In today’s digital age, we all enjoy the convenience of on-demand entertainment of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. These platforms have transformed how we consume entertainment, offering us an abundance of choices right at our fingertips. This made it easier for us to access whatever TV show or movies we wanted to watch at any point in time.
Let’s dive into the 10 oldest OTT platforms worldwide, tracing the roots of this media revolution.
10. CBS All Access
Launched in: 2014
Creator: CBS (now Paramount Global)
Still in Use: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
CBS All Access, now Paramount+, started in 2014. It gave us access to CBS’s extensive content library, including classic shows and new originals like “Star Trek: Discovery.”
Did you know?
Paramount+ offers a treasure trove of original series and films, from “The Good Fight” to “The Stand.”
9. Roku Channel
Launched in: 2008
Creator: Roku, Inc.
Still in Use: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
Roku, known for streaming devices, expanded in 2008 with the Roku Channel. It offered a wide range of movies, TV shows, and live news, and you could add premium channels like HBO and Showtime.
Did you know?
Roku Channel has a dedicated section for family-friendly content, making it easy for parents to find suitable shows and movies.
8. Vudu
Launched in: 2007
Creator: Vudu (later acquired by Walmart)
Still in Use: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
Vudu arrived in 2007, offering a pay-as-you-go model for renting and buying digital movies and TV shows. Walmart later acquired it.
Did you know?
Vudu introduced “Movies On Us,” a free section supported by ads for discovering new films.
7. Hulu
Launched in: 2007
Creator: Disney, Comcast, 21st Century Fox (now part of Disney)
Still in Use: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
Hulu started as a free, ad-supported streaming service in 2007. It gained fame for offering current episodes of popular TV shows shortly after airing.
Did you know?
Hulu pioneered “Pause Ads,” giving advertisers a new way to engage viewers.
6. Amazon Prime Video
Launched in: 2006
Creator: Amazon
Still in Use: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
Amazon Prime Video began as a benefit for Amazon Prime members in 2006 but became a standalone service. It produces original content like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Boys.”
Did you know?
Amazon Prime Video’s “X-Ray” feature provides trivia and background information about your content.
5. YouTube
Launched in: 2005
Creator: Google (Alphabet Inc.)
Still in Use: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
YouTube started in 2005, changing how we share and watch videos online. It expanded with premium channels, live TV streaming, and opportunities for content creators to earn money.
Did you know?
The viral video “Charlie Bit My Finger” was sold as an NFT, marking a shift in digital content valuation.
4. Crackle
Launched in: 2004
Creator: Independent, later acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment
Still in Use: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
Originally Grouper, Crackle began in 2004 and was later acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment. It became a hub for movies, TV shows, and original content.
Did you know?
One of Crackle’s popular original series is “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,” hosted by Jerry Seinfeld.
3. Vimeo
Launched in: 2004
Creator: Jake Lodwick and Zach Klein
Still in Use: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
Vimeo, founded in 2004, started as a platform for creatives to showcase their work. It expanded to include on-demand video through Vimeo On Demand, supporting artistic content.
Did you know?
Vimeo’s “Staff Picks” can significantly boost a video’s visibility and recognition.
2. iTunes
Launched in: 2001
Creator: Apple Inc.
Still in Use: No (Evolved into Apple TV)
Photo Source: Wikipedia
iTunes, introduced in 2001, revolutionized digital media distribution. It allowed users to purchase and download music, movies, TV shows, and apps.
Did you know?
iTunes initially used DRM for music protection, sparking debates on digital rights.
1. Netflix
Launched in: 1997
Creator: Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph
Still in Use: Yes
Photo Source: Wikipedia
Netflix, a pioneer in OTT streaming, began in 1997 as a DVD rental-by-mail service. It is the oldest OTT platform in the world. It shifted to streaming in 2007, offering a vast library of content and producing hit originals.
Did you know?
Netflix’s original content journey started with “House of Cards” in 2013.
Final Thought
In conclusion, these 10 oldest OTT platforms in the world have been instrumental in shaping our modern media consumption habits. They have made it possible for us to enjoy entertainment like never before, and they continue to define the future of digital content consumption.
