Pay-per-view
Pay-per-view is a way of accessing audiovisual content in which viewers pay a one-off fee to watch a specific programme or event, without a full subscription
What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.
What it is and how it works
It is used mainly for sports broadcasts such as boxing or mixed martial arts, concerts and some film premieres. It began on cable and satellite television and is now also offered on streaming platforms, sometimes as an add-on to a subscription.
It was traditionally distinguished from video on demand in that the content is broadcast at a fixed time for all buyers, whereas with video on demand each person plays it whenever they like. Streaming has blurred that line, since many pay-per-view events can be watched later on catch-up.
Also known as
PPV
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