[#10] OTT from the Beach

Welcome to the 10th edition of "OTT from the Beach" – where we bring you the latest waves in the OTT industry, all with a touch of sunshine from our Gran Canaria base!

Whether you're an OTT enthusiast, a media, sports, or entertainment executive, a tech sales pro in streaming, or simply supporting 2Coders, this newsletter is tailored for you.

As a subscriber, you deserve the best, and we're excited to share the most relevant OTT insights, company highlights, and exclusive content with you every month.

Let's dive in!

Key Highlights

• Full Steam Ahead in Sports Innovation
• Apple and Amazon’s Surprising Partnership
• Bringing Fans Closer, One Interaction at a Time

Full Steam Ahead in Sports Innovation

This month, our innovation lab is all about taking sports streaming to the next level. Our new features are designed to make every moment count, with options for fans to dive deeper into their favorite games. Check out a preview of what we’ve been working on—exciting updates are coming soon!

Event Check-In: What’s on Your Radar for November?

November is shaping up to be an exciting month with industry gatherings like the SportsPro event in Madrid! We’d love to know: what’s on your calendar? Let us know what events you’re attending and what you’re looking forward to!

Apple and Amazon’s Surprising Partnership

In an unexpected move, 苹果 has partnered with Amazon to bring Apple TV + to Prime Video Channels, signaling a big shift in strategy. At first glance, the partnership looks like a win-win for both companies, broadening Apple’s reach and tapping into Amazon’s vast user base. But it also hints at a missed opportunity. Apple had all the elements to become a key player in the streaming world, especially with its sleek Apple TV interface and powerful brand, yet it seems content choices and hardware exclusivity have held them back from becoming a true streaming aggregator. Rather than leading the way, Apple now finds itself as just another channel in Amazon’s extensive lineup.

For Apple, this could have been a chance to dominate the TV OS landscape and create a seamless experience for navigating content from different platforms. Instead, by positioning itself within Amazon’s ecosystem, Apple faces the risk of becoming dependent on a competitor’s reach and terms. This deal is a reminder of Amazon’s growing strength as a streaming aggregator—and of the caution other companies might need when partnering with such powerful platforms. It’s a strategic play for the short term, but for Apple, one can’t help but wonder what could have been had they taken a more ambitious route.

Playa de Güi Güi

Playa de Güi Güi is a secluded paradise on the west coast of Gran Canaria, ideal for those looking for an adventurous beach experience away from the crowds. Known for its pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliff surroundings, this hidden gem is accessible only by boat or a challenging hike through the mountainous landscape, making it a true retreat for nature enthusiasts.

The effort to reach Güi Güi is rewarded with breathtaking views, especially at sunset, as well as a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere. This beach offers a perfect escape for those wanting a unique and peaceful spot on the island.

Bringing Fans Closer, One Interaction at a Time

Today’s fans expect a journey that’s more than just game day—it’s an ongoing experience that ties together the excitement of the stadium with the convenience of a screen. As leagues and teams rethink their D2C strategies, the goal has shifted to creating memorable, interactive paths that keep fans engaged well beyond the final whistle. By embracing solutions that offer insights and customizable features, sports organizations can provide fans with something that feels personal, immersive, and effortlessly connected.

At our innovation lab, we’re constantly exploring these connections. With new capabilities, like dynamic player highlights, real-time stats, and fan community features, our platform Velvet Media is designed to support organizations looking to build this journey for their audiences. The potential to connect data-driven insights with interactive experiences doesn’t just enhance fan engagement—it deepens the relationship fans have with every play, every match, and every team update. It’s about creating a fan journey as dynamic as the sport itself, meeting supporters where they are, and bringing the game closer, one interaction at a time.

Did You Know Viewers Decide in Under 10 Seconds?

Studies show that viewers decide in just 8-10 seconds whether to keep watching a show or skip to something else. This split-second choice makes recommendations, previews, and thumbnails essential for OTT platforms. Capturing attention fast has become an art—and the difference between a hit show and a hidden gem!

Additional literature for this month ;)

Podcast: Strictly Business

Article: Live events and channel launches push sports FAST viewership up by 150%

Linkedin: Parrot Perspective by Parrot Analytics

Thank you for catching the latest waves with us in this month’s newsletter! We’re thrilled to have you along as we explore the dynamic world of OTT and streaming. If you found something valuable or just enjoyed this edition, why not share it with friends or colleagues who’d love to join the journey? We’re already excited about what’s coming next—new trends, fun facts, and expert perspectives to keep you in the loop. Until then, happy streaming, and see you in next month’s edition!