TVOD
TVOD (transactional video on demand) is a business model where viewers pay for individual titles, either to rent them for a limited time or to buy them to keep. Movie rentals on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video are common examples. There is no subscription: customers pay only for what they choose to watch.
Why it matters
TVOD earns the most per viewer for high-demand titles, without asking for a long-term commitment. It suits new releases, special events and niche content people will pay for once. The challenge is convincing viewers to pay again for every title.
What is the difference between renting and buying in TVOD?
Renting gives access for a limited time, often 48 hours after you start watching, while buying lets you keep watching for as long as the service offers the title. Rentals cost less. Purchases depend on the store's licenses, so they are not the same as owning a physical disc.
TVOD vs PVOD: what is the difference?
PVOD is a premium form of TVOD for new releases, often available while a movie is still in cinemas or shortly after. It costs more than a standard rental. Regular TVOD covers older titles at normal rental or purchase prices.
Is TVOD a good model for a niche video library?
TVOD can work well for a niche library when viewers want a few specific titles rather than ongoing access. For example, a filmmaker selling a documentary or a coach selling a single course can earn without building a subscription. If viewers want to watch often, a subscription usually fits better.
Where it's used
Film distributors and OTT services rent or sell new releases and premium titles. Microdrama apps sell single episodes, and event organizers sell access to concerts and replays.
