How AI is Transforming OTT Platforms

What is AI and Why Does It Matter?

The use of computers to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence is known as artificial intelligence (AI).

This comprises:
● Gaining knowledge from data
● Predicting
● Comprehending language
● Identifying trends

OTT platforms manage vast content collections and millions of consumers. They can better handle this complexity and enhance the user experience with the aid of AI.

AI Makes Recommendations Smarter

Recommending content is one of the main applications of AI in OTT.

Have you observed:
"Because XYZ was something you watched."
"The best choices for you"
"What's popular right now in your area"
● AI examines:
● What you view
● As you observe
● What you prefer or avoid
● How much time you spend watching
After that, it makes recommendations for shows and movies based on your preferences and those of millions of other users.
This helps you find new stuff without searching and keeps you interested.

AI Personalizes Your Experience

AI personalizes your entire streaming experience, not just recommendations.
For example:
● Different users in the same household get different suggestions.
● Thumbnails change to show characters you like.
● Some platforms suggest content based on your mood or time of day.
This makes streaming feel personal and relevant.

AI Improves Video Quality and Reduces Buffering

Streaming videos to millions of users worldwide is complex. AI helps by:
● Predicting peak times to adjust servers.
● Automatically changing video quality if your internet speed drops (adaptive streaming).
● Compressing videos without losing quality to save data.
This means:
● Less buffering
● Faster loading
● Better quality, even on slow networks

AI Helps You Search Better

When you search for “Tom Cruise action movie from the 90s,” AI understands what you mean.
AI in search:
● Understands keywords and context.
● Suggests results even if you type with spelling mistakes.
● Shows trending searches and similar titles.
This makes finding what you want quicker and easier.

AI Helps Create Better Content

OTT platforms also use AI behind the scenes to create and buy new content.
AI can:
● Analyze what types of shows are popular.
● Predict which actors or genres will do well.
● Even suggest scripts or story ideas.
This helps platforms invest in shows and movies people are likely to watch.

AI Translates and Adds Subtitles

Many OTT platforms stream global content. AI makes it easier to watch shows from other countries.
AI helps by:
● Translating dialogues automatically.
● Creating subtitles faster.
● Dubbing content into multiple languages.
This makes content accessible to people everywhere.

AI Helps With Marketing

OTT platforms use AI to send personalized emails, notifications, and ads.
For example:
● A reminder if you stopped watching a show halfway.
● A new season alert for your favorite series.
● Discounts or offers based on your viewing history.
This helps platforms keep users active and reduce cancellations.

AI Keeps Content Safe

AI also helps in content moderation and copyright protection.
AI can:
● Detects and blocks pirated content.
● Monitor live chats for harmful language.
● Identify and remove offensive scenes or thumbnails.
This keeps platforms family-friendly and protects creators’ rights.

Challenges of Using AI in OTT

While AI offers many benefits, there are also challenges:
● Privacy concerns: Platforms must protect user data.
● Bias: AI might recommend only popular shows, making it harder for new creators.
● Over-reliance: Too much automation can make the app feel less human.
OTT platforms are working to balance AI and human creativity