Chapter 1. The Impact of Video in an Increasingly Digital World
When watching videos online, consumers expect an ideal viewing experience. It doesn’t matter what device they’re watching from or where in the world they are; people now expect the kinds of uninterrupted experiences they get from companies that specialize in streaming video, like Netflix and YouTube. Developers realize that their videos are being judged against these high standards.
Meeting those ever-increasing expectations means dealing with a formidable array of complex challenges, regardless of whether your company and engineering team are experienced with video or newer to the space. Indeed, even the giants in this space contend with these challenges: as a Forbes magazine tech reporter found, the streaming quality of a Netflix movie varies depending on the viewer’s web browser and player. Every browser, app, and device renders and supports video files (such as MP4 files) slightly differently, affecting streaming quality.
Viewer experience has become ever more crucial as video has become an essential tool for businesses. The statistics bear this out: today, 86% of businesses use video for marketing—and a staggering 92% of them see it as an important part of their marketing strategy. Among consumers, one survey found that 84% rely on video to inform their purchasing decisions, while 96% watch video to increase their understanding of a product or service.
Video works because it is captivating and easy to absorb. ...