SVOD vs TVOD vs AVOD: What is the difference?

What are SVOD, TVOD and AVOD?

VOD stands for ‘Video On Demand’. Video on demand is a media distribution technology that allows users to consume videos content without having to access them via a standard video playback system. VOD completely removes all the limitations of a traditional static programming schedule, making it more convenient for the consumer.

With regards to VOD, there are three main business models applied to online services that control our access to content: SVOD, AVOD and TVOD. But you may be thinking – what do these mean and what’s the difference between them? We’ll answer those very questions in this article.

Whatever type of video on demand you require – you can get top-notch SVOD, TVOD and AVOD services by Finecast.

What is SVOD? Subscription VOD

Similar to most TV packages, SVOD is an on-demand service in which you sign up for a subscription that grants access to consume as much content at a flat rate per month until your subscription expires. Most subscriptions are paid continuously in monthly instalments and thus only terminate when you unsubscribe. This allows you to watch any of the service’s movies and material whenever, whenever, and on nearly any device.

Examples of SVOD

Any subscription-based video streaming service is an example of an SVOD service, as it requires a subscription to consume content. This includes the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. They each allow you to consume as much content as you want at any one time.

What is TVOD? Transactional-based VOD

Transactional-based VOD services offer the opposite of subscription VOD, as it is a platform whereby viewers consume content via a pay-per-view service. So rather than paying a flat fee to consume as much content as you desire, you pay an individual fee for a permanent purchase or rental of one piece of content.

Electronic sell-through (EST) is when you pay one fee for permanent access to a piece of video material – essentially like buying a DVD or VHS for the older folk – you own that material. On the other hand, Download-to-rent (DTR) is a TVID service in which consumers can pay a smaller fee to access one piece of content for a limited period – so essentially a video rental.

Examples of TVOD

Examples of TVOD services include Sky Box Office, Amazon video store and Youtube movies. Plenty of services offer the ability to simply rent or buy video material.

What is AVOD? Advertisement-based VOD

Advertisement based VOD is very different to SVOD and TVOD, with the major difference being that it is completely free for users. That said – similarly to traditional broadcast television – viewers must sit through ads before or throughout the content. Though, these are sometimes skippable and able to be cut short. Unlike traditional broadcasts, however, ads are usually personalised to the consumer, as it can access data through the internet.

AVOD is rarely used by premium content owners since it earns less income than SVOD and TVOD. Platforms like YouTube which have adopted AVOD generate revenue through advertisements. Lots of original content can be found on AVOD services.

Examples of AVOD

Examples of AVOD services include YouTube, Dailymotion and ITV Hub.