--- title: "What Is a DRM License Server? Definition and Examples | RentAnOTT" description: "A DRM license server issues the keys that let an authorized device play protected video. See how a license request works and how licenses are billed." url: "https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/drm-license-server" markdown_url: "https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/drm-license-server.md" category: "Security" updated: "2026-10-05" --- # What is a DRM license server? A DRM license server is the service that issues licenses for protected video. When a device asks to play an encrypted stream, the license server checks that the request is authorized and returns the decryption key, wrapped so that only that device can use it, together with the rules for playback. ## How a license request works - The player detects that the stream is encrypted and which DRM system the device supports - The device's protected module creates a license request - The app attaches a token from the streaming service proving the viewer is entitled to the title - The license server validates the token, looks up the content key and builds a license with the applicable rules - The license is returned and the protected module decrypts the video ## What the license server enforces The streaming service decides the policy and passes it in the token; the license server turns it into a license. Policies include how long the license lasts, whether it can be stored for offline playback, the maximum resolution for the device's security level and whether output protection is required. ## Running one vs using a service Each DRM system has its own license server technology and its own agreement with Google, Apple or Microsoft. A multi-DRM service operates all three behind one API, along with secure key storage, so a streaming platform integrates once. Such services normally charge per license issued. Since a license is requested when playback starts, the count follows the number of plays, and it is worth knowing how long each license remains valid before a new one is needed. ## DRM license server on RentAnOTT Multi-DRM is included on the RentAnOTT Growth and Scale tiers, with license delivery handled by the platform. DRM licenses are billed on usage. [See pricing](https://www.rentanott.com/pricing). ## Related terms - [DRM](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/drm) — DRM (digital rights management) is technology that encrypts video and controls who can decrypt it. A viewer's device must obtain a license from a license server before it can play the stream, and the license sets the rules for that playback. - [Multi-DRM](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/multi-drm) — Multi-DRM is the use of several DRM systems, normally Widevine, FairPlay and PlayReady, to protect the same video so that it plays securely on every browser, phone and television. - [Widevine](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/widevine) — Widevine is Google's DRM system. It protects streamed video on Android phones and tablets, Android TV and Google TV, Chrome and other browsers, and most smart TVs and streaming devices outside Apple's ecosystem. - [FairPlay](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/fairplay) — FairPlay Streaming is Apple's DRM system. It protects video delivered over HLS to iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Safari on Mac, and is the only DRM those devices support for native playback. - [PlayReady](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/playready) — PlayReady is Microsoft's DRM system. It protects streamed video on Windows and the Edge browser, Xbox consoles, and many smart TVs and set-top boxes. - [Signed URL](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/signed-url) — A signed URL is a web address for a video stream that includes a cryptographic signature and an expiry time. The CDN serves the content only if the signature is valid and the link has not expired, so a copied or shared link stops working. Using signed URLs for playback is called tokenized playback. - [Offline viewing](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary/offline-viewing) — Offline viewing is a feature of a streaming app that lets a viewer download a title to their phone or tablet and watch it later without an internet connection. The download stays encrypted and playable only inside the app. ## Further reading - [Security features](https://www.rentanott.com/features#security) - [Offline video in streaming apps](https://www.rentanott.com/blogs/offline-videos-streaming-app-guide) - [White-label streaming platform buyer's guide](https://www.rentanott.com/blogs/white-label-streaming-platform) ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the license server the same as the key server? The terms are used loosely. Strictly, a key management system stores content keys, and the license server issues them to devices inside licenses. Many products do both. ### What happens if the license server is unavailable? New playback of protected content cannot start. Streams already playing continue until their license expires, which is why license services are run with high redundancy. ### How many licenses does one viewer use? Typically one per title per playback session, though it depends on license duration and on whether keys differ by quality level. All 163 terms: [Streaming and OTT glossary](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary). ## Book a demo Tell RentAnOTT what you are launching. The team walks through the platform and maps the path to go-live around your catalog, markets and revenue model. Book a demo: https://www.rentanott.com/contact ## More from RentAnOTT - [Home](https://www.rentanott.com/index.md) — What RentAnOTT is, what every plan includes, and how launch works - [Features](https://www.rentanott.com/features.md) — Every core feature and optional add-on - [Pricing](https://www.rentanott.com/pricing.md) — Platform tiers, apps, add-ons, usage rates and example bills in INR and USD - [Free tools](https://www.rentanott.com/tools.md) — OTT app builder and calculators for streaming revenue, bandwidth, bitrate and pricing - [Insights](https://www.rentanott.com/blogs.md) — All streaming business articles - [Glossary](https://www.rentanott.com/glossary.md) — Definitions of streaming and OTT terms - [Book a demo](https://www.rentanott.com/contact.md) — Talk to RentAnOTT about your launch Full site in one file: https://www.rentanott.com/llms-full.txt