Most In-Demand Video Tech Skills: Europe vs USA

The video tech landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and demand for specialist talent is hotter than ever. At 5V Video, we don’t just place candidates - we track trends, understand platforms, and help businesses navigate the skills shortages that can make or break a project. Here’s our insider take on what’s moving the needle in Europe and the USA right now.

Europe: React Native, Lightning.js & Ad Tech

In Europe, the battle for front-end talent is heating up. React Native is making huge strides, particularly with AWS backing and large-scale enterprise adoption. On the other side, Lightning.js continues to thrive, with the community buzzing around the Blitz updates. For companies building cutting-edge interfaces, hands-on experience in either framework is a serious differentiator.

Video Playback specialists remain in high demand, especially those who understand streaming architectures and can optimise for both performance and user experience.

And let’s not forget Ad Tech - particularly Product and Project Managers who know their way around ad insertion, programmatic layers, SSAI, DAI, and CSAI. The European market is growing smarter and more complex, and having someone who can navigate that landscape is priceless.

USA: Roku, Video Playback & Mobile/TV

Across the pond, the focus shifts slightly. Roku and BrightScript expertise is scarce but highly sought after. With Roku now in over 90 million streaming households in the US, companies are scrambling to secure engineers who can deliver seamless app experiences. The talent pool hasn’t caught up yet, and demand is only accelerating.

Video Playback engineers are still crucial, especially in mobile and TV applications. The shortage is particularly pronounced on Android, where Exoplayer customisations for live streaming, DRM, and SSAI are critical skills. While iOS developers are in demand too, Android’s broader device share gives it slightly more weight in the US market.

How to Stand Out

It may sound obvious, but the difference between being a “good” candidate and a “must-hire” is hands-on experience.

If you’re new to the industry:

• Talk to us - we’re connected to the biggest players and can guide you.

• Get involved in the community - join events, Slack groups, LinkedIn communities, and open-source projects.

• Practical experience is king - learn Lightning.js, tvOS, Exoplayer, CDN architectures, or Ad Tech tools on real projects.

If you’re already a seasoned OTT professional, our advice is simple: double down on what you know. In today’s market, being a jack-of-all-trades isn’t always the fastest way to get noticed. When you can walk into a room and position yourself as a Subject Matter Expert or innovator, doors open - sometimes literally.

Why This Matters

The streaming landscape is evolving fast, and the right skills can be the difference between launching a standout product or struggling to deliver. Companies need talent who understand not just the code, but the ecosystems, workflows, and business outcomes behind the platforms. That’s where 5V Video comes in—we combine recruitment expertise with genuine OTT industry insight to help businesses secure the right talent and guide candidates toward roles where they can thrive.

Want to know more about the hottest skills and where the opportunities lie? Reach out to daniel.burrell@weare5vvideo.com - I’d love to chat.