Origin Server
An origin server is the primary source that stores and serves video content before it is distributed via a CDN.
What is an Origin Server?
An origin server is the central system where video content is stored and managed before being delivered to viewers. In OTT platforms, it acts as the authoritative source from which CDNs fetch video segments when they are not already cached.
Why origin servers matter in OTT platforms
The performance and reliability of the origin server directly affect content availability and streaming stability. A poorly configured origin can lead to slow content delivery, playback failures, and increased load during traffic spikes.
How origin servers work in practice
When a viewer requests a video, the CDN first checks its edge cache. If the content is not available, the CDN retrieves it from the origin server, delivers it to the viewer, and stores it for future requests.
Where origin servers are used
Origin servers are used across live streaming, video-on-demand, and FAST workflows. They integrate with storage systems, encoding pipelines, and content management platforms to support OTT delivery at scale.