Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD)

As a leading format in digital media, BVOD offers viewers the flexibility to stream broadcast content on-demand while providing advertisers with premium opportunities to engage target audiences. Whether you’re a brand, advertiser, or marketer, this glossary will help you understand BVOD’s role in modern media consumption and advertising strategies. 

What is Broadcast Video On Demand?

Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD) is an on-demand streaming service offered by traditional broadcast networks, allowing viewers to access their favorite TV shows, news, sports, and other programming anytime, across various devices. 

Unlike linear broadcasting, which follows a schedule, BVOD provides greater flexibility by enabling users to watch content at their convenience. These services often combine high-quality production values typical of broadcast TV with the accessibility of digital platforms. BVOD is also a valuable tool for advertisers, offering premium ad inventory, advanced targeting options, and measurable outcomes. 

How Does BVOD Work? 

This media distribution model allows users to access online, on-demand content from free-to-air TV broadcasters like Pluto TV. TV programs, sports events, and exclusive content are recorded, encoded, and stored on servers. Viewers can then stream this content on-demand via dedicated apps or websites hosted by broadcasters. 

Unlike traditional TV which follows a fixed schedule, BVOD allows users to access content anytime and on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and desktops. For example, platforms like 7plus in Australia or ITV Hub in the UK provide viewers with full seasons of shows and live news streaming on demand. 

On the backend, BVOD services often use adaptive bitrate streaming, which ensures smooth playback by adjusting video quality based on the user’s internet connection. Advanced analytics track viewership patterns, providing broadcasters and advertisers with valuable data for optimizing programming and ad placements. 

The process includes the following steps: 

•  Content acquisition: Traditional TV content, including news, series, and sports, is created or recorded by the broadcaster. 

• Encoding and storage: The content is encoded and stored on secure servers for streaming. 

• Distribution: Usually through a Content Delivery Network (CDN), the content is made accessible to users on various devices. 

• User Access: Viewers stream content via broadcaster apps or websites. 

• Ad Insertion: Dynamic ad insertion technology serves targeted ads based on viewer data.

When is BVOD Used?

There are various scenarios where audiences seek flexibility and access to high-quality, broadcast content on-demand. It is ideal for viewers who may have missed live broadcasts or prefer binge-watching shows at their convenience, For example, sports enthusiasts who miss a major game can stream the full match or highlights through BVOD platforms like BBC iPlayer or Hulu Live. 

Advertisers also leverage BVOD for targeted campaigns, taking advantage of its premium inventory and detailed audience insights. Brands often use it for product launches or to reach niche demographics with relevant messages during high-viewership events, such as live-streamed award shows or season finales. This versatility makes BVOD valuable for advertisers and viewers. 

Examples of Broadcast Video on Demand

BVOD services are offered by traditional broadcast networks, enabling viewers to stream their content online at their convenience. Here are some examples: 

• BBC iPlayer: Operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), iPlayer provides UK audiences with access to a wide range of BBC programs, such as dramas, documentaries, and live events. 
• ITV Hub: ITV’s BVOD platform offers viewers the ability to catch up on popular shows like “Love Island” and “Coronation Street”, as well as live streaming of ITV channels. 
• All 4: Channel 4’s on-demand service provides access to a diverse selection of content, from original series to international acquisitions, available for streaming at any time. 
• My5: Channel 5’s BVOD service allows viewers to watch a variety of programs, including reality shows and documentaries, on-demand. 
•  ABC iview: Australia’s ABC iview offers a comprehensive library of ABC programming, including news, entertainment, and children’s content, available for streaming. 
• 7plus: Operated by Seven Network in Australia, 7plus provides access to a range of shows, sports events, and exclusive content on-demand. 
• SBS On Demand: Special Broadcasting Service’s platform offers a diverse array of international films, documentaries, and series, reflecting Australia’s multicultural society. 
• Peacock: NBC Universal’s streaming service in the United States offers a mix of current NBC shows, classic series, and original content, available both live and on-demand. 
• Pluto TV: Owned by Viacom CBS, Pluto TV provides a combination of live TV channels and on-demand content, featuring a variety of genres and programming. 

Benefits of Using Broadcast Video on Demand

Some of the benefits of leveraging BVOD over other forms of CTV and linear TV advertising: 

Precise targeting: It provides advertisers with precise targeting options, allowing them to choose their target audience based on different parameters such as content genre, location, language, gender or demographics. 

Increased reach: With BVOD advertisers can reach niche audiences such as cord-cutters and smartphone users.

Brand safety: With BVOD, advertisers can control where their ads are displayed. Since the content is typically of superior quality, coming from reputable broadcasters, it protects the brand from associating with offensive content. 

Better ad performance: BVOD advertising performs better than other types of video advertising, with better ad recall from viewers. 

Improved flexibility: BVOD platforms allow advertisers to monitor their campaigns’ performance, and access a broad spectrum of data about the target audience behavior and engagement. 

Differences Between BVOD, SVOD, TVOD, and AVOD

Digital streaming offers various models to suit viewer preferences and business needs. BVOD delivers premium content from traditional broadcasters. SVOD relies on subscriptions for unlimited content access. TVOD enables pay-per-content viewing, while AVOD offers free content supported by ads. Each model caters to unique audience and advertiser demands. 

Broadcast Video on Demand (BVOD)

BVOD platforms, like BBC iPlayer and ABC iview, provide on-demand access to premium broadcast content. They combine traditional TV quality with online streaming convenience. Popular for live and catch-up TV, BVOD offers dynamic ad insertion and precise targeting, ensuring advertisers connect with niche audiences effectively.

Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD)

SVOD platforms, such as Netflix and Disney+, operate on subscriptions, offering ad-free streaming and exclusive content. They cater to binge-watchers seeking diverse catalogs. This model thrives on user retention, driving competitiveness through high-quality productions and personalized recommendations, encouraging multi-platform subscriptions.

Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD)

TVOD platforms, like Apple TV and Vudu, allow users to rent or purchase individual content, such as new movie releases. Rentals last 24–48 hours, catering to occasional viewers seeking flexibility. This model focuses on one-time purchases, ideal for accessing specific titles immediately.

Ad-Supported Video on Demand (AVOD)

AVOD platforms, including YouTube and Pluto TV, offer free access to content supported by ads. They attract budget-conscious audiences and provide advertisers with large-scale reach. This model suits diverse content types, from user-generated videos to professional shows, enabling creators to monetize without subscriptions.