How Muvi’s Multi-DRM Architecture Works to Prevent Content Piracy

As a video streaming entrepreneur, one thing that you should dread is Piracy. Content piracy directly translates to lost revenue for your streaming platform. When users access content illegally instead of subscribing, streaming entrepreneurs like you miss out on subscription fees, which are crucial for funding content acquisition, production, and platform operation. 

Studies estimate that billions of dollars of revenue are lost annually due to piracy. And a massive matter of concern is that video content piracy is rising globally. IMB reported a 10% rise in piracy incidents in the first nine months of 2023 compared to 2022. And then there are hundreds of incidents that are not even reported!

So, as a video streaming entrepreneur, you MUST protect your content from piracy. And at Muvi, we understand your concern. That is why, content security has been our top priority since day one. We are very proud to say that we are amongst the safest video streaming SaaS providers in the world. 

In this blog, we will take you on a tour of our state-of-the-art security architecture powered by Multi-DRM, Audio DRM, Biometric Verification, and more… So, let’s get started!

All About Muvi’s Multi-DRM Architecture

DRM encryption is often considered the foundation of video content protection. This is because it makes unauthorized copying, distribution, or modification of video content significantly challenging. 

In case you want to know about how DRM works in detail, read our blog on Video DRM here. 

But strangely, built-in DRM is offered by only the top-tier streaming SaaS platforms. At Muvi, we have been offering robust built-in Multi-DRM security to our customers since day one. 

The technical workflow of our multi-DRM security architecture is depicted in the diagram below. 

Multi-DRM technically means that instead of supporting only one DRM provider, we support all the major DRM providers, to ensure that your content remains secured and protected across devices and platforms. 

DRM Providers Supported By Muvi

We took the initiative to support multiple DRMs because we noticed that specific devices and browsers support specific DRM encryptions. Some of the popular DRM systems and their supported devices and browsers are tabulated below.

That is why, to provide comprehensive DRM encryption to our customers, we support all three DRM providers, that is:

1. WideVine
2. PlayReady
3. Fairplay

How Muvi’s Multi-DRM Security Works

So we will look at the working of Muvi’s Multi-DRM security architecture from two perspectives, one during the uploading and encoding of videos into the Muvi CMS, and the second during the video playback by your end user. 

During Video Encoding – Content Encryption

So, when you first upload your raw videos, the video goes through encoding. During this stage, after encoding of videos, they are encrypted using algorithms and keys specific to each supported DRM system. This creates multiple versions of the encrypted content, each protected by a different DRM system.

The encrypted content along with licensing information for each DRM system are packaged together into a single file format, often using standards like MPEG-DASH or Common Media Application Format (CMAF).

During Video Playback – Content Decryption

Now, when your end users try to play the videos in the video player, or technically speaking, request the player for content playback, the player cannot immediately play the video. Because the video is already encrypted and needs to be decrypted first. 

So, the player instead sends a request to the DRM server. On receiving the request, the DRM server first identifies the device, and which DRM system it supports. This information is often obtained through browser or device fingerprinting techniques.

Based on this data, the server selects the appropriate DRM system and sends a license request to the corresponding DRM licensing server. Here, the DRM licensing server first verifies the user’s authorization. If the user verification is successful, a license token is generated by the license server. This license token contains the necessary decryption key(s) specific to the chosen DRM system.

On receiving the licence token which contains the necessary keys, the video player can decrypt and play the content. 

The entire decryption process has been depicted in the flowchart given below. 

Key Benefits of Muvi’s Multi-DRM Architecture

Some of the key benefits of Muvi’s Multi-DRM Architecture are as follows:

• Enhanced Content Security: The use of multiple DRM systems adds an additional layer of security, making it more challenging to circumvent content protection measures.
• Combines Multiple DRM Systems: Muvi’s DRM solution combines various DRM standards like Widevine, FairPlay, and PlayReady. This ensures content protection across a wide range of devices and platforms with varying DRM compatibility.
• Licensing Servers: Muvi’s architecture also includes licensing servers that handle issuing licenses compatible with each DRM system used.
• Broader Platform and Device Coverage: Your video content remains secure across various devices like mobiles, browsers, and set-top boxes, as long as they support a compatible DRM system.
• Improved User Experience: Users can access content seamlessly on their preferred devices without encountering compatibility issues.

Muvi – Your Destination for Secured Streaming

Muvi is committed to providing the most secure video streaming experience. That is why, we constantly keep evolving our security architecture, adding new security features, and making the previous ones more robust. 

We are probably the only video streaming SaaS platform that offers video DRM, audio-only DRM, Biometric Protection, Single sign-on, Geo-Blocking, GDPR Compliance, and Forensic Watermarking – all of them together! 

Video DRM

As we already discussed, Muvi offers a Multi-DRM lock for all your video content. And multi-DRM adds the following restrictions to your videos:

• Your content will be playable only on authorized devices or platforms.
• The number of devices a single user can use to watch the content will be limited.
• Content will be accessible only in certain countries or regions based on licensing agreements.
• DRM will prevent copying or sharing of the content.
• DRM will disable the screen recording or capturing of screenshots when your content is being played.
• Some content might have an expiration date after which it becomes inaccessible.

Click here to read more about DRM Restrictions for Videos and Digital Assets. 

Audio DRM

Muvi is proud to be the first SaaS streaming platform that supports audio-only DRM. Hence, not only video but your audio content is also equally protected from piracy, when you have chosen Muvi as your preferred streaming partner! 

Biometric Authentication

Muvi’s Biometric Authentication feature allows your end-users to log in via face recognition and fingerprint scanning.

• Face Unlock: Users can log in to your app securely and hands-free by using facial recognition technology. The system scans the user’s face and compares it with a previously stored image to verify their identity.
• Fingerprint Scanning: This method allows users to log in quickly and securely using their fingerprints. The app utilizes the device’s built-in fingerprint sensor for this purpose.

To Sum Up

Muvi’s Multi-DRM security, combined with other security features, ensures that your videos always remain protected from piracy. Hence, you can relax as none of your revenue will ever be lost due to piracy. 

Apart from security, Muvi also offers multiple cutting-edge features like the world’s first visual designer for streaming platforms, a customized Android app within 5 minutes, a built-in encoding system, a robust ad-deliver system, and more! Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself, FOR FREE! Sign up to start your 14-day free trial today.