{"id":12925,"date":"2013-01-02T11:43:32","date_gmt":"2013-01-02T11:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/over-the-top-application\/"},"modified":"2024-11-08T15:37:09","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T15:37:09","slug":"over-the-top-application","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/29145\/over-the-top-application-ott","title":{"rendered":"Over-the-Top Application (OTT)"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is an Over-the-Top Application (OTT)?<\/span><\/h2>\n

An over-the-top (OTT) application is any service that lets you stream content over the Internet<\/a> without going through traditional providers like cable or satellite TV. With OTT apps, you can watch videos, listen to music, and use messaging services directly through your Internet<\/a> connection without needing a TV subscription or phone service. Think of platforms like Netflix<\/a>, Spotify<\/a>, or WhatsApp \u2013 that’s OTT in action.<\/p>\n

The term “over-the-top” came about because these services bypassed the usual telecom<\/a> or TV providers. Back in the day, if you wanted to watch shows or movies, you had to rely on cable or satellite. But as the Internet got faster and devices<\/a> like smartphones<\/a> and smart TVs<\/a> became more common, it opened the door for companies to deliver content straight to you, no middleman required.<\/p>\n

OTT apps really took off in the early 2000s and have changed the way we all access entertainment and communication. Nowadays, they’re a major part of our everyday lives.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

\n

Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n