---
title: "Server-side vs Client-side Multiview Streaming: Maximizing Compatibility and Personalization"
url: https://ireplay.tv/blog/multiview-multi-view-server-side-client-side-compatibility-personalization-performance-cost/
markdown_url: https://ireplay.tv/blog/multiview-multi-view-server-side-client-side-compatibility-personalization-performance-cost.md
description: "Server-side versus client-side multiview: server-side composites the feeds into one stream for universal compatibility including legacy TVs but gives every viewer the same grid, while client-side renders tiles on the device and allows per-viewer choice. The case for combining both."
type: article
site: iReplay.tv
author: "Sylvain Corvaisier"
date_published: 2025-05-01T09:26:31+02:00
date_modified: 2025-05-01T09:26:31+02:00
language: en
image: https://ireplay.tv/blog/thumbnails/multiview-multi-view-server-side-client-side-compatibility-personalization-performance-cost.jpg
keywords:
  - "multiview multi-view bitmovin skreens sky prototype client server side performance frame rate framerate framerates mixed personalization"
---

# Server-side vs Client-side Multiview Streaming: Maximizing Compatibility and Personalization

## Multi-view Streaming: Server-side vs Client-side Approaches

Multi-view streaming, allowing viewers to simultaneously watch multiple video feeds, is gaining popularity across broadcasting and streaming platforms, especially in content-rich environments like sports, esports, and live events. Implementing multi-view requires careful consideration between two distinct strategies: server-side and client-side multiview.

### Server-side Multiview: Compatibility and Efficiency

Server-side multiview is a reliable option designed primarily for legacy TVs or broadcasters unwilling to modify their existing apps. With this approach, multiple video feeds are combined into a single stream on the server before delivery to the viewer's device. The result is a single stream displaying multiple videos simultaneously, similar to traditional picture-in-picture (PiP) experiences. This approach offers seamless transitions between different video feeds and is particularly effective for reducing viewer churn.

- **Pros:**
  - Universal compatibility, including legacy and low-performance devices.
  - Minimal changes required for client-side apps.
  - Efficient bandwidth usage due to the single, combined stream.
  - Enhanced viewer engagement through seamless transitions between feeds.
- **Cons:**
  - No viewer personalization: all viewers receive the same combined stream.
  - Limited flexibility in user interactions.

**Example Providers:** Platforms like **Skreens** offer server-side multiview solutions, enabling robust, scalable video composition for broad compatibility.

### Client-side Multiview: The Era of Hyper-Personalization

Client-side multiview represents the next generation of multi-feed streaming. Here, the viewer's device independently receives and renders multiple distinct video feeds. This tiled playback approach empowers viewers to dynamically select, personalize, and control their multi-feed experience in real-time, enabling hyper-personalization and an immersive viewing experience. A recent practical test for one of our European customers demonstrated the efficiency of client-side multiview. Streaming four simultaneous video feeds on an iPhone 15 Pro (2023) utilized just 5% CPU, highlighting modern devices' capability to handle advanced client-side rendering without significant resource consumption. Notably, client-side multiview effectively maintains the highest possible quality when dealing with channels using mixed frame rates—a scenario where server-side approaches would typically compromise video quality. This prototype was developed using Apple's native AVPlayer on iOS and followed Apple's recommended practices, contrasting significantly with the current app in production

![Server-Side or Client-Side Multiview streaming ?](https://ireplay.tv/blog/img/multiview-multi-view-server-side-client-side-compatibility-personalization-performance-cost.jpg)

Client-side multi-view with mixed framerates channels iReplay.tv demo iPad app

This not only enhances viewer engagement but also provides broadcasters valuable data about viewer interest in specific content sequences.

- **Pros:**
  - Complete personalization; viewers choose their feeds.
  - Efficient CPU utilization on modern devices, enabling smooth performance.
  - Enhanced flexibility and potential for dynamic animations and transitions.
  - Customizable user interface for switching effortlessly between multiview and single-stream modes.
- **Cons:**
  - Higher bandwidth usage due to streaming multiple individual feeds.
  - Not suitable for older or less capable devices.
  - Requires adaptation or updates to client applications.

**Example Providers:** Platforms like **Bitmovin** represent client-side multiview solutions that offer extensive flexibility and compatibility across modern devices

### The Optimal Solution: Combining Both

Ultimately, broadcasters and streaming platforms benefit most from offering both server-side and client-side multiview options. Client-side multiview provides flexibility, interactivity, and dynamic user experiences on capable devices, while server-side multiview ensures broader compatibility, efficiency, and cost savings across a wide range of devices.

---

Source: [Server-side vs Client-side Multiview Streaming: Maximizing Compatibility and Personalization](https://ireplay.tv/blog/multiview-multi-view-server-side-client-side-compatibility-personalization-performance-cost/) on iReplay.tv. Free to quote and cite with attribution and a link to the source URL.
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