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What is IPTV? How to Get Started for Creating Your Own IPTV Service?

Published On March 26th, 2024 14482Media & Monetization

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Are you excited to know about how to start an IPTV business? Check out the complete guide on what is IPTV and how to start your own IPTV service right from scratch with end-to-end features.

The Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) is all set to be the next big thing in the video content industry. The traditional channels for broadcasting video content, such as satellite or cable TV have taken a back seat and IPTV has occupied the front row.

The rise of the OTT platform and IPTV for the delivery of content has transformed the way we consume streaming content. 

As per 2020 research reports, the market value of the Internet Protocol Television was valued at approximately 72.4 billion USD. This figure is expected to rise even further by 2026 to an estimated 194.21 billion USD which is close to a CAGR of 18% for the period between 2021-2026.

 One of the major factors that are driving the growth of IPTV, and Internet-based video streaming solution is the combination of offerings by companies behind this revolution. Other major factors include the government’s push for digitization in developing countries like India & technological advancements that have led to an increase in internet penetration even in remote areas.

Without a surprise, the Asia Pacific region is the largest market for IPTV services. However, Latin America is among the fastest-growing ones.

On-demand video content and the improved user experience certainly add weight to the IPTV and Internet-based video streaming services.

Another important factor that has contributed to the growing trend of the internet protocol service and OTT service in the Asia Pacific region is increasing urbanization.

The rate of urbanization for India and China stood at 33% and 55% respectively as per 2018 reports.

Rapid urbanization is followed by changing behavior patterns and increasing luxury consumption. This has also helped propel the wheel of growth for IPTV services in these regions.

The mobile-based OTT plans have also contributed significantly to the growth of OTT video content consumption in developing countries.

What is IPTV?

Well, the IPTV can be simply explained as a medium for communicating television programming to the viewers using the internet.

  • The scope of IPTV is much broader and it is also deployed in the subscriber-based telecommunication network.
  • The Internet Protocol Over Television (IPTV) follows a process in which the usual television content is delivered over the IP networks.
  • A stark difference here is that the user can stream the content being shown using IPTV continuously unlike traditional cable TV.

So how does this differ from the traditional mediums that we have been using since ages?

The technicality behind the IPTV solution might feel overwhelming as it involves a lot of transcoding from the traditional signals to ones that are IP-supported. The IPTV solution directly communicates the video content using your usual internet connection.

So now a common question that pops up in the minds of traditional media users is that can you watch the video content from IPTV on your regular Television?

Well, most of the televisions do not directly support the format and you might need a set-top box to facilitate IPTV streaming and watch IPTV channels. However, the latest smart TVs do support the best IPTV services.

How IPTV works?

While traditional TV distributes analog signals to consumers via cables, an IPTV transmits digital signals over a controlled, private internet network. 

IPTV features servers for storing content, unlike traditional TV, which can only transmit programming in real-time. 

IPTV Subscribers can watch their favorite shows at their convenience if their provider has enabled the option.
Let’s understand how IPTV works with an example. 

  1. Now suppose you have selected an XYZ show that you want to showcase. 
  1. The content of the XYZ show gets immediately translated into a digital format. 
  1. Then, it is sent in packets to your playback device using the internet protocol. 
  1. Before the files reach the end viewers, it is compressed and optimized in the streaming server for playback.

    So, that is how an IPTV works in a nutshell.

Types of IPTV Services

There are multiple types of IPTV services that you can choose from as per your needs and suitability. Some of the most prominent ones are listed below.

  • Video on Demand

You must be familiar with video streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video that charge a subscription fee to give you access to their content library. The IPTV VOD solution works exactly the same way. The technology of IPTV video systems are facilitated with video or audio files compressions, carried with Internet Protocol Multimedia transmission. 

Usually, video files data is transmitted using HLS player streaming protocol streamed cohesively on a real-time basis.  As top streamers repackage your brand & create your white label VOD platform.

  • TV on Demand

TV on Demand is quite similar to Video on Demand as it also allows you to watch your content anywhere. However, it is just limited to the TV shows and movies broadcasted on TV channels. The charges for TV on Demand are usually on a per show or movie basis.

This is a great option for your interested viewers who can now freely watch their favorite or premium shows at their suited timings.  Also, on-demand packed in one channel eases technology use.

  • Near Video on Demand

The unique thing about the NVOD delivery services is that the entertaining video content broadcasted on these channels have a fixed schedule and new additions are made once the schedule ends. This model is also used for Pay Per View services to charge for the content from its users.

NVOD service is utilized by both cable operators and satellite service providers.  Basically, it is a technique to offer the same blockbusters or interactive shows on different channels at varied staggered start times.

  • Live Broadcast

Live broadcast content is quite similar to the live football games or award shows that you watch on your smart television. The major difference is in the technical aspect of how it is delivered to the end-user. Instead of coaxial cable, the content is broadcasted using the internet.

Now be it a live video conference, product launch or any predetermined streaming event you can earn from your potential videos with a customized packaged model.  Then position your brand well through social media.

  • Time Shifted TV

Time Shifted TV is very suggestive of the services that it offers. It allows you to showcase the content your viewers missed on TV. The highlight here is that the availability of the old content is only for a limited period in the future.

We can also associate this with catchup TV as video content owners, your subscribers can avail themselves of the option of watching an aired program that is of course subscriber-friendly. This is possible with seamless video CMS platform which helps in binge-viewing.

Key Features of IPTV For Starting a Business

Let’s take a look at the most prominent features of IPTV and how it adds value to the end-user.

  • Personalization

One of the most prominent benefits of IPTV is that it allows for personalization when it comes to watching video content on television.

  • Content Availability

IPTV servers allow service providers to store a wide range of content on the bandwidth which can be delivered to the user on their request.

  • Multi-device Support

You can watch video content on multiple devices including TV, smartphones, laptop, PCs, etc. There is no limitation on where you can watch your shows.

  • Dynamic

The IPTV services are very dynamic and allow the users to enjoy a wide range of things including live IPTV, interactive games, HDTV, etc.

IPTV might seem like a recent development but you will be surprised to know that the first-ever IPTV broadcast was done in the year 1994 with ABC’s ‘World News Now’.

It has surely evolved a lot since then but it wasn’t the first choice at the time since the internet was a recent phenomenon. Over the past two decades, the shift in consumer preference towards video on demand and OTT streaming services has led to increased adoption of this technology.

With the availability of numerous OTT services providers, you don’t have to dwell upon how to start an IPTV business. The availability of custom IPTV apps further adds to the consumer experience quotient.

The emergence and rise of OTT have posed a major challenge for Firestick IPTV services that they are handling by offering better options to the users when it comes to conveniently watching video content.

One of the biggest advantages that IPTV has over OTT is its ease of use, it doesn’t have a steep learning curve and anyone can easily access the content.

Moreover, the world’s best online video platforms providers in the streaming industry can help you to start an OTT business to have a better level of understanding as to how it works and which subscriptions to choose based on their valuable content.

The year 2015 was a game-changer for IPTV as it saw an aggregate increase of 23% between 2015 and 2018.

Its subscriber base had surpassed the number of cable and satellite television users.

As per the current estimates for 2021, the IPTV audience will grow to over 32.5 million homes and the revenue will touch a staggering 5.55 billion USD mark.

The growth trend seems to be favorable for those who want to start an IPTV business in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

1. How To Start An IPTV Business?

If you want to start an IPTV business then, the most necessary check that is required is if you have a bulk inventory of entertaining assets, added to a branded platform. Since firestick IPTV services are now available in plenty it is important to see if they are rightly set up just in the right comprehensive way, proving it to be the lucrative means of profitability.

2. What Are The Things To Consider While Starting An IPTV Services?

When you look into acquiring information on what kind of necessary things are required to set up an engaging IPTV business you should make sure that the source of content (either headend or terrestrial) is live streaming. Then making sure a complete middleware solution comes into primary factor, app integration can grab more audience to target.

3. What Are The Ways To Generate Revenue From The IPTV Platform?

The best ways to start generating high revenue from your own IPTV services is through SVOD, TVOD, and AVOD monetization models that can help you to have your user base engaged at all times & increase the value of your priceless content streamed online.

Vijay Amirtham

Blogger & OTT Expert at VPlayed. Interested in digging deep into video streaming media tools, and Love to blog, discuss and share views on the legal OTT app development' & latest technologies tips, and tricks. He's also passionate about photography loves to capture the pure essence of life.

54 Comments

  1. Oliver says:

    Great informative article about IPTV & its works with its proper details thanks for the update.

  2. James says:

    How much does its cost to start a IPTV services with customized features, hosting support? Send me the mail with complete quotes

  3. Lucas says:

    I am looking for the supportive service to launch a IPTV business for our company in the specific country zones. We are competitive with niche based IPTV business to acquire more audience for our channels.

  4. Chantal says:

    I want to start own iptv service for mutli device platform. It contains affiliate channels to stream variety of content fromvarious genre for our audience in USA. Need your support on this.

  5. Linda says:

    We are looking for a technology partner in establishing and starting a regional IPTV service in Europe. We need a partner who delivers the technical support, live streaming, monetization. Would you enlighten us, which possibilities your service enables us to stream our content? And how we would start such a project, if we decide partnering with you.

  6. Dennis says:

    Good morning, I am working on offering an IPTV reselling service for some clients. Now planning to start our own IPTV business using content from thid party resellers and content providers. We want to integrate licensed video content as well as have the ability stream across the device.

  7. Jeffrey says:

    Need to build iptv service with streaming 5000+ contents across the devices in USA, So need some relevant information on IPTV business strategies and tech support.

  8. Mark says:

    Hey, We are planning to start own iptv service to stream our contents across the channels, and try to get additional source. Kindly suggest a IPTV business ideas to become more successful.

  9. Jeroen says:

    I would like to start iptv business with inbuilt streaming functionality and revenue options as per our convenience. We need a service that provides better security in terms of preventing viewers from screen recording while viewing content or including a watermark with payment gateways.

  10. Johannes says:

    We have an application for our broadcasting station – and we have exclusive streaming rights for sports events in USA, that we have been selling access to. We are looking to evolve our video presence through iptv business. We are new to this industry, Can you guide us on how to start iptv business with end to end service queries. Thanks

  11. Emmett says:

    Hi, we are looking to engage with a white labeled provider to start our own IPTV business for multi channel distribution platform. Please get in touch if this is something you can help us with.

  12. Eloise says:

    How much does it cost to start an IPTV business with its supporting devices like Amazon Firestick, IPTV Box, Smart TV, IOS Devices Android TV, and Tablet, iOS, PC, Windows, MacBook, etc.

  13. Dylan says:

    Hey Team, How YouTuber can enter into the IPTV stream business, Need information on what is IPTV and how IPTV works on streaming devices and how to start iptv business?

  14. Jack Steward says:

    Hey guys, We are US based company with 2000+ video based contents with our streamers. Now we are planned to start IPTV service for the content distribution across the channel that will allow our costumers to choose and change content as per the requirement.

  15. Zyan Maro says:

    I introduce myself. I am Zyan, production manager of French TV, We are interested to start IPTV business, Need yours ervices and your projects, and we would like to know more about it. Would it be possible to be contacted by you, and to talk with an operator in French? We thank you in advance, and we look forward to your kind reply. Best regards,

  16. Nova William says:

    Hey Team, Our Goal is to start IPTV business for our venture, That would be shared by multiple stakeholders who all contribute content and benefit from viewers. Not sure what the cost is for each channel and need to understand fixed and variable costs depending on viewership etc.

  17. Grace says:

    I’m looking to start an iptv business. I am in the process of sourcing funding and need an app for presentations. Need experts suggestion on how to start your own iptv service with revenue support?

  18. Alice Wade says:

    I am new to this industry wan to know about what is IPTV and how its work on various devices. Need detailed view on IPTV and how to start iptv business?

  19. Atticus says:

    I want to try out a demo of your IPTV. Need some detailed Info about what is IPTV & its working strategies, So its easy for us to know about and helpful to kickstart a start IPTV business from the scratch.

  20. Meryem Rai says:

    Great explanation about what is IPTV services with its end-to-end features and strategies. We Are looking to optimize it with features, Is it possible to customize our IPTV services with these integrations?

  21. Yasmin says:

    Hello, We’ve been starting an IPTV business for streaming movies like Netflix. We will have many users who will register and subscribe to watch movies and TV shows on the Internet. So what we need now is legal content – movies, shows, etc., so that our users can watch it online on our website/app and pay us on a subscription model. It must be capable to stream on multi-languages. In general, it can be thousands of different users every day. Is it possible to start IPTV for us? Thanks Advance

  22. Joseph says:

    We are ready to launch IPTV business in the Canada. Already in discussion with the content owners for the syndication also we create unique content to stream in our channels. Need experts view on how to start IPTV business with end to end streaming capabilities and what are ways to monetize it.

  23. Iranika says:

    I want to become a legal IPTV provider in the USA, What are the things needed from my end to get start it?

  24. Helen says:

    Hi, I want to setup IPTV business in Europe, Need some relevant details on this and cost of setting up an IPTV with hosting, and delivery support. Also share with the features to make it more successful. Kindly let me have a demo.

  25. Vinetha says:

    We are in the process of starting iptv business in our region.. Would you please guide me through your processes and requirements including your plan pricing structures from stand to enterprise packages. Thanks

  26. Alan Danish says:

    Hello Team, We would like to start IPTV business in USA and Canada region. It must be able to support varieties of channel for our audience. Able to monetize it with subscription model. Need some details to start successful IPTV services. Can you helps us? Thanks Advance

  27. Edwin Allen says:

    Can you please help us to start IPTV service right from the scratch for our hospitality business?

  28. Scott Lopez says:

    Thanks for the complete guide on “how to start iptv business”

  29. Jewel Lyod says:

    What is the procedure to become a IPTV reseller or way to start a IPTV business and how to make money with it?

  30. Arail Atkins says:

    As a IPTV service provider, How much money can i make?

  31. Mariel Donald says:

    Is starting a IPTV service in Europe is legal? Or what is procedure to become a legal service provider?

  32. Ryan Renold says:

    What are the possible ways to start an iptv business in Canada with advanced features like security, CDN and more.

  33. Sunisa Lee says:

    How much i have to invest to start iptv service in USA?

  34. Collier says:

    Hey we want to start our own IPTV service right from the scratch? Can you guide us to become a perfect service provider in our region? Thanks

  35. Stewart Johnson says:

    How to become more successful in IPTV business? Any suggestion for this

  36. Britney Jack says:

    Looks very professional one from the IPTV industry experts, Keep it up team

  37. Saquon says:

    Is it possible to create an iptv app along with websites customized with common features to showcase in the iptv service

  38. Brees Mack says:

    Do you have a multiple hosting possibilities for the iptv services? Which one is better for the geo specific targeted region.

  39. Rodgers says:

    Hey, We are planning to launch a iptv business in the US region. Want to know about your support and suggestion on this

    1. Hi Rodgers… You can get an idea of how you can target IPTV services in certain regions & what steps are required to start an IPTV business

  40. Barkley says:

    What are essential things needed to start an iptv business right from the scratch

    1. Some of the mainstay features & keen functionalities that are important for you to make your IPTV service from scratch are 100% customizability, self-hosting with zero coding involved, end-to-end DRM encryption, Video CMS, Whitelabel your offerings, adaptable deployment options, and much more. We can help you to unveil those in 3-5 working weeks…

  41. Brady says:

    Better guide on starting a iptv service with complete support. It will be useful for the streaming business owners.

    1. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. To start with it will be useful for media broadcasters, telecommunication companies, streaming business owners and many more as the trend of IPTV has given an opportunity to stream content in a variety which is being cherished by all kinds of audience

  42. Patrick says:

    Hey, Can you please update on what is the procedure to start IPTV service for the broadcasting business?

  43. Aaron Rodgers says:

    Hey Already we have IPTV channel for streaming business with initial set of options. Now planned to change our IPTV services with advanced features like global platform and multi device support. Can you make this to next step for further discussions.

  44. Ezekiel Elliott says:

    Hello Team, We are one of the best content provider in the entertainment sector and monetize our content using YouTube and websites. Now planned to start IPTV services to offer free and premium content to our audience with advertisement & subscription strategy. Need solution on this. Thanks

  45. Tom Brady says:

    Can you please update me the end to end procedure to start an IPTV business with inbuilt features and highly secured techniques.

    1. Sure, Tom.. Thanks for reaching out! To give a personalized solution for starting your IPTV platform, you can share your project details with us in the contact us form. Once done, we can connect for further discussion to develop the same.

  46. Patrick Mahomes says:

    Really interesting to know about the IPTV and its working strategy. It will be easy to understand for content owners and broadcaster to start IPTV services easily. Kudos

    1. Thank you very much for your valuable feedback, Patrick! Stay connected with us for upcoming blog posts outlining the nuances of IPTV.

  47. Amelia Luca says:

    Informative One, Can you integrate our IPTV software to support both live tv and vod with inbuilt functionalities listed over here. We need to monetize it right solution model. Please suggest us some idea on this

  48. Simon Paul says:

    This is Simon from California, Our company planned to launch IPTV App for our business. It will be hosting on our own premises with limited scale and easy to manage, the market measure the performance of our IPTV services with the integrated tools. Need to discuss more, Can you please schedule a call to kickstart our project. Thanks!

    1. Yeah sure, Simon! Thanks for getting back to us with your niche needs… You can have all the details with our streaming experts & also get a fair business idea execution by checking our request demo page to own a comprehensive solution now.

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