Over-the-top media service

An over-the-top media service (also known as over-the-top television, or simply OTT) is a digital distribution service offered directly to viewers via the public Internet, rather than through an over-the-air, cable, or satellite-based provider.^[1][2] The term is synonymous with "streaming platform", such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video^[3][4][5] which provide access to subscription-based film and television content (SVoD).^[2][6]

OTT bypasses cable, broadcast, and satellite television platforms—the media through which companies have traditionally acted as controllers or distributors of such content. This content may include shows and movies for which the OTT acquired licensed rights from the content owner. Programming may also include original content produced by the service or specifically for it.^[7][8][9] OTT services also include a range of "skinny" television offerings by streaming platforms, such as Sling TV and Hulu with Live TV, that provide live streams of specialty channels.^[10][11][12]

OTT content is delivered via the public Internet instead of a closed, private network system that uses exclusive equipment like set-top boxes,^[13] which is typically the case with IPTV services (such as U-verse TV).^{[citation needed]}

OTT services are typically accessed via television sets with integrated Smart TV platforms,^[14] streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV and Roku, video game consoles, websites on personal computers, and apps on smartphones and tablets.^[3][1]