An Online Video Platform (OVP) is a comprehensive service that enables users to upload, convert, store, and play back video content across the Internet, serving as a fundamental infrastructure for digital media distribution. These platforms offer an end-to-end toolset for managing both video-on-demand and live content, encompassing features like encoding, delivery, custom players, and robust analytics, often operating under Software as a Service (SaaS), DIY, or user-generated content (UGC) models.

OVPs range from ready-made public platforms, such as YouTube, to customizable "white label" solutions designed for enterprise clients and broadcasters, which extend their reach through over-the-top (OTT) media services on various devices. They typically generate revenue through monthly subscriptions, incorporating advanced capabilities like detailed audience engagement analytics, video heat maps, and content protection (DRM), while utilizing industry-standard adaptive streaming protocols like HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) for efficient and dynamic content delivery.