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Support ArticlesComparing The Top 20 Business Video Hosting Platforms [Updated for 2024]
Today, selecting the right video hosting platforms is crucial for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence and engagements. With 88% of marketers saying that video is a powerful part of their strategy, the importance of robust video platforms cannot be underestimated. A professional-grade platform provides essential video hosting services for businesses, enabling seamless corporate video streaming and business video sharing. Platforms such as YouTube offer vast reach and simplicity, which makes them ideal for many corporate video-sharing needs. However, dedicated business video solutions can offer advanced features tailored to corporate needs. This includes enhanced security, customization, and analytics.
Leveraging a live video platform for business enables real-time interaction, which is increasingly necessary for webinars, product launches, and corporate communication. Using the right video platform can significantly boost brand visibility, engagement, and ultimately ROI, making it a worthwhile investment. As video continues to dominate, then, investing in the most suitable corporate video hosting services ensures businesses like yours stay competitive and effectively connect with audiences.
In this post, we cover everything you need to know about hosting on a business video platform. We will start by breaking down the different ways that you can use video in your business before going over why you need to invest in video stream hosting software. From there, we will discuss a few online video hosting features that are particularly useful for enterprise-level broadcasting. Finally, we compare the 20 best platforms—split between 15 paid and 5 free alternatives—and their video for business capabilities. By the end, you’ll know the best live video tool for business
Video hosting technology and features are changing all the time. Please note that this post has been updated to reflect the most accurate information as of July 2024.
Table of Contents
Conclusion
Video in Business: What You Need to Know
Video has grown to be one of the most valuable tools for businesses of all types. It can be used in many different departments even within one business. Video content is a much more engaging medium than text or even photos. If a photo is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a billion.
A few of the main uses of video for business include:
Sales and marketing
Product demos
Internal training
Streaming as a service
Hosting virtual events
Webinars and conferences
Of course, these uses are simply the tip of the iceberg. The more creative you get with implementing video into your business practices, the better.
While each of these use cases is unique, they all have something in common. They require the support of an enterprise video hosting platform. This is a platform that hosts your video content and allows you to create a custom video player.
Business Video Hosting Stats and Facts
Online video streaming has proven effective at enhancing a variety of business functions. From Sales to employee onboarding, online video is improving the way that many companies do business.
Here are a few statistics that back this up:
94% of marketers believe that video helps them to better convey their message to their audience
Video content is more effective at retaining brands’ messages than static content like text or photos
83% of marketers say that video has been an effective addition to their marketing strategies
Over 75% of people watch online video content each week
Over 50% of people watch online video content every day
For more data supporting the value of streaming business video hosting, check out our live-streaming statistics post. To tap into the potential of videos, you need to find a video hosting platform for business.
What is a Business Video Hosting Platform?
Professional video hosting platforms enable enterprises to store their video files in the cloud, easily organize this content and seamlessly share videos across the Internet. Many enterprise video platforms are capable of hosting both live streams and video-on-demand (VOD) content. That said, many online video platforms go well beyond basic stream features.
Generally, you can expect private video hosting solutions to include content management tools, in addition to specialized tools for sales, marketing, lead generation, and internal training. Some platforms have special features geared towards offering streaming as a service, which comes in handy if your goal is to create a platform like Netflix or Hulu.
A video hosting platform allows you to completely control your corporate video experience.
When it comes to choosing streaming video hosting for business, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Every broadcaster has unique streaming requirements. With that in mind, here are a few of the top features that come in handy for video hosting for businesses.
Video Privacy and Security Features
Keeping your video content out of the wrong hands is very important, especially when you’re sharing internal meetings or training videos. Keeping your business’s video content secure becomes even more important since it will house your viewers’ sensitive information if you monetize your video content.
There are several video security tools available on professional video hosts. These include:
Secure video upload tools
IP and Geographic restrictions
Depending on your business’s broadcasting goals, you will want to stay close to the fine line between privacy and security.
You are going to want to use these features for internal corporate videos. You may want to use some of these security features if you are monetizing your content as well.
Monetization Tools
Building an OTT streaming service? Monetization tools are a must. There are three types of video monetization to look out for, subscription-based ( SVOD), pay-per-view (TVOD), and ad-based ( AVOD).
If you are using either the subscription or pay-per-view model, you’ll want to make sure your chosen platform includes a secure paywall or can be integrated with one. A secure paywall will help to keep your customer’s banking information safe. You need a corporate video hosting platform with a secure paywall solution.
Sales and Marketing Tools
Many businesses use video for sales and marketing. Luckily, some streaming platforms have special solutions for these functions, and they have built-in video marketing tools. This could include lead generation, CTA placement, and more.
Advanced video analytics tools are also valuable for maximizing ROI because they help you identify what is working or not working for your audience. This insight helps to shift your marketing strategy if necessary.
The best video hosting for business platforms will help you with sales and marketing.
Encoding and Transcoding Tools
Transcoding and encoding are two major processes that make video streaming possible. Video encoding is typically handled by an external device or encoding software, but transcoding can be done within your selected platform.
We recommend looking for a corporate video hosting platform that has cloud video streaming and transcoding for VOD content. That way, there is less technical stuff for you to handle on your own.
Live Stream Recording and Auto-Archiving
If you are live-streaming training sessions, internal events, webinars, or conferences, the ability to automatically record your stream with the help of professional live-streaming software and upload it as a VOD file is very valuable.
No matter if your viewers are paying customers or members of your team, it is important that they have access to the stream even after it ends. That way, you can continue to use the content.
HTML5 Video Player
The HTML5 video player is preferred by broadcasters for several reasons. First off, it is the most accessible player since it works on just any type of device. This means it can be accessed from smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, smart TVs, and more. With no device restrictions, your audience has no limits.
HTML5 video players are also very easy to customize, so you can always set them up to reflect your business’s branding. This simply amplifies the professionalism in your video’s appearance.
Many business video hosting platforms are equipped with embedding tools so you can easily embed your HTML5 video player on your website in just a few clicks.
API Access
Video and Player APIs are very valuable because they give you the power to customize your business video hosting experience. A video streaming API allows you to integrate tools and make customizations in the actual video hosting platform, whereas a player API helps you make stylistic and functional changes to your video player.
If you want a customized experience, you are going to want to work with an enterprise video hosting solution that offers API access.
Top 15 Premium Business Video Hosting Platforms
Choosing a business video streaming and hosting platform can be challenging, so we’ve compiled a list of the best video hosting platforms on the market. Here is our in-depth review of the top 15 corporate video hosting platforms for your streaming needs in 2024.
1. Dacast
Dacast is a unified streaming solution that supports both live stream and VOD hosting. As far as private video hosting platforms go, it is equipped with the most robust set of tools businesses need to carry out professional streams of any type.
Dacast offers enterprise video hosting features at affordable price points. Key features include ad-free live streaming, a completely white-label video player, and delivery using a top-tier video CDN. Our platform is known for its 24/7 customer support, advanced security features, monetization options, customizability, and more.
Key Features
Dacast offers enterprise-grade features at affordable price points. Key features include ad-free live streaming, a completely white-label video player, and delivery using a top-tier video CDN.
SVOD, TVOD, and AVOD video monetization tools
Large-scale content management features
Real-time video analytics
Advanced video security capabilities, including password-protected hosting
Secure, global content delivery and AES video encryption
Multi-bitrate streaming and an adaptive bitrate video player
RTMP (real-time messaging protocol) ingest, playback, and streaming support
VOD platform to monetize on-demand content, and scale your VOD business
Low latency HTML5 channels for video streaming
Player API and Video API access
24/7 tech support with all plans, including email and live chat
New!
- Multi-user access on Scale and Custom plans
- Zoom live streaming integration for meetings and live events in real-time
- Expo 2.0 galleries video portal for immersive video experiences
Pros
- Reliable video security
- Top-tier CDN partnerships
- VOD and live stream hosting
- Business video hosting in China
- M3U8 media links to stream to mobile and smart TV apps such as Roku, Apple TV, etc.
- Mobile device support
- Live stream recording
Cons
- A slight learning curve for new users
Upload Guidelines and Specs
- Minimum dimension: none (but 240p is the recommended minimum)
- Maximum dimension: 1080p or 4K (depends on the user’s hardware and internet)
- Aspect ratio: no restrictions (but 16:9 is the default)
- Max file size: none
- Max video length: none
- Total file storage: 10-1000GB (depends on plan)
- Compatible video formats: MP4 (preferred), MOV, M4V, M2V, AVI, MPG, FLV, WMV, MKV, WEBM, OGV, MXF, ASF, VOB, MTS
Pricing
Dacast’s pricing plans come in 4 different packages suitable and customizable to any organization’s needs:
Starter – $39month, billed annually for 2.4 TB of bandwidth and 500 GB of storage monthly
Event – $63/month, billed annually for 6 TB of bandwidth upfront and 250 GB of storage upfront
Scale – $165/month, billed annually for 24 TB of bandwidth per year and 2 TB of storage
Custom – Please contact us for custom pricing information.
Reviews
“We usually use Dacast for our streaming service in the equestrian competition. We found this service very affordable since [sic] the first time. We have never had problems with service interruptions, which is very important to guarantee good live streaming services.” – Luca M., via Capterra
“[Dacast is] A firm streaming platform where you can customize channels for events and schools. As a long-term user of five years, Dacast has provided a stable platform to meet our streaming needs at a reasonable cost. They have excellent customer and support services that have been quick to address any issues we have had quickly and professionally. Recommend them often.” – Shawn O., via G2
Best Use Case
Dacast offers an area of industry-specific solutions. Best use cases include:
Want to try Dacast risk-free for 14 days? Create an account now to get started on your free trial. No credit card is required.
Dacast is an all-around solid corporate video hosting solution. It provides you with all the tools you need for sharing private, internal videos and training, as well as all the tools you need for public live events and video-on-demand.
2. Brightcove
Brightcove has been a trusted player in the business video hosting game for many years. It is a highly capable online video platform with tools for a wide variety of business uses, including internal comms, live streaming, internal training, and more. This platform includes all of the innovative tools broadcasters need for enterprise-level streaming.
Key Features:
Live streaming through Video Cloud
Over-the-top (OTT) streaming
Advertising and monetization
Numerous cloud app integrations
Offers customizable branding features
On top of the video analytics and reporting feature, it has the option to track your ROI.
Pros:
A straightforward cloud interface that’s easy for people to use.
Offers built-in integrations for other cloud apps, allowing you to integrate your video content with other business tools easily.
High-quality privacy and security.
Share your live streams in private groups and with the public through your social media channels.
One of the best cloud storage for video production, so you can neatly categorize your videos and save them in various playlists.
All the essential editing tools you need to make small changes to your videos, which is especially beneficial if you often repurpose your live streams.
Cons:
Lack of fine-grain analytics or reporting
No China video delivery
24/7 support isn’t free
Although the analytics feature is present, you have to go through some manual workarounds to compare the reports of different videos.
You can’t find data on the number of unique viewers on your videos or track the number of users at specific time markers.
Upload Guidelines and Specs
Minimum dimension: Determined by user
Maximum dimension: Determined by user
Aspect ratio: No restrictions (since Brightcove uses a responsive player)
Max file size: No limits on files size
Max video length: No published limits
Total file storage: Varies by plan
Compatible video formats: MP4, MOV, FLV, AVI, WMV, MKV, 3GPP
Pricing
Since Brightcove mainly targets enterprise-level clients, they offer several custom-priced streaming plans at high price points. The three pricing tiers include:
Starter: includes 50 to 200 videos, up to 100,000 plays, and 2-5 users
Professional: unlimited videos, 100,000+ plays, and no overages plays, with +10 users
Enterprise: unlimited videos, 100,000+ plays, and no overages plays, with 10+ users, unlimited upload, and analytics-only users
Interested broadcasters can contact their sales department to receive a quote or sign up for a 30-day free trial.
Reviews
“Brightcove has individual pricing options for each customer. Contact them for a quote.” – Chris M., via G2
“Brightcove is well suited for large marketing departments with a heavy emphasis on video content, creation, storage, and editing. It’s not great for content distribution and if you’re looking for a centralized location for all creative assets (images, copy, PDFs) Brightcove won’t cut it. You’ll need a larger content management solution for that.” – Chloe Sayers, via TrustRadius
Best Use Case
Brightcove is best suited for:
Hosting virtual events
Business cloud video storage
Brightcove is a demand corporate video hosting service that has features for larger enterprises with heavy video content loads.
3. IBM Video Streaming
IBM Video Streaming is an online video platform known for reliable live streaming and video on demand, but it’s also more expensive than many competitors. This platform offers live streaming and VOD hosting for enterprise broadcasters.
IBM Video Streaming provides a unique Enterprise CDN and a multitude of features for business.
Key Features:
Live and on-demand video streaming
Secure sharing of online content
Enterprise content delivery network
Video distribution and workflow
OTT video management
Video monetization
Pros:
One of the best-streaming cloud storage set-ups, with reliable cloud streaming.
Responsive customer support, helping you if you ever run into issues.
Enterprise-grade video capabilities for large organizations, r
Hong Kong (China) video hosting.
Impressive analytics feature where you can monitor various KPIs of live streaming.
You can easily upload video files and media for your audience during the live broadcast.
Cons:
Uses an internal content delivery system
General plans don’t offer APIs
The chat feature isn’t the best given that this supports a large audience
Users report issues with data synchronization and upload when there’s heavy traffic on the platform.
The file management system isn’t good if you have many files because it gets challenging to find what you’re looking for.
Although it allows non-hosts to interact with the broadcast and share files, the permission-granting process is tricky and requires a learning curve.
Upload Guidelines and Specs
Minimum dimension: 480p (480 x 270)
Maximum dimension: 4K (3840 x 2160)
Aspect ratio: No published aspect ratio
Max file size: 4 GB
Max video length: No published limits
Total file storage: 1TB – 5TB (depends on plan)
Compatible video formats: MKV, MP4, MOV, FLV, AVI, WMV, MPEG2, H264, H263, MPEG4, VP6, VP8, THEORA, WMV, MP3, AAC-LC, NELLYMOSER, PCM, SPEEX, VORBIS, WMA
Pricing
The pricing plans for the IBM Video Streaming include:
Silver – $137/month
Gold – $688/month
Platinum – $1,380/month
Custom – Please contact IBM Cloud Video for custom plan pricing.
Reviews
“We are a multi-site teaching facility. IBM Watson allows talks and presentations from one site to be streamed to other locations or to [sic] staff members at home. Due to the low-cost hardware required, any PC and a simple capture card, it outweighs more expensive solutions.” – Jon Sothard, via TrustRadius
“I’ve already recommended this to other business owners who are looking for streaming ways to monetize their membership platforms. It is also very user friendly so you don’t need to be a technical expert to use it.” – LaShonda Fitzgerald, via TrustRadius
Best Use Case
IBM Video Streaming is best suited for:
Enterprise video storage
Hosting virtual events
Online education
Church live streaming
If you don’t have an advanced tech set-up, IBM Cloud provides all the tools you need to still produce high-quality streams, making it one of the best video hosting for business solutions.
4. Vimeo
Back in 2017, Vimeo acquired Livestream. Vimeo was previously designed as a B2C platform, but this acquisition put them on the map for professional broadcasting. This includes support for both live and on-demand content. Vimeo is known for its powerful features and reliable customer support.
Key Features
Tools for simulcasting
Live polling and chat feature
Wide range of security features
Custom video gallery pages
Built-in CDN
Pros
Global content delivery
Brand customization
Secure streaming
Tools for promoting interaction and engagement
Cons
Need professional support for some feature
Upload Guidelines and Specs
Recommended dimension: 720p (1280 x 720)
Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
Max file size: 3GB
Max video length: Information not available
Total file storage: Information not available
Compatible video formats: MP4 (recommended)
Pricing
Vimeo Livestream offers three main pricing plans, including:
1) Live Stream Today/Vimeo Advanced:
Premium pricing: $65/month
Their Premium plan includes both live streaming and VOD support. This plan is the best option for professional broadcasting on this platform.
3) Enterprise:
Enterprise Pricing: Please contact Vimeo for custom pricing information
The Enterprise plan includes white-label service, monetization, and video API access. It also includes branding control and added security features.
3) Vimeo OTT:
Starter Pricing: $1/subscriber per month
Growth Pricing: starting at $500/month
This OTT-specific pricing package comes with the Vimeo.com relationship. These plans include all the basics for starting your web-based OTT channel, as well as growing your OTT broadcasting business online.
Reviews
“Livestream’s multi-stream capabilities made for great simulcasts across Facebook and YouTube or across multiple pages. The functionality within a live stream allows for a ton of creative license while everything comes together professionally and beautifully. That being said, to take advantage of the creative capabilities, you need an expert’s help” – Austen O., via G2
“We started using Livestream about 7 years ago and it always worked really well for us. We’ve had a few hiccups but it has normally been bandwidth issues on our side. The service itself is pretty rock solid.” – Brian G., via Capterra
Best Use Case
Livestream is primarily used for:
Hosting virtual events
Vimeo Livestream has worked to serve the B2B business market, but the heart of their video hosting service is centered around the B2C market. If that is the area your business serves, Vimeo Livestream could be a solid corporate video hosting platform for you.
5. Kaltura
Kaltura is a video hosting platform for businesses that is built atop an open-source video management project. What makes Kaltura unique is that users can completely customize their business video hosting platform with a wide variety of integrations.
The company provides cloud-based hosting and streaming services as a base for these customizations, as well.
With its open-source foundation, Kaltura is highly customizable and extensible. Companies can build their own integrations and add-ons to meet specific needs.
Key Features
Multi-bitrate and adaptive video streaming
Content delivery via a combined CDN approach
Monetization options (SVOD, AVOD, and TVOD)
Advanced security features, including several authentications and encryption options
Video API access
Pros
Totally customizable
Flexibility on features due to support for integrations
Well-suited for enterprise-level broadcasting
Cons
The “pay-as-you-go” structure can get pricey
Complex structure
- Slow uploads to the cloud
Not well-suited for businesses and broadcasters new to streaming
Tech support uses a ticket-based system, which is slower than chat or phone
Upload Guidelines and Specs
Minimum dimension: 180p (320 x 180)
Maximum dimension: 1080p (1920x 1080)
Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
Max file size: 2GB
Max video length: Not available
Total file storage: 10GB to Unlimited (depends on the plan)
Compatible video formats: MOV, MP4
Pricing
Prices are based on the solutions you’re looking for. These include but are not limited to:
- Free trial: $0 for two webinars
- Business: $150/month billed annually (when billed annually or $199 when billed monthly)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
- Free trial: 14 days
- Standard: $19/month up to 10 participants per session and up to 10 hrs of cloud recording
- Pro: $45/month up to 100 participants per session and up to 25 hrs of cloud recording
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for up to 10+ classrooms
- Annual discounts – Discounted pricing packages are available for any scale and use-case, enterprise SLA, and developer support. For more information, please contact sales
- Free trial account – $100 worth of credits for 30 days for testing and experimentation with no commitments
- Pay as you go – You pay only for what you use at these credit levels:
- Base plan: $20 one-time annual fee + monthly usage fees
Other services include virtual events, video portal town halls, video messaging, meetings and more.
Reviews
“Kaltura is an excellent tool IF you have a large library of content. It can be pretty pricey so if you are early in launching an online program you may be better off waiting a few years until you’ve amassed a large enough catalog to warrant the investment in such a tool.” – Mark Nowowiejski, via TrustRadius
“Kaltura is a great source for companies that use lots of video content to [deliver] to their audiences. [They] have versatile players that are easy to customize to fit your company’s needs and provide excellent accessibility to its users.” – Leonard Ferre, via TrustRadius
Best Use Case
Kaltura is best suited for:
Online education uses
Advanced broadcasting
Kaltura is one of the best video hosting for businesses with an educational focus and an extremely large content library and a big budget for video content.
6. Wistia
Wistia is a business video hosting solution that was created by students at Brown University. It serves educational institutions and businesses, primarily. It has been serving the video hosting and production community for over a decade.
Since Wisita is a business-focused video hosting solution, its features are geared towards enterprise broadcasters.
Key Features
Customizable Video Player: Tailor the player to match your brand.
Advanced Analytics: Detailed insights on viewer engagement.
Lead Generation Tools: Turn viewers into potential customers.
Video SEO: Improve search rankings with built-in SEO tools.
Integrations: Seamless integration with marketing tools like HubSpot and Mailchimp.
Privacy Controls: Robust options for video security and privacy.
Pros
User-friendly interface
Excellent customer support
Comprehensive analytics
Strong focus on security and privacy
Cons
Higher price point compared to some competitors
Limited storage on lower-tier plans
Upload Guidelines and Specs
File Types: MP4, MOV, AVI, etc.
Maximum File Size: 8 GB per video
Resolution: Supports up to 4K video
Pricing
Wistia pricing plans include the following:
Free Plan: Free forever
Plus plan: $19/month
Pro Plan: $79/month
Advanced Plan: $319/month
Reviews
“The entire organization uses Wistia to host all of our online content across multiple platforms. We are able to hold our over 1,000 training videos, social media content, and testimonials easily in one place. It helps that we are able to replace videos yet still build on top of our stats, as well.” – Hillary Hobbs, via TrustRadius
“Wistia provides training and information videos to both clients and employees. The use of videos enables us to get uniform information distributed in a consistent way and make certain that our message is heard in the correct way.” – Gil Parrish, via TrustRadius
Best Use Case
Wistia is most often used for:
Marketing Video
Enterprise Hosting
Live event streaming
Wistia offers a professional-looking video player, with a focus on marketing videos and educational content support. It is a solid enterprise video hosting solution that has been around for more than a decade.
7. Vidyard
Vidyard is a business video streaming platform that provides features for marketing and lead generation. That’s why its packages are built for marketing, sales, and corporate communications.
This is a comprehensive video streaming platform that is geared toward turning viewers into customers.
The Vidyard platform includes tools to improve audience reach and viewer engagement so that its users can generate qualified leads.
Key Features:
Video hosting and streaming
Secure cloud video platform
Interactive viewing experiences
Video SEO
Personalization, playlist, and other viewing features
Advanced video analytics
Robust security options
Pros:
You can sync your video content with your marketing efforts using its numerous cloud integration options.
An active community of users, so you can get help and insight from others when needed.
Customer service agents who can help you with the platform
Scripting feature that allows you to practice your live stream content beforehand and prepares a script for you. Then, you can read off that script during the live show. That way, you don’t have to remember all the points and can be more relaxed.
Excellent video-sharing options such as “publish to socials” buttons, schedule releases, and instant link sharing.
4K video playback quality.
Add a call to action in your video player or on the sharing page
You can easily manage users in your team and enjoy flexibility in customizing permissions to specific users.
Extensive self-serve helpful resources to guide you through the Vidyard cloud video streaming solution.
Cons:
Complicated backend
Consistency issues
No China video delivery
Pricing:
Vidyard prices its platform based on the use case, and includes the following packages:
Packages for Individuals and Teams:
Free
Pro Package: $19/month (when billed annually or $29 when billed monthly)
Plus Package: $59/month (when billed annually or $89 when billed monthly)
Business Package: those looking for Business pricing solutions, are encouraged to contact Vidyard’s sales team
Custom Video Solutions:
All enterprise pricing packages are custom-priced.
Reviews
“If you’re looking for a hosting service that will provide detailed insights on engagement and analytics, then Vidyard is great. It’s been very reliable for our hundreds of videos. However, if you want very tight control over the player controls, the appearance of the video when it’s embedded, etc., then Vidyard still has some kinks to work out.” – Terra Stafford, via TrustRadius
“We introduced the test version of Vidyard in the morning and ordered the actual version in the afternoon. It took a few hours to train the sales team to use the service and the tool was quickly adopted. The program is easy, simple, and effective.” – Matt Ruuska, via TrustRadius
Best Use Case
This platform is designed for:
Sales and marketing
Enterprise-level live streaming
If your video content is all about marketing and lead generation, then Vidyard is the right commercial video hosting solution for your business.
8. SproutVideo
SproutVideo is a business video hosting platform that supports both live streaming and on-demand video hosting. The primary function of SproutVideo is marketing video hosting.
Key Features
API access
White-label video player
VOD and live stream hosting
Marketing tools
Custom video gallery landing pages
Pros
Pricing plans for every budget
Player customization for on-brand streaming
Powerful analytics dashboard
Cons
Premium support only available with the most expensive plan
Basic security only with the least expensive plans
Limitations on SEO tools
Upload Guidelines and Specs
Minimum dimension: None
Maximum dimension: None
Supported aspect ratios: Any
Maximum file size: Up to 100 GB
Maximum video length: Unlimited
Total file storage: 500 GB
Accepted video formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 3GPP
Pricing
SproutVideo flexible pricing plans come in four tiers for teams of all sizes:
Seed: $10/month
Sprout: $35/month
Tree: $75/month
Forest: $295/month
Reviews
“Easy to set up, and it has [a] clean presentation. Not difficult to get up and running with the interface that Sprout provides. Pretty straightforward with video uploads and a few code snippets to share your videos.” – Tad A., via Capterra
“We’ve been very happy with the adaptive streaming to get our content to our locations no matter the bandwidth available, the embedding customization, and the single sign-on options. They’ve worked with our IT teams very very well.” – Anonymous, via G2
Best Use Case
SproutVideo is best suited for:
Business video hosting
The primary use of marketing professionals
SproutVideo is another platform that is focused on marketing videos, with lots of tools geared towards marketing professionals who are using videos to sell products and generate business. It is a strong corporate video hosting marketing platform.
9. JW Player
JW Player originated as a bit of the code, a building block of YouTube’s original video player. It has since expanded to a business video hosting platform of its own, and it offers support for both on-demand and live streaming. The JW Player platform offers a full set of video streaming services for enterprise broadcasters.
JW Player includes an HTML5 video player with support for the latest technologies such as the MPEG-DASH protocol, multi-bitrate streaming, simulcasting to Facebook Live, DRM security, and more.
Key Features
Live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) hosting
Cloud-based content management platform
Custom video galleries
Up to 1080p HD streaming
Support for monetization via advertising
Multi-bitrate and adaptive streaming
Email support through the $100/month plan level
Video API access on all plans
Only custom-priced Enterprise plans offer DRM
Monetization via advertising
Pros
HD streaming
Video recommendations engine to generate custom “watch next” recommendations for increased viewership
Global content delivery
Cons
No China video delivery
Only basic security features
Only ad-based monetization
Pricing
With JW Player, you will need to contact sales to discuss your needs and get custom pricing or start with a free trial.
Publishers and broadcasters should contact JW Player directly for pricing and features.
Reviews
“This may have been the easiest implementation of a tool I’ve ever experienced. Beyond that, it’s so easy to use, you barely have to think about it after a while.” – Anonymous User, via Capterra
“JW Player is a web-based video player. It is best-in-class for that kind of application. If you need to host video content and need a video player on your website – this is definitely one company to investigate.” – Jim Cairl, via TrustRadius
Best Use Case
JW Player is well suited for streaming video content of any kind. The only real hold-up is their 6-hour limit on live streams.
JW Player is designed to be easy to use and has affordable starter plans for smaller businesses, while also having the features that are needed for larger corporate video hosting needs.
10. Wowza
Wowza is an enterprise video hosting platform with both live and on-demand streaming. The platform focuses on greater flexibility and accessibility across all viewing devices. Wowza offers its Wowza Streaming Engine for self-hosted video workflows in addition to the Wowza Streaming Cloud, which is a comprehensive streaming solution.
Wowza allows broadcasters to build highly customized streaming workflows using third-party integrations, APIs, and other advanced features.
Key Features:
Video content management
Supports high-definition streaming
Robust security features
Video API
Simulcasting capabilities
Pros
Powerful security
Supports streaming on most devices
Live streaming and video-on-demand
Connects with Google Analytics
China video delivery
Cons:
Monetization through integrations only
Pricing:
The Wowza Streaming Engine has its own pricing plan packages. These professional-grade streaming plans are billed annually and include:
Pay As You Go: only pay for usage + $2.50 per streaming hour, $0.10 per viewer hour
One Month of Streaming: $149/month one-time purchase
Enterprise: Please contact Wowza directly for access to their custom-tailored high-volume enterprise solutions
Check out Wowza’s pricing page for alternative plans and packages.
If you need a budget-friendly video hosting platform with streaming security, try Wowza.
All of these Live Event plans include full brand control, multi-bitrate streaming, and HD and UHD streaming.
The Wowza Streaming Engine has its own pricing plans. These professional-grade streaming plans are billed annually and include:
Basic: $175/month + $195/month for each additional instance and $125/month for each additional prepaid instance
One Month Event: $295/month + $295month for each additional instance
Enterprise: Please contact Wowza directly for access to their custom-tailored high-volume enterprise solutions
Reviews
“If you are looking to live stream content to a small audience then the Wowza engine is the solution. You can deploy it on a cloud or a local machine easily and there are a lot of support documents that help and guide you to do that.” – Abhishek D., via G2
“The most impactful features are transcoding and HLS/DASH web streaming. The software was easy to integrate and operate via the API and integration is stable while upgrading. Our company [has used] Wowza Streaming Engine for over 10 years!” – Wojciech D., via Capterra
Best Use Case
Wowza Streaming Cloud is designed for:
Live event streaming
Building custom streaming apps
Self-managed streaming with the Wowza Streaming Engine
Wowza is a cloud-based corporate video hosting service that is designed to easily integrate via API into your system.
11. StreamShark
StreamShark is a powerful video hosting platform for businesses that is powered by MetaCDN. This platform is particularly well-known for its fast content delivery and innovative streaming technology.
This enterprise video hosting platform is particularly well-suited for powering the live streams of large-scale, high-profile events and providing an exceptional viewing experience.
Key Features
- Live streaming
- Global content delivery
- Multi-CDN access
- Localized media ingestion
- Video encoding
- Video reporting and analytics
- Customizable video player
- Secure streaming
- Tech support
Pros
- Wide variety of streaming tools
- Reliable content delivery
- Innovative streaming platform
- Large storage capacity
Cons
- No channel support
- No embeddable video playlists
- Does not support China video delivery
Upload Guidelines and Specs
- Minimum dimension: 240p (426 x 240)
- Maximum dimension: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
- Max file size: not available
- Max video length: not available
- Total file storage: 500GB, 1TB, 3TB
- Compatible video formats: HLS, WebM VP9, WebM VP8, WebM VP9 DASH, MP4
Pricing
Monthly live streaming plans with StreamShark begin at $199 per month and include the following:
- Standard: $199/month; includes 1,000 GB of bandwidth; overage charges of $0.10/GB
- Team: $499/month; includes 4,000 GB of bandwidth; overage charges of $0.09/GB
- Business: $999/month; includes 9,000 GB of bandwidth; overage charges of $0.08/GB
- Enterprise: Please contact StreamShark for their custom enterprise solutions and plans
Reviews
“StreamShark is our [live stream] destination and VoD content management solution. We regularly [live stream] company town halls and external events through StreamShark. We host over 4000 videos in our VoD library through StreamShark.” – Stewart Gilmour via TrustRadius
“They were very kind and easy to work with. The level of communication between myself and StreamShark was high. The time taken to complete my request was more than acceptable and in the end, I had received everything I had requested including any modifications. As always it was a pleasure to work with them.” – Dragonix88 via Trust Pilot
Best Use Case
- Enterprise video hosting
- Large-scale streaming
- High-profile event streaming
If your content goals are centered around hosting large-scale live events, then StreamShark has the support needed for that type of video hosting needs.
12. Hippo Video
Hippo Video is a business video hosting platform that offers a variety of streaming tools for marketing, sales, education, and more.
If you are looking for a platform that has a wide array of pricing plans that can grow with you, Hippo could be an option for you. Hippo Video’s plans start at $7/month and range up to custom-priced plans for more advanced streaming needs.
Key Features
- Business video hosting
- Editing and creation tools
- Customizable streaming experience
- Video marketing tools (CTAs, analytics, etc.)
- Screen recording support
- Tools for collaboration
Pros
- Wide range of hosting tools
- Plans for every budget
- Customization options
- Diverse functionality
Cons
- Some complaints about the customer support
- Reports of bugginess on the platform
- The built-in editor can be glitchy
Upload Guidelines and Specs
- Minimum dimension: 480p
- Maximum dimension: 1080p
- Aspect ratio: not available
- Max file size: 3 GB
- Max video length: 5 minutes on Free plans, 2 hours on Premium plans
- Total file storage: n/a
- Compatible video formats: not available
Pricing
Hippo Video’s pricing structure offers a variety of solutions for different use cases. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing:
Free: $0; includes 2 video flows, 10 minutes of closed captions, 5 videos – AI editor, 2 sales page templates
Pro: $20/month; includes 5 video flows, 30 minutes of closed captions, 10 videos – AI editor, 5 sales page templates
Teams: $60/month; includes 15+ video flows, 200 minutes of closed captions, 50 videos – AI editor, 15 sales page templates
Enterprise: $80/month; includes unlimited video flows, unlimited minutes of closed captions, unlimited videos – AI editor, unlimited sales page templates
Note that all prices are billed annually.
Reviews
“Hippo Video brings a lot, and I mean A LOT, to the table. Of all the different things it does, the ones I’m a big fan of are the ability to easily record or upload a video from either your computer or smartphone (thanks to the mobile app), being able to share and embed the videos pretty much anywhere, the email list signup feature and last, but certainly not least, the video teleprompter feature.” – Yann I. via G2
“I love how quickly and easily accessible the software is. The button to get going lives right at the top of my computer screen and it’s a simple click to get rolling with the video. And when you’re done, it automatically opens up the video edit page on the website so you can get your video live quickly and easily.” – Sarah W. via G2
Best Use Case
Business video hosting
Educational video hosting
Video for marketing
Video for sales
Hippo Video is a great video hosting service for businesses that are looking for a platform that can grow with them. They offer affordable entry-level packages, as well as more advanced video hosting packages and services for larger enterprises.
13. Cincopa
Cincopa is a multimedia hosting service that also provides support for business video hosting and live streaming. This tool is suitable for storing and managing video, audio, photos, and other media files.
Cincopa provides all of the tools that enterprises need for a professional streaming experience. Some of the top features include video monetization, stream recording, OTT streaming, and reliable content delivery. Cincopa also supports a variety of integrations for a customizable streaming experience.
Key Features
- Live streaming
- Multimedia storage and management
- Efficient video player
- Video monetization tools
- Wide variety of integrations
- Powerful CDN partnerships
- Secure streaming
Pros
- Highly professional solution
- Large collection of streaming tools
- Unique functionality
- Customizable streaming experience
- Reliable tech support
Cons
- Video streaming is not the primary offering
Some complaints about media storage limits
Upload Guidelines and Specs
- Minimum dimension: 144p
- Maximum dimension: 4K
- Aspect ratio: 4:3, 16:9
- Max file size: 1, 2, 20GB (depending on the plan)
- Max video length: not available
- Total file storage: 5 videos, 40 videos, unlimited videos (depending on the plan)
- Compatible video formats: AVI, MOV, WMV, MP4, M4A, F4A, F4B, F4V, F4P, M2TS, MTS, VOB, MKV, RMVB, M1V, QT, DIV, DIVX, DV, 3GP, 3GPP, 3G2, MPG, MPEG, MPE, FLV
Pricing
Cincopa offers three different pricing plans, including:
- Plus: $25/month; includes marketing tools (CTAs, email integrations, etc.)
- Corporate: $99/month; advanced broadcasting tools
- Agency/Enterprise: $350/month; advanced broadcasting tools with more flexibility
Please check out Cincopa’s pricing page for a further breakdown of storage and capabilities that come with each plan.
Reviews
“Cincopa provides a lot of flexibility in the number of videos you can have and how they are displayed. The functionality is broad and easy to use while also being affordable. Additionally, their customer success team responds quickly to any and all questions. This is a highly valuable asset when you are a small organization.” – Elizabeth T. via G2
“I like that Cincopa is intuitive and easy to use. I was able to quickly set up my gallery. The analytics functions are very effective for measuring how your website visitors engage with your content. I have just discovered the Video Portal which I am using for recording a screencast tutorial. I’ve had great results thus far!” – Samuel A. via G2
Best Use Case
Enterprise video hosting
Multimedia management for businesses
Live streaming
Cincopa stands out as it is not just a business video platform, it is also a hosting platform for visual and audio content, with an easy-to-use and intuitive interface.
14. TwentyThree
TwentyThree is a video hosting platform with both personal and enterprise streaming services. This powerful solution is geared towards marketing, and it offers scalable support for growing businesses.
The streaming plans from TwentyThree are on the pricier side, so they are best suited for businesses with a hefty budget.
Key Features
- Enterprise video hosting
- Webinar hosting
- Video marketing tools
- Team management
- Data tracking and analytics
Pros
- Large collection of enterprise-grade streaming tools
- Scalable streaming plans
- Reliable customer support
- Long time player in the streaming space
Cons
- Some issues with integrations
- Issues with chat feature
- Requires a bit of a learning curve
Upload Guidelines and Specs
- Recommended dimensions: 1920 x 1080px or larger
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Max file size: Unavailable
- Max video length: Unavailable
- Total file storage: Unlimited
- Compatible video formats: .MP4, .AVI, .WMV, .MOV, and more
Pricing
TwentyThree splits its pricing plans into three main categories: Personal Video, Video Marketing Platform, and Webinars. There are several plans under each of these categories. Here’s how they are broken down:
Personal Video:
Pro: €19/month
Enterprise: €39/month
Video Marketing Platform:
Video Marketing Platform: €499/month
Enterprise: 2499/month
Webinars:
Pro: €499/month
Complete: €1499/month
Enterprise: 2499/month
Reviews
“The system is quite intuitive and the onboarding process on top of that made it easy to configure the system the way you wanted to.” – Verified User via G2
“With TwentyThree, it’s possible to see video data on a whole other level. You can see exactly where people stopped watching, where people repeated certain parts of a clip, etc. I can embed my video anywhere and have access to audience insights that I can use to grow my video marketing capabilities. It’s an incredible platform that has provided users with so much more power than ever before.” – Julianna S. via G2
Best Use Case
Enterprise video hosting
Personal video hosting
TwentyThree is focused on offering video marketing tools and providing the tools for hosting internal or external webinars. If these services are the focus of your video content, this may be the enterprise video hosting platform for you.
15. HubSpot
HubSpot is a software company that provides a variety of business-focused solutions. HubSpot’s Marketing Hub is a solution that is focused on marketing. Business video hosting is included with the Marketing Hub solution.
This option is best suited for businesses that need holistic marketing support. If you are simply looking for video hosting, this is not the option for you.
Key Features
- Video hosting
- Data and analytics
- Blogging tools
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Social media management
- Live chat
Pros
- A diverse collection of marketing tools
- Reliable support
Cons
- Video streaming is not a primary offering
- Users must pay for all of the tools
Upload Guidelines and Specs
HubSpot does not publish specific upload guidelines and specs.
Pricing
The Marketing Hub software from HubSpot comes in two pricing plans, including:
Marketing Hub Professional: $800/month
Marketing Hub Enterprise: $3600/month
Reviews
“I love the diversity that HubSpot provides. It’s not just a CRM – you can house everything that you need on one platform. I don’t have to worry about learning different platforms. I also love that there is a “how-to” video for almost every one of their features.” – Verified User via G2
“From blogs to email, to website creation, there is a video or blog for everything! Continuing, it is great to be able to integrate your email and inbox. Email templates make emailing new leads very easy, as I do not have to retype emails and can just click from templates, which fills in everything from subject to [the] body. Also, it helps to see when customers open emails, to see if they are still engaged or are ignoring what materials are sent.” – Joe B via G2
Best Use Case
Digital marketing
Lead management
CRM
Team collaboration
HubSpot is most well-known for its marketing and analytics, but it also offers a video hosting service. If you are already using other HubSpot services, it is worth looking into their enterprise video hosting solution.
Top 5 Free Online Video Platform Alternatives
When it comes to broadcasting for business use, paid hosting solutions are preferred. The main reason for that preference is that paid tools give you, the broadcaster, total ownership of your content, whereas free tools do not.
Free tools also are limited in terms of professional features, advanced tools, and most often, monetization capabilities.
However, if you have a startup or a small business with a low budget, free video hosting tools may be required to get you started. Here is a brief comparison of 5 of the top free video hosting platforms.
1. YouTube
YouTube is probably the most popular video streaming platform on the market. It was one of the first platforms to make online video streaming popular. This Google-owned website is one of the best options for consumer-grade broadcasting. When it comes to YouTube video hosting for business and video creation, many businesses use it as a means to dip their toes in the world of video broadcasting.
As we mentioned, YouTube is not ideal for business hosting since the platform has limits on monetization and it does not give users full ownership of their content. However, this platform is completely free to use and is pretty easy to navigate.
Key Features:
- Owned by Google
- B2C platform
- A social media hosting platform
- Primarily used by independent content creators and vloggers
- Ad-based monetization (with strict limitations)
- Organization by playlists and channels
Pros
- Free to use
- Viewers are familiar with the site
- Ad-based monetization
- User-friendly
- Easy to embed the player on other websites
- Live and VOD features
Cons
Cannot remove YouTube’s branding
YouTube owns access to your content
Distracting third-party ads and branding
Upload Guidelines and Specs
- Minimum dimension: 240p (426 x 240)
- Maximum dimension: 4K (3840 x 2160)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 (adds padding to videos with other aspect ratios)
- Max file size: 128 GB
- Max video length: 12 hours
- Total file storage: No storage limit
- Compatible video formats: MP4, MOV, MPEG4, FLV, AVI, Web M, WMV, MPEG-PS, 3GPP
Best Use Case
YouTube is ideal for users who want to embed videos on their website but don’t have the budget for a professional video streaming solution.
2. Dailymotion
Dailymotion is a French video hosting platform that is very similar to YouTube. The main difference between Dailymotion and YouTube is that Dailymotion allows just about any content whereas YouTube is quite strict. The growing popularity of Dailymotion and the greater freedom of expression make Dailymotion a great choice for many broadcasters.
Key Features:
- B2C video platform
- Commonly used by independent content creators
- Small creator fund
- Minimal content restrictions
- Tools for avoiding copyright issues
Pros
- Advanced tools for avoiding copyright violations
- Very few content restrictions
- Growing in popularity around the world
Cons
- Not as well-known as YouTube
- Low creator fund
- Limited analytics
Upload Guidelines and Specs
- Minimum dimension: 240p (426 x 240)
- Maximum dimension: 4K (3840 x 2160)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 (adds padding to videos with other aspect ratios)
- Max file size: 128GB
- Max video length: 12 hours
- Total file storage: Unlimited
- Compatible video formats: MOV, MPEG4, MP4, AVI, WMV, MPEG-PS, FLV, 3GPP, WebM
Best Use Case
Dailymotion is a good option for small businesses without the budget for a professional hosting solution.
3. Facebook Live
Turning to Facebook Live for video streaming is the first reaction for many broadcasters who just getting started. It seems like the most sensible solution, especially if your brand also has a loyal following on the platform.
However, like YouTube, Facebook Live can pose challenges for businesses that want total ownership over their video content and want access to monetization tools.
Aside from those few technical restrictions, live streaming to Facebook Live is generally a good idea. Many broadcasters who use paid streaming solutions connect their accounts to simulcast (broadcast at the same time) to both Facebook and their websites.
Key Features:
- Primarily a social media platform
- Some business tools
- “Facebook Live” and “Facebook Watch”
- Chat thread under live streams
- Can stream in groups, business pages, or on personal profiles
Pros
- Free to use
- Easy for viewers to access
- Live chat to promote participation for viewers
- User-friendly
- Reaches existing audience
Cons
- Limited monetization options
- Time limits on live videos
- Cannot remove Facebook’s branding
Upload Guidelines and Specs
- Minimum dimension: 720p (1280×720)
- Maximum dimension: 1080p (1920×1080)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9, 9:16, 2:3, 4:5, 1:1
- Max file size: 4 GB
- Max video length: 90 minutes
- Total file storage: No storage limit
- Compatible video formats: MP4, MOV, MPEG4, AVI, 3GPP, WMV, FLV, MKV
Best Use Case
Facebook Live is best suited for live streaming to your existing following on your Facebook page.
4. Twitch
Twitch is a very popular application in the world of video gaming. Streamers set up channels where viewers and supporters can follow them.
This site is pretty niche, but it is a great streaming platform if you are trying to reach an audience in the gaming, fantasy, or tech industry.
Key Features
- Subscription-based monetization
- Tipping is allowed
- Live chat for viewer participation
Pros
- Free
- Easily share videos on social media
- Built-in tools to promote user engagement
- Easily accessible audience analytics
Cons
- Strict community guidelines
- No real monetization features
- No privacy
Upload Guidelines and Specs
- Minimum dimension: 720p (1280 x 720)
- Maximum dimension: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
- Max file size: Not available
- Max video length: 48 hours
- Total file storage: Not available
- Compatible video formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, FLV
Best Use Case
Twitch is primarily known for video game streaming, so it would be best suited if your audience falls into that niche. However, there are many content restrictions, so check to make sure your intended content meets the Twitch community standards.
5. LinkedIn Live
LinkedIn recently released LinkedIn Live, which is an exclusive business offering that helps brands connect with users through live video streams. Streaming on LinkedIn Live requires the support of a custom RTMP streaming setup or the support of a third-party streaming platform, like Dacast.
Streaming to LinkedIn live makes it possible to target a very specific audience, professionals in your industry. However, this could also be a downfall for brands that need to reach a broader audience.
Key Features
- Business video streaming
- Strict quality control
- Exclusive tool
- Virtual event hosting
Pros
- Free to use
- Boosts engagement
- Connects with a niche audience
- Helps build brand awareness
Cons
Access is granted on an application basis
Requires third-party support
Highly regulated tool
Upload Guidelines and Specs
Video guidelines and specs depend on the third-party app that you use for support.
Best Use Case
Growing your professional network
Connecting with professionals
Increasing brand awareness
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing the right business video platform solutions is pivotal for modern businesses to maximize their impact. Effective business video services facilitate seamless video sharing for business and ensure that content reaches the intended audience effectively. Using the right video hosting platforms for business provides great enterprise video storage, secure commercial video hosting, and advanced enterprise video management features that work in many corporate settings. These platforms enable businesses to deliver high-quality web video for business purposes while enhancing communication, training, marketing, and customer engagement.
Compared to generic platforms, utilizing specialized video hosting sites for businesses gives greater control, security, and customization. Moreover, dedicated video-sharing tools and business streaming video hosting services make for smooth and reliable delivery of live and on-demand content. As businesses increasingly rely on video to get their message across, investing in a comprehensive, professional-grade video solution for businesses is essential to stay competitive and connect effectively with audiences. Use the right business video platform and you’ll enhance your brand presence, drive engagement, and best support your strategic goals.
Not sure where to start? Try Dacast risk-free for 14 days to test out our tools that are designed to help businesses like yours produce professional-grade live streams. To get started, all you have to do is sign up for a Dacast account today, and you’re ready to go. No credit card is required.
You can try Dacast and all its features free for a full 14 days, today.
For exclusive offers and regular live-streaming tips, you’re also welcome to join our LinkedIn. Also, feel free to contact our team with specific questions. We’re here to help!
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