Balanced and unbalanced audio outputs are two common types of connections you can use for your video streaming. The difference between the two lies in how each handles external interference and noise. 

A balanced audio setup provides an interface that reduces external noise interference and guarantees exceptional audio capture and transmission. Unbalanced audio, on the other hand, plays a key role in specific applications within video streaming, particularly when adequate audio quality is needed for shorter-distance connections.

Understanding the difference between balanced and unbalanced audio is crucial to making an informed decision about your video streaming audio setup. 

In this post, we cover everything you need to know about balanced and unbalanced inputs for video streaming.

Table of Contents:

• Understanding Audio Signal Transmission: What is Balanced vs Unbalanced Audio
• What is Balanced Audio?
• What is Unbalanced Audio?
• Comparison Table: Balanced vs Unbalanced Audio
• Audio Transmission: Technical Insights
• Identifying Balanced vs Unbalanced Audio Inputs
• Practical Applications of Audio in Video Streaming
• How Do Balanced Audio And Video Streaming Complement Each Other?
• Considerations for Integrating Audio in Video Streaming Systems
• Real-world Application Examples of Integrations in Video Streaming
• Audio Application Challenges and Solutions
• Expert Advice and Best Practices for Video Streaming Professionals 
• Conclusion
• FAQs
• Glossary

Understanding Audio Signal Transmission: What is Balanced vs Unbalanced Audio

Audio signal transmission refers to how an audio signal is routed, processed, and assigned to the desired output channel. To understand the fundamentals of audio signal transmission for better video and audio livestreaming, let’s explore how balanced and unbalanced audio work.

What is Balanced Audio? 

Balanced audio is a method of transmitting audio signals using three-conductor cables. Two conductors carry negative and positive signals, with audio serving as an AC signal and the third signal as a ground reference. 

The main benefit of a balanced audio signal transmission is its ability to cancel noise and interference. Any noise picked up along the cable will be common to both signals and cancel out when they merge at the receiving end. The result is a cleaner, more reliable audio signal.

What is Unbalanced Audio?

Unbalanced audio differs from balanced audio in that it utilizes a two-conductor cable. One conductor carries the signal, while the other serves as a ground reference. Unlike in a balanced setup, there is no duplication of the signal or inversion in this setup.

Unbalanced audio is more susceptible to external electromagnetic interference. There is no mechanism to eliminate the noise picked up along the cable, which can quickly degrade the sound quality during an audio broadcast.

The key difference between balanced and unbalanced audio lies in how they handle interference and noise. Balanced audio, with its three-conductor setup, offers superior noise resistance and rejection compared to unbalanced audio.

Comparison Table: Balanced vs Unbalanced Audio

Here is a table to help illustrate the key differences of balanced vs unbalanced audio input systems:

Audio Transmission: Technical Insights

The technical aspects of balanced vs. unbalanced audio quality are essential when building an audio streaming platform, or hooking up audio equipment for video streaming. Before you plug things in, you need to understand the intricacies of balanced vs unbalanced audio connections, and how they can influence your choice.

Balanced Audio

Signal Path 

In a balanced audio system, the audio signal is transmitted by three conductors: the Ground reference, positive, and negative (or inverted) audio conductors. Positive and negative conductors carry the same information despite differences in polarity.

During the audio transmission, the inverted signal mixes with the positive signal at the receiving end after being reversed to its normal polarity. Any noise detected along the route can impact both signals.

However, this noise is usually canceled when recombining signals, leaving behind a clear audio signal with a better signal-to-noise ratio.

Connector Varieties

The two common connectors used in balanced audio systems are TRS and XLR. TRS Connectors are 3.5mm long and have two bands near the tip. They are commonly used for single-cable stereo signals, such as in professional audio equipment and headphones.

In contrast, XLR connectors contain three pins, albeit in some cases, they may have four or five. The three pins carry the positive, negative, and Ground charges. XLR connectors are used by most professional audio equipment because of their durability, locking mechanism, and effectiveness in transmitting balanced signal over long distances.

Cable Construction

Cable construction in balanced audio connections features three wires inside the plastic casing: two signal wires and a ground wire. The ground wire protects the two signal wires from external electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). The shield further minimizes any crosstalk between channels in multi-channel audio systems.

Noise and Interference Reduction

One of the primary advantages of balanced inputs is their ability to reject common types of interference, including:

EMI and RFI

Power cables, wireless transmissions, and electronic equipment all produce electromagnetic interference. Balanced audio cables are made to reject this interference by relying on a common-wide rejection concept, which views any noise introduced into the signal stream as a common-mode signal and cancels it out.

Ground Loop Hum

You’ll often experience a ground loop when you plug various audio equipment into different AC outlets. It’s a common issue in audio systems that balanced cables can eliminate, considering their lesser risk for unwanted noise. Unbalanced audio connections are often susceptible to picking up humming sounds in specific environments.

Unbalanced Audio

The Signal Path

The signal path in unbalanced audio transmission has two conductors: a signal conductor and a ground conductor. The signal conductor transmits the audio signal, while the ground conductor provides the signal’s reference point. 

Connector Varieties

Unbalanced audio commonly uses RCA, TS (Tip-Sleeve), and 3.5mm jacks as connectors.

RCA connectors

RCA connectors have a distinct red and white color coding, and are usually found in home audio systems and consumer electronics. They are mostly single-pin connectors that carry analog signals.

3.5mm jacks

These are associated with the TRS (Tip, Ring, and Sleeve) connectors and are common with the standard portable headphone jack. They facilitate a seamless connection between various devices.

TS Connectors

Though they seem alike, TS (Tip-Sleeve) connectors differ from TRS cables because they’re made up of just a tip and sleeve. They’re inherently unbalanced and used in mono audio equipment. You can use them with unbalanced outputs in instruments like guitars or keyboards.

Cable Construction

Unbalanced cables are designed with a single signal conductor and a layer of shielding. The shielding layer protects the signal from outside interference, but is not as effective as balanced cables’ twisted pair design. 

Between balanced versus unbalanced cables, the later are considered more noise-prone, particularly in areas where electromagnetic interference is prevalent.

Noise and Interference Reduction

Unbalanced audio is highly susceptible to noise and interference, especially from electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).

EMI & RFI

Unbalanced cables can easily pick up interference from nearby electronic devices, power lines, and wireless signals. To avoid both EMI and RFI, you need high-quality shielded cables, keep cable runs short, and avoid routing them near sources of electromagnetic interference. 

Ground Loop Hum

Ground loop hums in unbalanced cables are caused by the differences in electrical potential between connected devices. You can use ground loop isolators to prevent this from happening, especially in unbalanced audio setups.

Identifying Balanced vs Unbalanced Audio Inputs

How can you tell if an audio input is balanced or unbalanced? In most cases, if the audio cable has two points of contact, then the input is unbalanced. Similarly, an audio cable with three contact points can be viewed as a balanced. Still, there’s more to telling the difference between balanced versus unbalanced audio when it comes to setting up a video stream or live stream recording.

Here are various methods to identify the type of input:

1. Visually Inspect Connectors

You can easily identify balanced XLR vs unbalanced XLR by simply looking at them. A balanced XLR contains three pins or conductors. Unbalanced connectors have two pins or conductors, and examples include RCA and TS (Tip-Sleeve) connectors.

So, if you want to set up a balanced audio connection for your video streams, look for the “balanced” label or any symbols (such as the letters “XLR”) that denote balanced connections. 

Connectors labeled as “unbalanced” or without sections typical of balanced connectors like the three conductors, are likely to be unbalanced. The same also applies to balanced vs unbalanced TRS connectors.

2. Review Equipment Documentation and Specifications

You can also review your audio livestreaming equipment manuals for any specifications that indicate a balanced or unbalanced audio connection. Along with other important information like connector types and configurations, the specifications publicly available in the equipment manual and documentation should explicitly specify the type of audio inputs.

3. Test with Audio Signal

Audio testing equipment like a multimeter or cable tester can help you determine whether a connection is balanced or unbalanced. Cable testers test the integrity of the connections, while multimeters can sense the continuity between pins. You can also connect audio sources to the input and listen for noise, hum, or interference.

Practical Applications of Audio in Video Streaming

Balanced and unbalanced audio transmissions have practical applications across various industries. Let’s explore how they are utilized in different contexts:

1. Live Event Streaming

Streaming a live event, such as a digital conference where guest speakers from across the globe share their insights requires more than just a reliable video stream. Delivering the content from the live event at once requires you to have professional-quality video accompanied by perfect audio. 

Balanced audio connections will benefit your live event video streaming setups because they are reliable and immune to interference. It ensures that all presentations have audible content, regardless of whether you wish to broadcast multimedia content from audio sources or amplify guest talks from microphones.

2. Broadcasting Live Sports

Strong audio links are necessary to capture the thrill of the game interference-free when broadcasting live sports. To guarantee quality audio transmission from microphones, commentators, and venue sound systems, consider utilizing balanced audio setups.

However, you can still employ unbalanced audio setup in some aspects of the broadcasting setup, such as attaching microphones close to audio mixing consoles, where shorter cable runs and less interference are allowed.

3. Fitness and Exercise

As a fitness expert, broadcasting fitness content to your students means investing in the best video and audio transmission equipment. In most cases, fitness and exercise environments are exposed to moisture, sweat, and physical stress. 

Balanced audio connections will provide a more reliable and durable connection that is less susceptible to these interferences and signal degradation – keeping the audio quality consistent for those working out during online workouts/classes.

4. Churches and Houses of Worship

There’s much a value a dedicated live stream can bring to your church or house of worship during a normal service or an event. To complement your live streaming solutions for church, choose balanced audio connections for sound systems to ensure clear and consistent audio. 

From wireless microphones and musical instruments to choir monitors and audio mixers, balanced audio provides a crisp and near-flawless sound that maintains the spiritual atmosphere without interference or noise issues.

5. Home Audio Systems

A home audio system doesn’t require much unless it’s a high-end or professional-grade studio setup. In such a case, they benefit more from unbalanced audio connections which are considered standard in most consumer-grade home audio systems.

This cuts across stereo systems, home theaters, and personal audio setups you may have installed in your home. The setups are always favored due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with standard audio devices and accessories.

6. Government and Municipalities

Governments and municipalities are often required to brief the press through ad-hoc conferences that include Q&As. This may also include broadcasting public addresses and speeches while recording end-to-end live video streaming  for remote audiences.

For this, balanced audio connections are required for AV systems to ensure clear and reliable communication. Unbalanced audio connections may be used in specific settings where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are prioritized. 

For example, municipal town hall meetings to capture public hearings may only require something as simple as connecting a public address system that hugely benefits from unbalanced audio.

7. Video for Agencies

To wow clients and leave a lasting impression, agencies are continually challenged to provide the greatest video experience. They must host video libraries, publish their video content on the website, and, on particular occasions, stream live video events.

With a higher emphasis on guaranteeing high-quality audio capture from microphones, field recorders, and audio mixers, Video agencies need balanced audio connections in their professional video production settings. 

How Do Balanced Audio And Video Streaming Complement Each Other?

If you run a video stream, you must ensure the accompanying audio is well-balanced to complement the production quality. Here’s how balanced audio and video streaming work together effectively:

1. Crystal Clear Sound in a Noisy Setting

During video streaming, a balanced audio design that cancels noise alongside other interferences helps maintain a clear signal free of buzzes and hums. A crystal clear audio that preserves signal integrity is crucial for enhancing overall viewer engagement in a video stream.

2. Extended Cable Lengths to Improve Signal 

Advanced streaming setups with dispersed microphones, cameras, and other equipment require balanced and long cable runs to avoid signal degradation. Keeping the audio equipment far from each other in the streaming setup makes it easier to maintain the audio signal strength and clarity, which in turn improves signal integrity.

3. High Fidelity Sound

High-fidelity sound is necessary to capture the subtleties of speech, music, and ambient noises. A balanced audio setup assures you of this. A high-definition video stream enhanced by high-quality sound creates a polished viewing experience for the audience.

4. Better Audio Consistency

A balanced audio setup is adept at delivering consistent audio quality without fluctuations, which is critical for maintaining a stream’s professionalism. Ensuring your stream has consistent audio quality without any distracting audio issues can enhance the overall reliability of the stream.

Advantages of Balanced Audio in Video Streaming

A balanced audio has numerous advantages regarding video streaming setups. The most common benefits include:

Improved Signal Integrity

Balanced audio has mechanisms that reduce external interferences and noise to provide better audio signals for your video streams.

Longer Cable Runs

Longer cable runs in a balanced audio setup ensure that the audio can be transmitted over longer distances without significant degradation in quality or strength. This makes it perfect for running a production with advanced and large-scale video streaming setups.

Improved Noise Rejection

Balanced audio systems can successfully reject common-mode noise by using differential signals, guaranteeing high-quality audio transmission for your video streams even in busy surroundings.

Advantages of Unbalanced Audio in Video Streaming

Using an unbalanced audio inputs also comes in handy in video streaming setups by offering you the following benefits:

Cost-effectiveness and Simplicity

Unbalanced audio systems are less expensive and easier to implement than balanced audio systems, making them ideal for smaller-scale video streaming applications.

Compatibility with Consumer Devices

Unbalanced connections are included in many consumer-grade audio devices and equipment, which facilitates smooth integration with various frequently used gadgets.

Considerations for Integrating Audio in Video Streaming Systems

Before integrating balanced or unbalanced audio in your video streaming setup, here are vital factors worth considering: 

Equipment Compatibility

To prevent compatibility problems, ensure that every piece of the audio equipment you use for the video stream is compatible with balanced and unbalanced connections. This may prevent problems such as signal integrity and its overall strength.

Cable Management

Configurations that combine balanced and unbalanced audio require proper cable management to prevent external interference and maintain signal integrity.

Signal Mixing and Routing

Ensure you implement a strong signal mixing and routing system to integrate audio signals seamlessly and provide flexible control and adjustment during streaming sessions

Real-world Application Examples of Integrations in Video Streaming

Some of the common real-world applications that involve integrating balanced and unbalanced audio for video streaming setups are as follows:

Hybrid Audio Systems

You can integrate balanced and unbalanced audio connectors into a hybrid audio systems to ensure compatibility with a range of audio equipment and offer flexibility in audio routing.

Multi-camera Live Streaming Setups

A combination of balanced and unbalanced audio connections allows for effective control of audio signals from various sources in live streaming scenarios involving many cameras and audio sources.

Remote Production Environments

With balanced and unbalanced connections, you can transmit high-quality audio signals over great distances, guaranteeing dependable audio recording and streaming.

Audio Application Challenges and Solutions

Balanced Audio

Balanced audio offers several advantages over unbalanced audio, including improved noise rejection capabilities and longer cable runs without signal degradation. However, it also comes with a set of challenges. 

1. Cost

One of the biggest challenges of balanced audio systems is that you’ll need more components than unbalanced ones. This means higher initial costs, even if the result is high-quality audio.

If you want to minimize this challenge, investing in quality audio solutions and components upfront can save you lots of costs associated with maintenance and replacement. Besides, the benefits you get from the balanced audio unit justify the initial investment.

2. Compatibility

Not all audio equipment supports balanced connections, which limits interoperability between devices. However, there are ways around compatibility challenges, such as investing in adapters or interface devices to bridge the gap between balanced and unbalanced systems. 

3. Ground Loops

Balanced audio systems are always susceptible to ground loops, which lead to unwanted noise and interference. However, employing proper grounding techniques, such as keeping all the equipment connected to the same ground reference point, can help mitigate ground loop issues. 

Unbalanced Audio

Unbalanced audio is simpler and often more cost-effective than balanced audio. However, there are challenges with its implementation for your video streaming along with potential solutions:

1. Noise Sensitivity

Unbalanced audio connections are more prone to noise and interference, particularly in high electromagnetic interference (EMI) situations or over lengthy cable runs. However, you can cut down on the noise and interference by using premium shielded cables. Additionally, you can reduce the interference risk if your route cables are away from common sources of EMI. 

2. Signal Degradation

Long cable runs cause imbalanced audio signals to deteriorate because of cable capacitance and mismatched impedance. You can only lessen this by investing in low-capacitance cables and limiting cable lengths. Preamplifiers or signal boosters can also amplify the signal and enhance performance over extended ranges.

3. Limited Noise Rejection

Unbalanced audio doesn’t reject noise to the same degree as balanced audio. However, you stand a chance at reducing noise interference by minimizing the distance between audio sources and receivers. Investing in high-end audio gear with robust shielding can further enhance noise rejection. 

Expert Advice and Best Practices for Video Streaming Professionals 

Besides, investing in the best codecs, every video streaming professional needs to apply the following best practices for a smooth and high-quality streaming experience

Take into Account Compatibility 

When selecting equipment, ensure that the audio equipment you choose for your streaming configurations can handle both balanced and unbalanced connections, allowing for greater flexibility and integration.

Optimization of Setup

Practice cable management by properly routing and organizing audio cables to reduce interference and preserve signal integrity. This is especially essential when combining balanced and unbalanced audio in a setup in your video streaming.

Have Problem-Solving Strategies in place 

Employ signal strategies, such as signal testing, to avoid disruptions during streaming sessions. Ensure you test audio signals regularly and address any problems as soon as they arise in your video streams.

Practice Routine Maintenance

Schedule routine maintenance for audio equipment and cables in your video streaming setups to guarantee optimum performance and dependability.

Carry out Regular Sound Check

Always perform comprehensive audio sound checks before your video streaming sessions to find and fix any issues with audio quality beforehand.

Conclusion

The choice between balanced vs unbalanced audio for video streaming requires you to weigh numerous factors against each other. This includes equipment cost, complexity, noise rejection capabilities, and compatibility. 

Balanced inputs are an ideal option for professional environments where high-quality audio is paramount due to its superior noise-rejection capabilities and reliability. However, balanced audio comes with higher costs and complexity in setup and maintenance.

Unbalanced audio, on the other hand, is simpler and more cost-effective, ideal for low-cost setups where advanced equipment is not a necessity. The major downside is that it’s more susceptible to noise and interference, especially over long cable runs.

Despite these challenges, both options can be viable depending on the key requirements of your video streaming setup. 

Remember that investing in video streaming solutions, high-quality cables, and regular maintenance can help maximize audio performance in your video streaming setup. Dacast offers all-in-one video streaming solutions with a range of core features tailored to meet your streaming needs. 

Whether you need a stable live streaming platform, professional VOD hosting capabilities, or distribution and monetization tools via OTT solutions, Dacast has what you need to deliver quality video content to your audience.

These, together with Video Marketing tools, Video Monetization solutions, and other Live streaming solutions capabilities, make Dacast a perfect partner to take your business’s streaming capabilities to the next level.

If what you need is a professional-grade, feature-rich and flexible live streaming platform, look no further than Dacast. Dacast continues to lead in live streaming and video content.

The good news is you can try Dacast completely free with our 14-day free trial.

Get started for free

FAQs: 

1. What’s The Key Difference Between Balanced And Unbalanced Audio?

Balanced audio uses positive, negative, and Ground conductors to transmit signals, reducing noise. Unbalanced audio only utilizes two conductors: a signal wire and a ground.

2. When Should I Use Balanced Audio?

Balanced audio is ideal for professional settings where high-quality sound and noise rejection are crucial, such as in studios, live performances, and broadcasting.

3. Why Decide To Use Unbalanced Audio Setup?

Unbalanced audio is simpler, cost-effective, and suitable for casual setups or situations where noise rejection isn’t a primary concern, such as your home stereo systems or small events.

4. How Can I Troubleshoot Ground Loop Issues In Unbalanced Audio?

To avoid ground loops, use ground lift adapters or isolation transformers. They help break the loop. You can also ensure the equipment shares the same ground reference to minimize interference.

5. Is TRS Balanced or Unbalanced if it contains three pins or conductors?

TRS balanced vs unbalanced stems from the presence of three conductors or the “TRS” label. A TRS with three conductors is often counted as balanced.

Glossary

1. EMI: Electromagnetic Interference
2. RFI: Radio Frequency Interference
3. Ground Loop: This is unwanted electric current path in a circuit that results in signal stray or interference.
4. RCA Connector: A type of electrical connector used to transmit audio and video signals
5. TRS: (Tip/Ring/Sleeve)

The post Balanced vs Unbalanced Audio – Understanding Audio Signal Transmission appeared first on Dacast.

In this post, we guide you through what encoding software is. We help you select the most suitable software encoder based on your live-streaming needs. We also compare the top 13 best video encoding software options for professional live broadcasts. These software encoders are all RTMP-enabled, meaning they work with most video streaming platforms.

This article has been updated to reflect the most recent developments in video encoding software in 2024.

• What is Encoding Software?
  • Do You Need An Encoder To Live Stream?
  • What Is the Difference Between Encoding and Transcoding?
• Hardware vs. Software Encoders
  • Pros of Hardware Encoder 
    • Great Performance
    • Flexible
    • Dependable 
    • Easy Maintenance
  • Cons of Hardware Encoder 
    • Cost 
    • Upgrades 
  • Pros of the Software Encoder 
    • Cost
    • Availability
  • Cons of the Software Encoder 
    • Low Performance 
    • Viruses
• Various Use Cases for Video Encoding Software
• Key Software Encoding Features
  • 1. Instant Replay and Scoreboards
  • 2. NDI Support
  • 3. Multi-Bitrate Streaming
  • 4. Operating Systems Compatibility
  • 5. Video Conferencing
  • 6. Cost and Budget
• Comparison of the 10 Best Encoding Software in 2024
• 1. OBS Studio
  • Basic Functionality:
  • Pros: 
  • Cons:
• 2. vMix
  • Basic Functionality:
  • Pros: 
  • Cons:
• 3. Wirecast
  • Basic Functionality:
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 4. VidBlasterX
  • Basic Functionality:
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 5. VLC
  • Basic Functionality:
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 6. FFmpeg 
  • Basic Functionality:
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 7. HandBrake
  • Basic Functionality:
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 8. AVS Video Converter
  • Basic Functionality:
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 9. VideoProc
  • Basic Functionality:
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• 11. Adobe Media Encoder
• 12. DivX

• 13. Bonus: Dacast’s Live Streaming Software
  • Basic Functionality:
  • New!
  • Pros:
  • Cons:
• Fitting Your Budget
• Conclusion

What is Encoding Software?

Encoding software converts video formats in real time to prepare them for live streaming.

Encoding software, also known as encoder software or encoder programs, is essential for converting data from one format to another. They’re widely used to encode videos, which makes them compatible with various devices and platforms. Encoding data software ensures efficient storage and transmission by compressing and formatting data. For instance, professional video encoding software transforms raw data files into different formats such as MP4 and AVI. This optimizes them for streaming or playback. This process involves complex algorithms that balance quality and file size, ensuring a seamless experience across different media environments.

Do You Need An Encoder To Live Stream?

Live streaming involves a few different moving pieces. It can be a little overwhelming, and many companies just starting with video content want to ensure they only purchase the equipment they need to get started. The truth is that, yes, you do need an encoder to livestream. 

Your camera captures your video file. Your content management system will store it. But only your encoder will translate that digital file into all the different formats your viewers want to access.

The good news is that you can find built-in encoding on numerous cloud-based video hosting platforms, making your encoding effortless. There are also free tools for encoding, but this can involve a learning curve if you’re a beginner.

What Is the Difference Between Encoding and Transcoding?

Video encoding and transcoding are often used interchangeably. Although they both refer to attempting to convert a video file to a different format, their definitions differ slightly. By definition, video encoding software converts “raw” (analogue) video to an encoded form, whereas video transcoders convert one encoded format to another.

Hardware vs. Software Encoders

Before we get into it, we should highlight the distinction between hardware and software encoders.

Hardware encoders are dedicated devices, built for the singular purpose of live streaming. They come in various sizes ranging from rack mounts and mobile units.

Hardware encoders generally have more reliable operations but can also include excellent functionality. TeraDek’s line of mobile encoders allows you to use cellular bonding technology. That’s ideal for breaking news, outdoor sports, and more.

Hardware encoders contain everything you need in a small package: an encoding algorithm and a high computational unit dedicated to running the encoding algorithm. There are interfaces where you can select various options depending on your objectives.

The benefits they provide are frequently required for expert productions or if you intend to produce broadcast-quality videos or live streams that will impress and engage your audience.

Software encoders on the other hand are video conversion programs that run on a local computer. These software solutions have graphic interfaces to manage the conversion process and allow control over elements such as bitrate and stream quality

Software encoders are appealing because of their low cost and ease of operation. They also support future performance enhancements as the software can be upgraded as new features or product versions are released.

However, the main drawback is that software encoders are not dedicated devices. Computers are designed for multitasking and perform multiple actions at once. They lack the robustness and speed of hardware devices since they cannot save their unlimited resources for the live stream encoding process.

So, what’s the final tally regarding hardware vs. software encoding? The bottom line is that software encoding is cheaper than its hardware counterpart, but it provides excellent value for their price.

Pros of Hardware Encoder 

Great Performance

Excellent performance, especially when extremely high-quality streaming is essential. A computer with its parts can’t run better than a hardware encoder. Especially when working with multiple high-end sources or disseminating to diverse streaming platforms at once. This is mainly because hardware encoders are explicitly designed for streaming and recording. Every part inside was chosen or built solely for the task, and every ounce of processing capabilities is devoted strictly to it.

Flexible

Most hardware encoders have multiple video inputs, allowing you to connect high-end devices directly. The same is valid for audio: some appliances even have inputs for high-quality audio devices.

With inputs built into your video encoder, creating a professional video is more effortless. Software-encoder setups, on the other hand, are typically limited to USB. That means you’ll have to rely on webcams and microphones unsuitable for professional use.

You can, of course, buy capture cards that help bring non-USB signals to your PC and a front-end audio interface makes it easy to use competent audio equipment. However, this adds more components and cables and these additions are a prospective point of failure.

It also complicates setup and teardown, resulting in more items to keep track of and possibly loss while traveling.

Dependable 

They’re incredibly dependable, given that they’re only designed to encode. Encoder hardware is designed from the onset for streaming and recording. The underlying software is the same, so there are no contending or unnecessary processes. That’s not to say hardware encoders never have problems, but it’s much less likely.

Easy Maintenance

Have you ever experienced a problem with computer software and decided to call the vendor’s customer service number?

It is a very strenuous process, with each vendor sending you from one person to the next with no one accepting it’s their device’s fault.

With a hardware encoder, you can avoid this altogether. Because hardware encoders are developed and compiled by a single manufacturer, you only have one point of contact. This makes repairing or replacing your system a relatively painless process.

Cons of Hardware Encoder 

Cost 

The major disadvantage of a hardware encoder is the cost. Their prices begin at a few hundred dollars and rise from there, making them inaccessible to some people.

Upgrades 

Upgrades are complex, especially when compared to software encoders.

Pros of the Software Encoder 

Cost

Software encoding is the cheapest option, especially if your production doesn’t require that much effort. With its meager prices, the hardware-software can’t compete in this aspect. They have many built-in features, like switching between diverse video sources, adding overlaid graphics or text to your videos, etc. All these make it an excellent option for those just starting in the streaming sector.

Availability

Software encoding is an excellent option because you probably have everything you need to stream video with the software. So it’s easy to start streaming with a software encoder.

Cons of the Software Encoder 

Low Performance 

If you want to create a professional production where video quality is paramount and multiple cameras are involved, the software encoder will fail you. Creating high-quality production with software encoders requires various pricey add-ons which come up to the price of a hardware encoder.

Viruses

The hardware for software encoders is not included. They depend entirely on the CPU of their host computer for processing power. Even the most powerful computer is susceptible to unexpected system updates and viruses, which are unacceptable when you are about to go live.

Various Use Cases for Video Encoding Software

Video encoding software comes with unique features that may make one a better choice for you over another.

There is a wide variety of video encoding software on the market today, including live stream video. They share many similarities in design and primary function. But the first step in choosing the best video encoding software for your project will depend on exactly what features you need.

For example, some types of live encoding software are equipped with advanced tools focused on production. Other encoding software is designed for new broadcasters and small businesses getting started with live video streaming.

It’s sometimes difficult to tell if a particular encoder software is geared towards the beginning of the more advanced broadcaster.  Therefore, we recommend taking advantage of the complimentary trials for most software encoding. These trials usually include most features, though they often include a digital watermark on output live channels.

Nonetheless, running through test streams using these products while comparing several unique options can help you get a real-world feel for which encoding program is the best fit for you.

YouTube Encoder Software

If you plan to upload or live stream YouTube, using YouTube encoder-compatible software is crucial for converting raw data into a suitable digital format. The best encoder for YouTube ensures optimal video quality and compatibility while simultaneously handling the compression and formatting conversion. For live streaming, a robust live streaming encoder provides seamless real-time video transmission. This process enhances video playback which is necessary for the high-quality video viewers expect from YouTube content creators.

Key Software Encoding Features

A great way to determine the best encoding software for you is to look at specific features. Before investing in encoder programs, you should check compatibility if you have already invested in equipment such as cameras, computers, and capture cards.

You can find compatibility information on most software encoding websites. Otherwise, you can contact the provider and ask directly.

Here are some of the more common features that you may require. This list also includes whether or not each component is available on the live-streaming software we’re considering here.

1. Instant Replay and Scoreboards

These features are essential for sports streaming of any kind. For each encoder specifically:

• OBS Studio supports instant replay via a plugin. A scoreboard plugin is also available.
• vMix Pro includes built-in support for instant replay. All versions include several scoreboard templates and you can create your own.
• Wirecast supports instant replay and includes scoreboard templates that you can customize yourself.
• VidBlasterX supports this functionality via dedicated Replay and Scoreboard modules.

2. NDI Support

NDI, or Network Device Interface, is a NewTek technology explicitly designed for broadcasting.

It allows you to easily pass video feeds and other data between multiple computers on the same network. This will enable you to offload tasks like generating graphics to external computers.

All the encoders we’ve mentioned support NDI. For more information on solutions for professional broadcasting, check out our article comparing the top streaming platforms for 2024. 

3. Multi-Bitrate Streaming

When streaming, the internet speed of your viewers is always a consideration. The best way to provide a great viewing experience to everyone is by streaming in multiple bitrates at once.

All the products here are capable of multi-bitrate streaming. However, OBS Studio’s support for this is limited and involves complex configuration. For more information on how to get the best live video streaming experience, check out this post on getting started with video software for multi-bitrate streaming.

4. Operating Systems Compatibility

Another important consideration is compatibility with operating systems.

VidBlasterX and vMix are Windows-only applications. Wirecast is compatible with both Mac and Windows. OBS Studio is the only program here that works on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

5. Video Conferencing

One common situation for live broadcasting is sharing a conversation between multiple people. If they’re in remote locations, the best way to do this is via video conferencing software or virtual events. Think Zoom, Skype, or Facetime, but for broadcasting.

vMix and Wirecast both have robust, integrated tools for video conferencing in a live stream.

Unfortunately, VidBlasterX and OBS Studio don’t have native support for video conferencing. However, both tools allow you to bring virtual live-streaming conferences via external applications. For more information and options, check out our post comparing the top live-streaming software for video conferencing.

6. Cost and Budget

Streaming costs are always a consideration when deciding on your business. You want to invest in an encoding tool that gives you the most value for what you pay.

Thankfully, free offerings like OBS Studio allow users to test basic functionality. From there, you can determine what additional features you may need.

Now that we have outlined the specific encoding software features to look for, let’s take a look at a list of popular live-streaming software. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it does include some of the most popular encoder options among our community of broadcasters.

The streaming encoder software we’ll talk about is all RTMP-enabled, which means it works with most streaming platforms.

1. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is free and open-source RTMP encoder software for video recording and live streaming. OBS Studio Version 27.0.1

OBS Studio is a free and open-source option that’s excellent for beginning live streamers. It’s expandable with various plugins and has a robust community for support and questions. It is supported on Mac, Windows, and Linux PCs.

Formerly known as Open Broadcaster Studio, it is an open-source platform with encoding capabilities. This software encoder and comparison are based on the latest OBS Studio Version 272.4. This professional video streaming and broadcasting software is available for macOS 10.13 or newer, and Windows 8.1, 10, and 11 operating systems. For the Linux version, FFmpeg is required.

Basic Functionality:

OBS Studio offers many great features for new broadcasters just getting the hang of live streaming. The software has a set of OBS-specific settings and system requirements to ensure the most optimal live broadcasting experience.

Advanced features of this streaming encoder software include:

• Real-time video/audio capturing and mixing
• Unlimited number of scenes and custom transitions
• Intuitive audio mixer
• Modular “Dock” UI

Key Features:

• HLS Live streaming and recording functionality
• Audio and video mixing, filters, and transitions
• Support for hotkeys
• Chroma key/green screen support
• Scenes allow you to prepare overlays in advance for rapid switching
• Support for a wide range of video, audio, and image sources, as well as screenshots
• Expandable via plugins to add NDI functionality, remote control via WebSockets, advanced scene switching, and more
• One notable negative is that OBS Studio does not offer multi-bitrate streaming
• Detailed wiki and highly active user forum for support/help. Many YouTube tutorials are available as well
• Real-time video/audio capturing and mixing
• Unlimited number of scenes and custom transitions
• Intuitive audio mixer
• Modular “Dock” UI

Pros: 

• Free to use
• Works with most OVPs
• Works with Windows 8.1,10, and 11; macOS 10.13+; Ubuntu 18.04 and newer for Linux. However, FFmpeg is required.
• It is open-source for ongoing development and crowdsourced improvements
• Great for beginners

Cons:

• Lack of detailed guidance and support
• Fundamental compatibility with macOS
• Very taxing on the CPU and memory

Pricing:

OBS Studio is free to use for everyone and has a working integration with Dacast. Dacast has developed a customized version of this video encoder software. See for yourself in this tutorial video

OBS Studio is best used as an encoding software and a professional online video platform. Check out our how-to live stream with the OBS Studio video tutorial for more information.

2. vMix

vMix is a Live Video Streaming Software that allows you to broadcast live productions online.

vMix is a professional-grade switching and streaming application. It’s constantly updated with new features and is widely used across the industry. It’s available on Windows PCs. The prices range from free to $1200 for a “Pro” version.

The latest version of the Windows-specific software is 25.0.0.29 and includes an upgrade to a free 60-day trial of vMix PRO for download. While vMix 24 is for Windows only, the software can be installed on a Mac via Boot Camp if the machine has a Windows partition.

Basic Functionality:

vMix offers an array of video streaming tool plans. They offer a wide range of features at different price points, so there are options for broadcasters of every level of expertise. vMix offers robust encoding services.

Key Features:

• Support for a wide range of inputs including webcams, cameras, capture cards, DVDs, sound cards, playlists, photos, PPT presentations, and more
• NDI support
• Chroma key and virtual sets
• Built-in titling tool that supports animation via XAML
• Live streaming platform integrations (including with the Dacast streaming platform)
• vMix Social allows you to pull and display content from popular social media platforms
• Instant replay, slow motion, and scoreboards
• Training videos available
• vMix “reference systems” ease the difficulty of building a custom live production system

Pros: 

• Many powerful features
• Reliable customer support
• Professional platform
• Added speed for specialized codecs

Cons:

• A high price point for most inclusive plans
• It only works with Windows
• A bit tricky to use

Pricing:

vMix is available for Windows computers only, and it comes in five different editions. Each purchase never expires, and all editions include free updates for a year. The versions are:

1. Basic (free), which supports 4 (up to 2 camera/NDI) inputs and video up to 768 x 576 resolution
2. Basic HD ($60), which supports four inputs (up to 3 camera/NDI) and video up to Full HD 1920×1080 resolution
3. HD ($350), which supports 1,000 inputs, adds vMix call functionality, four overlay channels, and supports full HD video in 1920×1080 resolution
4. 4K ($700), which supports 1,000 inputs, 4K resolution video (4096 x 2160), PTZ control, two recorders, instant replay, 4 SRT outputs, and much more
5. Pro ($1200), which also supports 1,000 inputs, includes all 4K features and 2 records, plus up to 8 callers, up to 4 cameras for instant replay, and 4 SRT outputs

The following is a subscription license that includes, and is charged every month:

• MAX ($50/month), which also supports 1,000 inputs, 1,000 NDI inputs, and includes all 4K resolution video (4096 x 2160), PTZ control, 2 recorders, instant replay, 4 SRT outputs

vMix also offers a 60-day free trial and has all the features of vMix Pro, including the ability to use resolutions greater than HD such as 4K, mainly to ensure vMix supports your computer hardware and work with it before purchasing. It is a great perk, as most encoding software offers only up to a 30-day free trial.

3. Wirecast

Wirecast Pro is the top-of-the-line, award-winning production software for streaming and recording high-quality live video.

Wirecast is an accessible, capable encoding software from the company Telestream. It’s available on Windows PCs and Macs. Wirecast includes regular updates and a wide range of features, from instant replay to integrated video conferencing. Wirecast is available in two versions: Studio and Pro, which includes additional functionality.

Basic Functionality:

Wirecast supports live video compositing via a “layers” architecture similar to many graphics programs. The encoder facilitates live switching, picture-in-picture composition, titles, audio delay, and many other fine-tuning compositional elements.

Wirecast’s streaming encoder software makes it easy to incorporate pre-recorded video content into your broadcast. It also supports the encoding of HD and SD sources for streams broadcast simultaneously to multiple servers and platforms.

The Wirecast Pro enhanced program adds several other specialized features, including:

• Replay
• Live scoreboards
• Virtual 3D
• Use of IP cameras and web streams
• 8-track audio output

These advanced features of Wirecast Pro make it a better choice than the basic Wirecast program for most live-streamed events. With all those features, Wirecast’s biggest downside may be the price. To start, you can download a free trial version of the basic software.

Key Features:

• Input sources from cameras, mics, webcams, IP cameras, capture cards, and desktops
• Ideal for sports: instant replay, scoreboards, clocks, and timers
• The free wireless camera app allows you to use any iOS device as a video source
• NDI support
• Graphics and titling tool
• Audio mixer and up to 8 audio tracks
• Built-in video conference tool
• Stream to more than one destination simultaneously
• Support for MIDI hardware controllers
• Stream and record simultaneously, with re-stream and live caption options
• Multiple bitrate streaming
• Integrates with Facebook Live and Twitter for sharing comments on-screen
• Includes instant replay, scoreboard, and timers for sports
• Free wireless camera app turns iOS devices into mobile live video sources
• Stream to multiple destinations simultaneously
• Integrated video chat via “Wirecast Rendezvous”
• Local program output

Pros:

• Easy-to-use, user-friendly platform
• Compatible with most popular operating systems
• Fully loaded with valuable features

Cons:

• High price point
• Many features are locked in the “Studio” version
• It consumes a lot of computer memory

Pricing:

The software comes in two versions:

1. Wirecast Studio for enhanced live production & streaming: pricing is $24.92/month
2. Wirecast Pro for advanced live show and streaming: pricing is $33.25 which also comes with a free trial

The latest version of Wirecast is 15.0. It is the newest complete version and was released in June 2024. It features several enhancements and fixes, including FBLive polling, a rewritten WebStream plugin, and Virtual Camera improvements. You can check out its tech specs here to know more about it.

4. VidBlasterX

Vidblasterx is a versatile video production software solution for capturing and streaming everything from webcasts to live events.

VidBlasterX is another live video encoding software and mixer. It’s a competent, expandable, and customizable product.

This company offers three packages: VidblasterX Home, VidBlasterX Studio, and VidBlasterX Broadcast. The main difference between each version is the number of modules each supports. Each successive module also adds additional advanced features for professional broadcasters.

VidBlasterX Home is an essential product. It supports up to seven modules. VidBlasterX Studio has several features for studio production of videos (hence the name) and allows for more versatile videos. The Studio version supports HD and television-quality full-screen output and community support.

VidBlasterX Broadcast incorporates all the features of VidBlaster Studio, adds more module capacity, and is recommended for professional broadcast studios. With Broadcast, you get direct email support from the developer.

The Broadcast edition also supports UDP streaming, multiple streaming sources, and recorder modules in a single profile, and includes priority support.

Basic Functionality:

VidBlasterX is an encoding software organized into a series of modules, which can be added, removed, and rearranged on multiple screens as needed.

Key Features:

• Modular user interface
• Includes macro and scripting functionality to automate or hot-key actions
• Supports overlays and lower thirds
• Chroma key support
• Live streaming and recording up to 4K resolution
• Compatible with social media platforms and most OVPs (including Dacast)
• Audio mixer
• Multiview support

Pros:

• Has plans for a wide range of budgets
• Feature-rich
• Easily customizable

Cons:

• Not compatible with macOS
• Not well-suited for inexperienced live streamers
• Slightly complex

Pricing:

VidBlasterX is available in three versions. Each of the following options is priced with an annual subscription model:

1. Home: $9/year; supports 7 modules.
2. Studio: $99/year; supports 25 modules.
3. Broadcast: $999/year; supports 100 modules. This version also supports multiple recorder & streamer modules in a single profile.

The difference between the versions is the number of simultaneously active modules you can have.

The Home editions support up to seven modules, enough for basic live streaming. The Studio edition supports up to 25 modules, and the Broadcast edition supports 50. These higher limits allow professional users with multiple monitors to set up and oversee complex workflows.

The Broadcast edition also supports UDP streaming, multiple streaming sources, and recorder modules in a single profile and includes priority support.

5. VLC

VLC is a highly compatible encoding software.

VLC is an encoding software from VideoLAN. This open-source project is entirely free, and is known for its compatibility with virtually every operating system and video format.

Aside from its ultra-compatibility, VLC is known for its extensive customizability. The range of customization on this software makes it suitable for broadcasters of all levels of expertise.  VLC is an excellent choice for video encoder software for live streaming.

Basic Functionality:

The main functionality of the VLC encoding software is video encoding of all media formats.

Key Features:

• Non-profit organization
• Compatible with all formats
• Compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux
• Customizable with a variety of skins
• Extensions for customization
• Subtitles
• Video and audio filters

Pros:

• Free to use
• Easy to use
• Highly compatible
• No ads

Cons:

• Some issues with audio streaming
• Some complaints of “bugginess”

Pricing:

VLC is free to use because it runs on donations. Users can donate any amount they choose.

6. FFmpeg 

FFmpeg is a highly customizable encoding software.

FFmpeg is an open-source encoding software. This software includes a library of tools for recording, converting, and streaming audio and video.

Additionally, FFmpeg is mainly a command-line application. This requires quite a bit of technical know-how, so it is best suited for advanced broadcasters. However, there are some GUI interfaces available.

FFmpeg works on most operating systems under various environments, machines, and configurations.

Basic Functionality:

FFmpeg provides a variety of tools for coding and decoding.

Key Features:

• RTMP ingest
• H.264, H.265, and other modern codecs
• It supports streaming in any resolution
• Record streams locally
• Primarily an encoder
• No mixing features
• FFserver for live streaming

Pros:

• Open-source
• Highly customizable
• Loaded with many valuable tools
• Multiple encoding configurations
• Suitable for business use
• Compatible with most popular operating systems

Cons:

• Minimal educational materials and tutorials
• No support for HLS testing
• It can be difficult for new broadcasters

Pricing:

FFmpeg is free to use.

7. HandBrake

HandBrake specializes in video conversion.

HandBrake is another great encoding software that focuses on video conversion. It is open-source, making it great for broadcasters with specific needs. HandBrake comes with a variety of basic tools, including video filters, subtitles, chapter markers, and more.

This encoding software is free to use, attracting users with all levels of broadcasting expertise.

Basic Functionality:

HandBrake is primarily used for converting video files.

Key Features:

• Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Works with most types of multimedia files
• Open-source
• Easily customizable
• Equipped with a variety of presets
• Supports batch conversions
• Subtitling and chapter markers
• Video filters

Pros:

• Highly compatible
• Easy to use (once you get the hang of it)
• Customizable
• Tools for convenience and efficiency

Cons:

• Some complaints of bugs
• It takes some time to get used to
• It doesn’t work well for converting long videos

Pricing:

HandBrake is free to use.

8. AVS Video Converter

AVS Video Converter is an encoding software for Windows users.

AVS Video Converter is a popular video encoding software for Windows users. It is said to be fast and efficient, and compatible with the most popular video file formats. In addition to video encoding, AVS Video Converter offers some essential video editing tools.

The major downside of this video encoding software is that it is only compatible with Windows, not macOS or Linux.

Basic Functionality:

The basic functionality of AVS Video Converter is video encoding on Windows computers.

Key Features:

• Compatible with Windows only
• It supports most major media file types
• Easy-to-use software
• Video editing tools
• Creative and aesthetic customizations
• Batch mode for converting multiple files at once

Pros:

• It’s free to use most features
• Compatible with most media files
• Fast and efficient

Cons:

• Complaints of random crashing
• It does not work with macOS or Linux
• Exporting is not included in free accounts
• Some complaints about licensing issues

Pricing:

AVS Video Converter is free to download. Paid upgrades are available, but the site does not provide any additional information.

9. VideoProc

VideoProc is encoder software with a variety of functionalities.

VideoProc is a transcoding and encoding software used for multiple use cases. It includes sports for file conversions, resizing, editing, and stream recording.

This video encoding software is very user-friendly

Basic Functionality:

VideoProc has several functionalities, but it is a video encoder at the core.

Key Features:

• Compatible with both Windows and macOS
• Video file conversion and resizing (encoding and transcoding)
• Stream recording
• Very user-friendly
• Tools for editing
• GIF studio
• Video cropping
• M3u8 building tools
• Tools for adding watermarks

Pros:

• Easy to use
• It goes beyond the essential encoding software
• Extensive collection of video streaming tools

Cons:

• Complaints of slow downloads
• Limited customer support

Pricing:

VideoProc is available in several pricing plans, including:

1. Free: Basic free version
2. One-Year License: $59.90 for one computer
3. Lifetime License: $78.90 for one computer
4. Family License: $119.90 for two to five computers

Adobe Media Encoder

Basic Functionality

Adobe Media Encoder is a great tool for encoding and converting video and audio files into many formats. It integrates perfectly with Adobe’s suite of creative software which helps streamline the workflow for media professionals.

Key features

• Batch processing
• GPU acceleration
• Many supported formats
• Preset templates for different platforms

Pros

• Robust integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
• High-quality output
• User-friendly interface
• Supports automated workflows

Cons

• High resource consumption
• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Requires Adobe Creative Cloud subscription

Pricing

Pricing for Adobe Media Encoder is usually included in an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. This starts at $20.99 per month for a single app or $54.99 per month for all apps.

12. DivX

Basic Functionality

DivX includes an encoder which is used to compress and convert video files into the DivX digital format. This format is renowned for its high-quality video output and efficient compression. The encoder is versatile and suitable for standard and high-definition videos in various media applications.

Key Features

• Advanced video compression.
• Multi-pass encoding
• Multi-video format support
• High-definition video optimization
• DivX HEVC for enhanced compression and quality

Pros

• High-quality video output
• Efficient compression reduces file size
• Supports multiple video formats
• Advanced settings for customization

Cons

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• Advanced features typically require more processing power

Pricing

DivX encoder offers a free basic version with essential features. There is also the Pro version, which includes advanced functionalities and is available for a one-time purchase or a subscription fee starting at $19.99.

13. Bonus: Dacast’s Live Streaming Software

Dacast’s live streaming software provides streaming and video hosting solutions with built-in software encoding capabilities.

We couldn’t resist adding Dacast to the list. Dacast doesn’t fit in the encoding software category because it’s so much more! Dacast supports live encoding and transcoding and is equipped with the tools you need to host your video content. The unified live streaming platform integrates with all 4 of the software encoders above OBS Studio, VidBlasterX, vMix, and Wirecast to provide the resources you need for a high-quality broadcast.

Basic Functionality:

Dacast provides comprehensive live streaming and online video hosting solutions. Broadcasters who use this streaming solution maintain 100% ownership of their content.

Among other features, Dacast offers an integrated video paywall, password protection, referrer restriction, and an analytics dashboard

Pros

• Dacast is compatible with both macOS and Windows.
• video hosting
• tech support
• Video security
• Live encoding support for the top video encoders
• Low-latency HTML5 channels for video streaming
• RTMP EncoderHLS streaming
• Player API access for 3rd party player integration
• Video API access on premium plans (event and scale)
• Multi-bitrate streaming
• Real-time analytics
• Ad-free streaming

New!

• AES video encryption with all plans
• Multi-user access
• Zoom live streaming integration
• Expo 2.0 galleries

Pros:

• Unlimited concurrent viewers and live channels
• Zoom live streaming integration
• White-label video streaming solutions
• Expo galleries video portal
• Unlimited live channels
• Embeddable HTML5 video player
• SVOD, AVOD, and TVOD monetization options
• Mobile device support
• Live stream recording
• China Video Hosting
• Plans for every budget

Cons:

• It requires a bit of a learning curve

Dacast’s plans start at $39/month and come with all the features required for professional broadcasting. Plans include:

1. Starter Plan: $39/month (includes 2.4 TB of bandwidth & 500 GB of storage)
2. Event Plan: $63/month (includes 6 TB of bandwidth upfront and 250 GB of storage)
3. Scale Plan: $165/month (includes 24 TB of bandwidth per year and 2 TB of storage)
4. Custom plan: Contact us for custom pricing plans

You can try all of these features 100% risk-free for 14 days with the Dacast free trial.

Fitting Your Budget

Cost is always a consideration when deciding on your business. You want to invest in an encoding tool that gives you the most value for what you pay.

Thankfully, free offerings like OBS Studio allow users to test out basic functionality. From there you can determine what additional streaming features you may need.

If plugins can’t provide this, professional-grade live encoding software is now quite affordable.

Conclusion

Encoding software is easier and more versatile than ever. This rapidly developing technology is constantly improving and prices are accessible for most budgets. Features are improving, easier to use, and are available to anyone using professional broadcasting software. If you’re already a Dacast user, we recommend exploring our custom OBS Studio portal. It was designed to work seamlessly with our complete, flexible, and affordable professional streaming solution.

Not yet getting the most out of your streaming experience by using Dacast? Join the others using Dacast to enhance their video streaming with Dacast’s intuitive, professional-grade video streaming software.

You can try Dacast right now, free for 14 days.

Get Started For Free

We hope this article has helped you better understand and distinguish between encoding programs. We invite you to join the Dacast LinkedIn group for regular live streaming tips and exclusive offers.

Please note that this post was originally written by Max Wilbert. It was revised by Emily Krings to include the most up-to-date information. Emily is a strategic content writer and storyteller. She specializes in helping businesses create blog content that connects with their audience.

The post Comparison of the 10 Best Encoding Software – Everything You Need to Know in 2022 appeared first on Dacast.

In this post, we cover self-hosted video hosting and the reasons why it’s not the best option for many companies. We also provide you with some premium, private video hosting platforms that businesses can use instead.

• Table of Contents
• What is Self Video Hosting?
• Benefits of Self-Hosting Videos
• 15 Reasons Self-Hosting Video is a Bad Idea
  • 1. Your Server’s Bandwidth
  • 2. Limits on File Size and Storage Space
  • 3. Longer Page Load Times
  • 4. No Single Standard File Format
  • 5. Video That’s Slow to Load
  • 6. Much More Work for You
  • 7. Multiple Video Players
  • 8. Clunky Code
  • 9. Increased Costs
  • 10. Multiple Video Conversions
  • 11. Decreased Traffic
  • 12. More Complicated
  • 13. Risk of Piracy
  • 14. Decreased Promotional Options
  • 15. Varying Video Quality
• The 10 Top Self-Hosting Video Platform Alternatives
• Company Background
  • Basic Functionality
  • Key Features
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Pricing
  • Best Use Cases
• 2. Kaltura
  • Company Profile
  • Basic Functionality
  • Key Features
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Pricing
  • Best Use Cases
• 3. Brightcove
  • Company Background
  • Basic Functionality
  • Key Features
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Pricing
  • Best Use Cases
• 4. Vidyard
  • Company Background
  • Basic Functionality
  • Key Features
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Pricing
  • Best Use Cases
  • 5. IBM Video Streaming
  • Company Background
  • Basic Functionality
  • Key Features
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Pricing
• 6. Wistia
  • Company Background
  • Basic Functionality
  • Key Features
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Pricing
  • Best Use Cases
• 7. Vimeo Livestream
  • Company Background
  • Basic Functionality
  • Key Features
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Pricing
  • Best Use Cases
• 8. JW Player
  • Company Background
  • Basic Functionality
  • Key Features
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Pricing
  • Best Use Cases
• 9. Panopto
  • Company Background
  • Basic Functionality
  • Key Features
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Pricing
  • Best Use Cases
• 10. SproutVideo
  • Company Background
  • Basic Functionality
  • Key Features
  • Pros
  • Cons
  • Pricing
  • Best Use Cases

What is Self Video Hosting?

Self-hosting your video content means that, not only do you create the video content yourself, but you also manage the infrastructure to store the videos, post them online, and promote them to your audience.  With video self-hosting, you take care of everything related to your content.

Hosting your videos requires a massive amount of time, money, and knowledge, as you need to maintain ample storage for all the video content, and protect the videos from illegal access. With video self-hosting, you take on all the responsibility for managing and protecting your video content.

Benefits of Self-Hosting Videos

Self-hosting video content is attractive to businesses that want control over their videos.

Self-hosting video, when done correctly, provides businesses with a variety of benefits, including:

• A higher degree of control over how your content is used: Depending on the third-party hosting setup you select, your video content — and how that content is used — can become the property of the platform you utilize. Self-hosting video allows you to maintain complete control over your videos and how they are shared.
• More control over how your videos look: Some third-party hosting platforms, such as YouTube or Facebook, do not offer the option to remove their branding. Businesses that want to be able to completely brand their video content may elect to self-host.
• Drive more traffic to your sites: When you host your videos and embed that content on your website, you’re making sure that anyone who watches your content stays on your website instead of being sent to a different website.

While these benefits, for many businesses, are enough reason to go to the difficulty and expense of self-hosted video content, many find that the drawbacks don’t outweigh the positives enough. Video self-hosting provides many benefits, but requires a lot of technical knowledge and know-how.

15 Reasons Self-Hosting Video is a Bad Idea

Hosting your video content can provide you with a great deal of control over your content and how it is presented.

However, it also can be an incredible headache and an expensive venture, making it less appealing to smaller businesses than it would be for larger enterprises with a lot of content.

When considering whether or not to host your video content, here are 15 reasons you may find that self-hosted video is a bad idea:

1. Your Server’s Bandwidth

Video files can easily be large, typically clocking in at more than 100 MB.

If you host multiple large videos and have a few dozen people all trying to watch the same video at a time, it can put quite a strain on the bandwidth allocated to you by your internet provider.

Your provider gives each live streaming server a specific amount of bandwidth and resources, using average traffic rates that do not include streaming large media files to multiple viewers at the same time when calculating that number.

If your self-hosted video servers are sent too many requests for a single large file, you quickly will exceed the limits of the server on which your site is hosted and bring your website to a screeching halt.

You will need to purchase more bandwidth from the website’s hosting provider to support hosting your videos. 

2. Limits on File Size and Storage Space

In some cases, your server bandwidth limits will be the least of your problems, as you won’t even be able to upload your videos to your self-hosted video server in the first place.

To keep demands on shared servers low, many web providers limit the file size individual users can upload, often 50 MB or less. If a video file is, at minimum, 100 MB, that means you won’t be able to upload even a single video file without paying extra or finding an alternative.

In addition to simply being unable to upload files due to limits, self-hosting your video means backing up your website and its contents takes much longer.

This limits the number of times your host can back up your website, making it more vulnerable to crashes and hacking, and increases the chances that some of the data you need to be backed up becomes corrupted.

You will have to be careful about how large your videos are and ensure that they work with the file limit size of your website host.

3. Longer Page Load Times

Large embedded videos can slow down page loading, chasing away viewers.

Embedding your video content on your website pages means that each page with a video will take longer to load.

Because your pages are sending more data from the self-hosted video server to end-users, that’s more that needs to get from Point A to Point B, and there’s more risk of a bad internet connection causing a page to load slowly.

And, when website pages load too slowly, users get frustrated and abandon their view, costing you visitors and, potentially, money. Viewers may not even see your videos when you use video self-hosting if your pages take too long to load.

4. No Single Standard File Format

While many video players are moving toward an HTML5 format, there is no standardized file format prescribed for all browsers.

This means that one user’s browser or device may play MP4 videos, but not videos in WebM or Ogg formats. And another may play Ogg and WebM formats, but not MP4 videos.

Because of this, self-hosting your video means you must have three separate videos uploaded — one in .mp4, one in .ogv, and one in .webm — to ensure that your videos will be playable on all major browsers. This complicates your video upload strategy, while also, at minimum, tripling the amount of bandwidth and server space you must utilize for one video.

Changing the format of your videos and uploading multiple versions with video self-hosting can be time-consuming. 

5. Video That’s Slow to Load

If your video is hosted on a single server, that means all queries for your content are sent to the same place. So, if you have a dozen users attempting to watch the same video, that’s 12 individual queries sent to one server.

This creates a bottleneck on your self-hosted video server’s bandwidth, meaning someone is going to fall victim to a slow-loading, laggy video.

With video self-hosting, you need to pay for a lot of bandwidth if you want to ensure a good viewing experience for your viewers.

6. Much More Work for You

With users watching videos on a variety of different devices and using different browsers, that means video files must be playable in all those formats.

For viewers watching on desktop or laptop computers using high-speed internet, you need to serve a large file so they can watch it full-screen without compromising quality. For this, you need to upload a file in 1080p or 720p at a high streaming video bitrate.

Users who wish to watch your videos on mobile devices, need to offer a smaller, lower-resolution version that is suited for smaller screens and slower internet connections.

In addition, because there are multiple browsers, you also must upload different file types, with individual files in each format.

Once all is said and done, you could easily have to create a handful of versions of the same video, decreasing self-hosted server space and costing you money.

That is a lot of work to engage in video self-hosting. 

7. Multiple Video Players

By using HTML5, developers no longer worry about which browser or which extension their visitors use.

To play video on your website, you will need to install a video player. These web software solutions automatically detect which device is requesting a video and that device’s connection speed, serving up the correct version of your content to the user.

There are dozens of video players available on the internet, and you’ll need to research and choose which one will work best for your site’s needs. This task can be daunting if you don’t know a lot about video players, or your website, meaning you either have to spend the time brushing up on the subject or you have to pay someone to decide for you.

8. Clunky Code

Once you choose a video player, you need to embed its code into your website using a plugin or other method.

For these players to work properly, you need to create a piece of code that tells the video player which formats you’ve created and where on the self-hosted video server they are located. This takes time and effort and, as with any code, one wrong letter or number and can break the whole thing.

9. Increased Costs

Hosting your own videos means you’re handling a lot of extra tasks and data that you might otherwise hand off to a third-party self-hosted video platform.

When creating and uploading your videos, you have to convert one video into multiple file sizes and formats. This takes time and knowledge, costing money either for you to tackle these tasks yourself or for you to pay someone to do them for you.

Additionally, all those extra versions of one video take up a lot of server space and bandwidth, meaning you may have to pay extra to continue using your current web host.

For many small and medium-sized businesses, these costs quickly balloon out of control and make creating videos less appealing from a business standpoint.

10. Multiple Video Conversions

Creating multiple file sizes and formats means you have to take your one finished video and convert it multiple times.

This requires extra time and special software and also creates the risk that your video will become corrupted during the conversion process.

11. Decreased Traffic

Self-hosting your videos may cost you some valuable visitors, decreasing your videos’ success.

If you’re used to hosting your video using a third-party platform, chances are your video traffic got some measure of the boost from the platform’s promotion.

Having your video pop up in users’ related video suggestions meant more eyes on your videos and, in turn, could mean more money for your business.

By moving all your video away from these self-hosted video platforms and hosting it on your site, you are more reliant upon people arriving on your website and only your website for video views. This could cause your views to decrease significantly.

12. More Complicated

Managing all the individual tasks of creating, uploading, hosting, and promoting your video content just increases the complexity of your whole operation.

And, unless you have someone on your team with knowledge of every piece of that process, you either will have to spend time learning to fill in the gaps or pay an outside person to handle the tasks you can’t perform.

13. Risk of Piracy

Your video content is valuable to your business. And if it’s valuable to you, that means someone, somewhere, may be willing to steal it to make some money.

Hosting your videos leaves you more open to potential nefarious downloads if your security isn’t air-tight. With self-hosted video, you need to learn how to implement security measures such as domain restrictions, password protection, and other security measures on your own.

14. Decreased Promotional Options

Driving new users to your videos can sometimes feel like an uphill battle.

When you’re self-hosting your video content, that battle becomes a little more difficult, as you no longer have some of the built-in promotional options afforded by some third-party platforms.

Rather than having your videos potentially show up in a suggested watch list, you are in charge of drawing every visitor to your website and showing them your videos.

15. Varying Video Quality

Converting and hosting your videos can mean your viewers are subjected to varying video quality, leading to a bad experience for some.

The video conversion process varies from conversion platform to conversion platform. This leaves you with video files that, potentially, don’t play well on certain browsers or devices.

Converting all your video formats on your own can net you video files that look grainy or low-quality on one browser, but that look great on another. Getting the files to all look as they should on every device and in every browser requires endless fiddling with conversion settings and checking and re-checking each format and file size for quality.

The 10 Top Self-Hosting Video Platform Alternatives

To avoid many of the issues that come with self-hosting their video, business owners trust paid video hosting platforms that offer both the convenience of third-party video hosting and the control over the content many businesses require.

Paid video platforms allow you the control you crave over your video content, without the hassle and headache that comes with video self-hosting. 

Let’s take a look at 10 of the most popular private video hosting platforms for businesses:

Dacast provides top-notch video hosting at reasonable prices.

Company Background

Offering the premium features that come with professional video hosting but at prices many small and medium-sized businesses can afford, Dacast is designed for both business professionals and enterprise users.

The platform is fairly easy for all skill levels to use, but there is a bit of a learning curve when exploring all the features on offer.

Basic Functionality

Dacast provides advanced security and distribution tools paired with exceptional customer support.

Key Features

• Advanced security options for control of the content
• Multi-bitrate streaming for both live video and on-demand video delivery
• White-label streaming and player capability
• Multi-user access
• Zoom live streaming integration
• Expo 2.0 galleries
• HTML5 video player
• Adaptive bitrate streaming cloud video transcoding
• Reliable delivery via CDN
• Live stream video encoding

Pros

• Support for mobile device and app streaming
• Tiered pricing with plans for all budgets
• Packages for live streaming and VOD
• Unlimited viewers and live channels
• Live stream recording
• Always-available 24/7 customer support

Cons

• Learning all the advanced features can take time and research

Pricing

Dacast offers multiple pricing plans, including:

• Starter Plan: 2.4 TB of bandwidth and 500 GB of storage for $39/month
• Event Plan: 6 TB of bandwidth upfront and 250 GB of storage for $63/month
• Scale Plan: 24 TB of bandwidth annually and 2 TB of storage for $165/month

Businesses that require solutions that support higher volumes can request customized pricing.

Best Use Cases

Dacast is well-suited for:

• Live event streaming
• Enterprise video
• Video-on-demand hosting
• Marketing video hosting
• Streaming video for e-learning and online education

If you need a reliable third-party private live streaming and video-on-demand service, Dacast allows you to create a high-quality custom video experience at an affordable price.

2. Kaltura

Kaltura offers specialized streaming services perfect for educational institutions. Source: Kaltura

Company Profile

Kaltura, based in Israel, provides a wide range of specialized live video and VOD streaming services suitable for educational institutions.

Basic Functionality

Kaltura is great for online and in-person training, such as webinars.

Key Features

• Video looping available
• Advanced security features, including password protection, encryption, and watermarking
• Customized monetization options
• Cloud TV service
• Closed captioning available

Pros

• Upload multiple videos with bulk upload
• Multiple options for monetization
• Easily accessible for viewers

Cons

• No China delivery
• Slow upload and video processing
• Users must provide their own CDN, increasing cost and complexity

Pricing

Kaltura’s pricing is based on the individual use of bandwidth and features. There are both annual plans and pay-as-you-go pricing available, with annual plans starting at $5,400.

Best Use Cases

• Streaming video for education
• Marketing video hosting
• Live event streaming
• Streaming video for sales
• Enterprise video hosting

Kaltura is an open-source video hosting service that allows you to customize your video hosting experience to fit your needs, with a focus on educational content. It is a great alternative to video self-hosting.

3. Brightcove

Brightcove offers multiple software integrations for maximum customization. Source: Brightcove

Company Background

Brightcove offers an online video platform for video hosting that’s designed for video monetization and marketing purposes, boasting thousands of users in more than 70 countries.

They provide top-notch video technology and wide-ranging integrations so you can customize your favorite marketing, communications, or advertising software to meet your needs.

Basic Functionality

Providing both video cloud and video player capabilities, Brightcove easily integrates with marketing and advertising campaigns.

Key Features

• Variety of app integrations
• Over-the-top (OTT) streaming services
• Customized options for video monetization and advertising
• TV Everywhere (TVE) streaming services
• Offers both live events and 24/7 streaming

Pros

• Customizable privacy and security settings
• Powerful editing tools
• Simple user interface
• Easily configure permissions to suit multiple users

Cons

• Limited reporting options
• No China delivery
• A steep learning curve to fully utilize all features
• Around-the-clock support costs extra

Pricing

Since the platform doesn’t include its plans or pricing options online, contact sales for a tailored quote.

Best Use Cases

• Live streaming sports
• Live event streaming
• Marketing video hosting
• Streaming video for sales
• Enterprise video hosting

Brightcove is a top-tier video hosting service that provides you with the support you need for robust video hosting and streaming needs.

4. Vidyard

Vidyard provides an all-in-one video platform suitable for marketing, sales, and corporate communications teams. Source: Vidyard

Company Background

Vidyard is an all-in-one video hosting platform aimed at marketing, sales, and corporate communications teams. Their goal is to offer professional content distribution for businesses

Basic Functionality

Vidyard wants to help marketing, sales, and corporate communications teams turn their viewers into customers.

Key Features

• Interactive playback
• Custom pages for video sharing
• Video personalization and creation options
• Customized security controls
• Built-in SEO tools and video analytics

Pros

• Active user support community
• In-depth analytics and data reporting
• A broad range of features available
• Exceptional customer service

Cons

• Mixed customer reviews
• No China delivery
• The backend is not user-friendly

Pricing

Vidyard prices its platform based on whether it will be used for marketing, sales, or corporate communications.

There are four tiers of pricing plans. Plans are billed annually and include:

• Free: $0 upfront, no credit card required.
• Pro: $19/month billed annually at $228.
• Plus: $59/month billed annually at $708.
• Business: Talk to sales for a tailored quote.

Best Use Cases

• Enterprise video hosting
• Streaming video for sales
• Marketing video hosting

If your video hosting needs are focused on marketing efforts, Vidyard is a great video self-hosting professional alternative.

5. IBM Video Streaming

IBM offers a well-known name and reliable streaming in an end-to-end solution, ideally suited for live or on-demand content. Source: IBM Video Streaming

Company Background

IBM Video Streaming, previously known as IBM Cloud Video, is one of the most recognizable names in video streaming. It offers reliable streaming options but costs more than other similarly outfitted options.

Basic Functionality

IBM Video Streaming provides both cloud live streaming and cloud video hosting services.

Key Features

• Reliable streaming
• Exceptional customer support
• Video delivery via an internal VOD server

Pros

• Well-suited for larger businesses
• Powerful features make it great for broadcasters
• Reliable streaming service
• Outstanding customer support

Cons

• No monetization customization options
• API access is only available with expensive custom plans
• Doesn’t use a CDN

Pricing

IBM offers pricing plans that range from $99 to $999 monthly and that include the following:

• Silver: $137/month
• Gold: $688/month
• Platinum: $1380/month
• Custom: Contact IBM Cloud Video for pricing on custom plans.

IBM Cloud Video is a great private video hosting and live streaming service if you don’t need to monetize your video content, you just need somewhere to host it.

6. Wistia

Wistia’s hosting platform provides white-label streaming suitable for broadcasters. Source: Wistia

Company Background

Wistia allows users to add their logos and branding for exceptional customization options. It provides “TV quality” video hosting and is ideal for broadcasters.

Basic Functionality

Wistia is suited for the creation, management, and streaming of video content for marketing purposes.

Key Features

• Ad-free
• Customizable video player
• SEO features and video analytics
• Interactive video tools
• CRM integrations are available, making it ideal for marketing and sales teams

Pros

• No ads are shown to users
• Custom branding options
• Built-in analytics
• Top-notch customer service

Cons

• Clunky customization options
• No China delivery

Pricing

Wistia offers three tiers of pricing plans, including:

• Free: $0/month
• Plus: $19/month
• Pro: $79/month
• Advanced: $319/month

Best Use Cases

• Enterprise video hosting
• Marketing video hosting
• Video management and collaboration

Wistia is a great video platform to use if you are interested in using video hosting to drive your business’s marketing efforts.

7. Vimeo Livestream

Livestream is designed for broadcasters and is considered a well-respected platform. Source: Vimeo

Company Background

Purchased by Vimeo in 2017, Livestream is designed for professionals looking for an all-in-one platform for business video streaming.

Basic Functionality

Livestream offers streaming, management, and monitoring of video content in one platform, with marketing, video management analytics, and live streaming capabilities included.

Key Features

• Extra marketing capabilities
• Tools promoting audience interaction
• Multiple security features

Pros

• Works with YouTube for broader distribution
• Ease of use for both users and viewers
• Detailed video analytics
• Exceptional security features

Cons

• Streaming pauses frequently for software updates
• No China delivery
• Limited CDN capabilities

Pricing

Livestream offers three pricing plans, including:

• Vimeo Premium: For $75 per month, this plan includes both live streaming and VOD support. This tier is suited for professional broadcasting.
• Vimeo Enterprise: This tier offers white-label service, monetization, video API access, branding control, and added security features. Enterprise plans are custom-priced.
• Vimeo OTT: This OTT-specific pricing package comes with a Vimeo.com relationship. It includes everything you need to begin and grow a web-based OTT channel. Starter pricing begins at $1 per subscriber per month, and growth pricing begins at $500 per month.

Best Use Cases

• Corporate and live conferences
• Houses of Worship video hosting
• Brand and agency solutions
• Live event streaming
• Sports live streaming

Vimeo Livestream gives you a professional alternative to video self-hosting at an affordable rate with professional features.

8. JW Player

JW Player provides streaming solutions for consumers on a budget. Source: JWPlayer

Company Background

JWPlayer originally shared some of its code with the early YouTube video player. Now, it offers VOD hosting and live streaming at affordable prices, with limited features. It is best suited for those on a tight budget who don’t mind trading limited capability for low prices.

Basic Functionality

JWPlayer offers low prices and superior customer services to those willing to trade high-tech features and services.

Key Features

• Video analytics options
• Designed for various-sized organizations
• Video distribution management
• Tokenized access and DRM support
• Ad optimization available

Pros

• Easy-to-use user interface
• Auto-converted video for playing on different devices
• Affordable plans
• Advertising monetization integrations
• Exceptional customer service and sales support

Cons

• No API for live streaming
• No closed captioning or screen-sharing options
• No China delivery
• Limit of 5 hours on live event streaming
• Monetization customization options are unavailable

Pricing

JW Player offers three pricing plan tiers, including:

• 30-day free trial: Includes full API and SDK access and a non-commercial license, with 25 GB hosting bandwidth and 75 GB streaming.
• Starter plan: Includes an HTML5 video player and video gallery, with 150 GB hosting bandwidth and 50 GB streaming (50,000 plays) per month for $10 monthly, billed annually.
• Enterprise plan: These plans are custom-priced and are designed for high-volume storage and streaming. Enterprise plans support live streaming, whereas the lower-tiered plans only support VOD.

Best Use Cases

• Video hosting for publishers
• Fitness class video streaming
• Online course video solutions
• A streaming platform for film and TV producers

JW Player has a more basic interface, but they also have affordable starter plans and customer enterprise plans and are a great alternative to video self-hosting 

9. Panopto

One of the leading platforms for education, Panopto offers advanced security features. Source: Panopto

Company Background

Panopto was designed to serve universities and other large institutions and is considered one of the most comprehensive at all plan levels.

Basic Functionality

Panopto is one of the leading educational content streaming platforms, making it ideal for universities and large institutions.

Key Features

• Advanced security features, including private video labeling
• API Access
• Lecture capture features
• White-label capability

Pros

• Customizable security features
• Lecture-capture and video-search software
• White-label streaming
• Video analytics available
• Document indexing and full-text search

Cons

• No SEO management
• No image editors
• No version control
• Customizable templates not available
• No monetization customization

Pricing

Panopto offers three pricing packages, including:

• Basic: Free
• Pro: $14.99/month
• Enterprise: Contact Panopto for custom pricing

Best Use Cases

• Enterprise video platform
• Streaming video for education
• Live stream recording

If education is your focus, you are going to want to check out Panopto as a self-hosted video streaming alternative.

10. SproutVideo

SproutVideo provides live and on-demand video hosting for a variety of budgets. Source: SproutVideo

Company Background

SproutVideo offers live and on-demand video hosting with plans suited for all budgets and needs.

Basic Functionality

SproutVideo is suited for broadcasters looking for an all-in-one platform that provides live and VOD streaming options.

Key Features

• Live chat support at all plan levels
• Customizable privacy and security features
• API Access

Pros

• Plans available for all budgets and business needs
• Detailed video analytics reporting
• A broad range of customization available

Cons

• Buffering due to slow playback caching
• Limited storage options
• Sub-par video SEO tools

Pricing

SproutVideo has four pricing plans, including:

• Seed: $10/month
• Sprout: $35/month
• Tree: $75/month
• Forest: $295/month

Best Use Cases

• Video streaming for marketing
• Live stream video sites
• Video management and collaboration solutions

If you are looking for a single platform for live streaming and video on demand, consider looking at the affordable SproutVideo hosting plans.

Conclusion

Businesses rightly want to maintain full control over their video content. Hence many are turning to self-hosted streaming. However, as we’ve outlined, hosting a video adds multiple layers of complexity and expense that many teams aren’t equipped to handle.

Rather than juggle the complexity of self-hosted video streaming, you can use one of the best online video hosting solutions to meet your needs at an affordable price.

Dacast is one of the best video hosting solutions. As a professional, premium video hosting service, you’ll get all the benefits you need to make host the highest quality business videos. Dacast has an array of features at several price points any business can afford. There are no long-term contracts to get caught up in, no catches, and it’s quick and easy to set up and start with.

You can try Dacast and all its features free for 14 days today.

GET STARTED FOR FREE

For exclusive offers and regular live streaming tips, you can also join our LinkedIn group. This group offers a professional environment to network with industry insiders and connect with streaming professionals.

Thanks for reading, good luck with your video hosting initiatives. For more information or any other questions, please post your comments below or contact us if we can assist you in any way!

The post Top 15 Reasons Why You Should Never Self-Host Your Videos appeared first on Dacast.

Wrong. Unfortunately, rolling out your own live streaming server has several serious drawbacks.

Many of these drawbacks are specific to issues that arise while streaming video. For example, system admins familiar with standard web content may not be equipped to deal with the common challenges and requirements for streaming live content. Building a live streaming server and supporting it can require different skill sets. 

Think of setting up and maintaining your own media streaming server as making dinner from scratch. You have to make a list, go to the store and buy all the ingredients. Then you come home, chop everything up, follow the recipe, and hopefully, it’s a success and tastes great. It’s a satisfying feeling, but it takes so much time and energy. Plus, there’s always a higher chance of messing it up.

On the other hand, using live video streaming platforms or dedicated media streaming servers is like buying a semi-cooked meal kit from the grocery store. Media streaming server software makes the video streaming process simpler. Imagine putting together that same healthy, home-cooked meal on busy weeknights, But in a quarter of the time and with much less effort.

So what do a meal kit and a live-streaming platform have in common? They both handle some of the work for you to focus on more important jobs. In the case of broadcasters, that’s creating engaging video content, be it for on-demand videos or live video streaming.

If you’re still curious about what it takes, we’ll give you the rundown on how and why to build your own video streaming server. Then we will highlight some risks and pitfalls of creating and operating your own live streaming solution, and provide alternatives to self-hosting video.

Let’s get to it.

Table of Contents

• What is a Video Streaming Server?
• Who Needs a Video Streaming Server?
• How to Build Your Own Video Server
• Why Consider a DIY Live Streaming Server? 
• Challenges of Operating a DIY Live Streaming Server
  • Latency
  • Buffering
  • Lack of Redundancy
  • Limits to Scale
  • Security Vulnerabilities
  • Technical Debt
  • No Tech Support
• Exploring Alternatives to Self-Hosting
• Why Choose Dacast?
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What is a Video Streaming Server?

A video streaming server works like a middleman between the broadcaster and the audience. 

A video streaming server is a web server with built-in RTSP functionality designed to provide live or on-demand video to internet-enabled devices.

With video streaming software, the raw video has to be encoded and converted into a data format. Then, the information must be sent as a data stream from your origin server to your viewer’s computer.

With cloud based server streaming, the viewer doesn’t need to store the entire video file on their computer on their hard drive. Instead, the cloud server delivers data as they can stream and watch the video while the file is in progress.

Who Needs a Video Streaming Server? 

Anyone who wants to share videos online and allow end-users to watch those videos needs a streaming server. A streaming server is required for broadcasting live or on-demand videos over the internet.

You can make your own server for video streaming, use a third-party server, or work with a video hosting platform that provides access to servers and other tools. That said, the streaming server configuration would differ based on their purpose. A live streaming server would have different requirements than an on-demand one, for instance.  

How to Build Your Own Video Server

Creating your own video streaming server will require you to use other operating systems to fulfill your streaming needs. Making your own video server doesn’t free you from using other people’s programs; it does free you from specifically paying for video hosting.

We’ll provide you with the technical know-how and basic information you need to build a live-streaming server. You need technical knowledge and troubleshooting skills to build and maintain your own server. However, you should keep in mind that there are some drawbacks to creating and using your own live streaming server instead of using a server hosting through a professional streaming solution.

Let’s quickly look at how you can build your own live server streaming video.

1. Get Clean on Requirements

Before you learn how to build a live streaming server, it’s important to know what you want out of your live streaming server.

• How big is your audience?
• How important is the streaming quality?
• Are you using Windows, Linux (Ubuntu), or Mac OS? What are your operating system requirements?
• Who will have access to the video stream?
• Will you need to save copies of your video stream?

Knowing the answers to these questions will determine the specific next steps. For example, the steps for setting up a streaming server on Windows will differ from how you set up a live streaming server on Linux. Knowing these details will help you learn how to build and run your own live streaming server.

Once you’ve gotten clear on the answers to all those questions, it’s time to learn how to build your video streaming server.

2. Choose an Open-Source Project

Why spend time and resources when many top-class open-source projects are free? To build your server, you’ll need access to a library of pre-existing code.

Choose an open-source project that supports your preferred media player and delivery protocols. There is no need to create your own code when open-source software exists to help you build your own video server. Open-source software is free, so you won’t have to spend a lot of money for it either. 

A popular and proven pick is the Nginx web server, which can run on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS. Nginx web server also easily integrates with both HLS and RTMP via the Nginx-RTMP module. For a refresher, HLS and RTMP are two common video streaming protocols.

You can then use the library on the Nginx web server to build a live streaming server that specifically fits your video streaming needs. 

That allows you to integrate many tools and features into your video streaming server.

• Security tools
• Monetization tools
• Video controls (fast forward, rewind, etc.)
• Custom video player configurations to match your branding
• Adaptive bitrate streaming

These are just a few customizations you can make using the library feature on an Nginx web server.

3. Download OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a great media server software resource. Once your server is ready, you’ll set up your live-streaming software. OBS Studio is a free, open-source live-streaming server software that you can use for encoding and other live-streaming functions.

The correct version of OBS studio to download will depend on your operating system. After choosing the right operating system, you should run the Auto-Configuration Wizard. This wizard will test your system and adjust your settings accordingly.

To begin your video streaming service, you’ll need your stream key. Once you have that, go to the ‘Media’ option and click on ‘Open Network stream.’ Now type in your stream key. The steam key is a specially generated code for viewing any particular stream.

Many developers recommend using OBS Studio to run with your DIY server-to-server to ensure everything works out properly.

4. Create a CDN

The next item on the list is a Content Delivery Network. CDN addresses issues of latency. In broadcasting, latency is the delay in a live stream or on-demand video. In other words, a powerful video stream CDN is essential for delivering high-quality live streams to viewers near and far.

To build your own CDN for your video streaming server, you must first decide if you’ll push your delivery through the cloud or physical remote servers. Physical servers are typically more reliable, but a cloud streaming server may be more realistic, depending on your available resources.

Once you conclude a cloud vs. physical, you’ll need to choose technology for ISP, caching software, and routing. Then, you’ll arrange the placement of your origin server and PoPs. Building a reliable CDN network is essential for your video streaming server to work.

We recommend downloading Varnish, a CDN-building tool to help tie everything together.

Alternatively, you could opt for a paid CDN like Cloudflare. It can help you get a wide global reach that can ensure that your content will reach the viewers with minimum latency. The closer your CDN’s servers are to your viewers, the better the latency will be. So, make sure you choose a CDN that has servers wherever your audience is. 

Why Consider a DIY Live Streaming Server?

A DIY live streaming setup can give complete control over your streaming setup, from streaming protocols to choice of server’s hardware resources.  

Now, having seen how to build your own video streaming server, you might be wondering whether there are any compelling reasons to go the DIY route. Here are some: 

• Full control over your setup: A DIY live streaming server gives you complete control over every aspect of your streaming infrastructure. From the hardware and software choices to the configurations and customizations, you can tailor everything to meet your specific needs. This level of control is particularly appealing to tech-savvy individuals or organizations with unique requirements that off-the-shelf solutions may not fulfill. 
• Cost savings: For some, building a live streaming server can be a cost-effective solution, especially if they already have some of the necessary hardware and technical expertise. By avoiding the subscription fees associated with professional streaming services, you might reduce long-term expenses.
• Building technical expertise: Setting up and managing your own video streaming server can be an excellent learning experience. Streamers with a technical aptitude might enjoy the challenge of building their own infrastructure and gaining a deeper understanding of the technology behind live streaming. It’d provide you with valuable hands-on knowledge in networking, server management, and streaming technologies, which can be beneficial for personal growth or career advancement. 
• Streaming niche content: If your content caters to a very specific niche audience, building your own streaming server might be sufficient for your needs. For example, a local bird watching club with a small, dedicated following might not require the features and resources offered by a professional platform. Additionally, if you need very specific features that aren’t commonly available, a DIY live streaming server allows you to implement them exactly as you envision.
• Privacy and security: A DIY approach allows for greater privacy and control over your data. You can implement your own security measures and ensure that sensitive information is handled according to your standards, which can be crucial for certain organizations and individuals concerned about data privacy.

Challenges of Operating a DIY Live Streaming Server

Now that you know the basic steps to build a live streaming server, the question is, should you build your own streaming server?

There are many potential drawbacks when operating your own live-streaming server. These include issues with latency, buffering, fail-safes, capacity security, and more.

Let’s review some of the most common issues and challenges presented to broadcasters who decide to live stream with DIY servers.

1. Latency

Latency is the delay in a live stream from when it is recorded to when your viewer experiences it on their screens. Two primary factors impact latency:

• Distance: The main factor is distance. Streaming software takes time to process data. The further your video streaming server is from your audience, the more processing time it requires. That can make the delay or latency appear greater to your viewers, especially those located further away from your video streaming servers. This is where a powerful CDN can help you out. If it has end servers closer to your viewers, you’ll be able to minimize the latency due to distance.
• Traffic Load: The second factor impacting video latency is your traffic load, or how many people watch your live stream simultaneously. A single server or a few servers will only be able to handle a small amount of traffic. If your video content is successful and you pull in a larger audience, your servers may not be able to handle it.

When that happens, video streams will be delayed for everyone, and you could lose your audience.

Both distance and traffic load are problems that are easy to solve using a professional CDN network. A professional content delivery network has servers spread out both nationally and globally, depending on where your target audience is located.

That way, your viewers are always close to a server, and there are more than enough servers to handle the traffic your live streams generate when they watch videos.

2. Buffering

Network slowdowns or bottlenecks between the streaming software, server, and viewer cause live video feed buffering. You’ve probably experienced buffering when trying to stream content online as a viewer, so you know how frustrating it can be.

You can mitigate buffering problems through multi-bitrate streaming and an adaptive media player. That’s called “adaptive streaming.” However, even with adaptive video streaming, buffering issues can persist.

Adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR) is built into most online video platforms, but this feature may not be accessible to those who are self-hosting. Adaptive bitrate streaming provides viewers with the best quality video based on their internet connections. It is one of the best tools for producing a quality experience for your viewers, regardless of their internet connection

Without adaptive streaming, buffering is more likely for any user whose internet connection is less than perfect. This would particularly be the case with those who are using smartphones for live video streaming as their data speeds could fluctuate when they’re on the move.

You risk buffering issues even more if your video goes viral and a single media server or small cluster is hit with a high volume of requests. In this scenario, streams may not even load at all.

As a result, you risk losing viewers and opportunities to reach new viewers, among other negative consequences. Most viewers will not stick around if your content is buffering.

3. Lack of Redundancy

Our recommended best practice for live streaming is always to have a backup stream. With two streams coming to your viewers from separate paths, you can bypass problems mid-broadcast. This double-stream approach is called “redundancy.”

This issue is generally nonexistent when using a dynamic media server network, such as a live streaming content delivery network. If one machine goes offline, your backup stream will immediately come online.

Redundancy becomes much more difficult and complex with a limited server architecture. A service dropout caused by equipment failure, a power surge, or other system-wide glitches can shut down your entire stream.

Even if you have a backup stream, it won’t matter when a problem affects your system.

4. Limits to Scale

Another issue related to running your own live streaming server is the scale of operation, especially if you run multiple channels or podcasts. Each media server has a finite number of viewers who can stream simultaneously.

As your audience grows, you will need to scale up and incorporate more media streaming servers into your setup to ensure the smooth streaming of your media content. Adding new servers can be challenging.

If a live stream goes viral, you will not be able just to add more servers in a moment to support the sudden increase in traffic. Going viral could cause your live stream to crash.

The costs and complexity of this can stifle many broadcasters, especially individuals and small businesses.

Furthermore, you could end up paying considerably more to resolve ongoing issues of scale than you would if you contracted with a professional streaming platform in the first place.

With a professional streaming platform, if you suddenly go viral and get a lot of traffic, you will have access to their entire network of media servers.

5. Security Vulnerabilities

Running your own video streaming server means you have total autonomy. That also means that the privacy and security of your streaming protocol are entirely up to you. Securing a server is a complex and demanding task in a world where ransomware, phishing attacks, and piracy run rampant.

By using a secure streaming provider, however, you can bypass the need for security knowledge and investment. Any measures you can put into place on a small scale are likely to be minor compared to the security measures that a professional video hosting platform has (e.g., Dacast). Such platforms would have enterprise-grade security for your live streaming media so that you don’t end up facing issues once the stream goes live.

6. Technical Debt

One concept essential for businesses, non-profits, universities, and other organizations is “technical debt.”

Essentially, technical debt refers to the consequences of creating critical technological systems. Once created, you have to maintain these integral systems.

Investing in high-end equipment and streaming software is one thing, but will you be able to maintain its running costs?

That’s why you need to consider the long-term costs of creating your own video streaming server instead of working with video hosting and a live streaming platform. Even if you designed the systems to solve problems, they could end up causing new problems as well.

Over time, the growing amount of video streaming technology you invest in can create technical debt. Like financial debt, technical debt can drag down your self-run live-streaming server set-up. These technical obligations interfere with your ability to be nimble and invest time and resources into new technologies.

Of course, sometimes, the issue of technical debt is simply unavoidable. Nonetheless, it’s an important consideration to keep in mind for anyone building their own video streaming servers.

7. No Tech Support

It can be frustrating when issues arise in the middle of a live stream when you use a streaming media server on your own. You don’t have the luxury of access to the 24/7 customer support that end-to-end streaming solutions provide. You have to provide your own technical support when you build your own streaming video servers.

If you hire one person or a small team to help you build your video streaming server, you cannot expect them to be available for troubleshooting and tech support around the clock.

Even if you are paying them to be on call, they might not necessarily have access to the tools and information they need to solve your issue at a moment’s notice.

Exploring Alternatives to Self-Hosting

Did you know it’s possible to maintain complete control of your content while streaming live video on your website via a dedicated streaming service?

One great alternative is to use a video streaming hosting provider. Most platforms combine the Software as a Service (SaaS) business model with Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS).

You gain access to world-class streaming server hardware and live broadcasting software to support it by paying a simple, predictable monthly fee. You don’t have to troubleshoot building your own server from scratch. You can access the knowledge and power of a professional live broadcasting platform.

Since they are much easier to use and avoid issues tied to self-hosting, your organization may want to consider professional video hosting software solutions.

Here are the top reasons why you too should consider video-streaming software platforms for your broadcasting needs:

• Better security
• Saves time
• API customization
• Monetization options
• Analytics and feedback
• Content Delivery Network CDN
• Digital rights management DRM software

The bottom line? We recommend considering a live video streaming dedicated server. That helps circumvent the risks and mitigate the costs of live-streaming events that come with creating your own streaming solutions.

Why Choose Dacast? 

Choose Dacast for its reliability, scalability, advanced security features, and 24/7 customer support.

Dacast is a fully cloud-based streaming service with many advantages for broadcasters and content creators. The most significant benefit is that you focus on the creative side of live streaming, such as finding great locations, showing the world around you, and bringing high-quality content to your audience.

Here are some of Dacast’s advanced features that’ll convince you to give this live-streaming platform a go:

Global Delivery

Increasing your organic reach and getting more exposure for your content is easier with Dacast thanks to its China Video Hosting and robust CDN. That way, your viewers can watch you in real-time no matter which area of the world they might belong to; thanks to its top-class proxy servers. Few other video streaming providers offer China delivery, which sets Dacast apart from the rest. 

Flexible Plans

Dacast offers affordable live streaming plans at many different price points for its users. Meaning you get live-streaming as well as video-on-demand servers. No matter your budget, you can find a package that suits you without letting finances get in the way of your content creation.

White Label Streaming

With Dacast’s white label and branding control, your videos match your brand image and vision. When you embed videos onto your website, they blend in to match the aesthetics of your website.

Limitless Scalability 

Scalability is never a problem you’ll have to worry about when you live-stream with Dacast’s robust network.

As you grow your audience, switch to a higher plan and continue streaming! Unlike video streaming servers that crash when the load gets too much.

Secure Streaming

The most significant advantage of using a professional live-streaming server is its security benefits. Dacast offers these features always to provide secure and reliable streaming:

• Cloud-based video transcoding tools
• Advanced video security features
• Adaptive bitrate streaming
• HLS streaming
• RTMP ingest is compatible with RTMP encoders

All these broadcast quality features let your viewers stream videos more securely on their mobile devices.

Data-driven Feedback

Dacast understands that you invest a lot of time and money in creating engaging live streams. That’s why our in-depth video analytics help you understand your content better. As well as viewer demographics and what type of content is a hit with them.

Ad-free Streaming

Free live-streaming platforms such as YouTube and Facebook expose you to a large audience but are full of ads. Most viewers find them annoying as they break the rhythm and reduce engagement. With Dacast, you and your audience can enjoy seamless, ad-free high-quality playback and live streaming, thanks also to access to the best audio codecs.

24/7 User Support

So much can go wrong during a live stream. That’s why Dacast’s team offers support to its broadcasters 24/7. You can always reach us through live chat no matter the issue, and we’ll resolve it together to give your audience a superb viewing experience.

FAQs

1. Which server is best for live streaming?

One of the best servers for live video streaming is OBS Studio. It has got all the tools that you need to get your broadcasting streams up and running. All you have to do is set up OBS Studio correctly and then select the right CDN to ensure that your video live stream is delivered without much lag.

2. How do I make a live stream server?

To make a live stream server that can help you broadcast your video content with ease, you can follow these steps:

1. Get clean on your requirements
2. Choose an open-source project 
3. Download OBS Studio
4. Select a CDN for your live stream server

3. What does a streaming server do?

In simple terms, a streaming server helps you broadcast your video content to your viewers in real-time. It ensures that they can watch the event you’re broadcasting on your streaming platform with minimal latency, leading to a pleasant video watching experience. 

4. Where can I stream live for free?

If you intend to live stream for free, you could start by setting up your live streaming server using OBS Studio, which is completely free to use. Alternatively, you could start live streaming on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for free. While they don’t enable you to brand your stream and player like many a dedicated streaming platform would, it’s easy to get started with them.

5. What is a broadcast server?

Broadcast server is a server that’s specifically set up and designed to support the live broadcasting of videos. It’s optimized to help encode your live stream in real-time and send bits of the stream to the CDN so that your video can be delivered to viewers on multiple devices with minimal latency. 

Conclusion

DIYs are great. But using your own server carries risks and can cause more harm than good. Why not use a platform dedicated to that purpose instead?

The two most important things to consider are the possible complications of building your own server and the lack of support you’d have without access to when using a professional streaming solution.

Building your own video streaming server is possible if you have a skilled developer on your team. Still, it’ll likely be less cost-effective and more complex than using an established online video host. We’ve witnessed first-hand the complications that can arise, and we know that the average broadcaster doesn’t have the financial or technical means to address all those issues.

We’ve put together a thorough guide to help you troubleshoot live streaming issues and identify the root of the problems. Use the ten tips we’ve laid out to get your stream back on track in no time.

Not yet a Dacast broadcaster? You don’t have to take our word that the Dacast service is feature-rich, with pricing plans for every budget! Instead, you can sign up for our free trial to access free live streaming and all our great features for 14 days (no credit card required).

Get started for free

The post Live Streaming Server – How to Build One, and Should You Do It? appeared first on Dacast.

For businesses, that decision is even more crucial – video content plays a crucial role in brand awareness. In fact, viewers retain 95% of a message when they receive it in a video but only 10% when reading it in text.

Let’s face it: a dull, clunky editor kills the creativity of your content. But who has time to test and compare every option? That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you, comparing the top contenders head-to-head.

We’ve dug deep, analyzing features, performance, and pricing to find the pros and cons of each software. Keep reading to make an informed decision. 

What is Video Editing Software?

A video editor, also known as a non-linear editor (NLE), is software for video editing. It allows businesses to transform raw footage into polished, professional videos that resonate with their target audience. Users can augment and enhance videos in a non-linear flow, meaning edits can be made out of sequence without affecting the original footage.

According to Wistia’s 2024 report, 94% of marketers believe that video content has helped increase user understanding of their product or service, which is why video editing software is more important now than ever.

Businesses may use video editing programs to enhance their brand image with the help of high-quality videos that build credibility. Well-edited videos also drive traffic, boost conversions, and increase sales.

With good video editing software, businesses can:

• Edit and trim footage
• Add transitions, music, and effects
• Insert text and graphics
• Adjust color and lighting

What Are the Key Features to Look for in Video Editing Software?

The best editing programs offer a rich toolset for creating professional videos. Here are a few features to keep an eye out for that will bring your vision to life:

• Timeline Editing: Arranging and editing clips, layer elements, and creating a seamless flow.
• Transitions and Effects: Smooth scene changes, visual flair, and professional polish.
• Audio Editing: Sound control, music and effects, and enhanced audio quality.
• Titles and Graphics: Adding text, titles, motion graphics, and animated elements.
• Color Correction and Grading: Color adjustment, creating moods, and enhanced visuals.
• Export and Format Options: Optimized output for various platforms and devices.
• Multi-Cam Editing: Compatibility with footage from multiple camera angles.
• Plugins and Extensions: Extended capabilities with third-party tools.
• User Interface and Ease of Use: Intuitive controls and customizable workspaces.

What Are the Benefits of Video Editing Software?

Whether you’re opting for free and easy video editors or investing in paid video editing programs for complex productions, you can enjoy benefits like:

• Enhanced Creativity: The right video editing software will help bring your unique vision to life. Thanks to the endless range of tools and effects, you can create truly one-of-a-kind videos that capture your target audience’s eye.
• Professional Quality: Even if you don’t have a team of seasoned editors, you can still produce professional-quality videos. Many popular video editing software options offer advanced features like color correction, audio mixing, and special effects to make your videos look and sound their best.
• Time Efficiency: Online video editors often include drag-and-drop functionality and templates, making it easy to create professional-looking videos in minutes.
• Accessibility and Sharing: You can also share your videos without the hassle of limited accessibility. Whether it’s social media, your website, or a client presentation, the right video editing software will export your creations in multiple formats for different channels.
• Cost-Effective: Many platforms offer free versions or affordable subscription plans, making professional video editing accessible to businesses of all sizes. Popular video streaming software even includes native video design software free of charge, so you can make small changes without breaking the bank.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

While the pros of investing in video editing software definitely outweigh the cons, it’s still crucial to know the downsides before you make a move.

Pros

• Improves your production value without a professional editing team
• Some of the best software for video editing is affordable or free
• Streamlines your workflows with AI video editing tools
• Makes your videos stand out against the competition

Cons

• Complex AI video editing software may have a learning curve
• Some of the top video editors have expensive subscriptions 
• Overwhelming options – hard to find the best editing software

What is Video Editing?

Video editing is the process of changing and rearranging video footage to create a refined final product. It involves trimming clips, adding transitions, incorporating music and sound effects, color correction, and more. As 91% of businesses turn to video as the top marketing tool, video editing skills become more crucial than ever.

What is the Typical Workflow for Video Editing?

There is no standardized video editing workflow – it all depends on what you want the final product to look like. Here’s a breakdown of the steps that most video editors typically follow. 

1. Ingest and Organize: Import raw footage, create a project structure, and organize the clips.
2. Rough Cut: Assemble the selected clips in a rough sequence based on the required story and pacing.
3. Fine Cut: Refine the edit with precise adjustments to timing, transitions, and effects.
4. Sound Design: Add and edit music, dialogue, sound effects, and ambiance.
5. Color Correction/Grading: Adjust colors for consistency and create a visual style.
6. Graphics: Add any required text, titles, and visual elements.
7. Review: Gather feedback from the client and make revisions as needed.
8. Final Output: Export the final video in the required format and resolution.

Video Editing Stats

• The global video editing software market size was $549.8 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $1274.9 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.7%. (Source: Business Research Insights)
• Online videos will soon make up 82% of all internet traffic by 2022, 15 times more than in 2017. (Source: Cisco)
• The demand for video editors in the United States is expected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2029. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Over 60% of video content is viewed on mobile devices. (Source: Marketing Dive)
• Video editors make up around 38% of the population, with an average age of 37. (Source: Zippia)
• The tech sector is the highest-paying industry for video editors. (Source: Zippia)

What Are the Most Popular Video Editing Software?

Adobe Premiere Pro is easily the most popular video editing software, holding a market share of 47.4% among YouTube users. The app has an average monthly download count of 242.9K and over 2 million paid subscribers who pay $20.99 monthly for access to the program. 

Adobe Premiere Pro supports more than 50 video and audio formats. It also serves as an AI video editing app and is used by over 50% of filmmakers and editors.

What is the Fastest Growing Video Editing Platform?

DaVinci Resolve is one of the fastest-growing and best software for video editing. It’s also the best free video editor, with over 2 million users using the app’s free version alone as of January 2019. This is more than just a simple editing app for your YouTube videos – it’s also been used to produce and perfect several Oscar-nominated films!

What is the Best AI Video Editing Software?

Adobe Premiere Pro is easily the best AI video editor, which offers powerful AI features through Adobe Sensei. Its AI engine can automate repetitive or tedious tasks like scene detection, audio ducking, and content-aware fill so you can focus on what really matters. 

If you’re looking for an AI video editor free option, Synthesia is another great software that offers a free trial. It allows you to create videos from plain text using realistic AI avatars and voiceovers in multiple languages. Of course, it’s not as in-depth as Premiere Pro, but Synthesia is still the best AI video editing software for quick, easy video creation as a beginner.

The Role of AI in Video Editing

The increasing use of artificial intelligence for video editing is changing the way we create and consume content. AI-powered tools have completely transformed the editing process, making it faster, easier, and more accessible than ever before. 

According to Market.us, the global AI-powered video editing software market will grow at a rate of 6.3% from 2023 to 2032, reaching over $1 billion by 2032.

AI for video editing opens the door for endless benefits: streamlined workflows, more creative freedom, and much more. For instance, an A.I. video editor can automatically analyze footage, identify the key moments, and suggest the perfect cuts and transitions for a highlight reel. 

This not only saves time but also helps businesses create professional-quality results without an experienced editing team. In fact, 43% of video editors reported that AI tools significantly improved their editing efficiency.

Additionally, an AI tool for video editing can also take the hassle out of repetitive tasks like color correction, audio leveling, and object removal. This frees up editors to focus on the more creative aspects of their work, such as storytelling and visual style. In fact, AI-powered tools can reduce the time spent on tedious editing tasks by up to 34%.

The 10 Best Video Editing Software for Business in 2024

We’ve broken down the top video editing platforms in the industry – their core features, video editing capabilities, and pricing plans. As a bonus, take a look at this online video platform comparison to find the best program for streaming the videos you have edited.

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro has over 242.9K monthly users, with over 2 million paid subscribers. 

Video Editing Features

Premiere Pro’s video editing workflow is robust and non-linear. Its timeline allows you to seamlessly arrange clips and effects with razor-sharp tools for splitting and trimming. Transitions and audio mixing effects between clips are also easy to apply. But Premiere Pro’s editing features don’t stop there:

• Multicam editing to sync  footage from different angles
• Color correction and grading with precision controls
• Text, titles, graphics, and overlays.
• Audio effects and mixing
• Green screen keying (chroma key) to move subjects to different backgrounds

Premiere Pro offers a ton of plugins and extensions, so you can work with your pre-established tech stack comfortably.

Pricing and Plans

• Annual Prepaid Plan: $263.88/year
• DaVinci Resolve

2. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is one of the fastest-growing tools for professional video editing, with over 2 million users using the app’s free version alone.

Video Editing Features

DaVinci Resolve transcends basic video editing – its advanced features are for Hollywood-level editing. The interface is intuitive and powerful, with features like multi-camera editing for seamless transitions, intelligent reframing to repurpose footage for different aspect ratios, and a robust trimming toolset to perfect cuts.

Other features include:

• Fusion Effects: Visual effects and motion graphics – integrated directly within your edit.
• Color Grading: World-renowned color tools for granular control over the look of your footage.
• Fairlight Audio: Professional audio post-production capabilities, such as mixing, mastering, and sound design.
• Media Management: Project organization and collaboration with a built-in media management system.

Pricing and Plans

• Software: $295
• DaVinci Resolve Editor Keyboard: $595
• DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel: $509
• Fairlight Desktop Audio Editor: $4,485

3. CyberLink PowerDirector 365

CyberLink PowerDirector 365 is the paid, subscription-based version of the PowerDirector video editing software, which has over 100 million users worldwide. 

Video Editing Features

PowerDirector 365 is a powerhouse of video editing capabilities. You can trim, split, and rearrange clips, while its color correction and grading tools allow for precise adjustments.  

Its best editing features include:

• AI-powered tools: Auto-enhance footage, create stylistic effects, or generate subtitles effortlessly.
• Audio enhancements: Fine-tune sound, remove noise, and add immersive audio effects.
• Format support: 4K and 360° video.

Beyond the basics, PowerDirector 365 also has advanced features like motion tracking, multicam editing, and 360° video stabilization. 

Pricing and Plans

• Perpetual License: $139.99
• For Content Creators: $54.99/year
• For Directors: $99.99/year

4. Apple Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is Apple’s native paid editing software, which has been used for Oscar-winning films like Parasite.

Video Editing Features

Final Cut Pro is known for the Magnetic Timeline, which streamlines the editing process and allows for seamless clip arrangement without collision worries. The app’s intuitive UX makes it easy to get the most out of every feature.

Key features include:

• Multicam editing to sync and edit footage from multiple cameras.
• Compounding clips into a single entity for easier organization.
• Color grading tools to achieve stunning visuals with precise color control.
• Audio editing tools
• 360° video editing to immerse viewers 
• A vast library of effects and transitions
• Integration with Motion and Compressor

Pricing and Plans

• One-time payment: $299.99

5. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora has over 100 million global users across 150 countries.

Video Editing Features

Filmora is primarily an editing software, so its video editing features are some of the most advanced. The software allows you to trim, split, and merge clips. It also offers premium editing options like keyframing, motion tracking, and color correction. 

Moreover, Filmora has a vast library of effects, transitions, titles, and music. Recently, it has transitioned into an AI editing tool with features like vocal remover, text-to-video, smart cutouts, and much more.

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0
• Annual: $49.99/year 
• Perpetual: $79.99 (one-time purchase)
• Bundle (Filmora + Filmstock): $109.87/year

6. Apple iMovie

Apple iMovie is one of the most popular editing software, primarily used by small and medium-sized businesses.

Video Editing Features

iMovie is the perfect editing platform for beginners or small businesses hoping to make minor changes to their raw footage. Trimming and splitting clips is a breeze, while its color correction tools help you achieve the perfect aesthetic.

Some standout features include:

• Cinematic Mode editing: Adjust the focus and depth of field in your iPhone 13 or later footage for a professional touch.
• Themed templates: Offers multiple styles and layouts to give your videos a polished look with minimal effort.
• Ken Burns effect: Adds a touch of drama with slow zooms and pans across your photos.
• Video and audio effects: Built-in tools to enhance your visuals with filters and adjust your soundscape.

Pricing and Plans

• Apple iMovie is free to use.

7. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate

Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is included in Microsoft Windows as it’s native video editing software.

Video Editing Features

Corel VideoStudio Ultimate’s multi-timeline editing is a real game-changer for organizing complex projects, allowing you to keep everything tidy as you piece together your final video. The software also offers a ton of transitions and effects.

Key features of the VideoStudio Ultimate include:

• Lens correction tools to get rid of fisheye distortion and other lens imperfections 
• Color grading controls to fine-tune the mood and atmosphere of your footage with precise color adjustments
• Audio ducking to automatically lower background music during dialogue
• Motion tracking to attach text, graphics, or effects to moving objects 

Pricing and Plans

• Full: $64.99 (one-time payment)
• Upgrade: $49.99 (one-time payment)

8. Movavi Video Editor

Movavi Video Editor holds a market share of 10.20% in the Video Editors category, ranking as the third best video editing tool in the market.

Video Editing Features

Movavi Video Editor is chock-full of tools for both beginners and seasoned pros. There’s an audio editor with tools to adjust levels, apply effects, and even eliminate background noise. And if you’re struggling with shaky footage, the stabilization feature will smooth things out.

Here’s a rundown of some key features:

• AI-powered tools: Remove backgrounds, track motion, and even clean up noisy audio with a few clicks.
• Keyframing: Animate effects, titles, and more with precise control.
• Picture-in-picture: Layer multiple videos on top of one another for a dynamic look.
• Chroma key: Replace green screens with backgrounds of your choice.
• Slow-motion and fast-motion: Speed up or slow down footage for dramatic effect.

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0
• Video Editor: $19.95
• Video Editor Plus: $69.95
• Video Suite Plus: $94.95

9. Kaltura

Kaltura is trusted by over 60% of Fortune 100 companies, with over 4,000 clients in the US alone.

Video Editing Features

This browser-based editor enables basic video editing tasks like trimming, clipping, and adding captions – ideal for simple projects. You can also create personalized viewing experiences with branching paths, quizzes, and interactive elements.

For more complex editing needs, Kaltura integrates with third-party editing tools like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. The app’s AI tool can automate tasks like transcription, translation, and highlight reel creation. 

Pricing and Plans

• Contact Kaltura to get a quote

10. Clipchamp

Clipchamp has over 14 million registered users worldwide, growing rapidly every year.

Video Editing Features

Clipchamp’s editing tools give you everything you need to perfect your video content with features like:

• Trim & Crop: Get rid of unwanted bits or adjust your frame to focus on the action.
• Resize: Shape your video to fit any platform, from TikTok to YouTube.
• Green Screen: Change the background of any video.
• Audio Wizardry: Fine-tune your soundtrack, separate audio from video, or swap out a track.
• Text Overlay & Captions: Add context, punchlines, or translations to keep your viewers engaged.
• Transitions: Smooth out those scene changes with fades, wipes, or other effects.
• Speed Control: Speed up the action or slow down for dramatic effect.

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0
• Premium: $11.99/month

How Video Editing Transforms Your Streaming Content

Successful streaming content is only possible with efficient video editing. It’s the difference between raw, amateur footage and a polished, professional stream that keeps viewers engaged.

By investing in the top video editing software, you’ll have all the tools to refine raw footage and add eye-catching AI video effects for a viewer experience that rivals traditional TV. That’s right – with over 163 million watchers in the US alone, video streaming solutions are projected to dominate the video content market pretty soon.

Live streams also benefit from AI video editing tools. The right AI video editor will take away the extra work by automatically enhancing visuals, cutting out awkward pauses, and even adding subtitles in real time. This way, your live streaming platform content looks professional from the moment you go live.

Beyond the live event, editing helps repurpose content for your online video platform (OVP) or OTT platform. You can create highlight reels, behind-the-scenes snippets, or even turn your live stream into a video-on-demand (VOD) series. 

Plus, 80% of audiences would rather watch live video content from a brand than read a blog, so investing in video editing is crucial for maximizing your live streaming success. The question is, what happens after the editing process? This is where a professional video streaming platform like Dacast comes in.

Why Choose Dacast Video Streaming Software?

Dacast is a live streaming solution and VOD platform with OTT technology features. Its services specifically cater to professional broadcasters in online sports, enterprise, and internal communications, media and entertainment, religious organizations, event production and agencies, government municipalities, and nonprofits.

Once you’ve edited your videos to perfection, it’s time to share them with the world using Dacast’s live streaming and video-on-demand hosting capabilities.

Video Hosting and Streaming 

Dacast’s online video platform allows you to broadcast your videos to several viewers with Zoom and Google Meet integrations. Since it offers HTML5 video delivery, you can stream to any device, anywhere. You can even share the links to broadcast on your social media accounts and reach a larger following. 

The platform offers diverse streaming features like multi-bitrate streaming for live video and VOD, cloud video transcoding with true adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR), and live encoding support for the top video encoders. 

Content Management System

Dacast also doubles as a video content management system (CMS). That means you’ll get full control of your video library, all in one convenient location. The videos will also be stored in an EXPO video gallery protected by a password and AES video encryption. It’s essentially a website alternative for your video content.

Analytics and Reporting

With Dacast’s advanced video analytics features, you can track various metrics in real time. The dashboard displays data like who is watching your videos, the amount of data used, your earnings, and so on. 

Video Marketing

Aside from Dacast’s detailed analytics tools, video marketers can also record live streams for playback later. Plus, you can embed CTAs into your videos and even embed the video on your own website. Since Dacast is a white-label player, you can broadcast without off-brand distractions.

Pricing and Plans

Dacast’s flexible pricing plans are suitable for all kinds of budgets, starting with the affordable Starter plan at just $39/month.

For businesses on the hunt for a more robust solution, the Scale plan at $165/month unlocks advanced features like API access, priority phone support, video monetization, and paywalls – ideal for sophisticated live video streams.  

Lastly, the Event plan at $63/month is the perfect balance of functionality and cost-effectiveness for businesses that want to use their videos to build brand awareness through live streaming.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that the internet is turning to video content faster than ever, which is why it’s crucial for businesses to invest in robust video editing software. It can be the difference between raw, unengaging footage and a video that hooks your target viewer from the get-go!

Now that you’ve read our complete comparison, you can find the video editing platform that meets your needs and budget. Once you’ve fine-tuned your videos until they’re ready for the public, it’s time to market them on a robust streaming platform like Dacast.

On that note, why not start today with the Dacast 14-day free trial? Sign up today to begin streaming live in a matter of minutes. No credit card is required.

Get Started For Free

Do you have questions or feedback about live streaming platforms or video broadcasting in general? Send a message to our 24/7 technical support team, and we will get back to you. For regular tips and exclusive offers, you can join our LinkedIn group.

The post Comparing the 10 Best Video Editing Software for 2024 appeared first on Dacast.

With 82% of all internet traffic projected to be video by the end of this year, mastering video marketing is no longer optional. But with so many platforms vying for your attention, where do you invest your time and resources for maximum impact?

In this guide, we’ll dissect the best video marketing platforms in 2024, their strengths, weaknesses, and unique features, so you can make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

• What is a Video Marketing Platform?
• What Are the Uses of Video Marketing Platforms?
• What Are the Benefits of Video Marketing Platforms?
• How Does Video Marketing Work?
• Video Marketing vs. Video Streaming – What is the Difference?
• Video Marketing Stats
• The Role of AI in Video Marketing
• The 12 Best Video Marketing Platforms for Business
• Why Choose the Dacast Video Marketing Platform?
• Conclusion

What Is a Video Marketing Platform?

A video marketing platform (VMP) is software that allows you to create, manage, and distribute video content for marketing purposes. These tools are clearly on the rise, as the live streaming video platform market is estimated to reach $30.19 billion by 2030.

As a centralized hub for a marketing team’s video assets, it streamlines workflows and integrates with various channels. Video marketing platforms often have native video editing tools, analytics dashboards, and hosting capabilities.

With an online video marketing platform, businesses can:

• Create engaging video content
• Track its performance
• Measure its impact on specific marketing goals

What Are the Uses of Video Marketing Platforms?

Video marketing platforms can be incredibly diverse – let’s look at a few ways you can use a video marketing platform.

Reach and Engagement 

Video platforms like YouTube have massive user bases, allowing marketers to expand their reach. Plus, the visual and auditory nature of videos captures attention and drives 1200% more shares than static content. 

Content Distribution 

Video marketing platforms allow marketers to distribute their videos across various channels. The options are endless: embedding videos on a website, sharing them on social media, incorporating them into email campaigns, and so on.

Analytics and Insights 

Video platforms typically have native analytics tools that provide in-depth insights into video performance. Marketers can track views, engagement metrics, audience demographics, and more.

SEO and Visibility 

Video marketing platforms are great contributors to SEO and visibility. 

In fact, video drives a 157% increase in organic traffic from SERPs. Plus, you’re 53 times more likely to show up on top on Google if you have a video embedded on your website. 

Lead Generation and Conversion 

Video marketing software also allows for the seamless integration of CTA buttons within videos. Since 64% of consumers are more likely to purchase a service/product after watching a video about it, this is the perfect placement for a CTA. 

Simulcasting / Multicasting

Simulcasting is another key advantage of many video marketing platforms. This feature allows you to broadcast your videos on multiple channels at once, expanding your reach. For instance, if you simulcast your live stream on Dacast, it will appear in the video player on your site and on your social media platforms at the same time.

What Are the Benefits of Video Marketing Platforms?

Marketers can benefit from video marketing software in more ways than one. The right video marketing platform can:

• Boost Engagement: Video content is inherently more engaging than text or images – 95% of a message is retained when watched but only 10% when read.
• Enhance SEO Efforts: Google tends to prioritize links with videos, which is why VOD and live video marketing SEO efforts are crucial to your strategy.  
• Offer Cost Savings and High ROI: Most video marketing platforms for businesses are either free or very affordable. Even without investing much, you’ll yield high returns.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

While the pros outweigh the cons, it’s best to know the downsides of video marketing platforms before investing in one. 

Pros:

• Increased reach and engagement
• Better visibility on SERPs
• Cost-effective marketing platforms
• Easy lead generation and conversion

Cons:

• Video production costs
• Current video content saturation is very high

How Does Video Marketing Work?

Video marketing uses audiovisual content to advertise your brand and improve marketing metrics like lead generation and conversion rates. It includes creating, distributing, and promoting videos on a platform to engage and convert your target audience.

Here’s a breakdown of how video marketing works:

1. First, the marketing and content creation team conceptualizes and scripts the video. 
2. The content creation films, edits, and completed the video production.
3. The finalized video is uploaded on social media and various video marketing platforms. 
4. If your video is engaging, compelling, and creative enough, the video marketing platform’s algorithm may push it to a wider audience. 
5. The marketing team can use the platform’s native analytics tool to track the video’s views and engagement metrics. 

Video Marketing vs. Video Streaming – What is the Difference?

Video marketing is a specific approach to promoting a brand, product, or service. It involves creating videos tailored to specific target audiences and distributing them on video marketing tools and platforms. 

On the other hand, video streaming allows viewers to watch in real-time or get video on demand. Video streams are live, unedited footage that offers a more authentic, unfiltered form of entertainment. 

While the two differ in many ways, the main difference between video marketing and streaming is the criteria for video monetization.

Live streaming strategies allow for immediate revenue generation through Super Chats, virtual gifts, and viewer donations. Plus, they create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, contributing to a higher view count and, thus, more revenue. 

Meanwhile, most of the monetization for pre-recorded video marketing comes from conversions and lead generation. 

Video Marketing Stats

• 88% of marketers say video is crucial to their strategies. (Source: Wyzowl)
• 52% of companies use videos to teach their prospects about their products or services. (Source: Wistia)
• 75% of people watch short-form videos on their mobile phones for two hours daily. (Source: Inside Intelligence)
• The average video holds only 53% of viewers’ attention till the end. (Source: Vidyard)
• 91% of people have learned about a product through an explainer video. (Source: Wyzowl)
• 69% of consumers find video product demos the most helpful when deciding to buy. (Source: Wyzowl)
• Interactive videos can boost your conversion rates by up to 70%. (Source: Click2Buy)
• 78% of businesses find YouTube the most effective platform for reaching their goals. (Source: Hubspot)
• An impressive 87% of marketers report increased leads due to their video efforts. (Source: Wyzowl)
• Ads featuring user-generated content (UGC) boast a click-through rate 400% higher than traditional ads. (Source: Join Brands)
• 39% of video marketers tie their return on investment (ROI) to increased brand awareness. (Source: Wyzowl)

What is the Most Popular Video Platform?

The most popular video platform in 2024 is YouTube – 90% of marketers use it to share video content. YouTube currently has over 2.7 billion monthly active users, 462 million of which are from India. 

What is the Fastest Growing Video Platform?

Vimeo is the fastest-growing video platform, with a 57% increase in revenue since 2019. The platform has over 1.6 million subscribers and 240,000 paying subscribers for its business plans. 

The Role of AI in Video Marketing 

By 2025, it’s estimated that 90% of online content will be created by AI. Marketers who want to stay at the top of their SERP game must incorporate AI into their video marketing strategy. 

Luckily, most video marketing platforms already include native AI tools. These tools automatically edit videos, write compelling scripts, and generate relevant keywords. 

Vidyard and SEMRush are two examples of using generative AI for video production and marketing. While Vidyard simply writes scripts, SEMRush’s text-to-video AI can create entire videos with just one prompt. 

The 12 Best Video Marketing Platforms for Business in 2024

We’ve broken down the top video marketing platforms in the industry – their core features, integration capabilities, and VOD or live streaming pricing plans. Use this online video platform comparison to find the best video marketing platform for your business. 

1. Dacast

Dacast is both a live streaming solution, a VOD platform, and OTT technology features. Its services specifically cater to professional broadcasters in online sports, enterprise and internal communications, media and entertainment, religious organizations, event production and agencies, government municipalities, and nonprofits. 

Video Hosting and Streaming 

Dacast’s video services are diverse and expansive, including:

• Secure video hosting
• Live event streaming
• Video on demand

Dacast’s Online Video Platform allows you to host all kinds of real-time sessions with an unlimited number of virtual guests. Since it offers HTML5 video delivery, you can stream to any device, anywhere. You can even share the links to broadcast on your social media accounts and reach a larger following. 

Plus, you won’t need any coding skills to transcode your videos into H.264, with AAC audio, or in an MP4 container on Dacast.

The platform offers diverse streaming features like multi-bitrate streaming for live video and VOD, cloud video transcoding with true adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR), and live encoding support for the top video encoders. 

More importantly, you can monetize your Dacast video content through pay-per-view, subscriptions, and promo codes. 

Video Editing Tools

While Dacast doesn’t have editing features, its white label and branding control will allow you to maintain a consistent brand image across all videos. 

More importantly, you can monetize your Dacast video content even with ad-free streaming.

Content Management System

Dacast also doubles as a video content management system (CMS). A video CMS allows marketers to take full control of their video library, all from one convenient location.  

One of the most valuable aspects of Dacast’s video CMS is that the system is easily customizable with video API. Unlike other video marketing tools, Dacast gives full access to their player API for 3rd party player integration and video API on premium plans.

The videos will also be stored in an EXPO video gallery protected by a password and AES video encryption. This isn’t just any gallery; it’s a powerful website alternative for your video content. 

With Dacast Expo, you can easily create a dedicated, branded video hub – complete with a customizable video gallery, embedded player, and even paywall options for monetization. This feature allows businesses to create an online presence for video content without requiring any sort of website integration.

Analytics and Reporting

Dacast’s advanced video analytics features allow you to track various metrics in real-time. The analytics dashboard will display:

• Who is watching your videos
• The amount of data used
• The number of times your audience played your videos
• The number of hours your audience spent viewing your content
• Your earnings
• Countries, regions, and cities where your viewers have been playing your content
• Your top 10 videos based on viewers and revenue

You’ll also be able to track and analyze your revenue after video monetization.

Video Marketing Features

Aside from Dacast’s detailed analytics tools, video marketers can also record live streams for playback later. Plus, you can embed CTAs into your videos and even embed the video on your own website. Since Dacast is a white-label player, you can broadcast without off-brand distractions. 

Pricing and Plans (billed annually)

• Starter Plan: $39/month (includes 2.4 TB of bandwidth & 500 GB of storage)
• Event Plan: $63/month (includes 6 TB of bandwidth upfront and 250 GB of storage)
• Scale Plan: $165/month (includes 24 TB of bandwidth per year and 2 TB of storage)
• Custom: Contact Dacast

2. Wistia

Wistia is a video marketing platform with 500,000 users and over 4 million videos uploaded.

Video Hosting and Streaming 

Wistia hosts your videos with a customizable player and offers a secure library to store and organize your video content. Plus, videos hosted with Wistia are 100% ad-free. 

Video Editing Tools

Wistia offers many video editing features, such as trimming, adding sounds, and adjusting music with Wistia’s Smart Tracks. You can even cut certain parts of the video using the transcription. 

Analytics and Reporting

Wistia’s analytics allow you to track video heatmaps, webinar metrics, engagement metrics, and performance by project. You can also use A/B testing to see which video performs better.

Video Marketing Features

Beyond just embeddable CTAs, Wistia also allows you to integrate forms from your marketing automation platform for lead generation. The app also boosts your SEO performance by injecting schema.org markup into your video headers.

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0/month
• Plus: $19/month
• Pro: $79/month
• Advanced: $319/month

3. Vidyard

Vidyard has over 12.5 million users across 250,000 companies.

Video Hosting and Streaming 

Vidyard Hosting allows you to manage all your video content on one centralized hub. Its video player is made for business users, and you can also use it to create shorter video messages.

Video Editing Tools

On Vidyard, you can record and trim videos up to an hour long. While its editing features aren’t expansive, it does generate scripts for you using AI. 

Analytics and Reporting

Vidyard’s dashboard allows you to track important metrics, such as video loads, total views, unique views, and revenue. 

Video Marketing Features

Vidyard automatically optimizes your video for better SERP rankings and separates your videos into chapters to improve viewer retention. It’s also one of the many video email marketing platforms that allow you to embed your Vidyard videos into email campaigns. 

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0/month
• Pro: $19/month
• Plus: $59/month
• Business: Contact Vidyard

4. Vimeo

Vimeo has over 1.6 million subscribers, with roughly 350,000 unique videos uploaded to the platform every single day. 

Video Hosting and Streaming 

Vimeo offers customizable video players with options for branding, chapter markers, and interactive elements. They support resolutions up to 8K and live streaming with audience chat and polls.

Video Editing Tools

You can trim, adjust colors and aspect ratio, and add text overlays to your Vimeo videos. For more extensive editing, Vimeo integrates with third-party tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc. 

Analytics and Reporting

Vimeo’s analytics dashboard allows you to track views, impressions, engagement rates, demographics, and card and CTA performance.

Video Marketing Features

Vimeo embeds custom contact forms within videos for lead generation, integrates with email marketing platforms, and offers video SEO features. Their “Showcase” feature allows you to create branded video hubs for a professional look.

Pricing and Plans

• Basic: Free
• Plus: $7/month 
• Pro: $20/month
• Business: $50/month
• Premium: $75/month 

5. Filmora

Filmora has over 100 million global users across 150 countries.

Video Hosting and Streaming 

Filmora allows you to trim, split, and merge clips. It also offers advanced options like keyframing, motion tracking, and color correction. Moreover, the software has a vast library of effects, transitions, titles, and music.

Video Editing Tools

Filmora itself doesn’t provide video hosting or streaming services, but you can export your edited videos in any format to post on a video streaming platform or your own website.

Analytics and Reporting

Filmora doesn’t offer in-depth analytics. You may be able to track basic metrics like project duration and file size.

Video Marketing Features

Other than CTA overlays, Filmora doesn’t have any marketing-specific features. 

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0
• Annual: $49.99/year 
• Perpetual: $79.99 (one-time purchase)
• Bundle (Filmora + Filmstock): $109.87/year

6. Powtoon

Powtoon has over 10 million users across 1,063 companies.

Video Hosting and Streaming 

Powtoon offers cloud-based hosting for all videos created on the platform. You can easily share your videos through a link or embed them on your website. While Powtoon doesn’t focus on live streaming, you can upload pre-recorded videos for on-demand viewing.

Video Editing Tools

Powtoon is known for its extensive library of templates, characters, props, and animations. The drag-and-drop interface is very intuitive, and you can easily add voice overs, music, and transitions. You can also count on the screen recording feature to create tutorials or product demos.

Analytics and Reporting

Powtoon’s analytics dashboard allows you to track video views, viewer engagement, and social shares.

Video Marketing Features

Powtoon is designed with marketing in mind. It offers templates for creating promotional, explainer, and social media content. You can add custom branding, CTAs, and lead generation forms to your videos. 

Powtoon also integrates with popular marketing platforms like HubSpot and Marketo.

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0
• Pro: $19/month 
• Pro+: $59/month
• Agency: $99/month

7. YouTube

With more than 2.7 billion monthly users across the world, YouTube is known as the second-biggest search engine after Google. 

Video Hosting and Streaming 

YouTube provides free, unlimited video hosting and streaming with high-quality playback options (up to 4K resolution). You can also live stream on the platform just as easily.

Video Editing Tools

YouTube has a basic native video editor called YouTube Studio. It trims videos, adds end screens, blurs parts of the video, and adds music from YouTube’s audio library. 

Analytics and Reporting

You can track in-depth analytics on YouTube Studio – watch time, audience demographics, traffic sources, and revenue (if monetized). Real-time analytics for live streams are also available. 

Video Marketing Features

YouTube’s video marketing features are endless, including end screens, CTA buttons, and paid ads.

Pricing and Plans

• YouTube (Basic): $0
• YouTube Premium: $13.99/month
• YouTube TV: $72.99/month

8. Vyond

Vyond has over 12 million users who have created more than 22 million videos since its inception.

Video Hosting and Streaming 

While Vyond doesn’t offer video hosting services, it does integrate with YouTube and Vimeo. You can easily download your videos in various formats for offline use or embedding on websites and social media.

Video Editing Tools

Vyond offers a variety of templates, animation tools, transitions, and text-to-speech features for voice overs in multiple languages.

Analytics and Reporting

Vyond provides basic analytics to track and increase video engagement metrics like watch time and completion rates. 

Video Marketing Features

Vyond doesn’t have any native SEO or lead generation tools, but it does offer customizable templates specifically designed for marketing purposes.

Pricing and Plans

• Essential: $49/month 
• Premium: $89/month 
• Professional: $999/year 

9. Animoto

Animoto has over 12 million registered users and 22 million videos. 

Video Hosting and Streaming 

Animoto focuses on video creation and storage rather than hosting.

Video Editing Tools

Animoto has a simple drag-and-drop interface and a wide array of templates. You can easily add photos, video clips, text overlays, voice overs, and music to your videos.

Analytics and Reporting

Animoto’s analytics track views, engagement, and clicks on any links embedded in your videos.

Video Marketing Features

Animoto optimizes your videos for various social media platforms, adds CTAs, and promotes your videos directly from the platform. It also integrates with several marketing tools like Hootsuite and Mailchimp.

Pricing and Plans

• Basic: $0/month
• Professional: $16/month 
• Team: $39/month 

10. SEMRush

SEMRush has over 1,149,000 active users and 108,000 paying customers.

Video Hosting and Streaming 

SEMRush has a live streaming studio to host webinars and online events and multi-stream to different platforms simultaneously. You can also embed videos onto your company’s website or other platforms.

Video Editing Tools

SEMRush allows you to trim, crop, add text, merge clips, and resize to various formats.  You can also generate captions in 40+ languages, transcribe and translate videos, and leverage text-to-speech.

Analytics and Reporting

SEMRush’s video marketing tool does not offer analytics and reporting features.

Video Marketing Features

On SEMRush, you can create videos from prompts using AI, convert blog posts into videos, and optimize your videos for SERP rankings.

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0/month
• Pro: $129/month
• Guru: $249/month
• Business: $499/month

11. Adilo

Adilo is an all-in-one video platform for agencies and content creators.

Video Hosting and Streaming 

Adilo offers buffer-free HD and 4K video streaming, as well as password protection, domain restrictions, and anti-piracy measures. You can easily embed your videos onto your website, landing pages, or directly via links. Adilo also breaks down your videos into chapters to improve viewer retention.

Video Editing Tools

You can only trim your videos on Adilo.

Analytics and Reporting

On Adilo, you can track video views, play rates, conversions, and audience retention.

Video Marketing Features

Adilo optimizes your videos for better search engine visibility, integrates with popular email marketing and CRM tools, and offers A/B testing. You can also add clickable CTAs and forms to your videos for lead generation. 

Pricing and Plans

• Starter: $0
• Creator: $29/month
• Growth: $49/month
• Business: $99/month

12. Hippo Video

Hippo Video is used by over 5,000 businesses around the world.

Video Hosting and Streaming 

While it doesn’t offer live streaming services, Hippo Videos hosts your pre-recorded and on-demand videos and stores them in a secure library. 

Video Editing Tools

You can trim, cut, and merge videos directly within the platform. Users can also add text overlays, custom thumbnails, templates, and personalized video greetings. The built-in teleprompter also helps you stick to your script.

Analytics and Reporting

Hippo Video allows you to track video views, watch time, engagement, and conversion rates. You can simply integrate it with your existing CRM and marketing automation platforms for breezy lead management.

Video Marketing Features

With Hippo Video, you can send personalized video emails to boost open and click-through rates. It also allows you to embed CTAs, forms, polls, and branching logic into your videos. 

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0/month
• Pro: $20/month
• Teams: $60/month
• Enterprise: $80/month

Why Choose the Dacast Video Marketing Platform?

Dacast is a professional and feature-packed video marketing platform for businesses that want to start marketing their videos on a professional level. The platform seamlessly combines live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) hosting capabilities, providing a complete solution for reaching and engaging your target audience.

With the intuitive HTML5 video player, your videos will be accessible on any device to ensure maximum reach and viewer engagement. Plus, the flexible pricing plans cater to all kinds of budgets, with the Starter plan available at only $39/month.

For businesses seeking advanced features like API access, priority phone support, video monetization options, and paywall solutions to enhance their live video campaigns, the Scale plan at $165/month delivers the bandwidth and storage you’d need.

If you only need to stream once, the Event plan at $63/month offers the perfect balance of features and affordability for building brand awareness through live events.

So, simply put, Dacast’s ease of use, versatility, and affordability are the three main factors that make it stand out from others.

Conclusion

Video content is becoming increasingly important, and with the right video marketing platform, your business can harness its full potential. 

If you want to transform your video content strategy, Dacast is ready to help. From live streaming your biggest events to monetizing your on-demand content, their comprehensive video hosting solutions have all the necessary tools for a thriving business. 

Take the first step and explore Dacast today.

Get Started for Free

The post The 12 Best Video Marketing Platforms for Business in 2024 appeared first on Dacast.

Other platforms such as Netflix, YouTube and Facebook have been influenced by the success of TikTok. With its far-reaching influence, its ability to start new trends and spread important information is unparalleled. Furthermore, its bite-size content format is highly palatable and addictive, keeping users hooked. Ultimately, any savvy brand, business or broadcaster can benefit from going live on TikTok.

In this article, we cover creating a successful TikTok live stream. We’ll detail what organizations and users of all kinds need to know about live streaming and the TikTok Live experience. Finally, we provide some expert tips that you can implement for hosting a successful live TikTok stream and live broadcast.

• Table of Contents
• What is TikTok?
• What is TikTok Live Studio?
• TikTok Live Streaming: The Basics
• Is TikTok Streaming Worth It?
• Who Can Live Stream on TikTok?
• How to Live Stream on TikTok 
• Tips for Successful TikTok Live Streams
• Follower Minimum to Go Live on TikTok
• How to See Who is Live on TikTok
• Solutions for Advanced Streaming Needs
• Conclusion

Mid 2024 update: The TikTok desktop streaming software is now called TikTok Live Studio. When downloaded to your desktop it allows users to log in with their account and stream directly to TikTok Live. The key benefit of TikTok is that creators will remain within their app instead of asking their audience to watch streams on Twitch or the YouTube live platform.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media app that is designed for video sharing.

Originally, videos on this app were capped at 60 seconds, but recently, the app has evolved to allow videos up to 3 minutes in length.

This Chinese app was originally launched in 2016 by the developer ByteDance as “Douylin.” The next year, ByteDance purchased Musical.ly. The Musical.ly technology’s functionality is very similar to the TikTok app we have today.

In August 2018, Musical.ly merged with TikTok, and the company kept the name “TikTok.” Within the next six months, the TikTok app crossed the 1 billion download threshold. Since then, TikTok’s downloads have more than doubled.

During lockdowns at the start of the pandemic in early 2020, there was a large surge in the app’s popularity. TikTok dances and trends inspired by the boredom of being stuck at home became a sign of the times.

Video is the only type of media that can be shared on the TikTok app, but users can pull sounds from other videos to create their content.

Unlike other social media platforms sometimes geared towards professionals, TikTok has a unique culture regarding the type of content shared on the app and the formats in which it is shared. Different songs go viral on TikTok and create trends. Users take the songs to put their twist on the trend. Users can also “Stitch” or “Duet” videos to incorporate TikToks made by other users in their content.

In 2019, TikTok added support for live streaming.

What is TikTok Live Studio?

TikTok Live Studio is a streaming software from TikTok that lets users broadcast live streams directly from their computers, offering a more professional streaming experience compared to mobile devices. There are many new features in the Live Studio desktop version, here are our favorite features and benefits:

Key Features:

• Multi-Source Streaming: Allows integration of screen captures, external cameras, and microphones.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to set up and manage, even for those not tech-savvy.
• Interaction Tools: Includes live chat, alerts, and overlays to engage with the audience.
• Customizable Layouts: Streamers can add text, images, and media to create unique layouts.
• Stream Analytics: Provides insights to understand and track stream performance.
• TikTok Integration: Seamlessly connects with TikTok for easy streaming and audience interaction.

Benefits for Creators:

• Improved Production Quality: Use of high-quality cameras and microphones enhances stream quality.
• Flexibility: Suitable for various content types like gaming, tutorials, and Q&A sessions.
• Audience Engagement: Tools for better interaction help build a stronger community.

How to Download, Setup and Use TikTok Studio Live:

1. Download and Install: Get the software from the TikTok website or authorized sources.
2. Set Up: Log in with a TikTok account and set up streaming preferences.
3. Configure Sources: Add and configure cameras, screen captures, and microphones.
4. Customize Layout: Design the stream layout with customizable elements.
5. Go Live: Start streaming and interact with viewers in real-time.

TikTok Live Streaming: The Basics

TikTok’s live streaming support allows creators to broadcast videos to their followers in real time. Live streaming is more engaging than pre-recorded content since it gives viewers a more lifelike interaction with the creator.

Live streaming is not an automatic feature on TikTok, and users must meet specific criteria to access this feature.

Is TikTok Streaming Worth It?

With so many social media platforms out there, is it even worth including TikTok streaming on your list? As a business or video broadcaster, you want to maximize your content’s exposure and revenue.

TikTok streaming might not be as old as some other platforms, but it’s got an extensive user base and is gaining daily traction. Here are some statistics that might surprise you:

• According to this report, TikTok has more than 1 billion monthly active users. That’s quite an impressive audience that can make TikTok streaming worth the hassle for any content creator.
• Wondering how many of these users are US-based? According to this Tweet, quite a few numbers are rising, so the time to start TikTok streaming is now.
• The average user opens the app eight times a day and spends an astonishing 95 minutes on the app per day. That adds up to a total of about 26 hours a month! Those numbers are pretty high when compared to other big social media companies.
• TikTok streaming is also a great monetization strategy for your video content. In 2020 alone, the application generated $500 million in revenue.

Who Can Live Stream on TikTok?

Users must be at least 16 years old and have 1000 followers to access live streaming capabilities on TikTok.

TikTok can revoke users’ live streaming rights (either temporarily or permanently) if they violate community guidelines. We will talk more about abiding by these guidelines later in this post.

How to Live Stream on TikTok 

You can easily live stream on TikTok in just a few simple steps.

It’s pretty straightforward if you meet the criteria for going live on TikTok.Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown of the process:

1. Log in to your TikTok app and click the Create button (the small button with a + in a box at the bottom of the screen).
2. Scroll to the right of the “Live” option.
3. Choose a cover image and a title for your stream.
4.  Apply any effects or filters you’d like, then click the red “GO LIVE” button.
5. That’s it! You are now TikTok live streaming!

You can also add moderators to monitor the chat to avoid inappropriate or obnoxious chatter. If you’re planning a live stream later, you can schedule it by clicking the calendar icon in your TikTok profile. You’ll be prompted to add an event name, set a start time and duration, and write a description. Click “Create” to save the event.

Tips for Successful TikTok Live Streams

As we’ve covered, live streaming on TikTok is very straightforward if your account is eligible for live streaming. However, there are some things that creators can do to enhance their live-streaming experience and find greater success.

Let’s review a few top tips and best practices for live streaming on TikTok.

Follow the Rules

TikTok has strict community guidelines. If you want to maintain good standing on the platform and keep your live-streaming privileges, it’s important to follow all of the rules.

Community guidelines on TikTok prohibit content involving:

• Violence, terrorism, and organized hate
• Adult content (sexual or pornographic)
• Hate speech
• Slurs and derogatory language
• Weapons
• Criminal activity (drugs, fraud, gambling, etc.)
• Violent and graphic content
• Self-harm and suicide
• Grooming and exploitation of minors
• Misinformation, impersonation, and spam

It is important to keep it clean, especially since there are so many young users on the TikTok app.

Interact with Viewers

The informal nature of TikTok live streams often works in favor of creators. When done right, TikTok live streams can make viewers feel like they are on a video call with a friend. That helps make your audience feel more attached to your brand, which is a win-win.

However, to create that effect, you must create more personalized interactions. The chat features on TikTok live streams help you do just that. Encourage participation by asking questions and inviting your viewers to respond in the chat. Read different responses out loud and answer them directly.

Calling your viewers by their usernames and responding to their comments can help them feel seen and heard. That’ll make them feel like they are part of a conversation rather than just a spectator.

Go Live Often

If you are trying to build a loyal audience, it is a good idea to go live often. You can create a schedule, so your supporters and followers know when to tune in. If you want to stick to a more sporadic schedule, give your followers a heads-up, so they have at least some notice.

Invite a Co-Host

One cool feature of TikTok’s live streaming tool is adding a co-host to your live stream. Broadcasters can invite other TikTok users to join the stream as a presenter. Who you invite to co-host your stream with you depends on the nature of your brand.

For example, if you’re a creator in the true-crime space, your audience might enjoy guest appearances from retired law enforcement personnel who can help you analyze current happenings. Other brands benefit from inviting celebrities or influencers onto the stream because that will help to attract new viewers.

Pay Attention to Stream Quality

Maintaining a pleasant user experience is key for a successful live stream, so ensuring that your streaming quality is good is a must. You can do a few things to produce a high-quality livestream

First and foremost, it is important to stream with a reliable internet connection. A weak internet connection could cause the video to be choppy or to fail midstream.

You also want to make sure that your audio is clear. Eliminate any background noises that are distracting or drown out your voice. Stay close enough to the microphone so your viewers can hear you.

Also, make sure the stream is visually appealing. Stream somewhere with adequate lighting. Use a tripod or prop up your phone in a way that captures you from a flattering angle. Try to get a shot that is straight on rather than tilted up or down.

Remember to Have Fun

As a social media platform, TikTok is full of fun and lighthearted content. It is a good idea to match that energy to meet the general TikTok audience’s expectations.

Don’t be afraid to have fun and crack some jokes. Your audience will feel it if you’re at ease and having a good time.

If your brand typically takes a more serious approach and requires a more formal digital environment, a TikTok video strategy might not be the best route for you.

Follower Minimum to Go Live on TikTok

TikTok Streaming is allowed for users who follow these criteria:

• User must be at least 16 years of age, or above
• The user should have a minimum of 1000 followers
• To send and receive gifts, the user must be above 18 years of age.

So what to do if your following is below 1000? Some users report using a “hack” that has worked for them. Although not officially endorsed, users with less than 1000 followers can request access to TikTok live by messaging through the “report a problem” and “send us your feedback tool.”

How to See Who is Live on TikTok

There are a few things you can do to ensure success in your TikTok live streaming endeavors.

As a creator, it’s important to keep the user experience in mind. With that, you must let your audience know how they can find your live streams on TikTok, especially if you’re bringing supporters over from other live-streaming platforms

There are a couple of different ways that viewers can see who is live on TikTok.

The first option is to tap the “LIVE” button in the top left corner of your screen. You can scroll through live streams or click “Explore” on the right side to see some more lives currently running.

Users can also scroll through their “Following” or “For You” pages, and suggested live streams will appear among the other suggested videos. Sometimes, live stream notifications pop up in the users’ inboxes.

Solutions for Advanced Streaming Needs

If your target audience is on TikTok and you’re looking for a more casual way to connect with them, this social media streaming app will come in handy.

However, if you’re hoping to live stream virtual events, such as conferences, sporting events, lectures, fitness classes, or the like, you’re going to need support from a professional streaming solution.

A professional streaming solution allows broadcasters and businesses to create an on-brand experience for their viewers with influential white-label video players that can be customized and embedded anywhere. Many online video platforms also offer video monetization, enhanced security, and more.

For such a professional streaming solution, we recommend Dacast. With Dacast, all your advanced streaming needs will be met. Dacast’s feature-rich and flexible platform will enable you to customize your brand image and stream live videos. Video monetization and 24/7 support come as standard, too.

Moreover, Dacast supports simulcasting. Simulcasting allows you to simultaneously your video to multiple destinations directly from the platform. Along with TikTok, you’ll be able to seamlessly broadcast to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and more.

Conclusion

TikTok continues to be one of the go-to social media platforms today. It singlehandedly changed the game by making short-form videos more relevant. From large brands to budding influencers, TikTok is allowing savvy creators and marketers to extend their reach, gain more traction and raise awareness.

TikTok is a great foundation for live-streaming. However, professional organizations and creators who want to maximize their reach need a more advanced solution.

Dacast is one such advanced solution. Dacast is a professional-grade platform made for those wanting the best streaming support. The unified streaming solution is equipped with all the features broadcasters need for streaming the highest quality video content. Furthermore, Dacast comes with white-label video player, HLS streaming, cloud transcoding, reliable CDN partnerships and much more.

You can try Dacast’s feature-rich platform today completely free for a full 14 days.

Start Streaming for Free

For regular live-streaming tips  and exclusive offers, we invite you to join our LinkedIn group

The post TikTok Live Streaming: How to Go Live on TikTok in 2024 appeared first on Dacast.

While there are a wide variety of possible codecs that can be used, it’s essential to find one that offers better image quality or a lower compressed bitrate for better streaming results. Thanks to the H.264 codec, you can have both of these benefits in one standardized, widely accepted format.

Let’s explore a little more about what the H.264 codec is, why it’s considered the gold standard in live streaming, how it works with video encoders, and how it works with RTMP and other streaming protocols.

You should be able to answer “What is H.264 video format?” and “What is h.264 video encoding?” by the end of this article

Table of Contents

• What is H.264?
• How the H.264 Codec Works with Encoders
• How the H.264 Codec Works with RTMP and Other Protocol
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What is H.264?

What is H.264? H264 codec is a video compression standard for recording, compressing, and distributing video content online. Dubbed as the most widely utilized codec in the world, and also known as Advanced Video Coding (AVC) or MPEG-4 Part 10, H264 was developed jointly by the International Telecommunications Union and as MPEG-4 by the International Organization for Standardization both out of Switzerland.

This codec offers great video streaming quality for substantially lower video bitrates than other previous standards, such as MPEG-2, H.263, or MPEG-4 Part 2, without making things so complex that its utilization would be too expensive or impractical to implement widely.

In short, H.264 has allowed video producers and viewers greater, easier access to better-quality streaming video on a broader variety of streaming platforms.

What is a Codec?

A codec is a device (when used in physical media such as DVDs and CDs) or a computer program (for streaming and other online media) that encodes and decodes a data stream or signal.

In other words, a video codec is a mechanism that takes the input data from your uploaded video content and encodes it into the various formats your viewers will utilize to watch your content on their own devices. It also compresses the content down to a more manageable size, making it easier to stream and store.

By using a codec, your video quality isn’t compromised during the process, decreasing the likelihood that your viewers will be forced to watch grainy, lagging video.

A codec helps with the transfer of data and helps ensure a good end-user experience.

Is H.264 the Recommended Codec for Streaming?

Since its introduction in 2003, H.264 has been seen as a widely used, accepted codec for both older and newer devices.

It is highly recommended for the recording, compression, and distribution of video files on any streaming device such as laptops, smartphones, desktop computers, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. H.264 also is used widely in cable broadcasting and Blu-Ray discs in offline video distribution.

While it is not necessarily considered the recommended codec in the face of more modern options, it is one that is still in broad use and offers 50 percent smaller files than its predecessors. H.264 is one of the most commonly used codec for streaming.

Is H.264 Widely Compatible?

In both physical and digital media, H.264 is a widely compatible codec when used with both old and new technology. H.264 or avc format is designed to be compatible with just about any device.

Whether your viewers are using an older-generation iPhone or the latest and greatest desktop computer, they will be able to easily stream your video content that utilizes the H.264 codec. This broad compatibility means that it can be used on a variety of applications, networks, h.264 decoder, and systems, including those offering both low and high bitrates, as well as low and high-resolution, high-definition video, broadcast, and storage.

Because H.264 is widely compatible with a lot of available streaming technology, viewers are almost assuredly able to watch your content regardless of the device or browser they have on hand.

If you want to ensure that all viewers can access your content, H.264’s wide compatibility with new and old devices makes it one of the best video codecs to use.

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics of what H.264 is and how it’s used in video encoding and decoding, let’s look more closely at the mechanics of how Advanced Video Coding works with encoders.

How the H.264 Codec Works with Encoders

When video streams over the internet, it isn’t doesn’t play in the same exact format that it leaves the camera or computer in. For that, encoding is necessary.

What is Encoding?

Video encoding is the process of converting RAW video files into a format that’s compatible with different devices and browsers.

During this process, the digital file is compressed to a smaller size to make it easier to stream without lagging and long download times, and the file is converted into multiple formats that are playable on specific browsers and devices. This process can take place directly on a camera, through a specific video encoding software such as Dacast, or in a mobile streaming application.

Video encoding is necessary for live streaming.

How is a Codec Involved in the Process?

When video files are encoded, a codec, such as H.264, is used to digitally compress the video into an AVC video format.

So, if you have a file that leaves the camera at 8 MB, putting that video through an encoder and using the H.264 codec can compress it down to 4 MB. This makes it much easier to transmit from device to device and makes it able to display on a variety of devices.

While H.264 standard remains a dominant video compression format, there are newer video compression standards emerging, like Versatile Video Coding (VVC) or H.266. These next-generation codecs are block-based hybrid codecs that offer even more impressive compression ratios and more capabilities, paving the way for even higher quality video streaming in the future

A codec helps compress the video file down to a size that can be more easily managed and moved around via the internet.

What Are the Ideal Resolution and Bitrate Settings for Streaming?

The resolution and bitrate settings you select when encoding your video files using H.264 will depend on whether you want to stream in ultra-low definition, low definition, standard definition, high definition, or full high definition.

The chart below lists all the live stream encoder settings you need when encoding your video using H.264:

The higher the video resolution you select, the more bandwidth you will need to transmit your video content. This means that your files may take more time to upload and download, or viewers could experience more disruptions and video buffering than if you select a lower resolution.

How the H.264 Codec Works with RTMP and Other Protocols

The Real-Time Messaging Protocol, or RTMP, is part of what makes live streaming possible. It’s important to understand how the H.264 codec works with RTMP and other streaming protocols when deciding on your encoder settings.

What is RTMP?

RTMP originally was used to send content from a video player and a server referred to as “RTMP delivery.”

Now, however, RTMP’s main role is to deliver content from an RTMP encoder to an online video host. The online video host is then responsible for delivering the video content to individual end-users. This is referred to as RTMP ingest.

In modern live streaming, RTMP makes low-latency streaming possible. This is important for those who are streaming large events in real-time, as their streams are subject to less buffering. This leads to a better overall user experience and higher viewer satisfaction.

RTMP also is used in adaptive-bitrate streaming. It is part of the technology that allows for the fast-forwarding and rewinding of streaming videos, and it also is involved in some web conferencing tools.

How Does H.264 Work with RTMP?

When video content is produced, it is first sent through an encoder to compress its size. It is in the video encoder that the digital file comes into contact with the codec, H.264, to become compressed.

The video file is then sent, via RTMP or another transfer protocol, either directly to an end viewer or to an online video host.

While H.264 and RTMP do not directly interact with one another, the compression afforded by H.264 allows RTMP to more quickly and efficiently transmit the files to their destination.

FAQs

1. What is H.264 Used For?

H.264 is everywhere. Some of the common applications of H264 codec include:

• Streaming Services: From Netflix to YouTube, H.264 is used for delivering high-quality video online. It allows for efficient transmission even on networks with limited bandwidth, making it perfect for streaming.
• Blu-ray Discs: H.264 is the standard compression format for Blu-ray discs, enabling them to store high-definition movies without sacrificing too much storage space.
• HDTV Broadcasting: Many cable and satellite providers utilize H.264 standard to deliver HD channels to your TV.
• Video Conferencing: H.264’s efficiency makes it ideal for video calls since it allows for smooth communication without excessive bandwidth usage.
• Video Sharing: Videos you share online, whether on social media or personal platforms, often use H.264 video compression for efficient storage and transfer.

2. AVC video codec vs. H.264 video codec: Are They the Same?

Yes, AVC and H.264 are essentially two names for the same thing. Officially, it’s known as H.264 (a recommendation by the ITU-T), but it’s also part of the MPEG-4 standard, hence the AVC (Advanced Video Coding) designation. So, H.264, H.264 AVC, AVC video codec, and H.264 video codec – they all refer to the same video compression standard.

3. How does H.264 video compression work?

H.264 uses several techniques to achieve significant compression ratios without sacrificing too much visual quality. These include: 

• Block-based coding: The video frame is divided into small blocks (macroblocks).
• Intra-frame vs. inter-frame coding: For the first frame (I-frame), all the information is stored. Subsequent frames (P-frames and B-frames) only store the difference from the previous frame, taking advantage of redundancy in video sequences where things aren’t moving much.
• Motion compensation: H.264 identifies moving objects within frames and only stores the motion vectors (how much and in what direction an object has moved) instead of encoding the entire object again.

4. Does H.264 reduce quality?

H.264 is a lossy compression format, which means that some quality is lost during the compression process. However, the quality reduction is minimal when using the appropriate bitrate and encoding settings. The human eye is less sensitive to small changes within frames which makes H.264 compression techniques highly effective.

5. What program opens H264 files?

H.264 compatibility cuts across various devices and media players. Here are some of the programs that can open H 264 files:

• Media Players: Popular media players like VLC media player, Windows media player (with codecs installed), and QuickTime player can all handle H.264 files.
• Web Browsers: Modern web browsers typically have built-in support for H.264 playback within HTML5 video elements.
• Video Editing Software: Most video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro, can open and edit H.264 video files.

Conclusion

Giving your viewers an overall positive experience when streaming your video content is essential to the growth and success of your business. If you’re not using the right tools to get your video files from your camera and out onto the internet, your viewers may be faced with laggy streams, endless buffering, and files that just won’t play on the device they’ve chosen.

With the H.264 codec and a great video encoder, such as the one found on the Dacast platform, you can give your viewers the right files for their needs with lower latency and less buffering. This codec is widely compatible with a variety of older and newer devices and browsers, meaning your viewers will likely have something that will easily play the videos you stream.

Are you looking for an all-in-one video storage and streaming solution? Try Dacast free for 14 days. You get access to all the tools you need for success without signing a contract, giving us your credit card number, or paying a hefty start-up fee.

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For exclusive offers and regular live streaming tips, you’re also invited to join our LinkedIn group.

Finally, do you have further questions, thoughts, or feedback about this article? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below, and we will get back to you. Thanks for reading!

The post H.264 Codec – The Definite Guide to Advanced Video Coding (AVC) appeared first on Dacast.

For new broadcasters looking to get into the streaming game, objectively assessing the best provider for live streaming can be challenging. We’ve put together a review of 15 of the best live streaming platforms for professional broadcasters and eight social video streaming alternatives that are also valuable for businesses, providing an in-depth review of the top 23 live streaming providers. This comparison aims to help you make a well-informed decision on the top streaming platform to use for your broadcasting live streaming needs.

We will discuss what an online live streaming platform is, the top features to consider when comparing online streaming platforms for business and professional organizations, and the best streaming platforms and pricing for 2024 and beyond.

Let’s get started!

Please note that live streaming platform technology and pricing change regularly, and this post now reflects the most accurate information as of June 2024.

Table of Contents

• What is a Live Streaming Platform?
• Live Streaming Statistics
• Features to Consider When Comparing Streaming Platforms
• Live Streaming Technology Compatibility
• The Rise of Live Video Streaming for Business
• The Purpose of Professional Live Streaming Platforms
• Live Streaming Platform And Pricing Comparison for 2024
• Top Social Video Streaming Platforms
• How to Create a User-Facing Live Streaming Platform
• Live Streaming to Multiple Websites
• Common Integrations to Look For
• So, What is the Top Streaming Service?
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What is a Live Streaming Platform?

Live streaming platforms are video hosting solutions that allow users to upload and broadcast content to their audience in real-time online. 

Businesses use the top online video platforms to share videos for lead generation, building brand awareness, advertising, and providing paid access to video streaming. When deciding what provider to stream on, you’ll find that some are better than others, depending on your brand’s goals.

For example, one of the top live streaming sites that most people are familiar with is Facebook Live. Similarly, Instagram Live brings a different set of live streaming and engagement features for brands that want to connect with their audiences online. Still, despite being very popular, these live stream services have many limitations for businesses wanting more control over their live stream experience.

In such a case, it’s best to opt for a dedicated live streaming service that gives you more control over the stream and viewer experience. That is why it is important to compare the top live streaming video platforms in order to figure out what the best business streaming services are for your enterprise. 

Live Streaming Statistics

Many businesses are using live streaming providers to reach their audience in a way that is both engaging and entertaining.

Let’s review a few live streaming statistics that truly demonstrate the growing value of the online video streaming industry:

• Experts predict that the live streaming industry will be worth $416.84 billion by the year 2030
• The weekly reach of live streams worldwide in Q3 of 2023 was 27.7%
• 80% of people prefer watching live video over reading blogs
• 82% of consumers would rather engage with a brand on a live stream than through social media posts​
• 67% of viewers rank video output quality as the most important factor in a live stream
• Multistreaming will be big in 2024, with many  multistream platforms already available to stream to multiple sources
• Top live streams capture viewers’ attention for about 27% longer than on-demand videos
• Using video for marketing can help businesses increase revenue by 49%
• Landing pages that use video tend to drive at least 80% more conversions
• Live streaming content hold viewers’ attention for 10-20x longer than VOD content
• Online video is currently used by 91% of businesses for marketing purposes
• The Zoom video communications platform has been downloaded a 81.48 million times in the first 6 months of 2023 and as of January 2024, there were over 220,400 enterprise users on Zoom

Want to learn more about the state of the live streaming industry and how live streaming can best help your business? Check out our 115 live streaming statistics article to learn more about how live web streaming is changing the way people consume content. 

Features to Consider When Comparing Streaming Platforms

The beauty of having so many top live video streaming platforms to choose from is that there are dozens of combinations of powerful features.

Again, when deciding what the best video streaming service is for you, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. That means that features that are valuable to you may not be valuable to another broadcaster, and vice versa. The right live streaming platform is the one that meets your specific business needs.

Here are a few key features to look for when selecting a streaming platform:

• Professional video hosting services
• Video content management tools
• Secure video streaming solutions
• A top-tier CDN (content delivery network) for professional  live streaming quality
• Low latency streaming for live video delivery without delays
• RTMP (real-time messaging protocol) ingest, playback, and streaming support
• Video monetization capabilities
• Live streaming APIs for enhanced content management
• Mobile streaming application support and an SDK for integration on iOS and Android
• Video editing and embedding tools
• Advanced video analytics
• Cloud video encoding and transcoding for live or  VOD content streaming
• Encoding software for live video delivery
• Pricing plans: does the live streaming service provider have a plan for your broadcasting needs?
• Digital Rights Management for video on demand for an extra layer of protection to your content.
• Browser-based streaming, an easy and convenient way to connect to your viewers.
• Chinese video hosting 

In order to determine which features are the most valuable in a live streaming video service, you should identify the top goals you’d like to reach with online video broadcasting. 

Do you intend to just reach your audiences and boost your brand awareness? Or would you perhaps want to live stream product launches and drive interest in your latest offerings? Maybe you want to interact with your prospects and customers one-on-one through the live stream? 

Whatever your goals may be, list them down.

Once you’ve got your list of goals, determine which features you need to bring those goals to fruition, and choose your live streaming service for video streaming based on those tools. This is the best strategy for sorting through the top live streaming platforms and choosing the best one for your business’s needs. 

But here’s the thing—there are so many live streaming services available online that there’s a good chance that numerous services may fit the bill. In such a situation, which one should you choose? 

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top live streaming companies in the industry so you can choose from them.

Live Streaming Technology Compatibility

As you compare the best live streaming platforms for pros, it is important to consider compatibility with other live streaming technology. For example, encoders play a huge role in the live streaming process, and if you’re going to want to use affordable RTMP encoders, you need to see if your provider  supports RTMP ingest.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are several new streaming protocols that are on the horizon, including SRT and WebRTC. These protocols have different functions, but the commonality is that they support higher-quality live streaming. Since they are still developing, they are not widely supported yet.

For example, WebRTC is specifically designed for real-time video streaming and web conferencing. If this is a functionality that is important to you, you will want to find a live stream service that offers that support or integration that offers the functionality. Continuing that example, Dacast offers a Zoom live streaming integration that pulls in the  web conferencing aspect you might desire. Dacast also offers WebRTC streaming, allowing you to easily live stream directly from your webcam. 

Some other streaming technology compatibility that you should pay attention to include broadcasting software compatibility supported switchers, simulcasting tools, and mobile streaming support. You want to find a streaming video platform that offers as many features as possible to support your business goals.

You’d also want to look out for online live streaming services that offer the ability to generate M3U8 file playlists, allowing for adaptive bitrate streaming. It scales the bitrate of the stream automatically based on the internet speed of the viewer. This ensures that the viewer will get a consistent viewing experience without having to sit through long periods of buffering. That’s because the live stream will keep playing with a lower bitrate even when the internet speed drops.

The Rise of Live Video Streaming for Business

Live streaming services for businesses specifically used to be less common. It was normal for professional live stream companies to use live streaming websites designed for consumers and independent content creators, such as YouTube Live and Facebook Live.

Consumer-grade broadcast providers are very valuable for amateur broadcasters and independent streamers. While they can still be used by businesses (many enterprises already use them) to connect with and engage their social media audiences, they have restrictions in terms of reach and features. However, these free web streaming platforms simply do not have the tools professional broadcasters or streaming businesses need to succeed. Consumer-grade broadcasting providers fall short when it comes to the customization and control offered by professional streaming platforms. 

One of the first roadblocks that come with consumer-grade video streaming platforms that pushed businesses to seek professional corporate live streaming software is the fact that many schools and organizations block Youtube and Facebook because they are social media platforms.

A business using social media live streaming software would miss out on large audiences due to these social media consumer grade broadcasting providers being blocked by a large number of organizations.

Another roadblock with consumer-grade video streaming platforms is that you don’t control how the video player looks, content suggestions, or advertising. The frustration that these free web services caused for businesses forced professional streaming solutions to come into play.

Now, there are many professional live business streaming platforms to choose from that provide more control. Professional video streaming platforms offer more than the ability to avoid having your stream being blocked, they offer the ability to control the video viewing experience, from how the video player looks to what, if any, advertisements play with your content. 

The Purpose of Professional Live Streaming Platforms

The main purpose of professional live streaming platforms is to host live broadcasts for businesses and other professional organizations.

Some perks of hosting video on a professional live broadcast platform include monetization, customization, access to better security features, and fewer limitations. Many professional online video streaming platforms include integrated video paywalls and tools to ease integration with existing workflows.

With the help of both video and player APIs, you have more control over your live streaming experience on both the ends of broadcasters and viewers.

Many of these professional business video streaming platforms, including Dacast, also offer around-the-clock 24/7 technical support. Most consumer-grade live streaming options don’t offer this kind of support, instead leaving you to figure out things on your own.

Another benefit of live streaming with a professional video delivery platform is that it typically does not put time restrictions on your streams, allowing you to stream for as long as you want. Many also offer white-label video players meaning you can have a professional live stream video embedded directly on your website with no trace of third-party ads or branding.

The purpose of professional live streaming platforms is to provide you with a video hosting service that you have complete control over. With a professional live stream platform, your business needs come first, not those of the platform.

Live Streaming Platform And Pricing Comparison for 2024

In order to help make your search for the best professional live streaming platform a bit easier, we’ve collected up-to-date information on the best streaming platforms’ pricing, pros, cons, features, and more.

Please note that the data in this comparison post for the best live streaming video platform  comes from a lot of unique research, and a number of sources. For example, these sources include platform websites, company background, user reviews, and free trial accounts.

We regularly update this comparison of the top major live broadcast platforms with every detail, as streaming platforms change live broadcast services, plans, and features, in order to ensure the accuracy of this live streaming platform comparison. This way, you’ll know which live streaming company you should choose for getting your streaming services.

Let’s take a look at the provider overview, basic functionality, key and detailed features, pros, cons, and pricing for the 23 best live streaming platforms.

1. Dacast

Overview and Company History:

With offices in Beijing, London, Manila, and San Francisco, Dacast is considered a competitive offering in a crowded marketplace. Dacast is a full-featured, self-service solution for live streaming and VOD hosting. 

Dacast is a unified streaming solution that makes the annual list of the most important, innovative, and interesting live stream companies on the 2021 Streaming Media Magazine’s Top 50 List. This powerful video hosting platform helps companies worldwide scale and monetize their online video content.

Basic Functionality:

Dacast provides comprehensive live streaming and secure video hosting services. Users can embed videos on their websites while maintaining 100% control of their content. Among other features, Dacast offers an  integrated paywall, password protection, referrer restriction, and an  analytics dashboard.

Key Features:

Dacast distinguishes itself by offering high-end features with competitive pricing plans. These include ad-free broadcasting, white-label service on all plans, and top-tier CDN delivery (including the option for a  multi-CDN solution). 24/7 phone support is also available for premium and  enterprise-grade plans.

Additionally, the Dacast platform stands out from other online video platforms (OVPs) with its ease of use and accessibility. Even new broadcasters can create a new live channel and start a new live stream in just a few minutes.

You also get adaptive and multi-bitrate streaming capabilities with Dacast that enable you to deliver a smooth live streaming experience to your viewers. It also enables you to reach the vast audience in China through live streaming, which can help boost your reach even further.

Detailed Features:

• Secure, global content delivery, including industry-best video hosting
• 24/7 tech support with all plans, including email and live chat
• Video security features, including  password-protected hosting and  AES encryption
• VOD platform to monetize on-demand content, and to scale your VOD business
• Expo video gallery to display your live streams in an immersive video showcase
• RTMP Encoder for ingesting  HLS streaming
• Low latency HTML5 channels for video streaming
• Player API access for 3rd party player integration
• Video API access on premium plans (event and scale)
• Multi-bitrate streaming for live video and VOD
• Cloud video transcoding with true  adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR)
• Live encoding support for the top video encoders
• Real-time video streaming analytics
• Ad-free streaming

New!

• Advanced API to build your own video CMS
• AES video encryption for advanced streaming security
• Multi-user access (MUA) 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
• Authenticate-only paywall for no payment content gating
• Plays by Location geographical insight
  
• Chinese streaming platform support
• Digital Rights Management (DRM) for VOD
• Multi-CDN for high-quality broadcasts 
• Browser-based live streaming

Pros:

• Live streaming and Video on Demand are included in all plans
• Unlimited viewers and live channels
• White label and branding control
• Embeddable HTML5 video player
• SVOD, AVOD, and  TVOD pay-per-view monetization options
• M3U8 media links to stream to mobile and smart TV apps such as Roku, Apple TV, etc.
• Mobile device support
• SDK for player integration on iOS and  Android platforms
• Simulcast
• Live stream recording
• China Video Hosting
• Pricing plans for every budget
• Step-by-step guidance via helpful onboarding tutorials

Cons:

• Requires a bit of a learning curve

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: 500GB – 2TB (depends on plan)
• Compatible video formats: MP4 (preferred), MOV, M4V, M2V, AVI, MPG, FLV, WMV, MKV, WEBM, OGV, MXF, ASF, VOB, MTS

Pricing:

Streaming platform pricing plans with Dacast start at $39 per month and includes four levels:

• Starter plan: $39/month (billed annually); ideal for newcomers with 2.4 TB of bandwidth and 500 GB of storage per year
• Event plan: $63/month; for organizations that would rather not sign a contract, and want to purchase bandwidth separately to live stream an event, offers 6 TB of bandwidth upfront, 250 GB of storage; monetization paywall; additional data and storage can be added as needed
• Scale plan: $250/month or $165/month (billed annually); includes 24 TB of bandwidth per year, with 2 TB of storage; add phone support, an M3U8 online player for live channels, ad insertion, white-label video player, and video API access; additional bandwidth is available upon request for monthly plans
• Custom plan: if your enterprise business has high-volume streaming needs, you can contact Dacast for a custom plan tailored to your needs.

Read more here about Dacast’s live streaming pricing plans.

Try Dacast risk-free for 14 days with our free trial. Access all of our features and see how our live streaming platform can help you reach your streaming goals. Dacast is a professional streaming platform with accessible pricing allowing businesses of all sizes access to an affordable video on demand and live video streaming service. 

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2. Brightcove

Overview and Company History:

Founded in 2004, Boston-based Brightcove is one of the oldest  online video platforms in-game. Its product offerings focus on cloud encoding, live streaming, and  VOD (video on demand) hosting.

In 2019, Brightcove acquired streaming platform Ooyala, known for its cloud video technology. Since the acquisition, Brightcove has announced  end-of-life plans for the Ooyala OVP.

Basic Functionality:

Brightcove offers a number of modular products. These include: Video Cloud hosting, the Lift video player, Once for server-side ad insertion, Live for streaming video, OTT flow for internet TV, Zencoder for  cloud video transcoding, and tools for monetization.

Key Features:

Brightcove’s features shine in the arena of analytics. Its detailed analytics and video marketing tools are quite valuable for businesses that aim to capture leads and understand their audience.

The online live streaming company also gives you multiple monetization options if you intend to launch an OTT service and earn from it. You also get detailed analytics into the performance of your live streams, which can help you determine if you need to change your distribution channels and strategies.

Detailed Features:

• Multi-bitrate and adaptive streaming
• Global content delivery
• Tech support, but only at a basic level with slow ticket-based responses (unless you upgrade to a paid support plan)
• Video API access, but only on custom-priced plans
• Security features, but with high-end features only available on custom plans
• Monetization options, but only on custom-priced plans

Pros:

• Good analytics
• Includes custom video portals
• CRM integration

Cons:

• High price point
• No live streaming with packages under  $499/month
• Monetization is limited to custom-priced plans
• No China video delivery

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:

Brightcove does not provide pricing information on its website. You would have to contact their sales department to find out the pricing structure for their live streaming features. 

Brightcove is not designed for small to medium-sized businesses; they target large businesses with big budgets who are willing to pay for all the upgraded features they offer as part of their streaming platform.

3. IBM Cloud Video

Overview and Company History:

Next up in our online video platform comparison is IBM Video Streaming (formally UStream). Founded in 2007 to connect military service members with family, IBM purchased UStream in 2016.

Around the same time, IBM acquired ClearLeap, a video management system, Cleversafe, a video storage service, and Aspera, a large-file transfer tool. All of these different companies were used to create IBM Cloud Video (now IBM Video Streaming), allowing IBM to become a platform for live streaming and VOD.

Basic Functionality:

IBM Video Streaming is a live streaming company first and foremost. However, it also hosts VOD (Video On Demand) files recorded from previous live streams.

Basic streaming accounts are free, with advertising supporting IBM Video Streaming. Paid accounts remove advertising and grant access to advanced features. Enterprise accounts allow for full custom branding and offer analytics, multiple live channels, content syndication, and more. The more you pay, the more custom live stream services you have access to on IBM  Video Streaming.

IBM offers phone and chat support for Silver, Gold, and Platinum users, as well as for those interested in its 30-day free trial.

Key Features:

IBM Video Streaming provides both a customer-grade and an Enterprise streaming solution. This platform also offers a unique Enterprise Content Delivery Network. Their professional-grade OVP has solutions for live event coverage, video marketing, monetization, marketing, and more. Its inclusivity justifies its elevated price point.

Like Dacast, you also get China access through Hong Kong video hosting, which can help you drive better brand awareness. You also get OTT video management features that can come in handy if you want to launch an OTT service and monetize it. 

Detailed Features:

• Enterprise video streaming
• Enterprise content delivery network
• Video distribution and workflow
• OTT video management
• Video monetization options
• Live streaming 

Pros:

• Reliable platform
• Suitable for larger clients
• Good customer support
• Wide range of features for broadcasters
• Hong Kong (China) video hosting

Cons:

• Additional fees are required in order to stream above 720p resolution
• Poor closed captioning support

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:

IBM pricing plans range from $137 to $1,380 per month and include the following:

• Silver: $137/month
• Gold: $688/month
• Platinum: $1,380/month
• Custom: Please contact IBM Video Streaming for custom plan pricing.

You can check out this third-party review for more details.

IBM Video Streaming is a great platform for live streaming content for your business, and turning live streams into VOD. That makes it perfect for OTT service providers who want to host live streams and on-demand videos. 

4. JW Player

Overview and Company History:

First conceptualized in 2005 as part of a student project, JW Player began as a small piece of open-source code to play audio and video files. This code then became the basic video player for the fledgling YouTube, which continued to use the JW Player until Google acquired the platform in 2006.

Originally, JW Player was best known for its HTML5 video player for VOD content. In recent years, JW has expanded its video offerings beyond on-demand content to include live streaming.

Basic Functionality:

JW Player is perhaps best known for its HTML5 JW video player for VOD content.  This player supports MPEG-DASH playback, CSS skinning, DRM, and other advanced features. The company also now offers JW Live, a full-service live streaming provider.

Key Features:

In terms of JW Live, the platform supports HLS adaptive live streaming, multi-bitrate transcoding, simultaneous streaming to Instagram Live, and real-time analytics. The video live streaming service advertises itself as simple to use with a four-step process for beginning a live stream. Overall, JW Live is designed for users with a large budget and/or a large business enterprise.

JW Player also gives you the ability to monetize your content through ads. This makes it great for OTT platforms that want to go ahead with AVOD (advertising video on demand). The platform’s also fairly easy to use, making it a great bet for those who aren’t technically strong. Finally, China content delivery ensures that you can reach a much larger audience.

Detailed Features:

• Multi-bitrate and adaptive streaming
• Global content delivery, but the Great Firewall 
• Tech support blocks China’s delivery, but only in the form of email support through the $100/month plan level
• Video API access on all plans
• Security features are basic but functional. Only custom-priced Enterprise plans offer DRM
• Monetization (only via advertising)
• Continuous archive of live events for instant live-to-VOD content
• DVR pause and rewind of live streams
• Stream live events to web players, mobile apps, OTT apps, and social media platforms

Pros:

• Great video player
• Simple, easy-to-use platform
• Good advertising tools

Cons:

• Live streaming is limited to custom-priced plans with a 12-hour duration
• Only ad-based monetization
• No China video delivery

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: 360p (640 x 360)
• Maximum dimension: 4K (3840 x 2160)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3, 2.39:1
• Max file size: 25GB
• Max video length: Not available
• Total file storage: 25GB to 500GB (depends on the plan)
• Compatible video formats: MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, 3GP, FLV

Pricing:

JW Player essentially offers 4 pricing tiers:

• Stream: Includes video delivery, instant live, broadcast live, and asset management
• Play: Includes cloud hosting, a HTML5 player, OTT apps, and mobile SDKs
• Engage: Offers realtime analytics, article matching, custom reports, and recommendations
• Monetize: Has ad insertion features, outstream ads, studio DRM, and player bidding

You can choose to start with a free trial or directly contact sales for a custom quote.

5. Vimeo Livestream

Overview and Company History:

Originally founded in 2007 as “Mogulus,” Livestream represented one of the largest live streaming companies in the world. 

In 2017, Vimeo acquired the Livestream platform. Since the acquisition, the two platforms have merged their online live streaming services. 

Today, the Vimeo platform powers over 10 million events per year and focuses on an integrated system of hardware, software, and cloud services.

Basic Functionality:

Vimeo offers both streaming and video hosting services. This basic functionality includes analytics, a video management platform, privacy controls, and more. To access basic live streaming functionality, users must purchase a Premium plan.

Vimeo provides tech support via email for hosting plans. For live support, users must purchase a Premium or Vimeo OTT custom plan. You need a bigger budget in order to access live support with this streaming platform. 

Key Features:

What sets Vimeo apart is its offering of a range of proprietary hardware and software for live streaming. These offerings integrate smoothly with their platform, minimizing the fuss of implementing a live streaming program from the hardware on up. 

Vimeo Livestream is quite straightforward to use and has pay-per-view and subscription monetization options. You also get added security in the form of password protection. Additionally, viewer engagement features like Q&A and polls work well to drive a connection with your audience. To make things easier for viewers, you also get automated closed captions and registrant email notifications. 

Detailed Features:

• Video management service
• High-quality videos and streams
• Large storage capacity
• Privacy options
• Upload from anywhere

Pros:

• Unlimited events and viewers
• No in-stream ads
• Sleek and professional appearance 
• Thoroughly detailed analytics
• Easy to use
• Pay-per-view option

Cons:

• Does not generate as much traffic as other sites
• No China video delivery

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:

Vimeo Advanced:

• Advanced pricing: $65/month
• Their Advanced plan includes both live streaming and VOD support. This plan is the best option for professional broadcasting on this platform.

Vimeo 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.

Vimeo OTT:

• Custom pricing, you need to contact them for a quote and demo. 
• This OTT-specific pricing package comes with the Vimeo.com relationship. Its plans are Starter and Enterprise. With Starter, you can create a subscription product where you pay $1 per subscriber/month, or 10% for a one-time purchase or rental product. For Enterprise, you need to contact the Vimeo sales team.

For more details, check out our comprehensive guide to Vimeo Livestream pricing.

If you are new to live video streaming, Vimeo’s integration of proprietary hardware and software helps simplify the complexity of the live streaming process. If you have an advanced video production team, having to use Vimeo’s integrated proprietary hardware and software may feel limiting to your team.

6. Muvi

Overview and Company History:

Next up in this review, Muvi is another of the best live stream platforms focused on over-the-top OTT media. This  online video platform is unique in that it functions as a turnkey appliance for OTT broadcasters.

In fact, this model empowers users to launch their own video or  audio streaming platform quickly and easily. Additionally, the platform includes an all-inclusive and fully-featured website, mobile, and TV apps.

Basic Functionality:

Muvi is a PaaS-based video stream platform with an all-in-one OTT solution. Their OTT service allows businesses to launch white-label multi-device streaming, video on demand (VOD), and audio streaming. The platform includes fully managed, end-to-end solutions, all controlled from single streaming video CMS, with no coding or IT team required.

Key Features:

With Muvi, you can have your own multi-screen OTT Video On Demand (VOD) platform in an instant. Their streaming solution comes with a plethora of functionalities and capabilities. The best part is that it is a very simple and straightforward service that doesn’t require any coding and development expertise as everything is fully managed from Muvi’s end.

Detailed Features:

• Custom branding
• HTML5 video player
• Analytics
• Monetization options
• DRM and security features

Pros:

• Hosting
• CDN
• Video CMS
• Transcoding
• DRM
• Website and Apps for Mobile and TV.

Cons:

• Not user friendly
• Hard to integrate or connect
• CMS user interface is complex
• No China video delivery

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: 144p (256 x 144)
• Maximum dimension: 4K (3840  x2160)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
• Max file size: not available
• Max video length: not available
• Total file storage: 1TB, 2TB, 5TB (depending on plan)
• Compatible video formats: MP4, MOV, MKV, FLV, VOB, M4V, AVI, 3GP, MPG

Pricing:

Muvi prices its plans at the following five levels:

• Standard plan: $399/month (+ $299/month per app + infra fees), allows 2,000 concurrent viewers, 1 TB each of bandwidth and storage, and API access.
• Professional plan: at $1,499 per month (+ $499/month per app + infra fees) increases limits to 2 TB each of bandwidth and storage, and adds premium support.
• Enterprise plan: $3,900 per month (+ $499/month per app + infra fees) adds a dedicated server plus Enterprise support, and more.
• Ultimate plan: Custom pricing. It offers unlimited concurrent users, monthly security and performance reports, a dedicated server with auto scaling, and more.

Additionally, you can try Muvi One free for 14 days before signing up for a paid plan. For more information, check out this third-party review of the platform.

Muvi is more than a streaming platform. It offers businesses the tools to create their own OTT video or audio experience simply and easily, without coding or advanced IT knowledge. 

If your business is looking to create and monetize your own streaming, eLearning, or audio streaming platform. You can widen your audience base with cross-platform reach with your own branded over the top platform, website, and apps.

7. Resi

Overview and Company History:

Founded in 2014, Resi is an end-to-end video broadcasting platform that is equipped with a variety of streaming tools. This company offers all of the tools that broadcasters need to get started with live streaming.

Resi is branded as an “affordable” solution, but prices are not listed on their website.

Basic Functionality:

Resi offers a variety of live streaming software in addition to some hardware offerings.

Key Features:

Resi has several notable features including live stream hosting, simulcasting, and encoding technology in addition to a few hardware offerings.

Detailed Features:

• End-to-end live streaming support
• Simulcasting capabilities
• Some encoding support
• Automation tools
• Cloud streaming
• Monitoring tools

Pros:

• Produces high-quality live streams
• Wide range of functionality
• Highly reliable
• Reliable support

Cons:

• Limitations on analytics
• Limitations on chat
• “Dated” interface

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: None
• Maximum dimension: 1920×1080
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Max file size: 15 GB
• Max video length: 6 hours
• Total file storage: Unavailable
• Compatible video formats: MP4

Pricing:

Interested broadcasters must fill out an inquiry form to get information on Resi’s pricing.

Resi boasts that their streams never feature a spinning wheel, but that is achieved by the fact that live streams are delayed about 90 seconds from live. If you are okay with a 90 second delay between when you say something and your viewers see it, then this could be the platform for you.

8. StreamShark

Overview and Company History:

Founded in 2011 from research out of the University of Melbourne, StreamShark is another of the best live streaming platforms for pros providing multi-faceted online video functionality. StreamShark is a business wing of MetaCDN. This means that the platform specializes in fast and innovative content delivery.

Basic Functionality:

As a streaming service, this company offers a consumer-grade (B2C) platform and a distinct enterprise platform for streaming. StreamShark is a technology company with reliable video stream delivery expertise for global reach. It excels at making the live streams of large-scale, high-profile events a massive success, with viewers having an exceptional viewing experience.  It is a great live event streaming platform.

Key Features:

Their live event platform offers users the ability to efficiently and reliably manage the different phases of an event’s stream while ensuring maximum reach and reliability of the live stream via its multi-vendor approach and HLS ingests. Additionally, the company focuses overall on providing global video CDN services. If you have a global audience you need to reach, it is one of the top live streaming platforms. 

With the Enterprise package, your business can access advanced features such as peer-to-peer delivery to reduce bandwidth load on corporate networks when conducting a live stream for employees. They also offer end-to-end encryption and 360-degree 4K streams.

Detailed Features:

• Global coverage via a multi-CDN network
• Mobile-compatibility
• Detailed viewer reports
• Customizable live streaming video player
• Privacy controls
• Advertising and customer support
• Multi-CDN

Pros:

• Localized media ingestion
• Video Encoding
• Redistribution
• Increased storage space

Cons:

• No Channel support
• No embeddable playlists
• Fair to no video analytics
• No 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; 500 GB of VOD storage an additional overage of $0.10 per GB
• Team: $499/month; includes 4,000 GB of bandwidth; 2,000 GB of storage, and lowers per GB overage prices to $0.09 per GB
• Business: $999/month; includes 9,000 GB of bandwidth; 5,000 GB of storage, and reduces the overage to $0.08 per GB
• Enterprise: Please contact StreamShark for their custom enterprise solutions and plans

StreamShark caters both to small and medium size businesses with their monthly live streaming package, and to large corporations that need to host big corporate events. They offer a range of online live streaming packages for businesses.

9. Kaltura

Overview and Company History:

With a video management foundation in its open-source software, Kaltura offers a unique focus on the live streaming market. Historically, this company has worked most extensively with educational institutions.

Basic Functionality:

While the Kaltura software is free, it requires an infrastructure of servers for hosting and distribution. This platform represents an alternative to the self-hosted model (e.g., Dacast). That said, Kaltura offers cloud-based video hosting and distribution services for both VOD and live streams.

Key Features:

Kaltura shines when it comes to extensibility. The open-source nature of their software means that a community of users creates and shares countless add-ons and integrations.

However, the downside of Kaltura’s extensibility is that the platform can be confusing to use. With so many different features, it can be overwhelming for beginner users.

Detailed Features:

• Multi-bitrate and adaptive broadcasting are included
• Global content delivery via a combined CDN approach (with the option to bring your own CDN)
• Tech support via a ticket-based system, which is slower than chat or phone
• Video API access
• Security features, including a range of authentication and encryption options
• Monetization, including all major models (subscription, advertising, PPV streaming)

Pros:

• Many available features
• Good monetization options
• Robust security

Cons:

• No phone or chat support
• Highly complex
• No China video delivery

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: 180p (320 x 180)
• Maximum dimension: 1080p (1920 x 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:

Kaltura doesn’t publish pricing information on its website. However, some users have said that plans start at about $1000 per month and go up. For more details, you can read about this platform’s pay-for-what-you-use pricing model.

A free trial account with $100 credits for 30 days is also available for testing out the Kaltura media services. 

Kaltura is a great live broadcasting platform if you have a more technically advanced video production team that would thrive and enjoy all the additional user-generated features the platform offers.

10. StreamYard

Overview and Company History:

StreamYard, founded by Hopin, is an in-browser live streaming platform. This platform is relatively basic but will do the job for broadcasters with minimal live videos needs.

Since this platform is pretty basic, it is relatively easy to start streaming on StreamYard.

Basic Functionality:

StreamYard is a simple in-browser live broadcasting designed to improve audience engagement. StreamYard does not support on-demand streaming.

Key Features:

StreamYard uses in-browser streaming technology. This provides a wide range of functionality without any downloads necessary. The brand customization features on StreamYard are some of the most valuable.

You can also use the platform for multistreaming and directly stream to top platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Detailed Features:

• Custom branding
• Graphic overlays
• Simulcast to social media platforms
• Multiple on-screen presenters
• Screen sharing 
• Audience engagement tools

Pros:

• Simple to use
• Engaging
• Great for collaborative streams

Cons:

• Very basic platform 
• No monetization
• No VOD
• Limited browser compatibility 

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• StreamYard does not publish upload guidelines and specs.

Pricing:

StreamYard offers three pricing plans for individuals. These include:

• Free: Access StreamYard on a limited basis for free.
• Basic: $25/month; access some advanced streaming features, including unlimited streaming, brand customization, graphic overlays, simulcasting, and stream recording.
• Professional: $49/month; adds up to 10 hours of stream recording, multistreaming to 8 destinations, full 1080p HD, and individual audio recordings

It also offers three pricing plans that are specifically built for businesses.

• Premium: $99/month, up to 1,000 viewers, 15 backstage participants, 10 seats, and 4 hours of pre-recorded streams
• Growth: $299/month, up to 10,000 viewers, greenroom, and 8 hours of pre-recorded streams
• Business: Custom pricing. You need to get in touch with their sales team to find the pricing details. 10,000+ viewers, 700+ hours of storage, and more

The rates we’ve mentioned above reflect the monthly pricing. You can save more by choosing to be billed annually.

StreamYard is great for businesses without a dedicated IT team to support live streaming events. There is no need for additional software or to download anything. They offer unique branding, with the ability to add your logo, colors, overlays, images, and GIFs to the video player. Up to 10 different people can broadcast at once, and they support audience interactions. 

StreamYard is a great online live streaming platform for businesses and an easy-to-use tool for live streaming.

11. StreamLabs OBS

Overview and Company History:

Streamlabs OBS, also known as “SLOBS,” is another powerful software for live streaming. It has similar functionality to OBS Studio, but it uses a graphical user interface rather than a command-line interface, making it easier to use. The latest version of StreamLabs OBS is v1.15.1 and is available for download here.

Basic Functionality:

Streamlabs offers quite a few features for editing and multicasting live streams. It is the chosen broadcasting software for many professional streamers. One of the unique aspects of this software is its web-based live streaming studio called Streamlabs Talk Studio (formerly MelonApp). The app allows you to broadcast to Facebook, YouTube Live, LinkedIn, or Twitch with one click and without leaving your browser.

Key Features:

The Streamlabs website doesn’t indicate any limitations on operating system compatibility. However, the platform is suitable for streaming on Twitch, Facebook, Mixer, and YouTube Live.

Detailed Features:

• Multistreaming to many popular platforms
• Highlighter free video editing tools
• Layout editor with drag and drop
• Selective recording of streamed content
• Replay buffer to replay clips for your viewers
• Dynamic in-game overlay for single monitors
• Streamlabs Deck with a live stream remote control app
• Secure streaming

Pros:

• Easy for beginners
• Tools for designing stream layout
• Selective recording
• Gaming overlays
• Tools for tipping and donations

Cons:

• No scoreboards
• Limitations on graphic overlays
• Some features are clunky

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: N/A
• Maximum dimension: 1080p
• Aspect ratio: N/A
• Max file size: 300MB
• Max video length: 4 or 10 hours (depends on plan)
• Total file storage: 30 days recording storage
• Compatible video formats: N/A

Pricing:

The Streamlabs app is free to download with the Starter plan. However, you can opt for the Streamlabs Ultra plan for $19/month to get 10 GB of storage (free Starter plan offers 1 GB), 1000+ themes, and 3+ destinations for stream distribution, without a watermark.

Streamlabs is a great tool for businesses or individuals focused on streaming live content to social platforms. They offer personalized stream overlays and integrate with a range of apps that can provide you access to improved analytics, viewer interaction tools, and more automation tools.

12. Cincopa

Overview and Company History:

Cincopa is a multimedia hosting platform that large organizations use to store their content. In addition to media hosting, Cincopa offers all of the tools that broadcasters need to host high-quality  live streams.

Cincopa offers plans for different budgets. The range of pricing offerings, paired with the flexible functionality of this platform makes it a great tool for many different kinds of broadcasters.

Basic Functionality:

Cincopa’s primary purpose is hosting different types of media files, including video, audio, and images. However, this platform also supports live streaming. 

Key Features:

Cincopa provides all of the features that broadcasters need for a professional streaming experience, including video monetization, stream recording, OTT streaming, powerful content delivery, and more.

Another perk of this streaming solution is that it supports integrations for a customizable streaming experience.

Detailed Features:

• Multimedia hosting
• Live streaming support 
• Powerful video player
• Video monetization
• Integrations for customization
• OTT streaming
• Reliable CDN partnerships
• Secure streaming

Pros:

• High-quality streaming
• Professional streaming experience
• Wide range of useful tools
• Customizable streaming
• Reliable customer support 

Cons:

• Live streaming is a secondary offering
• Some complaints of 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: $30/month; essential tools, including basic analytics and unlimited embedding
• Corporate: $119/month; includes marketing tools (CTAs, email integrations, etc.) and interactive on-video features
• Agency/Enterprise: $420/month; advanced broadcasting tools with more flexibility and security

Please check out Cincopa’s pricing page for a further breakdown of monthly traffic (bandwidth) and capabilities that come with each plan.

Cincopa is an image and podcast hosting platform that supports live streaming. If you need all three of those video live streaming services in one place, they may be the right platform for your business.

13. Restream

Overview and Company History:

Restream is a streaming platform that specializes in multistreaming but offers some other streaming products.  Restream Studio is their offering that supports in-browser live streaming.

Restream studio offers the ability to broadcast video in real-time, designed to increase brand exposure and sales.

Basic Functionality:

Restream is a platform for broadcasting live videos in-browser, most popular among the gaming, tech, government, sports, media, and music industries.

Key Features:

Restream is primarily a multistreaming platform, but it offers support for collaborative in-browser streaming alternatives.

The platform enables you to launch scheduled events, enable in-browser streaming for your audiences, and provides tools to help you collaborate with your team. The reach of your stream to 30+ destinations makes it a great platform for distributing your content. 

Detailed Features:

• In-browser streaming
• Multistreaming capabilities 
• Features for boosting engagement
• Peer-to-peer streaming support
• Tools for audience interaction
• Brand customization
• Scheduled events

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Tools for collaboration
• On-brand streaming
• Tools for audience engagement 

Cons:

• Not a dedicated streaming platform
• In-browser streaming is secondary to live stream hosting

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Recommended dimension: 1920 ×1080
• Aspect ratio: Unavailable
• Max file size: 2GB (for pre-recorded streams)
• Max video length: 1-4 hours (depends on plan)
• Total file storage: 10 videos
• Compatible video formats: MP4, MKV, M4V, MOV

Pricing:

Restream has several pricing plans for both individuals and businesses. These include the following plans:

• Free: $0/month (for individuals)
• Standard: $16/month (for individuals)
• Professional: $39/month (for individuals)
• Business: $199/month (for businesses)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing and solutions for media and corporate teams

These prices reflect monthly rates when paid monthly, but discounts are available when you pay a full year in advance.

Restream touts that with one live stream, you can reach 30+ destinations all at once. However, their free plan only allows you to be multistream to 2 channels, their standard plan allows for multistreaming to 5 channels, and the professional plan allows for streaming to 8 channels. If you need to stream to more locations, you must subscribe to one of the Companies plans.

14. Wowza

Overview and Company History:

Founded in 2005 by David Stubenvoll and Charlie Good, Wowza is a bootstrapped start-up, with live and on-demand live streaming capabilities to phones, tablets, consoles, focusing on greater accessibility, further flexibility, and the best cost-effectiveness.

Basic Functionality:

Wowza offers two main products, the first of which is the Wowza Streaming Engine. This product is widely used in the industry for self-hosted streaming. Wowza streaming services, however, come with the Wowza offering. The Streaming Cloud functionality includes a variety of features aimed at providing low-latency content access to global audiences of all sizes.

Key Features:

Wowza’s live streaming platform’s core capabilities help developers, event producers, and technical entrepreneurs deliver live streams to their viewers/customers through third-party integration, captioning, API, and more.

You can also monitor the performance of your live streams through Wowza. The pay as you go pricing also means that the platform is quite affordable for small businesses and can be scaled as you grow. 

Detailed Features:

• Cloud management portal
• Up to 4K streaming
• Wide range of security options
• APIs available
• Live stream recording

Pros:

• Audience Engagement
• Performance Monitoring
• Robust security
• Mobile Screen Support
• Video Looping
• China video delivery