Managing large data clusters in digital media formats requires precision and proper segregation. The probability of a file getting lost in the shuffle or even overridden with multiple edits due to uncontrolled version upgradation is higher.

What will be the solution to these problems? The answer is Media Asset Management.

In this blog, we’ll explore what Media Asset Management is, how it differs from Digital Asset Management (DAM), its core features, benefits for OTT platforms, and why it’s crucial in today’s digital-first world.

What is Media Asset Management (MaM)?

Media Asset Management, or MaM, is a program/ technology used extensively in managing, storing, and distributing digital media data assets like video and audio. With MaM in place, organisations have ease of operation while managing/working with digital assets, right from the creation of the product to the eventual distribution of the final copy.  

MaM differs largely from what a conventional storage system incorporates. The ease of workflow, easier distribution of data, and safeguarding of digital assets are improvised under the program.

A MaM tool's intrinsic value is ensuring a complete and comprehensive lifecycle journey for media content produced by an agency. The step-by-step coherent procedures combine protected data that would eventually be distributed according to the producer's rights.

Key Benefits:

• Smart categorization using metadata

• High-speed retrieval with filters & tags

• Role-based access controls

• Collaborative workflows for teams

 Why is MaM Important in the OTT Industry?

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, there has been a surge in demand for OTT series/movies, which is growing fast. Industries and makers required a comprehensive tool such as MaM to ensure the agile process of developing, editing, and distributing media content became streamlined. 

This was apparent with small and medium-level OTT developers, who had limited access to human resources and bandwidth to follow up. With Media Asset Management, editors and developers have a digital display board conveying tasks. This shift in digitalisation has opened up, and over 60% of media companies are either interested in or have implemented MaM programs today.

The OTT video market’s exponential growth has led to much desire. With an estimated 5 billion users enrolling exclusively in the OTT market globally by 2029, Media Asset Management has become an integral part of the growth today.

Features of Media Asset Management

Media Asset Management is a customised program that embeds essential features and boosts the efficient handling of media libraries. 

Here are some notable features of MaM:

1. Easy Storage and Organisation

Media files are often stored and organised with enhanced security and systematic sorting. Users can use the tool to sort files according to their types and attributes. This, in the long term, makes it easier for any recognised user to find one or more files from a large cluster of files without wasting productive time. The presence of advanced search engines assures accurate results.

2. Collaboration made easy

Media Asset Management is a useful tool that creates a comprehensive journey footprint for digital media production. This means it's easier for a production company to seamlessly share and collaborate files and data with a concerned team. This feature has been particularly useful for creative teams working on remote projects. Thanks to collaboration, it's easy to share, attain feedback, and take important creative calls.

3. Helps in Scalability

Scaling digital media helps the concerned user manage, edit, and process large numbers of data files as the company expands. The MaM solution tools organise from a single channel source to multi-broadcasting levels. In addition, the content produced can be easily searched and distributed.

4. Version Upgrade

The Media Asset Management interface is designed with impeccable media version control embedded. This allows it to locate a specific frequently updated file and reduces the chance of overriding. In addition, MaM solutions offer a clear differentiation of updated assets and even allow users to revert to a previous edition (if required). Ultimately, file management for an updated file remains an easy task.

5. Cost Effective

Media Asset Management is a one-stop interface for handling multiple levels of media file management. What’s more, even with a massive data library, the files are segmented systematically, which in turn reduces time and saves money. The streamlined workflows ensure better organisation and reduce pointless duplication of files.

Benefits of Using MaM for OTT Platforms

OTT players have risen in the last few years thanks to several platform providers and upgraded media asset management platforms. The leverage each platform offers makes it viable for even small-time production houses to streamline their content and distribute it across the vast OTT market. 

Apart from these, here are a few reasons why an OTT platform would primarily benefit from MaM:

1. Easy Cloud Integration

The entirety of the files and the media asset management interface come in a cloud storage premise. Therefore, any authorised personnel can use these files anywhere across the globe on any device of their choice. The one-stop stage is why the interface is both cost-effective and easy to scale.

2. Clutter-free Organization or Media Assets

Did you know that over 80% of employees had to recreate missing or overridden data simply because they couldn’t locate a file cluttered amidst hundreds of similar-looking files? The problem is solved comprehensively with media asset management, which addresses the issue of segmentation of a clutter-free media asset.

3. Simplifies Data Collection via 3rd Party Tools

Analytics is key for any organisation to strategise and eventually scale its products on any platform. The OTT video segment is no different, and by using media asset management software, the process of collecting and analysing data becomes easier. With the integration of third-party tools, the concerned authorities can track and analyse what’s working or not from the consumer's point of view.

4. Supreme Security

Lastly, the media asset management cloud is a safe and secure interface. The platform is transparent for authorised users and ensures there are no discrepancies or loss of any crucial data.

What is the difference between DaM and MaM?

Much like Media Asset Management software, there is the popular Digital Asset Management (DaM). Although both software interfaces have similarities in the broader context, crucial differences still make each have their USPs. 

For instance,

• Digital Asset Management (DaM) is a larger system that can handle all types of digital content, right from image media files to documents and even presentations.
• Media Asset Management (MaM) exclusively handles media assets such as audio, video and broadcasting materials. A MaM deals in crucial systems that ease editing options and scalability on advanced video broadcasting.

Conclusion

Media Asset Management has been a transformative force in the OTT industry for a while now. Its credibility and ease of use have led many small to big-time players to adopt the software to their advantage and eye for scaling in no time. Moreover, the platform facilitates a clutter-free interface and reduces operational costs, two things that play a huge role in upping the ante for an OTT production house.

Are you planning to dip your toes with a reliable Media Asset Management platform? Enveu has become the talk of the town, providing supreme security and hosting a flexible MaM platform today. Have a word with the people behind the scenes at Enveu, and make your OTT production journey sail smoothly.

FAQs