Top 12 User-Friendly Features for Your Streaming Platform

The popularity of streaming platforms continues to rise, driven by growing demand for on-demand access, personalised experiences, and high-quality video content. Whether it’s binge-watching a series, following live events, or discovering niche productions, users expect more than just a video player – they expect a seamless, flexible, and intuitive experience across all their devices.

With more competitors entering the market and user expectations evolving rapidly, it’s crucial to understand what makes a streaming service stand out. From usability and performance to customisation and privacy, the right feature set can make or break your platform.

So what exactly do users want? Here’s a comprehensive list of the most important features your streaming platform should offer to meet user needs and stay competitive.

What features users are looking for in streaming platforms?

Users are demanding when it comes to watching their favorite content. The days when the viewers would sit down in front of the TV at a specific time and day are long over. Now, with the fast-paced world, changing work environment, and mobile lifestyle, viewers want to have control over how they watch content.

With the increasing use of mobile devices, ensuring that your streaming platform is optimised for mobile can significantly enhance user experience and engagement.

And you can give them full flexibility, you need to fit into their needs. What features should your streaming platform have to attract people? Take a look at the list of must-have qualities.

1. User-friendly interface

Did you know that 70% of users abandon purchases due to poor user experience? A complex or outdated interface will drive potential subscribers straight to your competitors. In fact, 91% of users leave frustrated platforms, and 13% of them tell 15 or more people about it.

A clean, intuitive layout with minimal clicks to content is essential. Consider hiring experienced UX/UI specialists or working with a professional software development partner like Spyrosoft BSG, which builds cross-platform TV applications and streaming backends tailored to broadcasters, content providers, and OTT companies.

2. High-level security and data protection

Security isn’t optional – it’s expected. With rising cyber threats, your streaming platform must protect user data and content.

Use secure cloud servers (e.g., AWS), implement SSL certificates, and apply strong encryption protocols. Build user trust with transparent privacy settings and secure payment gateways.

3. Video Content Management

Content management system (CMS) is a must-have for every streaming platform. Not only does it help to categorise all content and create an organised environment for all the movies you offer, but also makes it easy for viewers to navigate within the system.

Video content management system will allow people to create a personalised library, discover new content, and quickly access their favourites.

Some of the most common functionalities of CMS you can find among competitors include categories, tags, quick search, user-friendly and intuitive navigation, ratings and comments, voice search, and many more.

4. Personalisation and customisation options

Modern viewers want platforms that adapt to their habits. Offer features like:

• Playback speed control
• Subtitle and dubbing options
• Picture-in-picture mode
• Theme and layout adjustments
• AI-powered content recommendations

While personalisation is powerful, simplicity is key – ensure that even the least tech-savvy users can navigate your platform with ease.

5. Third-party API integration

API (Application Programming Interface) lets users personalise their experience even more. They can connect other tools and programs they like to use to customise their settings.

People can use custom-built tools or third-party applications to extend existing apps and run them with no effort.

Additionally, API enables better connectivity with other devices, quick sync across multiple platforms and devices that work well with streaming services.

6. Multi-device compatibility

Users expect their content to work on smart TVs, game consoles, mobile devices, tablets, laptops, and even in-car systems. Use HTML5 players, ensure adaptive bitrate streaming, and test performance across various screen sizes and operating systems.

Compatibility is no longer a bonus – it’s a basic requirement for any modern OTT or streaming service.

7. Offline viewing

Today’s viewers want variety. A competitive platform should offer:

• Local and global productions
• Multiple languages
• Content for all age groups
• Genres ranging from blockbuster films to indie gems, documentaries, kids’ shows, and live events

Use CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) to ensure fast, reliable playback across geographic locations.

8. Rich and diverse global content

A strong streaming platform caters to a global audience with diverse tastes. Don’t limit your library to one language, culture, or region.

What to include:

• International productions

• Subtitled and dubbed versions

• Documentaries, indie films, children’s content, and niche genres

Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to ensure fast and stable streaming worldwide. CDNs store content in distributed servers to minimise latency and improve quality.

9. Data usage settings

Because apps these days are often data-hungry, many users decide to limit data usage. People do it to save money on buying yet another data package, others to boost the performance of their devices.

But undoubtedly, data usage settings will help users control how much data they can use and monitor it.

It’s also a good idea to let people download content so they can watch it later offline.

10. Parental controls

Let’s not forget that many viewers are children. And not every type of content is appropriate for the younger audience.

That’s where parental control comes in handy. With this feature, parents can control content that’s available to children and ensure the safety of the little ones.

11. Flexible pricing plans

Not all users want the same thing. Consider offering:

• Tiered subscriptions based on video quality or content access
• Pay-as-you-go models
• Free trials for new users
• Ad-supported free plans with premium upgrades

Let users choose the level of commitment and features they’re comfortable with.

12. Regular updates and feature improvements

To offer a high user experience, you can’t sit on laurels. It’s important to keep up with the times and adjust to changes, especially that the competition doesn’t sleep.

Watch your competitors. What do they have that you don’t? Maybe there’s something you can offer your users that the competition can’t?

Ask your users for opinion, ask people to subscribe for beta testing, create user-friendly forms or watch user behaviour.

Final thoughts: build for users, not just for tech

Whether you’re launching a video-on-demand service, an OTT platform, or a niche streaming app, the features you offer will define your success. A modern streaming platform must combine usability, performance, personalisation, and security to attract and retain subscribers.

Don’t try to build everything alone. Collaborate with experienced tech partners who specialise in streaming solutions, backend development, and cross-platform apps. That way, you can focus on delivering great content while your tech stack takes care of the rest.

Need help building or improving your streaming platform?
Contact us to talk to our experts and explore how we can support your product with custom development, multiscreen design, testing, and long-term support.