A method, implemented by computer means, for digitally encoding multimedia content into one or more video streams for on-demand distribution to at least one receiving terminal, the method comprising the following steps: from a given set of profiles, each profile being characterized by a value of at least one encoding parameter, forming one or more ordered groups of profiles, it being possible for a same profile to be present in multiple groups, such that in each group, each profile and its immediate successor satisfy a first predetermined condition, and selecting from the formed groups at least one group of profiles satisfying a second predetermined condition.