Why Launch Your Streaming Service with an iOS and iPadOS App?

In today's fast-paced world, numerous streaming platforms vie for user attention. The pressing question for anyone looking to join the arena is, "Should I begin with a website or an app?" While both have their merits, there's a strong case for opting for an iOS and iPadOS app first. Here's why:

Speedy SEO through the App Store & The Hidden Costs of Web SEO

SEO is pivotal for establishing an online presence. However, making a new website SEO-friendly isn't just time-consuming, it's also expensive. Here's why:

Specialized Expertise: SEO requires continuous attention and the expertise of dedicated specialists. Employing these experts or collaborating with an agency demands substantial investment.
Content Creation: Search engines prioritize high-quality, relevant content. Crafting and regularly updating such content requires significant resources.
Technical SEO: Ensuring a website's speed, mobile-friendliness, and glitch-free experience is vital for good ranking. Regular audits and site optimizations add to expenses.
Paid Campaigns: For immediate visibility and traffic, businesses often lean on paid ad campaigns, which can be costly based on competition and audience targeting.

In contrast, the Apple App Store operates on its own set of algorithms, which may be less convoluted than Google's SERP. After Apple's thorough review, your app can go live and be discovered within days. This fast-tracks your streaming service's visibility among iOS and iPadOS users, sidelining the protracted efforts and costs tied to website SEO.

Monetization Potential

iPhone and iPad users are often observed to spend more on apps and in-app content than other platform users. By launching your streaming service as an iOS app, you tap into this potentially lucrative audience from the outset. Whether your business model is subscription-based, pay-per-view, or another revenue stream, Apple users might be more receptive to paid, high-quality content.

One of iReplay.TV’s customers (SVOD/AVOD/TVOD) generates 80% of its revenue from Apple devices, despite also having apps on Android, smart TVs, Internet Providers STBs, and game consoles

Advertisement and Seamless Server-Side Ad Insertion

Ads are central to revenue generation, especially for streaming platforms.

Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI) melds ads directly into the content stream (they can not be blocked with Adblock or uBlock Origin), ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted viewing experience. On Apple devices, this technology is especially effective, with HLS Interstitials which is the only technology that has been designed specifically for ads in HTTP Streaming in mind. By prioritizing an iOS and iPadOS app, you not only enhance user satisfaction but also assure advertisers of optimal value, fostering enduring partnerships.

Monetization Strategy and App Store Commission

Monetizing your streaming service on the App Store is streamlined, with Apple handling billing and subscription management. While the standard commission rate is 15% for transactions in the first year and 30% thereafter, small businesses (SMB) qualify for a reduced commission rate of 10% on In-App Purchases and subscriptions. This makes launching on the App Store even more appealing from a cost perspective.

iReplay.TV: Your Entry Ticket to Streamlined Streaming

Starting a streaming service can seem complex, especially when considering app development. Here, iReplay.TV simplifies the process, making it more accessible and feature-rich.

Cost-Effective: iReplay.TV offers a ready-made iOS and iPadOS app for a fraction of custom development costs.
Performance Oriented: Thanks to SwiftUI and Swift native app development, users enjoy rapid performance and fluid interactions.
Unlimited TV Channels: Add as many channels as your strategy necessitates.
Cutting-Edge Features: With options like AirPlay and PIP support, users experience your content in diverse ways.
Effective Monetization: Unskippable preroll and mid-roll ads offer additional revenue avenues.
Engage Your Audience: The tag-based 'Create your own TV Channel' feature intensifies user engagement.
Easy Sharing: Universal link, Family sharing and Shareplay support amplify the social aspects of your service.
Subscription-Ready: Implement a subscription model with the in-built in-app purchase feature.
Optional Extensions: Should you wish to, expand to MacOS and tvOS with iReplay.TV's support.

Geographic Restrictions & Graduated Launches

The App Store simplifies the management of territory restrictions. Compared to websites, it's easier to set and modify availability based on regions, ensuring compliance with licensing agreements or strategic market entry plans. Furthermore, a graduated launch—rolling out your service by country or platform—is straightforward with the App Store. This allows for adaptive strategies, gauging market reception in specific territories before a broader release.

Conclusion

Opting for an iOS and iPadOS app as the launchpad for your streaming service can provide strategic advantages. Not only do you gain immediate access to a potentially lucrative audience, but the inherent features and functionalities of platforms like iReplay.TV also make the entire process smoother and more efficient. This approach isn't about sidelining other platforms but about prioritizing your initial entry for maximum impact. Additionally, with the recent changes to commission rates, small businesses can benefit from a reduced commission rate of 10% on In-App Purchases and subscriptions, further enhancing the appeal of launching on the App Store.

Article written by
Sylvain Corvaisier