Online television, or Online TV, is television distributed via the Internet. Previously television was only distributed via cable, satellite, or terrestrial systems. Today with the increase in Internet connection speeds with broadband, advances in technology, the increase of total number of people online, and the decrease in connection costs, it has become increasingly common to find traditional television content accessible freely and legally as online TV. In addition to this, new online television content has appeared which is not distributed via cable, satellite, or terrestrial systems.

Online TV can come in many forms. For instance, it can be watched on a regular TV via a Set-top box, or on a computer, or on a portable device such as a mobile phone. Online TV can show a channel live like regular TV, or allow the viewer to select a show to watch on demand like Video-on-Demand. Online TV can involve any budget productions, from home camcorder productions to expensive professional productions. Online TV can be protected from copying, or easily duplicated as a perfect copy. It can also be free or paid service and may be supported by advertisements. Online TV can also be an interactive or passive medium.

Online Television services have at least two different types of models, Fee based and Free:

Fee based online TV services are generally funded and supported by large telecom providers and is based on a subscription fee, adding new features like high-definition TV, video on demand and digital video recording. The usage of online protocols to provide two-way communication will also open the way for interactivity with the online TV program content, for example making it possible to choose between multiple camera angles, vote on an interactive TV show, or order a product sample.