Metaverse Explained: How Virtual and Augmented Reality Are Shaping the Future of Video Streaming

The way people watch videos is changing fast. Traditional “press play and watch” streaming is no longer enough, especially for Gen Z and digital-first audiences. This is where the Metaverse comes in.

The Metaverse combines virtual worlds, augmented experiences, real-time interaction, and digital economies. For video streaming platforms, this means one thing: viewers are no longer passive; they are participants.

From virtual concerts and 360° sports viewing to interactive movies and AR overlays, the Metaverse is redefining how content is created, delivered, and monetized.

The Metaverse is a shared digital environment where users can:

• Enter virtual spaces using VR headsets, mobiles, or desktops

• Interact with content and other users in real time

• Watch, attend, and experience the video instead of just consuming it

In streaming terms, the Metaverse blends:

• Video streaming

• Virtual Reality (VR)

• Augmented Reality (AR)

• Live interaction

• Digital assets and monetization

VR places the viewer inside the content.

Examples:

• Watching a football match from a virtual stadium seat

• Attending a live concert as an avatar

• Walking through a movie scene

AR enhances real-world viewing with digital layers.

Examples:

• Live stats over sports streams

• Interactive product try-ons during shoppable videos

• AR filters during live streams

Both VR and AR increase engagement, session time, and monetization potential for OTT platforms.

1. From Watching to Experiencing Content

Traditional OTT is linear. Metaverse streaming is immersive.

Viewers can:

• Choose camera angles

• Move inside virtual environments

• Interact with characters or hosts

Example:
Meta Horizon Worlds allows users to attend live comedy shows and events inside virtual spaces instead of watching flat videos.

2. Virtual Events and Concert Streaming

Live events are one of the biggest Metaverse use cases.

Platform Examples:

• Roblox hosted virtual concerts with millions of attendees

• Wave XR enables artists to perform as digital avatars

• Fortnite streamed immersive concerts featuring global artists

For OTT platforms, this opens doors to:

• Pay-per-view virtual events

• Premium access passes

• Digital merchandise sales

3. Interactive Storytelling and Choose-Your-Path Content

Metaverse streaming allows users to influence stories.

Examples:

• Branching narratives

• Interactive polls

• Real-time audience decisions

Netflix experimented with this using interactive content like Bandersnatch.
In the Metaverse, this becomes more advanced with 3D environments and avatar-based decisions.

4. Social Viewing and Community-Driven Streaming

In the Metaverse, viewers watch together.

Features include:

• Virtual watch parties

• Voice and text chat

• Shared reactions using avatars

Example:
Bigscreen VR lets users watch movies together in virtual theaters.

This social layer increases retention and repeat usage, which is critical for OTT growth.

5. New Monetization Models for OTT Platforms

Metaverse streaming unlocks revenue beyond subscriptions.

Monetization Opportunities

• Virtual tickets

• NFT-based access passes

• Branded virtual spaces

• In-experience ads

• Digital collectibles

This is especially valuable for platforms targeting creators and niche audiences.

Growth of Immersive Streaming Users (2022–2028)

Insight: Immersive and Metaverse-based streaming users are expected to grow 4x within six years, driven by affordable VR devices and 5G.

Revenue Share by Metaverse Streaming Models (2026 Projection)

Insight: One-time experiences and events will generate more revenue than traditional subscriptions.

OTT platforms that adapt early will:

• Capture younger audiences

• Differentiate from traditional streaming apps

• Unlock multiple revenue streams

• Increase user engagement and lifetime value

Waiting too long means losing viewers to interactive and immersive competitors.

Vodlix is built for the future of video streaming, making it easier for platforms to evolve toward immersive experiences.

With Vodlix, OTT businesses can:

• Manage live and on-demand content seamlessly

• Integrate interactive video experiences

• Enable flexible monetization models

• Scale infrastructure for high-engagement streaming

• Prepare for VR, AR, and Metaverse integrations

Vodlix’s modular architecture allows platforms to add immersive layers without disrupting existing users, making the transition smooth and future-proof.

• AI-powered virtual hosts and anchors

• Hyper-personalized virtual viewing environments

• AR commerce inside streaming apps

• Cross-platform Metaverse OTT experiences

• Creator-driven virtual worlds

OTT platforms will no longer compete only on content but on experience quality.

The Metaverse is not replacing video streaming, it is evolving it. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are transforming OTT platforms from passive libraries into interactive digital worlds.

For creators, brands, and OTT businesses, the opportunity is massive but only if the right technology is in place.

If you’re planning to build or upgrade a future-ready streaming platform that supports immersive experiences, flexible monetization, and scalable growth, it’s time to try Vodlix.
Vodlix empowers you to move from traditional streaming to the next era of Metaverse-ready OTT experiences—smoothly, securely, and at scale.