Enveu Media & OTT Glossary

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Glossary Term Video Streaming & Playback

Digital Rights Management (DRM)

Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a technology that protects video content from unauthorized access, copying, and redistribution across OTT and streaming platforms.

 

What is Digital Rights Management (DRM)?

Digital Rights Management (DRM) refers to security technologies used to control how digital video content is accessed, used, and shared. In OTT platforms, DRM ensures that only authorized users and approved devices can play protected content.

Why DRM is important in OTT platforms

DRM is essential for content owners, broadcasters, and streaming services because it:

  • Prevents video piracy and illegal downloads

  • Protects premium and licensed content

  • Enforces content usage rules defined by studios and rights holders

  • Enables secure monetization through subscriptions, rentals, and ads

Without DRM, video content can be easily copied or redistributed without permission.

How DRM works

A typical DRM workflow includes:

  • Encrypting video content before distribution

  • Using a license server to manage playback permissions

  • Verifying user entitlements during playback

  • Allowing decryption only on authorized devices

This entire process happens securely and transparently during video playback.

Common DRM technologies used in OTT

Most OTT platforms support multiple DRM systems to ensure cross-device compatibility:

  • Widevine – Used on Android devices, Chrome browsers, and many Smart TVs

  • FairPlay – Used on Apple devices such as iOS, tvOS, and Safari

  • PlayReady – Used on Windows devices and selected Smart TVs

Platforms often implement Multi-DRM to support all major ecosystems.

DRM in OTT workflows

In OTT platforms like Enveu, DRM integrates with:

  • Video players and playback SDKs

  • Content Management Systems (CMS)

  • Subscription and entitlement systems

  • Live and Video-on-Demand (VoD) delivery pipelines

This ensures secure playback across mobile apps, web platforms, Smart TVs, and connected devices.