The demand for high-quality digital content is expanding exponentially. As per sources, the Digital Content Market is expected to grow from USD 195.71 billion in 2025 to USD 360.62 billion by 2035, with a CAGR. This growth can be seen in all sectors, ranging from entertainment streaming services and subscription-based platforms to e-learning and corporate training systems.
With the increase in content consumption online, the risk of unauthorized content distribution is also growing. Content owners and authorized distributors face a huge threat due to illicit activities like screen recording, unauthorized content downloading, password sharing on subscription-based platforms, region bypassing through VPNs, and unlicensed platforms re-streaming content. Unauthorized content distribution has led to a revenue loss of over $75 billion every year, with forecasts expecting the number to reach $125 billion by 2028.
These huge financial losses weaken the trust of users in digital content ecosystems.
Digital Rights Management (DRM) has emerged as a crucial measure to protect the media content throughout its lifecycle. It allows content owners to control their content’s playback sessions. Content owners can set restrictions and limitations on:
- Downloading Content
- Copying Content
- Screen capture
- Availability of content at different locations
- Output devices
- Restricted number of simultaneous streams.
The goal of DRM is that digital content must be accessed in the rightful way, and this protection must not hinder the viewing experience of the users.
Modern DRM is not a single technology. It is a coordinated system involving encryption, licensing, platform-level enforcement, hardware security, and additional access control layers. Understanding these components is essential for streaming platforms looking to provide secure, scalable, and compliant video delivery across device types and global regions.
How Does DRM Work?
Digital Rights Management uses a multi-faceted and interconnected system to keep digital content safe. It starts from the very moment the content is packaged and continues all the way until the content is played by an authorized user.
Before distribution, the content is encrypted, and an encryption key is created by the license server. This encryption makes sure that if someone manages to copy or intercept the content, it remains completely unreadable without the right key.
When a user attempts to play this protected content on a playback application, the application requests authorization from the license server. Upon receiving this request, the server reviews all the content policies related to user identity, their location, the playback device type, subscription status, and playback rules. The playback application receives the encryption key only when the server approves and proceeds to securely decrypt the content within its supported DRM environment.
DRM ensures that content policies are followed even during the streaming of protected content. These may include limits on resolution, download permissions, offline viewing duration, or the number of simultaneous streams allowed. DRM, therefore, ensures that content access remains secure and consistent.
A Quick Glance at the Popular DRM Technologies
| DRM System | Owned/Managed by | Primary use |
| Widevine | Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox), Android devices, Smart TVs, OTT streaming | |
| FairPlay | Apple | iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Safari browser, Apple TV & Apple ecosystem playback |
| PlayReady | Microsoft | Windows, Edge browser, Xbox, Smart TVs, OTT platforms |
| WisePlay | Huawei | Huawei devices, HarmonyOS, Android-based ecosystems, mobile streaming |
Top 7 DRM Solutions
1. Encryption-Based DRM
Encryption-based DRM protects the content by converting it into an unreadable format, which can only be decrypted with a decryption key provided by the license server after approving all content policies against the playback application.
Pros
- The content is protected from unauthorized access even when files are intercepted, downloaded, or shared without authorization.
- AES-128 encryption is a standard encryption method and works well with most streaming platforms.
- Encryption-based DRM operates with both CDNs and streaming workflow systems.
Limitations
- The encryption process only protects the content itself by making it unreadable. It does not decide who is allowed to view the content.
- Weak and poorly implemented key management can expose decryption keys. It can let unauthorized users access protected content.
- Encryption-based DRM must coordinate with license control and device-level security for secure content playback.
2. License and Key Management DRM
License and Key Management DRM controls how decryption keys are issued and used. When a user attempts to play protected content, the playback application requests authorization. The license server evaluates the request and, if approved, provides the key required to decrypt and view the content.
Pros
- Content owners control who can access the content and under what conditions.
- Content owners can set parameters such as the permitted number of devices for playback, content resolution quality, and playback time-limited viewing and expiration.
- With key rotation and revocation, content owners can update or disable user content access whenever needed.
Limitations
- Peak traffic may cause playback delays if a dependable license server is not provided.
- If the access rules of content are not configured properly, the system might let unauthorized users in and might even restrict access to legitimate users.
3. Platform-Level DRM Systems
Platform-level DRM systems are operating systems, browsers, and device-specific DRM systems. They decide how to decrypt and display content on specific ecosystems. Some examples are Widevine for Android and Chrome, FairPlay for Apple platforms, PlayReady for Windows and Xbox, and WisePlay for Huawei devices.
Pros
- The system provides device-specific enforcement, which strengthens playback security through the utilization of system capabilities.
- The system functions as a single DRM solution because it uses native security features that eliminate the requirement for multiple DRM solutions across different platforms.
- Automatically aligns playback quality with device-supported security levels, improving protection for high-value content.
Limitations
- Each DRM system works only within its own ecosystem. They require a multi-DRM support for cross-platform streaming.
- If the device lacks advanced hardware security features, the playback resolution may be limited.
- Since each device enforces DRM in its own way, user experiences might be inconsistent.
4. Hardware-Backed DRM (Trusted Execution Environments)
Trusted Execution Environments (TEE) form the base of Hardware-Backed DRM. TEE is a secure section inside the device’s processor that is separated from the main operating system. Sensitive tasks, like storing decryption keys and decrypting video, happen in this protected zone. Attackers cannot easily access or modify what happens inside it, even if they try to tamper with the device or its software.
Pros
- Provides stronger security by keeping decryption keys and video processing within hardware rather than software.
- Enables HD, UHD, and HDR playback quality on devices that support secure video paths.
- Hardware-backed DRM is particularly effective against attacks such as memory scraping, reverse engineering, and certain forms of screen capture bypass.
Limitations
- This level of protection can only be used by devices with appropriate hardware support, such as Widevine L1.
- The playback resolution and security of devices that do not have TEE will decrease to software-only DRM.
- The performance in different Android devices may vary because Android operates in highly fragmented systems.
5. Forensic Watermarking
Forensic watermarking adds a hidden and unique identifier to each video stream or downloaded file. While forensic watermarking does not stop unauthorized playback, it is used to trace the source of leaked content back to a specific user, device, or session.
Pros
- It can identify the exact source of leaked content.
- Watermarks remain detectable even when users try to conceal them by re-encoding, compressing, cropping, or screen recording.
- Acts as a deterrent for users who may consider redistributing premium or confidential content.
Limitations
- Does not prevent piracy directly, especially when external recording devices are used.
- Requires detection workflows and monitoring systems to trace leaks effectively.
6. Geo-Restriction and Access Policy DRM
Geo-Restriction and Access Policy DRM controls where content can be viewed based on regional licensing agreements. It verifies the viewer’s location through IP addresses, network identifiers, or device region settings to ensure content is only accessible in approved territories.
Pros
- Geo-restriction makes sure content is only available where the streaming platform has the legal permissions.
- Helps streaming platforms provide the right content catalog to the right region.
Limitations
- VPNs and proxies can bypass geo-restriction and Access Policy DRM.
- Geo-restriction can block legitimate viewers who are traveling or using shared networks.
7. Output Control and Screen Capture Protection
Output control and screen capture protection prevent unauthorized copying during playback. It prevents the content from being sent to untrusted external devices, such as HDMI capture cards or unauthorized display adapters. At the same time, the system also blocks screen recording tools at the operating system level, so users cannot record the video directly using built-in or third-party screen capture software.
Pros
- Output Control and Screen Capture Protection protect content from theft because they block users from recording screens and using external capture devices.
- This system uses HDCP technology to enable video signal transmission only to approved output devices.
- This system proves useful for situations that require absolute confidentiality, such as corporate training and internal media distribution.
Limitations
- External cameras pointed at the device screen can record the content and cannot be prevented.
- The effectiveness of this method depends on the device, operating system, and application-level support, which can differ significantly.
- This system may cause compatibility issues with older displays or adapters.
One DRM Doesn’t Fit All: Why Multi-DRM Matters
The current streaming environment requires more than one DRM system to function properly. The built-in DRM frameworks of various devices operate through separate systems. The three main DRM systems used by devices include Widevine for Android devices, FairPlay for Apple devices, and PlayReady for smart TVs. If a platform uses only one DRM system, some users will not be able to play the content at all or will see reduced playback quality.
The system produces various results for users who face difficulties when seeking assistance. The delivery of protected content through multiple DRM systems becomes possible with multi-DRM, which serves as a content protection solution. The Common Encryption (CENC) and CMAF packaging standards provide standardized encryption formats that enable a single encrypted asset to work across multiple platforms. The Encrypted Media Extensions (EME) system allows web browsers to securely manage licenses, which protects content while maintaining user-friendly operation.
DoveRunner fulfills modern multi-DRM requirements through its management of encryption and packaging and license delivery for Widevine, FairPlay, PlayReady, WisePlay, and other platform-level DRM systems. The platform can stream content securely and consistently to mobile devices, browsers, smart TVs, and set-top boxes through this approach, which eliminates the need for individual video workflows for each device type.
Implementing Multi-DRM for Large Streaming Services: Key Considerations
When scaling multi-DRM across large platforms, several operational and architectural factors must be evaluated:
- Different devices enforce DRM differently. Widevine, FairPlay, and PlayReady must be supported in a coordinated workflow.
- The performance of license servers in high traffic needs to be efficient to prevent playback delays, buffering, and failed authorization requests.
- To manage high traffic and ensure that content is delivered securely across all regions, the Content Delivery Network (CDN) needs to be well-configured.
- Playback quality for HD, UHD, and HDR depends on whether the device provides secure video path support.
- Security enforcement should remain seamless, preventing noticeable impact on loading time, device responsiveness, or playback continuity.
Implementing Multi-DRM for Small Streaming Platforms: Cost Considerations
Small streaming platforms must implement multi-DRM solutions based on their need and the value of their content. Here are some important points to consider when investing in a multi-DRM solution:
- The cost of multi-DRM solutions rises when the number of users grows, when more users stream content at the same time, and when users need to access content during peak periods.
- Implementing advanced methods like forensic watermarking may increase operational cost but prove to be very efficient.
- Using multiple renditions and offline playback through storage and CDN systems raises the costs of storage and data transfer.
- Content owners use advanced DRM controls to protect high-value content but only basic protection for standard content, thereby balancing the cost.
- A well-structured multi-DRM solution system ensures sufficient protection without overextending operational expenses.
FAQs on Top DRM Solutions
1. Is DRM the same as encryption?
No. Encryption makes the content unreadable without a key, while DRM controls when, where, and how that key can be used. Encryption is a component of an efficient DRM.
2. Why do different devices require different DRM systems?
Different devices have different operating systems, security frameworks, and device ecosystems, and therefore require different DRM systems. Android devices have Widevine, Apple devices use FairPlay, and Windows platforms use PlayReady. Multi-DRM support, however, ensures content can be played securely across all these environments.
3. Can screen recording be completely prevented?
DRM can block or limit screen recording, but device-level capture with external cameras cannot be fully eliminated. This is why forensic watermarking is used to trace the origin of leaked content.
4. Do DRM systems affect streaming performance?
Well-architected DRM does not significantly impact playback performance. Issues usually come from poor license server configuration or device hardware limitations, not from DRM itself.
5. Is DRM required for all video content?
Not always. Low-risk content may only require basic access control. High-value, early-release, pay-per-view, or confidential video content benefits the most from multi-layer DRM protection.
