All content should be localized to ensure a satisfactory experience for users in different regions. The other is that localization should only apply to popular or necessary content in a given region.
Creating a compelling content strategy for online video platforms is challenging. One of the most important aspects to consider when building your own OTT platform is localizing your content to resonate with viewers in every country.
You may want to localize your content for two reasons:
- because of the media and internet laws, and
- you want to expand your market.
Content localization is most commonly associated with web content, but it also applies to other platforms. Content globalization and localization are critical elements of a successful OTT strategy in the online video world.
Video content localization is a must for OTT platforms. It helps to have your content translated into the language of your users, and it also improves brand exposure.
Localization strategies for OTT platforms are fundamental to reaching the maximum number of consumers.
As the OTT market grows, platforms want to understand the languages and markets users are interested in.
There are a few strategies for localization that can be useful for OTT platforms. First, you should localize your content based on language and culture.
- Developing a strong, localized brand
- Improving customer experience by using local language and dialects
- Creating content for different time zones
- Using local programming to increase viewership
- Translate the content into a different language
- Localize the content to fit cultural norms in that region
- Subtitle with local languages
- Use voice recognition technology to subtitle with regional languages
- Make sure you have the right rights to use it
- Ensure that your subtitles are accurate and translated correctly
- Include a language selector in the player so that users can choose their preferred language
- Offer a customer service chat that is available in multiple languages
- Include closed captions on all video content
- Localize the content for your target language and cultural preferences
- Adapt to regional standards of dress, food, and architecture
- Make sure all text is translated into the appropriate script or alphabet
- Understand the differences in cultural content preferences
- Adapt your content to fit different cultures and languages
- Localize all of your metadata, including descriptions and keywords
- Localize the audio and make sure it matches what is being said on screen
- Choose a language that is appropriate to the market you are targeting, such as Spanish or Portuguese in Latin America
- Include multiple languages when available
- Provide information about local channels, TV schedules, and broadcast times on your website or social media pages
Content Localization Checklist for OTT Platforms
- Review your target audience and make sure the localized content speaks to them in their language and with their cultural sensibilities
- Use translators who are familiar with both the source and target cultures to ensure accuracy of the translation
- Make sure all localized content is proofread for errors before publishing
- Pay attention to detail when localizing images, videos, and other multimedia content
- Keep track of changes in cultural norms so that your localized content remains relevant over time
- Regularly audit your localization efforts to ensure quality control
- Research the target audience and their cultural preferences
- Translate all content into the target language(s)
- Adapt tone of voice to match cultural preferences
- Localize images and videos for local audiences
- Proofread all translated content for accuracy
- Adapt tone of voice to match cultural preferences
- Hire a team of local translators and copywriters to ensure accuracy
- Upload all translated content to the relevant platforms
- Monitor feedback from viewers and make necessary adjustments
- Research the target audience and their cultural preferences
- Check for accuracy and cultural appropriateness
- Edit, proofread, and quality control all translated content
- Adapt marketing materials to reflect local customs and preferences
- Translate website content, including menus and user instructions
- Localize search engine optimization (SEO) strategies
- Manage customer service in the local language
- Test your localized content on a small sample of users
- Translate all your content into the target language
- Make sure all translations are accurate and error-free
- Create custom marketing materials for local audiences
- Monitor feedback from local users and make changes accordingly
- Proofread all translations for accuracy
- Test localized content on a small scale before rolling out to a larger audience
- Regularly update translations as needed
- Adapt tone of voice to match the target market
- Hire a team of translators and localization experts who understand both the source and target markets.
Conclusion:
As we’ve seen, localization is key for any OTT platform looking to expand its reach into new markets.
By tailoring your content and marketing strategy to the cultural context of each region you enter, you can create a successful and engaging user experience that will keep people coming back for more.
At ReelnReel, we have years of experience helping companies like yours launch and promote their OTT services worldwide.
Contact us to learn about our consulting services and how we can help you take your business global.
