Papel stands out, as well as high-quality movies for your total entertainment. You won’t want to leave the house with all the content you’ll find here.

My TV

One of the most famous on-demand television platforms in our country. This has behind all the work of Mediaset experts, who for years have offered quality content to Spanish viewers. As expected, it is mainly focused on football and the Champions Leaguebut it also has several stellar series such as Señoras del Hampa.

Huawei Videos

The big brands are usually good at everything they do and with Huawei the opposite does not happen. They present us with the new platform from which it intends to adapt all possible streaming content to be consumed through smartphones in the best of cases. It has a large selection of series and movies in its catalog that will make you spend hours in front of the screen of your mobile or tablet.

Mubi

This is a platform with a purpose that offers a huge selection of classic and alternative cinema, so that the masterpieces of the seventh art are preserved and remembered forever, as well as allowing independent producers and directors to showcase their work before the eyes of a community of thousands of people.

ACORN TV

This is a platform with a selection of British series that you will surely like if you are a lover of drama, suspense and mystery, with a bit of science fiction whenever possible. It is quite cheap since with only 5 Eur per month you will have access to all its audiovisual content.