Glossary term

BVOD (Broadcast Video on Demand)

BVOD Meaning

BVOD (Broadcast Video on Demand) is a streaming service provided by traditional TV broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, or ABC) that allows viewers to watch TV shows, series, movies, and live events online after (or alongside) their original broadcast.

Unlike general VOD platforms (such as Netflix or Amazon Prime), BVOD platforms are directly tied to established TV channels.

Note: BVOD’s purpose was to give traditional broadcasters a way to stay competitive in the streaming era. It offered the same professional content people trust from TV, but with the convenience, personalization, and analytics of digital platforms.

How Does BVOD Work?

BVOD takes traditional TV content, prepares it for digital streaming, and delivers it through apps and websites. Lastly, it supports said content with targeted ads and viewer analytics.

Let’s break everything down into seven steps:

Step 1. Content Broadcast and Upload

Broadcasters air their shows on traditional TV and simultaneously upload them to their BVOD platform. This ensures audiences can access the same trusted programs online.

Step 2. Encoding and Streaming Preparation

The broadcaster’s system encodes the video into multiple versions with different bitrates and resolutions. This makes the content compatible with adaptive streaming, resulting in smooth playback on any device and network condition.

Step 3. Platform Access

Viewers open the broadcaster’s BVOD app or website, where they can browse live streams, catch-up programs, or exclusive digital-only content.

Step 4. Authentication and Personalization

Some BVOD services ask users to sign in or link their TV provider account. This allows the platform to personalize recommendations, apply parental controls, and deliver targeted ads.

Step 5. Ad Insertion and Monetization

Before or during playback, the platform inserts ads—often through Client-Side (CSAI) or Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI). These ads can be targeted based on viewer data, making them more effective than linear TV ads.

Step 6. Playback and Engagement

The video streams through adaptive protocols like HLS or MPEG-DASH. The player automatically adjusts quality, ensuring seamless playback across devices.

Step 7. Data Collection and Analytics

The BVOD platform tracks viewing habits like what’s watched, when, how long, and on which device. Broadcasters use this data to improve content, measure success, and refine their advertising strategies.

BVOD in Streaming

BVOD brought an innovation that merged the trust, reach, and quality of traditional broadcast TV with the flexibility of on-demand streaming.

Here’s what made BVOD innovative compared to linear TV and even early VOD:

• Catch-Up Television: Viewers no longer had to watch a show exactly when it aired. They could replay programs on their own schedule, directly from the broadcaster.
• Cross-Device Accessibility: Broadcast content became available not just on TV sets but also on mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.
• Advertising Evolution: BVOD introduced addressable and targeted advertising within trusted broadcast content, combining the reach of TV ads with the precision of digital ads.
• Extended Lifespan of Content: Shows that would usually disappear after a broadcast gained longer relevance, driving additional viewership and revenue streams.
• Stronger Audience Data: Unlike traditional TV ratings, BVOD gave broadcasters granular insights into who was watching, on what device, and at what time.
• Brand Continuity: Broadcasters retained their existing audiences and credibility while competing with global streaming services, creating a hybrid of “old” and “new” media.

Monetization with BVOD

BVOD monetizes primarily through advertising, but its innovation lies in addressable ads, hybrid revenue models, sponsorships, and extended content life. These allow broadcasters to compete with global streaming platforms while maximizing the value of their content.

Here are all the methods BVOD uses to monetize content:

1. Advertising (Primary Model)

Broadcasters monetize BVOD mainly through ads. Unlike linear TV, BVOD enables targeted advertising based on user data such as age, location, device, and viewing history. This makes ads more relevant and valuable. Ads can appear as pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll spots, just like in digital video platforms.

2. Addressable Advertising

With BVOD, broadcasters insert ads dynamically so that two viewers watching the same program might see completely different commercials. This addressable advertising blends the reach of television with the precision of digital campaigns, offering higher CPMs (cost per thousand impressions).

3. Hybrid Monetization

Some BVOD services introduce hybrid models. For example, users can watch for free with ads or pay for a premium ad-free experience. This provides broadcasters with two revenue streams—advertising and subscriptions—without losing either audience segment.

4. Sponsorships and Partnerships

Broadcasters also monetize BVOD through branded content, program sponsorships, and strategic partnerships. A brand might sponsor a show’s BVOD release, gaining exposure across both linear and on-demand platforms.

5. Extended Lifespan of Content

Because content stays available after broadcast, BVOD generates additional ad impressions and revenue long after a show’s TV slot has passed. This turns one-time broadcasts into long-tail revenue generators.

6. Data-Driven Value

Monetization improves through analytics. By tracking what viewers watch and when, broadcasters can price their ads more effectively, justify premium rates, and refine campaigns for advertisers.

Advantages of BVOD

Here is a table showing all the benefits that BVOD provides for both users and advertisers.

Aspect	Benefits for Users	Benefits for Advertisers
Flexibility	Watch anytime with catch-up and on-demand options	Run campaigns across live + on-demand content
Accessibility	Stream on any device, anywhere	Reach viewers beyond the TV screen
Cost	Free or low-cost compared to subscriptions	Lower entry costs than traditional broadcast TV ads
Content Quality	Trusted broadcaster shows and live channels	Brand-safe environment with premium content
Personalization	Tailored recommendations and viewing profiles	Targeted, addressable ads to the right audience
Engagement	Replay missed shows and binge at your own pace	Longer ad exposure as shows remain available after broadcast
Experience	Consistent quality streaming, often ad-supported	Detailed analytics for campaign performance and optimization
Relevance	Content aligned with local culture and region	Access to younger and digital-first audiences

BVOD in OTT

BVOD platforms (like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, ABC iview, 7plus) are OTT services created by traditional broadcasters. The distribution of shows online through apps and websites is making BVOD a part of OTT.

OTT refers to delivering video content over the internet without relying on traditional cable or satellite distribution. Services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, and even broadcaster apps fall under OTT.

Learn more about OTT here.

While all BVOD platforms fall under the OTT umbrella, they stand out because they combine the credibility and reach of traditional broadcast TV with the flexibility and personalization of modern streaming. Unlike global OTT services that build audiences purely online, BVOD leverages decades of broadcaster reputation, regulatory trust, and existing content rights. This unique position allows BVOD to deliver a brand-safe environment for advertisers, while offering audiences free, high-quality programming that feels familiar yet accessible across digital devices.

BVOD vs SVOD vs AVOD

BVOD = Broadcasters’ TV content streamed online, mostly free with ads and catch-up options.

SVOD = Paid streaming services offering unlimited, ad-free (or hybrid) access to premium content.

AVOD = Free streaming platforms fully funded by advertising.

Comparison Table

Aspect	BVOD	SVOD	AVOD
Content Source	TV broadcasters’ shows, catch-up, live streams, and extras	Licensed + original productions	Licensed content, classic titles, mixed catalogs
Access Model	Free with ads, sometimes hybrid (ads + subscription)	Paid monthly/annual subscription	Free access, fully ad-supported
Main Strength	Trusted broadcaster brand, regional relevance, catch-up convenience	Exclusive originals, global libraries, ad-free tiers	Free access, wide reach, large ad inventory
Monetization	Advertising + sometimes subscription upgrades	Subscription fees, sometimes ad tiers	Advertising only
Audience Targeting	Based on broadcaster audience data	Based on subscriber profiles and viewing behavior	Based on ad-tech targeting and scale
Examples	BBC iPlayer, ITVX, ABC iview	Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max	Pluto TV, Tubi, Freevee

BVOD Use Cases

Here are some real-life use cases of BVOD that show how broadcasters and viewers actually use it:

Catch-Up TV for Missed Episodes

A viewer misses the latest episode of a popular drama on ITV. Instead of waiting for a rerun, they open ITVX (UK) the next day and watch it instantly, complete with personalized ads.

Live Event Streaming

A sports fan wants to watch a football match but isn’t near a TV. They use BBC iPlayer or 7plus (Australia) on their phone to stream the game live. BVOD lets broadcasters extend live events across all devices.

Regional and Cultural Content

A family in Australia uses ABC iview to access children’s programs and documentaries tailored to their region. Geo-restrictions ensure only licensed audiences get access, while advertisers target local markets.

Hybrid Monetization

A viewer watches free episodes with ads on ITVX, but decides to upgrade to the paid “Premium” plan to skip ads and unlock extra shows. This hybrid model lets broadcasters earn from both ads and subscriptions.

Exclusive Digital Content

Channel 4’s All 4 (UK) offers behind-the-scenes clips and web-only shorts that never aired on linear TV. Viewers engage with the brand beyond broadcast, while advertisers sponsor bonus content.

Addressable Advertising

Two viewers stream the same show on BBC iPlayer—one sees a car ad, the other sees a travel ad. BVOD dynamically replaces commercials to match each person’s profile, creating more effective ad spend.

Long-Tail Revenue from Old Shows

Broadcasters upload classic series to their BVOD platforms. Viewers binge-watch old episodes years later, generating fresh ad revenue long after the original broadcast.