Widevine Technologies
Widevine Technologies is a Google subsidiary providing DRM and CAS solutions for secure premium video delivery, embedded across 5 billion devices and serving major streamers, OEMs, and chipset vendors globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersSeattle, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Widevine Technologies does
Widevine Technologies, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, is a wholly-owned Google (Alphabet) subsidiary providing digital rights management (DRM) and conditional access system (CAS) solutions for secure premium video and audio content delivery. Its technology stack centers on Widevine DRM, which licenses and protects playback across consumer devices with hardware-based security (factory-provisioned keyboxes and OEMCrypto), Widevine CAS for PayTV operator hybrid broadcast/IP delivery, and the open-source Shaka Player and Shaka Packager for browser-based adaptive streaming (DASH/HLS) and media packaging. The platform is embedded in approximately 5 billion mobile, desktop, set-top box, and living-room devices, processes 82 billion license transactions quarterly, and serves content owners including Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Max, Paramount+, YouTube, Spotify, DAZN, Tencent Video, and Meta, alongside OEMs and chipset vendors such as Samsung, LG, Sony, Roku, Tesla, Qualcomm, and MediaTek.
The company's revenue model combines free core technology — the Widevine Cloud License Service and standards-based DRM are provided at no licensing fee — with paid CWIP (Certified Widevine Implementation Partner) training and annual certification, third-party multi-DRM partner revenue-share relationships (Axinom, Irdeto, Nagra, Verimatrix, Intertrust) offering SLA-backed services, and OEM/SoC integration engagements. Distribution is primarily partner-led: CWIP-certified integrators (100+ worldwide) handle installation and configuration, third-party labs (3PLs) handle device integration testing, and direct enterprise sales engage device manufacturers, chipset vendors, and content owners. The free Cloud License Service is scheduled to cease operations on April 13, 2027, with license service operations shifting entirely to commercial third-party providers.
Widevine operates with 51-100 employees and reports no publicly disclosed financials, consistent with its role as a strategic operating unit within Google rather than an independent profit-maximizing subsidiary. The business is fundamentally a platform infrastructure business: monetized indirectly through partner ecosystems and certification rather than per-device royalties, and embedded across the Android, Chrome, and broader consumer electronics value chains.
Widevine Technologies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Widevine Technologies
- Legal name
- Widevine Technologies
- Website
- http://www.widevine.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Widevine Technologies is a Google subsidiary providing DRM and CAS solutions for secure premium video delivery, embedded across 5 billion devices and serving major streamers, OEMs, and chipset vendors globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Widevine Technologies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Digital Rights Management (DRM)
- NAICS
- Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (512120), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822), Wholesale-Computers & Peripheral Equipment & Software (5045)
- akta.pro primary industry
- DRM, License Delivery & Content Protection (Widevine/FairPlay/PlayReady) (MPAHAJAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Pay-TV Middleware, Conditional Access & Subscriber Management (CAS/DRM/BSS) (MPABAGAH), DRM & License Enforcement (Multi-DRM, Key Management, Tokenization) (MPAHAMAB), DRM, Key Management & License Services (Multi-DRM, KMS) (MPAHALAK)
Keywords
Where Widevine Technologies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Seattle
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Widevine Technologies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- DRM Licensing: Widevine provides its DRM technology for device integrations. The company works with device manufacturers, chipset vendors, and service providers to license Widevine's content protection solutions. While the Widevine Cloud License Service is free, integration and licensing relationships generate revenue.
- Third-Party Partner Services: Third-party license service providers offer multi-DRM services with SLA commitments above the free Widevine Cloud License Service. These partners include Axinom, Irdeto, Nagra, Verimatrix, and others who provide commercial DRM services.
- CWIP Training and Certification: The Certified Widevine Implementation Partner (CWIP) program provides training and certification for partners. Companies pay fees for the 3-day in-person training course, online certification exam, and annual CWIP fees to maintain certification.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Widevine Cloud License Service - Free tier for licensees |
| Subscription | Monthly | Third-party multi-DRM services with SLA commitments |
| One time/ perpetual license | Annual | CWIP Training and Certification |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels4 records
Widevine Technologies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Widevine Technologies provides digital rights management (DRM) and conditional access system (CAS) solutions that enable secure licensing, distribution, and protected playback of premium video content on consumer devices. Its offerings include the Widevine DRM platform, Widevine CAS for PayTV operators, Shaka Player and Shaka Packager open-source media tools, the Widevine Cloud License Service, and the CWIP partner training program. The technology is deployed across 5 billion devices and processes 82 billion license transactions quarterly.
Product overview
Widevine provides a comprehensive content protection platform consisting of DRM and CAS solutions for secure digital content delivery. The core offerings include Widevine DRM (for OTT and streaming services) and Widevine CAS (for PayTV operators), both utilizing standards-based royalty-free encryption without licensing fees. Supporting these are Shaka Player and Shaka Packager (open-source JavaScript libraries for adaptive media playback and packaging), the Widevine Cloud License Service for content licensing, Third Party License Service Providers for SLA-backed alternatives, and the 3PL program for device integration support. The CWIP training program certifies implementation partners. Widevine's technology is deployed on 5 billion devices globally and processes 82 billion licenses quarterly across 1000 partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CWIP (Certified Widevine Implementation Partner): A training and certification program for partners to install and configure Widevine systems.
- Shaka Player
- Shaka Packager
Products and services
- Widevine DRM
Quantifiable outcome
- 5 billion devices supported
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Widevine Technologies
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Widevine Technologies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Widevine Technologies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- BrightcovecoreCWIP-certified integrator offering Widevine implementation services. Brightcove is a leading video streaming platform provider that integrates Widevine DRM for its customers.
- KalturacoreCWIP-certified integrator providing Widevine implementation and integration services. Kaltura is an enterprise video platform company.
- EricssoncoreCWIP-certified partner with designated Widevine contacts. Ericsson provides media processing and video delivery solutions.
- Microsoft Azure Media ServicescoreAzure Media Services integrates Widevine DRM for multi-DRM content protection on the Azure cloud platform.
- IrdetocoreMulti-DRM and cybersecurity company providing Widevine integration as both 3PL partner for device testing and third-party license service provider with 99.99% SLA.
- Nagra (Kudelski Group)coreThird-party license service provider and CWIP-certified integrator offering Widevine-based multi-DRM services.
- VerimatrixcoreMulti-DRM service provider offering Widevine integration with commercial SLA-backed services.
- AxinomcoreThird-party license service provider offering Widevine integration with 99.999% SLA commitment for enterprise customers.
- Intertrust (ExpressPlay)minorThird-party license service provider offering Widevine integration with 99.99% SLA commitment.
- Liberty GlobalminorCWIP-certified integrator and international cable operator deploying Widevine solutions.
- SwisscomminorSwiss telecommunications provider and CWIP-certified partner deploying Widevine for its streaming services.
- Telia CompanyminorNordic telecommunications provider and CWIP-certified partner for Widevine implementations.
- Altimediacore3PL partner for Android device integration testing and CWIP-certified integrator based in Korea.
- Smartlabscore3PL partner for Linux and set-top box integration testing. CWIP-certified integrator and device manufacturer.
- SEI Roboticsminor3PL partner for Android device integration and Widevine-certified hardware partner.
- Castlabscore3PL partner for Android and WV CAS integration testing. Provides DRM technology solutions and Widevine integration tools.
- MediakindminorCWIP-certified partner and video streaming solutions provider integrating Widevine.
- SynamediaminorCWIP-certified partner and video solutions provider offering Widevine implementations.
- Red Bee MediaminorCWIP-certified partner and media services company providing Widevine integration.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Widevine Technologies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Widevine Technologies social profiles
Digital presenceWidevine Technologies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Widevine Technologies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Widevine Technologies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds6 records
Investors12 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Widevine Technologies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Widevine Technologies
What does Widevine Technologies do?
Widevine Technologies provides digital rights management (DRM) and conditional access system (CAS) solutions that enable secure licensing, distribution, and protected playback of premium video content on consumer devices. Its offerings include the Widevine DRM platform, Widevine CAS for PayTV operators, Shaka Player and Shaka Packager open-source media tools, the Widevine Cloud License Service, and the CWIP partner training program. The technology is deployed across 5 billion devices and processes 82 billion license transactions quarterly.
Is Widevine Technologies a public or private company?
Widevine Technologies is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Widevine Technologies founded?
Widevine Technologies was founded in 1998. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Widevine Technologies based?
Widevine Technologies is headquartered in Seattle, United States, in the North America region.
How does Widevine Technologies make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. DRM Licensing is the primary driver. The others are third-Party Partner Services and CWIP Training and Certification.
Does Widevine Technologies have an API?
Yes. Widevine offers a License Server SDK for partners to develop and integrate license server functionality. Documentation and partner access available at developers.google.com/widevine. Access requires a license agreement and corporate email registered as a Google Account. Developer documentation is at developers.google.com/widevine.
What industry is Widevine Technologies in?
Widevine Technologies's product category is Digital Rights Management (DRM). Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAHAJAI, DRM, License Delivery & Content Protection (Widevine/FairPlay/PlayReady), with a secondary code of MPABAGAH, Pay-TV Middleware, Conditional Access & Subscriber Management (CAS/DRM/BSS). Its NAICS code is 51621 and its SIC code is 7822.