Frequently Asked Questions

BVOD refers to video content produced or owned by traditional TV broadcasters that is made available online on-demand. It typically includes catch-up shows, episodes, and sometimes exclusive digital content. Unlike subscription-only services, BVOD is often free for users and monetized via ads.

• AVOD (Ad-Supported Video On Demand) includes any free, ad-funded video content regardless of who produces it. BVOD is a subset of AVOD where the content comes from traditional broadcasters.

• SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand) charges users a recurring fee for ad-free access. BVOD typically does not.

• FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) usually refers to linear-style channels streamed for free with ads; BVOD is more about on-demand content from broadcasters.

• Brand-safe environments due to broadcaster-vetted content.

• Highly engaged viewers who intentionally choose content, often resulting in higher ad completion rates.

• Precise targeting using first-party data, geolocation, genre preferences, etc.

• Measurable ROI via real-time analytics and the ability to optimize campaigns.

Most BVOD services are free (ad-supported) for users. Some may also offer premium, subscription-based or ad-free tiers. The core of BVOD is that users can access broadcaster content without paying subscription fees in many cases.

Viewers can access BVOD on a variety of devices: smart TVs, connected TVs, mobile apps, tablets, web browsers, etc. The flexibility allows audiences to stream content across screens.

Essential features include dynamic or server-side ad insertion, first-party data for targeting, solid analytics (viewership, engagement, ad performance), cross-device and cross-platform delivery, multilingual/localization support when relevant, and brand safety controls.

Yes. Broadcasters can extend their linear TV services by offering catch-up content, exclusive digital shows, apps & websites, integrate ad-insertion technology, and leverage their content library. Vodlix, for example, supports BVOD-ready infrastructure for broadcasters.

Some of the emerging trends include:

• Programmatic BVOD buying (real-time bidding, private marketplaces).

• Addressable advertising (ads tailored at household or device level).

• Localised content and global expansion from broadcasters.

• Partnerships (e.g. retail media, data clean rooms) to improve targeting and reach.

Because BVOD content originates from established broadcasters (with editorial oversight, licensing requirements, regulated programming), advertisers using BVOD can avoid many of the risks associated with user-generated content platforms (misinformation, inappropriate content) and ensure their ads appear in a quality, trusted environment.

As viewership shifts from linear TV to on-demand streaming, BVOD offers a way to combine the credibility and audience loyalty of traditional broadcasters with the flexibility, targeting, and analytics of digital platforms. It helps broadcasters retain relevance and helps advertisers reach engaged audiences more effectively.

Catch-up TV is an IPTV feature that lets viewers watch programs that have already been broadcast on live TV, so they can catch up on shows or movies they missed without scheduling anything in advance.

The IPTV provider records live channels in real time and stores the content on a central server. Once a show has aired, it appears in the catch-up library for a limited window, where viewers can browse, select, and stream it on demand.

A DVR requires you to pre-schedule recordings and often needs dedicated hardware, while catch-up TV automatically stores all broadcasts on the provider's servers. All you need is an internet connection and a compatible device.

The availability window varies by provider, but aired content typically remains accessible for 7 to 30 days after the original broadcast.

Setup is straightforward: subscribe to an IPTV service that offers catch-up, install the provider's app on your device, log in, and browse the catch-up section to start watching.

Viewers get flexible, on-their-own-terms viewing with pause, rewind, and fast-forward controls, no pre-scheduling, and no extra hardware — just an internet connection and a supported device.

Catch-up TV improves audience retention by letting viewers watch programs after they air, extending the life of each broadcast and keeping audiences engaged with the channel's content.

Because IPTV is internet-based, catch-up TV works on a wide range of devices including smart TVs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, so viewers can watch on the go.

The main limitation is the availability window — programs expire after a set period, often 7 to 30 days. Content rights can also keep certain channels or shows out of the catch-up library.

Well-known services with catch-up functionality include Vodlix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Sky Go, each offering previously aired programming on demand.