As content creators, you can now easily engage with your audiences live, while showcasing the content. Educators won’t be just restricted to the classroom to engage with their audience.  They can now cater to a bigger demographic and teach their students without any restriction.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of embed live stream on website, highlighting the benefits, tools, and best practices to ensure a seamless experience for both you and your audience.

What Does “Embedding a Live Stream” Mean?

Live video embedding simply means adding a live video to your website. Embedding a live video on your website ensures that your users can view the stream, without having to leave the page. You can add the stream just by adding a piece of code to your website. This piece of code is called an embed code or iframe, you can add it to your desired location in the code. By adding the embed code, you will be able to stream live on your page.

When you embed a live stream, you essentially create a window within your website that displays the live video content being streamed from another source. It becomes a great way to engage with your audience, enhance user experience, increase viewer retention, and even drive some sales. It allows businesses to host events, webinars, product launches, and more directly on their website, creating a centralized platform for all content and interactions

How to Embed a Live Stream on Your Website 

1. Live Streaming Service: You start with a live streaming service like VdoCipher, which handles the broadcasting of your live video content.
2. Generate Embed Code: The streaming service provides embed code, which is a small snippet of HTML or JavaScript.
3. Insert Code into Website: You paste this embed code into the HTML of your website at the location where you want the live video to appear. This could be on a dedicated page, within a blog post, or even in a sidebar.
4. Viewer Access: Once the code is embedded, visitors to your website can watch the live stream directly on the page without being redirected elsewhere.

Embedding a live stream allows you to add live videos seamlessly into your website. Enhancing the viewing experience and keeping your audience engaged.

Benefits of Embedding a Live Video on Your Website

Embedding a live video on your website has several advantages that can boost your business’s online presence, engagement, and overall success. Here are some key benefits:

Increased Engagement and Viewer Retention

Live video content naturally boosts engagement in comparison to static content. When you embed a live video on your website, you provide visitors with dynamic, real-time content that encourages interaction. Features like live chat, Q&A sessions, and immediate feedback during the broadcast keep viewers actively involved. This interactive experience not only captures their attention but also encourages them to stay longer on your site, enhancing viewer retention and building a loyal audience.

On your live streaming website, you can monitor metrics such as live viewer count. This valuable information helps you understand how each live stream performs. People enjoy watching videos, and by creating a video library on your site, you can significantly increase user engagement. Hosting videos directly on your website also makes it easier to excite and engage viewers with your upcoming content.

Enhanced User Experience with Seamless Integration

Integrating live video directly into your website ensures a seamless user experience. Visitors can watch live streams without being redirected to external platforms, maintaining the continuity of their browsing experience. This seamless integration is particularly beneficial for keeping your audience within your brand’s ecosystem, reducing the chances of losing them to distractions on other sites. With platforms like VdoCipher, the process of embedding live video is straightforward, allowing you to provide a high-quality viewing experience effortlessly.

Optimized Viewing Experience

When you directly embed a live stream on your live streaming website, you can adjust the video’s frame size, height, and width to ensure optimal viewing. Using an embed code allows you to tailor the video for online viewing, providing a seamless and high-quality experience for your audience.

Customize Start Time

Embedding live streams enables you to customize the video’s start time. This feature allows you to direct viewers to a specific point within your video content, enhancing their viewing experience by starting at the most relevant part.

Boost in SEO and Site Traffic

Embedding live video on your website can significantly improve your search engine optimization (SEO) and drive more traffic to your site. Search engines favor websites that offer diverse, engaging content, and live videos are a powerful tool to achieve this. Live video content increases the average time visitors spend on your site, a critical factor for SEO rankings. Additionally, promoting your live streams through social media and email campaigns can attract more visitors to your site. When viewers share your live video content, it generates backlinks and social signals, further enhancing your SEO efforts and boosting your site’s visibility.

Embedding videos is one of the best ways to improve your search engine optimization (SEO). It is easier to rank higher in search results when you have both text and video content on your own website. This combination can boost your site’s visibility and attract more organic traffic.

Narrow Down Your Target Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial. Viewers who log onto your live streaming website provide valuable viewer data. This data helps you learn about your target audience and the type of content they are most interested in. By analyzing this information, you can focus your content on topics that matter most to your viewers, creating live events that resonate with your audience.

Monetization Opportunities and Revenue Growth

Live streaming opens up various monetization opportunities. You can implement pay-per-view models, offer exclusive content to subscribers, or include sponsored segments within your streams. These strategies can help generate additional revenue and create new business opportunities. By leveraging live streaming, you can also showcase products or services in real-time, conducting live demonstrations, tutorials, or Q&A sessions that can directly influence purchasing decisions and drive sales.

Building Trust and Authenticity

Live streaming allows you to connect with your audience authentically and transparently. Real-time interactions and behind-the-scenes glimpses help humanize your brand and build trust with your viewers. This authenticity can strengthen brand loyalty and create a more personal connection with your audience. Viewers who see your genuine responses and unedited content are more likely to trust your brand and become repeat visitors or customers.

How Does Live Video Embedding Work?

Live video embedding is the process of adding a live video stream directly to your website, allowing users to view the stream without leaving the site. It enhances the user experience and keeps visitors engaged on your platform.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how live video embedding works:

1. Setting Up the Live Stream

To start, you need a reliable live streaming service, such as VdoCipher. This platform provides the necessary infrastructure and tools to broadcast your live video securely and efficiently. You will need a high-quality camera to capture the video and an encoder to convert the video signal into a digital format suitable for streaming.

2. Generating the Embed Code

Once your live stream is set up on the streaming service, the live streaming platform will generate an embed code. This code is typically a small snippet of HTML or JavaScript that acts as a bridge between the streaming service and your website. The embed code contains all the necessary information to display the live video stream on your webpage.

3. Inserting the Embed Code into Your Website

Next, you need to insert the embed code into the HTML of the webpage where you want the live video to appear. This can be done by accessing the HTML editor of your website’s content management system (CMS) and pasting the embed code in the desired location. For platforms like WordPress, you can simply add the code to a post, page, or widget.

4. Customizing the Video Player

Many live streaming services allow you to customize the appearance and functionality of the video player. You can adjust the player’s size, design, and controls to match your website’s aesthetics and user experience requirements. Customization options might include changing the player’s color scheme, adding a logo, or enabling interactive features like live chat.

5. Going Live

Once everything is set up, you can start your live broadcast. The video stream will be captured by your camera, encoded into a digital format, and sent to the live streaming service. The service then delivers the stream to your website through the embedded video player. Visitors to your site can watch the live video in real-time, interact through live chat, and engage with your content without ever leaving your page.

6. Monitoring and Managing the Stream

During the live broadcast, you can monitor the stream’s performance using the tools provided by the streaming service. This includes tracking viewer numbers, engagement metrics, and any technical issues that may arise. Platforms like VdoCipher also offer advanced features such as DRM (Digital Rights Management) and piracy tracking to ensure your content remains secure and protected.

In essence, live video embedding involves setting up a live stream, generating an embed code, inserting it into your website, customizing the player, and managing the broadcast. By embedding live video on your site, you can provide a seamless viewing experience, enhance user engagement, and keep your audience within your brand’s ecosystem.

How to Embed Live Streams on Your Website?

Embedding live streams on your website allows you to provide real-time content directly to your audience, enhancing engagement and user experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to embed livestream on website using a platform like VdoCipher:

1. Choose a Reliable Live Streaming Service

Select a live streaming service that offers the features you need. Live streaming services enable you to capture, encode, and distribute of live content through advanced tools and technologies, ensuring seamless delivery and viewer engagement. They provide features like adaptive bitrate streaming, real-time interaction, monetization options, and robust analytics while ensuring content security and integration with multiple platforms. These services enable a professional and interactive live streaming experience for both streamers and audiences. VdoCipher is an excellent choice as it provides secure video hosting, DRM protection, and piracy tracking, ensuring your content remains safe.

2. Set Up Your Live Stream

To start streaming live, you need:

• A High-Quality Camera: Choose a camera that suits your streaming needs.
• An Encoder: This device or software converts your video into a digital format suitable for streaming. Popular options include OBS Studio, Wirecast, and hardware encoders.
• Stable Internet Connection: A reliable, high-speed internet connection is crucial for smooth streaming.

3. Configure Your Live Stream on VdoCipher

Log into your VdoCipher account and set up your live stream:

• Create a New Live Stream Event: Navigate to the live streaming section and create a new event.
• Obtain the Stream Key and URL: VdoCipher will provide you with a stream key and a URL. You’ll need these to configure your encoder.

4. Set Up Your Encoder

Configure your encoder with the stream key and URL provided by VdoCipher:

• Open Your Encoder Software: For example, in OBS Studio, go to Settings > Stream.
• Enter the Stream Key and URL: Input the details provided by VdoCipher.
• Start Streaming: Once everything is set up, start your stream from the encoder.

5. Generate the Embed Code

After setting up the live stream, VdoCipher will generate an embed code for you:

• Access the Embed Code: In your VdoCipher dashboard, find the live stream event and copy the provided embed code. This code is usually a small snippet of HTML or JavaScript.

6. Insert the Embed Code into Your Website

Now, embed the live stream on your website:

• Access Your Website’s HTML Editor: Depending on your CMS, this could be in a specific page, post, or widget.
• Paste the Embed Code: Insert the embed code where you want the live stream to appear on your site.
• Save and Publish: Save your changes and publish the page.

7. Customize the Video Player (Optional)

You can customize the appearance and functionality of the video player to match your website’s design:

• Adjust Player Settings: Modify the size, controls, and appearance of the player using VdoCipher’s customization options.
• Add Interactive Features: Enable features like live chat or Q&A to enhance viewer interaction.

8. Promote Your Live Stream

Let your audience know about the live stream:

• Social Media: Share the live stream link on your social media platforms.
• Email Campaigns: Send out emails to your subscribers with details about the live event.
• Website Announcements: Add banners or pop-ups on your website to promote the upcoming live stream.

9. Monitor and Manage the Stream

During the live stream, monitor its performance:

• Real-Time Analytics: Use VdoCipher’s analytics to track viewer engagement and performance metrics.
• Engage with Viewers: Interact with your audience through live chat and respond to their questions in real-time.

How to Embed Live Videos on Popular Website Builders

Embedding live videos on your website can greatly enhance user engagement and keep visitors on your site longer. Here’s a step-by-step guide for embedding live videos on popular website builders like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace using a platform like VdoCipher.

WordPress

1. Obtain the Embed Code from VdoCipher

• Log into your VdoCipher account and navigate to your live stream event.
• Copy the provided embed code.

2. Add the Embed Code to Your WordPress Site

• Using Gutenberg Editor:
  • Open the page or post where you want to embed the live video.
  • Add a new block by clicking the “+” button and select “Custom HTML.”
  • Paste the embed code into the Custom HTML block.
  • Click “Preview” to ensure the video is displaying correctly.
  • Save or publish your changes.
• Using Classic Editor:
  • Open the page or post where you want to embed the live video.
  • Switch to the “Text” tab in the editor.
  • Paste the embed code in the desired location within the HTML.
  • Save or publish your changes.

3. Customize the Video Player (Optional)

• Adjust the player settings in VdoCipher to match your website’s design.

Add the Embed Code to Your Wix Site

• Go to the Wix Editor and open the page where you want to embed the live video.
• Click on the “+” button to add an element.
• Select “Embed” and then “Embed a Widget.”
• Click “Enter Code” and paste the embed code.
• Resize and position the widget as needed.
• Click “Publish” to save your changes.

Add the Embed Code to Your Squarespace Site

• Go to the Squarespace Editor and open the page where you want to embed the live video.
• Click on an insert point (a plus sign that appears when you hover between sections) and select “Code” from the menu.
• In the Code Block, paste the embed code.
• Click “Apply” to insert the code block into the page.
• Save or publish your changes.

Add the Embed Code to Moodle

• Go to Your Course: Log into your Moodle account and navigate to the course where you want to embed the live video.
• Turn Editing On: Click the “Turn editing on” button.
• Add an Activity or Resource: In the section where you want the live video, click “Add an activity or resource.”
• Select “Page”: Choose the “Page” option and click “Add.”
• Insert Embed Code: In the Page content section, switch to the HTML editor by clicking the “<>” icon. Paste the embed code here.
• Save and Display: Save your changes and display the page to ensure the video is embedded correctly.

Add the Embed Code to Teachable

• Access Your Course: Log into your Teachable admin area and open the course where you want to embed the live video.
• Add a Lecture: Navigate to the curriculum section, and add a new lecture or open an existing one.
• Switch to Code View: In the lecture editor, switch to the code view by clicking the “<>” icon.
• Paste the Embed Code: Insert the embed code into the HTML editor.
• Save Changes: Save your changes and preview the lecture to ensure the video is embedded correctly.

Add the Embed Code to Thinkific

• Access Your Course: Log into your Thinkific admin dashboard and select the course where you want to embed the live video.
• Add a Lesson: Navigate to the “Curriculum” section and add a new lesson, or open an existing one.
• Choose “Multimedia”: Select the “Multimedia” lesson type.
• Paste the Embed Code: In the content editor, switch to the HTML view by clicking the “<>” icon and paste the embed code.
• Save and Preview: Save your changes and preview the lesson to ensure the video is embedded correctly.

Examples of Embedding Live Streams on a Website

Embedding live streams on a website can enhance engagement, improve user experience, and provide real-time content for visitors. Here are some common scenarios where live streaming can be effectively utilized:

1. Live Events

Live concerts and sports events are ideal for live streaming on your website. By hosting these events directly on your site, you can control ticketing and pay-per-view access, ensuring a seamless experience for your audience.

2. Fundraisers and Auctions

Charities, nonprofits, and other organizations can host live fundraisers on their websites to reach a broader audience. Live streaming fundraisers can significantly increase donations compared to in-person-only events, as it allows people from all over the world to participate and contribute.

3. Live Shopping

E-commerce websites can benefit from live streaming by showcasing products through live tutorials, reviews, demonstrations, and more. Hosting these live streams on the same site where products are sold can boost sales and provide a direct link for viewers to make purchases.

4. Worship Services

Churches and religious organizations can broadcast worship services and other events directly on their websites. This makes it easier for members to find and participate in services, regardless of their location.

5. Live Webinars

Offering free or paid webinars, workshops, and conferences on your website can reinforce your branding and give you control over how the videos are distributed. Hosting live webinars on your site also allows for better interaction and engagement with participants.

6. Online Courses

Hosting live cooking classes, fitness lessons, music courses, or any other type of online learning course on your website enables real-time interaction and engagement with students. Live courses provide a dynamic learning experience, encouraging students to participate and ask questions.

All in All

Embedding live streams on your website is a game-changer, offering a dynamic way to connect with your audience and boost your online presence. By following the steps outlined in this guide and leveraging the right tools, you can create an engaging and interactive experience that keeps viewers coming back for more. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your content and build a loyal community—start embedding live streams today and watch your engagement soar.

FAQs on How to Embed Live Stream on Website

Q1: What is live stream embedding?

Live stream embedding involves integrating a live video broadcast into your website using an embed code. This allows visitors to watch the live stream directly on your site without needing to navigate to an external platform.

Q2: How do I get an embed code for my live stream?

You can obtain an embed code from your live streaming service provider. For instance, VdoCipher generates an embed code for your live stream that you can copy and paste into your website’s HTML.

Q3: Can I customize the appearance of the embedded live stream?

Yes, most live streaming services allow you to customize the video player’s appearance, including size, controls, and design, to match your website’s aesthetics.

Q4: Is it possible to embed live stream on any website platform?

Yes, you can embed a live stream on most website platforms, including WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Moodle, Teachable, and Thinkific, by inserting the embed code into the appropriate section of your site’s HTML.

Q5: Will embedding a live stream on my website affect my site’s loading speed?

Embedding a live stream might slightly impact your site’s loading speed due to the video content. However, using a reliable streaming service like VdoCipher ensures optimized performance and minimal loading issues.

Q6: Do I need technical skills to embed live stream on website?

Basic knowledge of HTML is helpful, but most website builders and streaming services offer user-friendly tools that make the embedding process straightforward, even for beginners.

Q7: Can I set a specific start time for the embedded live stream?

Yes, many live streaming platforms allow you to set a custom start time for your embedded live stream, directing viewers to a specific point in the video content.

Q8: How does embedding a live stream help with SEO?

Embedding live videos can boost your website’s SEO by increasing dwell time, reducing bounce rates, and providing engaging content that attracts more visitors. Search engines favor sites with diverse, high-quality content.

Q9: Can I track viewer engagement on my embedded live stream?

Yes, platforms like VdoCipher provide analytics tools to monitor viewer engagement, such as live viewer counts, watch time, and interaction metrics, helping you understand your audience better.

Q10: What are the benefits of using a private video hosting service for embedding live streams?

Private video hosting services offer enhanced security, control over your content, better customization options, and improved performance compared to free hosting platforms. They also help keep viewers on your site, enhancing user engagement and brand consistency.

Rahul Rana

Head of Digital Marketing at Vdocipher. I love the art of connecting the right product to their users. When i’m not doing that i love getting lost in books.

www.vdocipher.com/

The post How to Embed a Live Stream on Your Website? appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

This complete guide aims to demystify OBS for beginners and provide comprehensive insights for more advanced users. We’ll walk you through every aspect of using OBS, from installation and initial setup to advanced configurations and tips for optimizing your streams. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to create professional-quality video content with OBS.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your current setup, this guide will cover everything you need to know about OBS. We’ll explore its key features, provide step-by-step instructions, and share best practices to help you get the most out of this versatile software. Let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of OBS for your video production needs.

What is OBS Studio Used For?

Have you ever wanted to share your gameplay with the world? Or maybe you have a knack for creating tutorials and want to show your process live? Enter OBS Studio. This little piece of software has revolutionized the way we share our screens, whether you’re a gamer, educator, or just someone who loves to broadcast live.

Streaming Live Content

First and foremost, OBS Studio is a go-to for live video streaming. Think about those Twitch streamers who play games, chat with viewers, and showcase their skills in real-time. OBS Studio is their secret weapon. It’s not just limited to gamers, though. Musicians, fitness trainers, and even chefs use OBS to broadcast their talents live. Imagine cooking a new recipe while answering questions from viewers around the world – that’s the magic of OBS.

Recording Videos

Not into live streaming? No problem. OBS Studio also excels at recording videos. You can capture your screen activity and save it for later. This is perfect for creating YouTube tutorials, product demos, or any kind of video content. For example, if you’re an artist, you could record your drawing process and then upload it as a time-lapse video.

Professional Presentations

In the age of virtual meetings and online classes, OBS Studio has become a handy tool for professionals and educators. You can create engaging presentations by switching between different scenes – maybe a full-screen slide, then your webcam, and then a demo of your screen. It keeps things dynamic and more interesting than a static presentation.

Customizing Your Streams

One of the coolest things about OBS Studio is how customizable it is. You can add overlays, alerts, and even integrate chat. Let’s say you’re a gamer; you can have your webcam feed in one corner, recent subscriber notifications popping up, and your game taking center stage. It’s like being the director of your own show!

Multi-Platform Support

OBS Studio isn’t picky – it works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility means you can use it no matter what operating system you’re on, which is a huge plus.

It’s Free!

Yes, you read that right. OBS Studio is completely free. In a world where software can get pretty pricey, having a powerful tool like OBS Studio without spending a dime is a huge deal. Plus, it’s open-source, which means the community can contribute to its development and continuously improve it.

Real-Life Example

Let’s talk about Sarah, a high school teacher who had to switch to online classes. She found her students zoning out during her plain video calls. Then, she discovered OBS Studio. Now, she switches between her lesson slides, video snippets, and her webcam, making her classes far more engaging. Her students are more attentive and interactive, thanks to the dynamic presentation style she adopted with OBS.

Getting Started

If you’re new to OBS Studio, the interface might look a bit intimidating. But don’t worry, there are tons of tutorials online. Start with the basics: set up your scenes, add sources like your screen or webcam, and play around with the settings. Once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless.

OBS Studio is more than just software; it’s a gateway to sharing your world with others. Whether you’re live streaming your favorite game, recording a how-to video, or making your virtual presentation stand out, OBS Studio gives you the tools to make it happen. And the best part? It’s accessible to everyone. So, why not give it a try? You might just find it’s exactly what you’ve been looking for.

How to Use OBS Studio?

OBS Studio is like the Swiss Army knife of streaming and recording. Whether you’re a gamer wanting to broadcast live, a teacher preparing virtual lessons, or a content creator recording tutorials, OBS Studio has got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through some of its key features.

How to Add Video Sources on OBS Studio

Adding video sources is the bread and butter of OBS Studio. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open OBS Studio: Once you’re in, you’ll see a section called “Sources” at the bottom of the screen.
2. Add a Source: Click the “+” button in the Sources box. A menu will pop up with different options.
   • Display Capture: This captures everything on your screen.
   • Window Capture: This captures a specific window, like a game or application.
   • Video Capture Device: This is for your webcam or other video input devices.
3. Configure the Source: After selecting your source, name it (something descriptive like “Webcam” or “Game Screen”). Then, configure the settings as needed and click “OK.”

Voila! Your video source is now added to your scene.

How to Use the OBS Screen Recorder

Recording your screen with OBS is a breeze. Here’s the quick rundown:

1. Set Up Your Scene: Make sure you have a scene set up with the sources you want to record.
2. Check Your Settings: Go to “Settings” in the bottom-right corner, then click on the “Output” tab. Under the “Recording” section, choose your recording path (where you want your recordings saved) and format (MP4 is a solid choice).
3. Start Recording: When everything looks good, hit “Start Recording” on the main OBS screen. When you’re done, click “Stop Recording.”

Your recording will be saved to the location you specified, ready for editing or uploading.

How to Add Images or Text with OBS Studio

Spice up your stream or recording with images and text. Here’s how:

1. Add an Image: Click the “+” button in the Sources box and select “Image.” Browse to the image file you want to add, and click “OK.”
2. Add Text: Click the “+” button again and select “Text (GDI+).” Enter your text and customize the font, size, color, and other settings. Click “OK” to add it to your scene.
3. Arrange Your Elements: Use the preview window to drag and resize your image and text to your liking.

This is perfect for adding watermarks, branding, or any additional visual information to your content.

How to Arrange Multiple Video Sources on OBS Studio

Creating a dynamic and engaging layout involves arranging multiple video sources. Here’s the lowdown:

1. Add Multiple Sources: Repeat the process of adding sources until you have everything you need in your scene.
2. Organize in Layers: Think of your sources as layers. The order in the Sources box represents their layering. Drag sources up or down to change their position.
3. Resize and Position: Click on a source in the preview window to move and resize it. Use the red bounding box to adjust size and position.

Experiment with different layouts until you find one that looks polished and professional.

How to Set Up Hotkeys on OBS Studio

Hotkeys can save you a ton of time by allowing you to control OBS with keyboard shortcuts. Here’s how to set them up:

1. Open Settings: Click on “Settings” in the bottom-right corner.
2. Navigate to Hotkeys: In the Settings menu, click on the “Hotkeys” tab.
3. Assign Hotkeys: You’ll see a list of actions (like Start Recording, Stop Streaming, etc.). Click on the box next to the action you want to set a hotkey for, and press the desired key combination.
4. Save and Apply: Once you’ve set your hotkeys, click “Apply” and then “OK.”

Hotkeys are a game-changer, especially when you’re in the middle of a live stream and need to switch scenes or mute your mic quickly.

OBS Studio might look complex at first, but once you break it down, it’s quite user-friendly. Adding video sources, recording your screen, incorporating images and text, arranging multiple sources, and setting up hotkeys are some of the fundamental skills that will make your streaming or recording sessions smooth and professional. Dive in, experiment, and you’ll soon master OBS Studio like a pro!

Choosing the Right OBS Studio Encoder Settings

When it comes to using OBS Studio, one of the most crucial steps is selecting the right encoder settings. These settings can make or break your streaming or recording experience, affecting both the quality of your output and the performance of your system. Let’s dive into how you can choose the right encoder settings for your needs.

What is an Encoder?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly cover what an encoder is. In OBS Studio, an encoder is a piece of software (or hardware) that compresses your video into a manageable file size while maintaining quality. This process is essential for live streaming, as it ensures your video can be transmitted over the internet smoothly.

Software vs. Hardware Encoding

OBS Studio offers two main types of encoders: software (x264) and hardware (NVENC, QuickSync, AMF). Here’s a brief overview:

• Software Encoding (x264): This uses your CPU to encode video. It generally offers higher quality at lower bitrates but can be demanding on your system.
• Hardware Encoding (NVENC, QuickSync, AMF): This uses your GPU or other dedicated hardware. It’s less taxing on your CPU and is a good option if you have a capable graphics card.

Choosing Your Encoder

1. Open OBS Studio: Start by launching OBS Studio and heading to the settings by clicking on “Settings” in the bottom-right corner.
2. Go to Output Settings: Click on the “Output” tab on the left side.

Here, you’ll see two modes: Simple and Advanced. Let’s break down the settings for both.

Simple Mode

If you’re new to OBS, Simple mode is a good starting point.

• Streaming:
  • Video Bitrate: For 720p streaming at 30fps, 2500-4000 kbps is recommended. For 1080p at 60fps, aim for 4500-6000 kbps.
  • Encoder: Choose “Hardware (NVENC)” if you have an NVIDIA GPU or “Software (x264)” if not.
• Recording:
  • Recording Quality: Choose “High Quality, Medium File Size” for a balance between quality and performance.
  • Recording Format: MP4 is widely compatible, but MKV can be more reliable in case of crashes.

Advanced Mode

For those who want more control, Advanced mode is the way to go.

1. Output Mode: Switch from Simple to Advanced.
2. Streaming Tab:
   • Encoder: Choose between x264 and your hardware encoder (like NVENC). If you have a strong GPU, NVENC is a good choice.
   • Rate Control: Use CBR (Constant Bitrate) for streaming. It ensures a consistent bitrate.
   • Bitrate: Set your bitrate according to your resolution and frame rate. Refer to the bitrate recommendations above.
   • Keyframe Interval: Set this to 2. It’s a standard for most streaming platforms.
   • CPU Usage Preset (for x264): The lower the setting (like “veryfast” or “superfast”), the less CPU it uses. Adjust based on your system’s capability.
3. Recording Tab:
   • Type: Choose “Standard” for typical recording.
   • Recording Path: Select where you want your recordings saved.
   • Encoder: You can use a different encoder than your stream. For example, use NVENC for streaming and x264 for recording.
   • Rate Control: CQP or CRF is good for recording. CQP 16-23 is a balance between quality and file size.
   • Keyframe Interval: Leave it at 0 (auto) for recording.
   • Preset (for NVENC): Set to “Quality” or “Max Quality” depending on your system performance.

Testing and Tweaking

After setting up, it’s essential to test your settings. Record a short video or do a test stream and see how your system handles it. Look out for any dropped frames or lag. OBS has a built-in stats window (View > Stats) that can help you monitor performance.

Choosing the right encoder settings in OBS Studio involves balancing quality and performance. Whether you’re streaming live or recording, understanding the differences between software and hardware encoding, and tweaking your settings accordingly, can make a significant difference. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your specific setup and needs. Happy streaming!

Streamlabs OBS (SLOBS) vs. OBS Studio: Which One is Right for You?

If you’re diving into the world of streaming or recording, you’ve probably come across two popular software options: OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS (SLOBS). Both are fantastic tools, but they cater to slightly different needs. Let’s break down the differences to help you decide which one is right for you.

Overview

OBS Studio is an open-source software that has been around for years. It’s highly customizable and supported by a large community. Streamlabs OBS is built on the OBS Studio framework but adds a more user-friendly interface and integrated features designed for streamers.

User Interface and Ease of Use

• OBS Studio: Known for its flexibility and customization, OBS Studio can seem a bit intimidating to beginners. Its interface is straightforward but requires some learning to fully understand all the features. If you love tweaking settings and having complete control, OBS Studio is for you.
• Streamlabs OBS: Streamlabs OBS is designed with simplicity in mind. Its user interface is more polished and easier to navigate, making it ideal for newcomers. It integrates many features that streamers need directly into the software, reducing the setup time.

Features and Integrations

• OBS Studio:
  • Customizability: You can add a wide range of plugins and scripts to enhance functionality.
  • Flexibility: OBS Studio is highly adaptable to different use cases, from professional broadcasts to casual streaming.
  • Multi-Platform Support: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Streamlabs OBS:
  • Built-In Alerts and Widgets: Streamlabs OBS comes with built-in widgets for alerts, chat boxes, donation goals, and more. These are easily customizable and integrate seamlessly.
  • Theme Library: Access to a vast library of free and premium themes to make your stream look professional with minimal effort.
  • Cloud Backups: Streamlabs OBS offers cloud backups of your settings, making it easy to switch between computers without losing your configurations.
  • Monetization Tools: Integrated tools for donations, subscriptions, and other monetization options tailored for streamers.

Performance

• OBS Studio: Generally, OBS Studio is less resource-intensive. Because it’s more lightweight, it can run smoothly even on less powerful systems. This makes it a great choice if you need to conserve system resources.
• Streamlabs OBS: Streamlabs OBS tends to be more demanding on your system due to its integrated features and sleek UI. It might require more powerful hardware to run as smoothly as OBS Studio, especially during high-intensity streaming sessions.

Community and Support

• OBS Studio: As an open-source project, OBS Studio benefits from a large, active community. There’s a wealth of resources, tutorials, and plugins created by users worldwide. However, official support is limited to community forums and guides.
• Streamlabs OBS: Streamlabs OBS also has a strong community, along with dedicated support from Streamlabs. There’s extensive documentation, and you can often find answers to your questions quickly. Streamlabs offers more structured support options, including live chat and ticket systems.

Updates and Development

• OBS Studio: Updates are frequent, with a focus on stability and performance improvements. New features are regularly added, often based on community feedback.
• Streamlabs OBS: Streamlabs OBS also sees regular updates, often introducing new features that benefit streamers. Because it’s built on OBS Studio, it inherits many of OBS Studio’s updates while adding its unique enhancements.

Cost

Both OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS are free to use. However, Streamlabs offers premium features and themes that require a subscription. OBS Studio remains entirely free and open-source.

Conclusion

Choosing between OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS depends on your specific needs and preferences:

• Go with OBS Studio if:
  • You want maximum control and customization.
  • You’re comfortable with a steeper learning curve.
  • You need a lightweight, resource-efficient solution.
• Opt for Streamlabs OBS if:
  • You’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use interface.
  • You want built-in tools for alerts, widgets, and monetization.
  • You prefer a more polished and integrated streaming experience.

Both tools are excellent in their own right, and many streamers find success with either. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your workflow and streaming goals. Happy streaming!

How To Stream Live Content With VdoCipher Using OBS?

1. Install Streaming Software

Use OBS Studio, Zoom, or any app that accepts a stream URL and stream key. OBS Studio is a popular, free, cross-platform streaming app for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2. Configure OBS Studio for Streaming

1. Open Settings: Go to the “Output” section.
2. Video Bitrate: Set to 2500 kbps for lectures/webinars/courses. For events/sports/movies, use up to 7000 kbps.
3. Audio Bitrate: Set to 128 kbps.
4. Encoder Preset: Keep default settings.
5. Video Section: Ensure “Common FPS Values” is set to 30. Use 720p or 1080p resolution as needed.

3. Create a new livestream

1. Dashboard: Go to the “LiveStream” section.
2. New Stream: Click “New Live Stream”.
3. Title and Chat Mode: Set the title and choose chat options:
   • Anonymous Chat: Anyone can join.
   • Authenticated Chat: Only users with tokens can join.
   • Off: No chat option.

4. Prepare for Broadcasting

1. Status: Wait for the status to change to “Ready to Start Broadcasting” (up to 90 seconds).
2. Credentials: Click “Show Stream Credentials” to get the Server URL and Stream Key.

5. Configure OBS for Streaming

1. Settings: Go to the “Stream” section.
2. Server URL & Stream Key: Enter the details from the previous step.

6. Add Sources in OBS

1. Sources: Click “+” to add Video/Audio Capture Devices or MediaSource.
2. Multiple Sources: Refer to the OBS guide for options like external cameras, screen sharing, webcams, etc.

7. Start Streaming

Click “Start Streaming” in OBS.

8. Generate Embed Code

1. Embed: Click the “embed” button below any stream in the dashboard to get the code for your website or app.

9. Moderate the Stream

1. View as Moderator: Test the stream and chat with viewers if chat is enabled.
2. Quality Options: The player adapts to the viewer’s internet speed.

Note: Avoid streaming from the same device running OBS to prevent data/memory issues. Use a different device for testing.

10. Stop/End Stream & Record

1. Temporary Pause: Disconnecting from OBS pauses the stream with a “Stream paused from host” message.
2. Permanent End: Clicking “stop” in the VdoCipher dashboard ends the stream with a “Live has ended” message. A new stream is needed to restart. The recorded DRM file will be available in the dashboard within 1-4 hours, tagged as “Live recorded”.

Auto-End: The stream will auto-end if no connection is made for 3 hours.

If you’re looking to integrate OBS Studio with your WordPress website, check out our comprehensive guide on WordPress live streaming for detailed steps and best practices.

All In All

Mastering OBS can significantly elevate your video production quality, whether you are streaming, recording, or broadcasting content. This complete guide has walked you through the essential steps of using OBS, from installation and setup to advanced features and troubleshooting. By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to leverage OBS to create professional-grade content.

Remember, the key to mastering OBS is practice and experimentation. Don’t hesitate to explore its features, customize your settings, and try different configurations to find what works best for your specific needs. With OBS, the possibilities for your live streaming and video recording projects are virtually limitless.

As you continue your journey with OBS, keep an eye on updates and new features that can further enhance your content creation process. Join online communities, watch tutorials, and stay informed about the latest trends and techniques in video production. With dedication and creativity, you can harness the full power of OBS to captivate your audience and achieve your content creation goals.

Rahul Rana

Head of Digital Marketing at Vdocipher. I love the art of connecting the right product to their users. When i’m not doing that i love getting lost in books.

www.vdocipher.com/

The post How to Use OBS Studio For Streaming Your Live Content? appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

With so many streaming platforms available, users often prefer to pirate content rather than pay for a particular platform. In this current scenario, if you don’t focus much on video protection, chances are that your videos will be downloaded and freely available for users. This in turn hurts your revenue by a lot, as users would rather prefer to watch your content for free. The movie industry alone suffers an annual loss of revenue of about 40 and $97.1 billion. If you account for eLearning, personal wellness, and other online platforms, this number can rise even more.

You don’t necessarily have to lose your revenue due to piracy. DRM solutions or Digital Rights Management, solely exist for this purpose- to save your videos from any illegal access.

But then, you might be wondering, what exactly is a DRM Solution? How can it help you? And many more questions. But you don’t have to worry about it, as you’ll get an answer to these questions and more. So, fasten your seat belts and bring out your notepads. Cause this is going to be a ride and not that one filled with just joy and excitement. Which only riddles you with guilt afterward. You’re only going to come out of this journey wiser (hopefully!?)

What is a DRM Solution?

DRM Solution is essentially a Digital Rights Management software package, which ensures that your content is only accessible by anyone you authorize. You can use Video DRM software to make sure that your content is only accessible by the user you authorize and you can even manage the browser or devices they consume your content on. 

In a lot of cases even though the videos are encrypted, the key used to decrypt the video is often easily accessible. Any hacker with some knowledge can then easily get access to the encryption key and then access your content. Once he’s downloaded the video it’s then easy to spread it to other pirates

With a DRM server and DRM protected key exchange mechanism, your encryption keys are hidden and aren’t accessible to anyone. This way you protect your videos from any potential hacker or download tools. This makes sure that your content is not pirated and you don’t lose any revenue due to piracy. 

In fact, with DRM services or solutions, video platforms tend to see a rise in their revenue. Read this case study by Vdocipher on how users end up raising their revenues up to 990% with the help of a DRM Solution.

DRM services or solutions caters to different forms of content, they can be -video, audio, video games, comics, ebooks, etc. In this blog, I’ll focus on DRM solutions for video and audio streaming.

But before that, let’s have a look at what DRM protected content exactly means.

What Does “DRM-Protected” Mean?

The phrase “DRM protected” means that the digital content it is being applied to is restricted in how it can be used. “Digital rights management” is the term that describes a systematic authorization for the use of copyrighted material. DRM protection is applied by using DRM encryption, access control methodologies, a proprietary hardware-controlled environment, a software-enabled black box, and a dynamic key exchange management system. The complete infrastructure regulates copyrighted digital works’ use, modification, and distribution.

A DRM protected content is nothing but the digital content on which DRM protection is applied. Basically, any piece of digital content you protect with a DRM solution would be considered as DRM protected content.

As mentioned in the above section, content becomes DRM protected when you apply a certain set of rules on your copyrighted content to restrict any unauthorized access. 

These DRM restrictions are usually against downloading or making a copy of your video. Also, the number of times your videos are being accessed and even the devices on which the video is being viewed. These DRM restrictions can be as simple or complex according to your requirements.

What Steps are required to become a DRM Solution

• Acquiring DRM license permissions
• Setting up storage infrastructure
• Encoding
• Transcoding
• Using the license encryption keys to encrypt the digital content
• Storing the encrypted file
• CDN setup
• Authorized access management
• Request processing via license server
• Decrypt the requested resources via the license server
• Allow playback or opening of a file through a DRM player or viewer

Who provides a DRM license to a DRM Solution?

Since the whole digital ecosystem is dependent on Google and Apple either for devices (hardware) or OS, browsers (software), they are the major DRM license providers. Google provides a license of Google Widevine DRM and Apple provides it for Apple FairPlay DRM. Obtaining a license from them means that you get protection across,

• Desktop/Laptop – Windows, Mac, Linux.
• Browsers – Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, Android Chrome, Edge, Mac Safari, iOS Safari.
• OS – Android, iOS, Android TV, Android TV, Chromecast, IOS App

Understanding DRM requirements for your business

When choosing a DRM service for your business, there are some key aspects to understand.

Accessing content security requirements – While choosing a DRM solution, it is important to evaluate the level of protection your business requires. The various considering factors include the value of your content, the potential risk of piracy and unauthorized access as well as compliance and regulators requirements.

Identifying target platforms and devices – The chosen DRM solution needs to be compatible with the devices and platforms your audience uses to access your content. This includes web browsers, media players, and device types. Identifying this requirement beforehand will ensure seamless delivery for your users.

Analyzing your content distribution strategies – The DRM system should be compatible with the streaming protocol you use such as HLS or MPED-DASH. It should offer features like offline playback, geographic restrictions, and IP/Domain restrictions.

What makes DRM Software so essential?

When content is easily accessible with a single click, protecting intellectual property has become important. Digital Rights Management (DRM) software plays a crucial role in this protection mechanism.

Universal Application – DRM isn’t just for videos. From e-books to software applications, DRM ensures that digital content is only accessible by authorized users. This wide-ranging application makes it a versatile tool in the digital content protection arsenal.

Adaptable Restrictions – One of the standout features of DRM software is its adaptability. Depending on the content creator’s needs, restrictions can be tailored. Whether it’s limiting the number of devices on which content can be viewed or setting a specific geographic boundary, DRM software can handle it.

Combating Piracy – Piracy has become a concerning factor in the media industry. With DRM software, content creators have a robust tool to prevent unauthorized distribution of their content. By encrypting content and ensuring that only authorized users have the decryption key, DRM software effectively combats piracy.

Boosting Revenue Streams – For businesses, especially those in the entertainment and e-learning sectors, DRM software can be a game-changer. By ensuring that content isn’t freely distributed, businesses can maintain their revenue streams, ensuring sustainability and growth.

User Experience – While DRM software is primarily about protection, it’s also about user experience. By ensuring that only legitimate users access the content, businesses can offer a more personalized and seamless experience, enhancing user satisfaction.

How does DRM Software ensure protection for your Videos?

Before I take a deep dive into how DRM solutions work, you’ll first need to understand what video encryption is. Then later I’ll show you how a Video DRM solution makes encryption even better to ensure that your videos are protected.

Video Encryption

Video encryption is basically the process of encoding your videos to a non-video secure format. This ensures that no one can’t access your raw video files. When anyone wants to access the file, they’ll only get access to an encrypted file which is just random gibberish.

Encryption can not be broken and the encrypted files can only be accessed with the help of an encryption key. But then the encryption key exchange is where the weakness lies for any standard video encryption technology such as HLS, RTMP or AES-128. Due to the weak key exchange, encryption keys can be accessed by hackers to decrypt and then access the video. This ultimately defeats the initial purpose of video encryption. Although it would hinder anyone with no technical knowledge, anyone with some understanding of how to access the keys can easily work it out and share the video file with others. 

DRM-based encryption to protect your videos

DRM takes care of this exact weakness in video encryption and makes sure that the encryption key is not accessible by anyone unless authorized. A video DRM software encrypts the video and even protects the encryption key behind a BlackBox or CDM, which cannot be accessed by anyone. Before going into what a CDM is, you’ll need to know that there are different DRM solutions, which are used together to protect your content.

A typical video DRM service consists of multi DRM, these different DRMS caters to different devices and browsers. These different DRM solutions are:

• Google Widevine DRM solution: It supports Desktop/Laptop (Windows, Mac, Linux) Chrome, Firefox, Edge. Android Chrome, Edge, Android TV, Android TV, Chromecast.
• Apple Fairplay DRM Solution: It supports Mac Safari, IOS Safari, IOS App
• Microsoft Playready DRM solution: It supports Edge in Windows. Windows Edge is also supported by Google Widevine, so Playready is not an absolute necessity.

DRM solution BlackBox the encryption keys in CDM or Content Decryption Module. This CDM, even though on your device, can not be accessed by you. This protects the key as it is kept in the CDM and it can’t be accessed by you or anyone. The only way to access the videos is through Encrypted Media Extensions (EMEs), which are sent via the respective Video DRM System.

As Google and Apple have some control over your browser, OS, hardware or all of these. They can exercise more control and security for DRM encrypted streaming.

Choosing a DRM service provider: what features to look for?

When choosing  DRM tools, there are certain features that can make your content even more protected. One of these can be dynamic watermarking, which inhibits users from screen grab video. These are the features that you need to look out for in a DRM Solution:

Encrypted DRM Streaming to Prevent Download

First and foremost is obviously the Video DRM protection. You need to make sure that the DRM service provider supports both Widevine DRM as well as Fairplay DRM. Having the two DRM is an absolute necessity as they pretty much guarantee DRM support on all the major devices.

Screen Capture Blocking 

Another major feature you would require is a screen capture block. Even though the video downloads are blocked, users still can record your screen to capture videos. You need to make sure that the DRM Solution you go for stops any type of screen capture. 

Dynamic Watermarking with moving user details

Dynamic watermarking helps to discourage any screen capture. You can add the IP address, User-Id, and Email-Id to the screen. Using these, you can identify the point of origin of video piracy. 

IP, Geo & Time Based Restriction

Sometimes you need to restrict video playback in certain locations or devices. A Video DRM provider can help you restrict access to a particular Geo/IP. Also, you can put restrictions on total user video playtime.

What are the User Authentication and Acess Control in DRM Services?

In Digital Rights Management (DRM) services, user authentication and access control are pivotal for safeguarding digital content and ensuring that only authorized users can access or interact with protected materials. These DRM features play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and value of digital assets across various platforms.

User Authentication in DRM Services

User authentication is a foundational component of DRM services, designed to verify the identity of a user before granting access to DRM-protected content. This process typically involves credentials such as usernames and passwords, biometric data, or multi-factor authentication methods. For DRM services, ensuring robust user authentication is critical for preventing unauthorized access and distribution of copyrighted digital content.

Access Control Mechanisms

Access control in DRM services goes hand-in-hand with user authentication. Once a user’s identity is verified, access control mechanisms determine the level of access or the specific actions that the user is permitted to perform with the DRM-protected content. This might include viewing, copying, editing, or sharing digital files. Effective access control is essential for DRM services to enforce content usage policies and comply with copyright laws.

Implementing DRM Services for Secure Content Management

Incorporating user authentication and access control within DRM services involves several steps:

1. Designing a Secure Authentication Process: This involves creating a user verification system that can effectively thwart unauthorized access while not detracting from the user experience. DRM services often utilize advanced authentication technologies such as OAuth, token-based authentication, or even blockchain-based identity verification.
2. Developing Dynamic Access Control Policies: DRM services must be equipped with flexible yet secure access control policies that can adapt to different user roles, content types, and distribution channels. These policies should be rigorously tested and updated regularly to address emerging security threats and changes in legal requirements.
3. Integrating with Existing Systems: For many organizations, integrating DRM services with existing content management systems (CMS) or customer relationship management (CRM) systems is crucial. This integration allows for seamless user authentication and access control across all platforms where DRM-protected content is available.
4. Continuous Monitoring and Reporting: DRM services should include mechanisms for monitoring user interactions with protected content and generating reports on access patterns. This data is invaluable for auditing, compliance, and improving the DRM strategies.

Benefits of Advanced DRM Services

Implementing sophisticated user authentication and access control within DRM services provides several benefits:

• Enhanced Security: Reduces the risk of unauthorized content access and piracy.
• Compliance Assurance: Helps organizations comply with digital copyright laws and regulations.
• Improved User Management: Facilitates better management of user rights and access permissions.
• Data Insights: Offers valuable insights into how content is being used, aiding in future content strategy and rights management.

FAQs

What are the challenges of DRM?

One of the main challenges of DRM is that it can be difficult to implement DRM in a way that is both effective and user-friendly.

What type of DRM Solutions are available?

There are a variety of DRM solutions available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best solution includes VdoCipher which has a complete implementation, best infra and accessible support.

What is the result of a lack of video protection?

Ultimately it hurts your revenue by a lot. This revenue loss can be instant or in the future.

Is DRM a solution to Video Piracy?

DRM prevents anyone who does not have the dynamic key from being able to view or use the content. The downside to this solution is that it can be difficult to implement. A solution to implementation is DRM Encrypted Video Hosting providers like VdoCipher.

Rahul Rana

Head of Digital Marketing at Vdocipher. I love the art of connecting the right product to their users. When i’m not doing that i love getting lost in books.

www.vdocipher.com/

The post The Right DRM Solution For Your Business appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

According to WordStream, readers retain only 10% of a message while reading as compared to 95% while watching a video. Combine that with a dependable and fast internet connection and you have a plethora of content flowing in your direction! This gives content creators a golden opportunity to showcase their knowledge and creativity to viewers from all over the world.

Now we know that YouTube has got it all in terms of information and entertainment. But it’s not the only video sharing platform worth mentioning. YouTube alternative sites are just as good!

I’m going to list the top 16 video sharing sites that offer impeccable streaming and uploading capabilities. They’re beneficial for both viewers and creators. In other words, they’re also great video upload sites. But before diving into the details, I’ll highlight some key benefits a video sharing platform offers. Let’s dig in.

What Benefits Does a Video Sharing Platform Offer?

The biggest benefit of video sharing websites for viewers is that they can gain access to broad categories of videos within seconds. On the other hand, content creators can unleash their creativity on various video upload sites.

Uploading a video to a video platform enables easy embedding on a website such as Wix, Squarespace, Hubspot or Elementor. Videos provide businesses with additional exposure, thus, boosting sales, conversions, and ROI. Video content is by far, the best way to engage with your audience and give a compelling message.

Top 16 Video Sharing Sites

1. Vimeo

Vimeo is the most popular video sharing platform after YouTube. It is also the most common YouTube vs. Wistia alternative out there. Most viewers have been complaining about ads popping up at random times while they are watching a video on YouTube. This problem doesn’t arise on Vimeo. This way, viewers can focus on the content as there are no distractions.

The video sharing platform has a free basic version that offers 500MB per week as the maximum upload limit. Premium users can easily upgrade the limit to 5 GB. Even though the free version has a restriction on the amount of data users can upload, it doesn’t cap the video length.

Unlike YouTube, it doesn’t offer any monetization to creators. However, the tip jar button shows that earnings are based on a model of video on demand. The supported video formats on this YouTube alternative include MOV, WebM, MP4, AVI, MPEG4, WMV, FLV, MPEG PS, and 3GPP. Doesn’t that make Vimeo one of the best video upload sites? The best part is that users can browse for high video quality content for free!

2. Utreon

Utreon appeals to a wide array of users, thanks to the diverse content and easy navigation. Even though the video sharing platform is not as popular as YouTube, it’s definitely less distracting. Another good reason why it’s an effective YouTube alternative is that Utreon doesn’t limit or promote channel discovery, thanks to transparent algorithms.

Currently, it’s one of those video upload sites that offer a subscription system with the help of which users can support the creators whose content they like. Some other innovative features include the ability to create their own series or shows. That includes a table of contents, episodes season, cover art for every video.

3. Dailymotion

The primary reason behind the popularity of Dailymotion as a YouTube alternative is the flexibility in various revenue sharing models. However, the video sharing platform caps file size at 2GB and limits the length of each video to 60 minutes. Just like YouTube, it’s also one of the best video upload sites where creators can upload videos and view can browse content.

The user base is approximately 300 million per month. Thanks to its easy monetization program, users can easily earn decent revenue on the basis of views on their videos. Creators can upload 2 hours of a video each day with a restriction of 10 videos. But on the upside, the platform doesn’t charge content creators to upload.

If you are a pro user, you can easily upload high-quality videos with a 1080p resolution limit. As long as you follow the guidelines, there is no reason you can’t add Dailymotion to your video upload sites list.

4. Metacafe

If short-form content is something that sparks your interest, this video sharing platform is a simple platform facilitating both the browsing and uploading of such content. It’s absolutely free to join Metacafe. It’s a small scale YouTube alternative in which the length of the videos is 90-180 seconds. With 100 MB of the file size limit, users can create short duration videos as long as they follow the guidelines of the platform.

A better explanation for the service type on Metacafe is that it’s similar to Instagram Stories and Snapchat (you can add fun stickers, filters and icons). The only difference is that it’s older and the videos don’t disappear after 24 hours. The target audience for this video sharing platform is people looking for quick tutorials, product reviews, and funny videos.

Creators can’t automatically add videos to Metacafe. After they have uploaded a video, a big community comprising around 80000 volunteers decides whether they should add it to the public channels.

5. TikTok

TikTok is a short-form video platform that has rapidly gained popularity due to its easy-to-use editing tools and algorithm-driven content discovery. Videos on TikTok are typically 15 to 60 seconds long, featuring music, dance, comedy, and various trends. The platform’s “For You” page curates content based on user interests, leading to high engagement. TikTok monetizes through in-app purchases like virtual gifts, brand partnerships, and ads.

TikTok has been the hub for short-form content creators since it came out. This video sharing platform is not only popular among the common masses but among celebrities as well. The best part is that you don’t have to be extraordinarily talented to use it as a YouTube alternative. As long as you can entertain, inform or lip-sync, you’re good to go on video upload sites like this one!

Plenty of creators have been using TikTok for showcasing comedy, sports content, DIY videos, gaming stuff, and so on. Popular content creators often get to earn handsome amounts with brand endorsements, sponsorships, and influencer marketing. There are plenty of free sounds and music at the users’ disposal. This offers the freedom of crafting clips according to your taste.

If you wish to add an X-factor to your videos, the real-time effects and attractive filters facilitate the same. The size limit for content is 72 MB for Android users and 280 7.6 MB for iOS. The app is easily available for download for smartphones and tablets. This makes it one of the most convenient video sharing sites ever!

6.  Facebook Watch

Facebook offers extensive video sharing capabilities, supporting both pre-recorded and live videos. Facebook Watch is a dedicated video platform where users can discover videos based on their interests, including original shows and content from creators. Facebook Live allows real-time interaction through live streaming, which has become popular for events, Q&A sessions, and community engagement. Facebook monetizes videos through ad breaks, fan subscriptions, and branded content.

The fact that Facebook has crossed the billion mark in its user base adds to its ever-increasing popularity. Creators, brand pages, and users can easily add their content to a diverse video content catalog.

The feature that makes Facebook watch a great YouTube alternative is the ability to watch videos with friends at the same time. The feed is highly personalized which allows users to easily scroll through their favorite uploads. Apart from the management of subscriptions, creators can access the Facebook creator studio for publishing and moderating video content.

The on-demand content feature is also active in some countries. Not only can the creators insert mid-roll ads in between videos, but they can also take an ad break in the middle of a live video and earn even more revenue. But to fulfill the monetization condition, it’s important to have 1 minute each of 30,000 views in total and a minimum of 10,000 followers. Facebook keeps 45% of the cut for itself and offers creators 55% of the revenue.

7. Twitch

Twitch is a live streaming platform predominantly used by gamers but has expanded to include various types of content, such as music, talk shows, and creative arts. It provides interactive features like live chat and subscriber badges, fostering a strong community vibe. Twitch monetizes through subscriptions, Bits (a virtual good that viewers can purchase to cheer on their favorite streamers), and ads. It’s particularly known for its supportive community and high engagement levels.

Twitch is the humble abode for all gaming freaks across the globe. It streams gaming videos on the web as players get 3500 as the maximum video bitrate. If you are an advanced gamer looking for an opportunity to cash in on its revenue-sharing model, you’re in luck! While the payout isn’t as high as YouTube, you can definitely extra bucks some extra bucks with previously recorded videos.

To be an affiliate for this video sharing platform, you should have a total of 500 minutes of live broadcast counted for the last 30 days. Other conditions include a minimum of three viewers and 7 unique broadcasts along with a minimum of 50 followers.

On the upside, it doesn’t cost a dime to become a Twitch affiliate. This YouTube alternative has 11,000+ content creators partnering with the network. The video formats it supports include MP4, AVI, MOV, FLV, H.264 codec, and AAC audio.

8. TED

The sole objective of TED is to help people learn something new. It’s a great YouTube alternative to educate the audience on any niche. From famous speakers to professionals and the common masses, this nonprofit organization features them all. The talks are usually in the form of podcasts or videos which Spark the audience’s interest almost instantly!

9.  Instagram

Just take a stroll down the street and you won’t be able to find many people not scrolling through their Instagram news feed. If I had a nickel for every time someone sent me an interesting Instagram reel, I’d be Filthy rich! Targeted towards smartphone users, this video sharing platform offers entertaining and informative content within the Instagram app.

Instagram, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), offers several video sharing options. Instagram Stories allow users to post short videos that disappear after 24 hours.Reels, a feature inspired by TikTok, enables users to create and share short, engaging videos. Instagram Live allows real-time broadcasting, often used for interactive sessions and influencer marketing. Instagram monetizes through ads and shopping features integrated into videos.

10. DTube

DTube is a video sharing platform that holds many similarities with Dailymotion and YouTube. It relies on blockchain technology for storing videos, unlike YouTube’s centralized server. This makes the data safe from hackers. Thus, DTube is a great YouTube alternative. Instead of displaying ads, DTube is one of those video sharing websites that offer cryptocurrency revenue to the content creators.

11. PeerTube

Just like its name suggests, PeerTube is among those video sharing sites that offer a peer-to-peer video sharing platform. This means that it doesn’t use a single server like most other video sharing websites. Users can easily host their own servers known as instance. You don’t have to worry about censorship on this platform as creators are free to upload all kinds of videos. But the video library of this video sharing platform is a little scarce due to PeerTube being relatively new.

12. LiveLeak

Unlike video sharing websites, the mainstream news doesn’t cover everything in an event. That’s when video upload sites like LiveLeak come into the picture. In the past, many video creators have posted graphic or controversial content on this video sharing platform which provides complete insight on an incident. The restrictions on video sharing sites like LiveLeak are minimal.

13. 9GAG TV

This video sharing platform enables users to upload pictures, GIFs, and videos. The Hong Kong-based social media site also allows users to upload videos from other social media platforms. Launched in 2008, it has made its way through the top video sharing sites in the world. It offers engaging informational, and entertaining content without any limits which makes it a leading YouTube alternative.

14. Webdew

According to WordStream, readers retain only 10% of a message while reading as compared to 95% while watching a video. Combine that with a dependable and fast internet connection and you have a plethora of content flowing in your direction! This gives content creators a golden opportunity to showcase their knowledge and creativity to viewers from all over the world. To express ideas into visuals, organizations hire the best video production company that produces powerful animated videos. 

Now we know that YouTube has got it all in terms of information and entertainment. But it’s not the only video sharing platform worth mentioning. YouTube alternative sites are just as good!

15. YouTube

YouTube, owned by Google, is the largest video sharing platform globally, with over 2 billion logged-in monthly users. It offers a diverse range of content, from educational videos and music videos to vlogs and live streams. Users can upload videos, create playlists, and interact with their audience through comments and live chat features. YouTube monetizes through ads, channel memberships, and Super Chat for live streams, making it a primary income source for many content creators.

16. LinkedIn

LinkedIn, primarily known as a professional networking site, has integrated video content into its platform to enhance user engagement. Users can upload videos directly or share video links from other platforms. LinkedIn video content typically includes educational material, industry insights, product demos, and professional updates. LinkedIn Live, a live streaming feature, allows users to broadcast events, interviews, and webinars to their professional network in real time.

What Factors to Consider While Choosing a Video-Sharing Platform?

Choosing the right video-sharing platform is crucial for maximizing your content’s reach and engagement. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a platform:

1. Audience Demographics:

• Who is your target audience? Different platforms attract different demographics. For instance, TikTok appeals to a younger audience, while LinkedIn is geared towards professionals.
• Geographical reach: Consider the global reach of the platform and where your target audience is primarily located.

2. Content Type and Format:

• Video Length and Format: Platforms like TikTok are ideal for short, catchy videos, whereas YouTube supports long-form content.
• Content Style: Each platform has its own content style and user expectations. Instagram favors visually appealing, creative content, while LinkedIn is more suitable for professional, informative videos.

3. Engagement Features:

• Interaction Tools: Look for features like comments, likes, shares, and live chat that allow audience interaction.
• Community Building: Some platforms, such as Twitch, are excellent for building a strong, interactive community around your content.

4. Monetization Options:

• Revenue Streams: Evaluate the monetization opportunities provided by the platform, such as ad revenue, sponsorships, subscriptions, and fan donations.
• Monetization Policies: Understand the platform’s policies on monetization to ensure they align with your goals and content strategy.

5. Analytics and Insights:

• Performance Metrics: Access to detailed analytics is crucial for understanding how your content is performing and how you can improve.
• Audience Insights: Platforms that provide demographic and engagement insights can help you tailor your content more effectively.

6. Platform Policies and Guidelines:

• Content Policies: Each platform has specific content guidelines and policies that you must adhere to avoid penalties or content removal.
• Community Standards: Ensure the platform’s community standards align with your brand values and content style.

7. Technical Capabilities:

• Upload and Streaming Quality: Check the platform’s support for video quality, upload speeds, and streaming capabilities.
• Compatibility: Consider the platform’s compatibility with various devices and browsers to ensure your content is accessible to a wider audience.

8. Ease of Use:

• User Interface: A user-friendly interface can make content uploading, editing, and management more efficient.
• Support and Resources: Platforms with robust support and resources, such as tutorials and customer service, can help you resolve issues quickly.

9. Integration with Other Tools:

• Marketing and Analytics Tools: Look for platforms that integrate seamlessly with your existing marketing and analytics tools.
• Social Media Integration: Platforms that allow easy sharing across other social media can enhance your content’s reach.

10. Community and Networking Opportunities:

• Collaboration Features: Some platforms offer collaboration features that can help you partner with other creators and expand your audience.
• Networking Potential: Consider the platform’s potential for networking within your industry or niche.

11. Cost:

• Subscription Fees: Some platforms may have subscription fees for premium features.
• Ad Costs: If you plan to use paid advertising, evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ad placements on the platform.

By considering these factors, you can select a video-sharing platform that best suits your content strategy, audience, and business goals.

How to Make Your Videos Perform Better on Video Sharing Platforms?

With millions of videos uploaded daily, standing out on video-sharing sites requires strategy, creativity, and consistency. Here are some tips to help your videos capture attention and engage your audience:

1. Create Compelling Content:

• Unique Value Proposition: Offer content that is unique and provides value to your audience. Whether it’s educational, entertaining, or inspirational, your videos should serve a clear purpose.
• Engaging Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to make your videos more engaging. A well-structured narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end can captivate viewers.

2. Optimize Your Titles and Descriptions:

• Catchy Titles: Use attention-grabbing titles that clearly convey the content of your video. Include keywords that your target audience is likely to search for.
• Detailed Descriptions: Write detailed descriptions that provide context and additional information about your video. Include relevant keywords to improve searchability.

3. Use Eye-Catching Thumbnails:

• Custom Thumbnails: Create custom thumbnails that are visually appealing and relevant to your video content. Use high-quality images, bold text, and contrasting colors to attract clicks.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent style for your thumbnails to create a recognizable brand image.

4. Leverage SEO Techniques:

• Keywords: Research and use relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags to improve visibility in search results.
• Hashtags: Utilize hashtags to categorize your content and make it discoverable to a wider audience.

5. Engage with Your Audience:

• Respond to Comments: Engage with viewers by responding to comments and encouraging discussions. This interaction can help build a loyal community.
• Call to Action: Include clear calls to action in your videos, such as subscribing, liking, sharing, or visiting your website.

6. Collaborate with Other Creators:

• Cross-Promotions: Partner with other creators in your niche to reach a broader audience. Collaborations can introduce your content to new viewers and add variety to your channel.
• Guest Appearances: Feature guest appearances to provide fresh perspectives and increase viewer interest.

7. Consistency is Key:

• Regular Uploads: Maintain a consistent upload schedule to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
• Brand Consistency: Ensure that your video content aligns with your brand’s voice, style, and messaging.

8. Utilize Video Analytics:

• Performance Tracking: Use the analytics tools provided by the platform to track your video performance. Pay attention to metrics like watch time, audience retention, and engagement rates.
• Content Adjustment: Use insights from analytics to refine your content strategy and create videos that resonate more with your audience.

9. High-Quality Production:

• Good Lighting and Sound: Ensure your videos have good lighting and clear audio. Poor production quality can distract viewers and reduce engagement.
• Editing: Edit your videos to remove unnecessary parts and add elements like music, text, and effects to enhance viewer experience.

10. Promote Your Videos:

• Social Media Sharing: Share your videos across various social media platforms to increase visibility and drive traffic to your channel.
• Email Marketing: Use email marketing to notify your subscribers about new videos and encourage them to watch and share.

11. Participate in Trends and Challenges:

• Stay Current: Participate in popular trends and challenges relevant to your niche. This can increase your content’s visibility and attract new viewers.
• Creative Twist: Add your unique twist to trends to make your content stand out while still being relevant.

12. Build a Community:

• Interactive Content: Create interactive content like live streams, Q&A sessions, and polls to engage with your audience in real-time.
• Feedback: Encourage viewers to give feedback and suggestions for future content. This involvement can help you better understand their preferences and create more appealing videos.

Showcase Your Creativity Across Video Upload Sites

Webinars, tutorials, product reviews, interviews, vlogs, movies, series, animations, explainers, and so on! According to Marketing Charts, the average user spends 100 minutes watching videos online in a day. Doesn’t that automatically make video sharing websites evergreen?

It’s understandable that rolling out unique and fresh video content can be daunting. That’s the reason why despite so many video sharing sites, creators still sit on the sidelines. But once you are familiar with the wants of your audience, a good video sharing platform makes the process a breeze.

However, a major problem for creators sharing videos is piracy. Don’t sweat it. All you need is secure video hosting that prevents unsolicited downloads and captures. It doesn’t matter which software or internet plugins someone uses. So, what are you waiting for? Quench viewers’ thirst for information and accomplish your video goals with the best video sharing sites.

Rahul Rana

Head of Digital Marketing at Vdocipher. I love the art of connecting the right product to their users. When i’m not doing that i love getting lost in books.

www.vdocipher.com/

The post Top 16 Video Sharing Platform To Consider In 2024 (UPDATED) appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

And which is the most popular platform when it comes to online video streaming sites?

Undoubtedly, YouTube.

Since its launch in 2004, YouTube has been one of the best video sharing platforms in the world. It has over 1.8 billion active users. This video sharing platform is the second most popular video site after Google.

And what is the reason why YouTube is still growing its global audience base?

The first reason will be the ease of use. It is so user-friendly that anyone, even with no little technical knowledge can, upload, share, view, comment on the videos.

The next reason is that you need only minimal video equipment to use this online video platform. You don’t have to spend too much money or time to post videos on YouTube.

Also, YouTube is mobile-friendly. And 75% of all video plays are on mobile devices, which in turn increases the popularity of this video platform. The pandemic situation also played a role in this.

However, as the number of users increased, there is also an increase in complaints too. Also some users are looking to explore other video sites similar to YouTube for different reasons and even creating a Video Streaming platform like YouTube.

One of the main issues raised is that YouTube keeps revising its guidelines with no prior indication. Another problem is with the ads. Nowadays, it’s like the YouTube ads have gotten out of control in both length and content.

So, today unhappy users are looking for video sites other than YouTube.

Best 12 Online Video Platforms Like YouTube to Look for

There are a lot of features you might want to learn about other websites like YouTube. Here is a list of 12 top video platforms like YouTube that offer free video hosting with some quality content. We hope you find this list helpful.

1. Vimeo

Vimeo is one of the most famous video sites other than YouTube right now. Streaming videos for a vast user base with over 175 million users worldwide, Vimeo is in action in 150 countries.

It is one of the preferred websites when comparing YouTube vs Vimeo and provides a safe interface for users. Users can upload, host, and customize videos. The platform offers various features such as password-protect videos, bulk changes to embed settings, domain and geo-restrictions. This is one of the best YouTube alternative sites and has a video upload limit of 500 MB.

The ad-free streaming providence of Vimeo has been its most appreciable feature. Since its launch, it is known to have balanced privacy and security settings.

Vimeo offers solutions to professionals, media houses and businesses. You can choose various options which are available from Plus to Enterprise range plan and avail 7TB of data storage depending on the nature of your usage.

2. Dailymotion

Launched in 2005, Dailymotion is an entertaining and second-largest video streaming platform in the world. As of recent data, this video platform has around 300 million unique monthly users.

Dailymotion limits daily video upload to 2 hours with a maximum of 96 video upload allowances for a day.

The layout and the navigation panel of the Dailymotion site are very similar to YouTube which makes it one of the best streaming video websites like YouTube.

Dailymotion provides similar features compared to other video websites like YouTube where users can watch and upload videos. It offers an age-gate feature that protects children from sensitive content.

When it comes to privacy it provides Public, Private, and Password Protected videos.

A video uploaded on daily motion by your favorite artist cannot be directly downloaded however, a simple browser extension can do the same. This is one of the most popular video platforms like YouTube.

3. Flickr

Want to share videos and images both? Flickr is for you!

Flickr has been in action since 2004. As per a report it has over 60 million monthly users. This YouTube alternative site is a free platform for video and image sharing. The users can stream a million videos on it without any cost.

It limits uploading a video to 1GB with a maximum 90 minutes tile slot. Also, Flickr provides authority to creators to customize download access to their Flickr fans.

With Flickr Pro subscription you can avail Unlimited Storage, experience Ad-Free Browsing and Advanced Stats of photos/videos.

Flickr is still struggling to get real exposure in the market due to Instagram has been its major hurdle.

4. Utreon

Ultron is another online video platform like YouTube. This also allows users to follow their favorite influencers with a subscription system. It was founded in 2009.

What makes them appealing is the fact that there are no hidden algorithms to promote or limit the channels and videos. Especially at a time when the creators are questioning the unfair demonetization by YouTube.

Just like any popular video platform Utreon also allows you to create your own innovative videos. From normal blogs to multi-episode series.

5. Rumble

Rumble is a video-sharing platform founded in 2013 by Chris Pavlovski. It focuses on providing a space for free speech and content monetization, making it an attractive alternative to YouTube.

Rumble’s monetization options include ad revenue sharing, exclusive rights management, and more, allowing creators to earn significantly from their content.

The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and a wide variety of content categories, including news, vlogs, and educational videos.

Rumble has gained popularity among creators who seek to avoid the censorship policies of larger platforms like YouTube.

6. Dtube

Decentralized tube, in short Dtube is a video sharing and streaming platform powered by communities. It has been active since 2016.

Users can vote for videos they like and the creators can get rewards in the form of cryptocurrency. A win-win situation for all.

Its ad-free user experience gives it an upper hand against competitors.

Unlike other video streaming platforms, D-tube never counts views and instead counts votes on videos. It also doesn’t allow users to delete videos once uploaded due to voting features incorporated.

It is relatively a small player compared to video sites like Youtube, it has a bunch of online content creators trying to innovate new approaches.

DTube can be an alternative platform to YouTube.

7. PeerTube

Available in 28 languages, Peer Tube was actively launched in Jan 2021. It is powered by Activity Pub and Web Torrent.

This online video platform like YouTube works as an open-source and free platform with peer to peer model.

Its framework peer-to-peer model reduces the load on servers and provides a seamless video streaming experience to users.

PeerTube like its competitors is still establishing its identity in the video-sharing platform’s array.

The platform comes with an ad-free experience and doesn’t track your activities which is an added advantage compared to other video sites like YouTube. It allows you to connect with other viewers who are watching the same video.

8. Veoh

Veoh is an online video platform founded in California. It was developed by Dmitry Shapiro and launched in 2004. It provides video streaming customization for its users.

It streams unique studio content and content from independent video production houses. It can also supply user-generated videos to customers on the platform.

This platform gives an option to upload videos of any length which is rare to find in any other YouTube alternative sites.

Recently, when people talked about Veoh, the only thing recurrent was an excess ad-surge on the platform. But, if they work on this problem it can become one of the best online video platforms like YouTube.

9. Twitch

A subsidiary unit of Amazon Inc., Twitch is an American live video streaming platform founded in 2011. This online video platform is predominantly for gamers.

It is operated by twitch interactive and has achieved popularity for its live-streaming feature used majorly by gamers.

Twitch offers an easy and interactive interface to live streamers and is the largest live streaming platform. An integration of chatting, interacting, and sharing content while live streaming has made Twitch one of its kind in the market.

Twitch platform recommends more popular streamers with a high amount of viewers and doesn’t let you edit photos and your thumbnails. This is one of the rare online video platforms having a user age limit to be at least 13 years.

10. Crackle

Crackle is OTT; an over-the-top video streaming service providing hundreds of shows and videos available to users. It was launched in 2004 and is currently owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment.

It is 100 % free and works on an ad-based model, making it an online video platform like YouTube.

With vast choices available as unique content in form of movies, shows, it is entertaining users in 21 countries across the globe. Crackle is a mobile, tablet, smart TVs, desktop, and laptop-friendly software.

With such great content, the unavailability of HD videos sets back its user base a little.

This platform offers a combination of popular movies, TV series and original content. You can sign up for a free account with Crackle to explore more features like parental controls, captions and watch later options.

[Read more about Closed Captions vs Subtitles ]

11. Odysee

Odysee is a decentralized video platform launched in 2020, built on blockchain technology. It allows creators to earn cryptocurrency (LBRY Credits) for their content, fostering a community-driven approach to video sharing.

The platform’s decentralization ensures that content is not controlled by a central authority, promoting free expression. Odysee offers a wide range of content, including Tech reviews, educational videos, entertainment, and blockchain-related content. Users can earn and tip LBRY Credits, providing a unique incentive for both creators and viewers.

12. Bitchute

Creators first; that’s Bitchute’s mantra.

Bitchute is a YouTube alternative site that helps you easily browse channels and videos. Bitchute is a video-sharing platform that operates using peer-to-peer technology

Launched in 2017, it acknowledges video and content creators first and gives them a platform to express and frame their ideas freely.

The registration is optional and does not limit users to obligatory registration before streaming videos and content; thereby providing a secure ecosystem to browse.

It does not use an ad-based model and provides creators a facility to accept payments from users on the platform itself.

Recently, when covid was happening, Bitchute was in the headlines for the effect of spreading misinformation. But they managed to recover later, and thus were able to avoid the criticism. We hope this article has helped you to explore sites similar to YouTube.

Why Hosting Your Videos On YouTube Might Not Be Good For Your Business!

If you are someone who deals with video content, chances are that you’ve uploaded videos on YouTube and embedded them on your website. This might be an easier and cheaper way to host your videos but it might not always be the best. 

YouTube works great when you want to increase your reach on the platform and grow your audience. But as a business with an already established target audience, it might not be great for you. Especially if you are dealing with premium content. The best place to host videos is on your own website. You can rely on a video hosting service to take care of all the video infrastructure. It’ll take care of the seamless delivery of your content along with safeguarding your content. 

These are some of the benefits you’d get from choosing an online video platform. 

Video Protection:

If your website has premium content, chances are that your videos can be downloaded and pirated illegally by users. In order to ensure that your content is not being downloaded, you’d need a service that protects your videos. 

Video hosting platforms like VdoCipher use DRM Technology which ensures that your content cant is downloaded thus helping to ensure that you don’t lose revenue due to piracy. With YouTube, you don’t get such security plus your content can be easily downloaded using tools easily. With online video platforms, you can restrict videos to a certain domain so that these videos only play on these websites only. You can even password protect your videos and ensure that your videos are protected form screen recording as well. In case the user somehow screen records your videos, you’ll have an option of dynamic watermarking which is a text overlay on videos containing user details, which makes it easy to identify the source of any download and leaks, ultimately discouraging any sort of screen recording.

Technical Support:

YouTube doesn’t have any dedicated support. So in case anything goes down you need to rely on the documentation or through their support community. With a video hosting platform, you’d get access to dedicated 24*7 support to help you through the setup process and with any other issues you may get while playback of your videos.

Customization Options:

With YouTube, you won’t get the option to customize the video player according to your own brand, plus at the end of videos, your user might get suggestions to watch other videos, causing other distractions and making your users go away from your platform. 

With a video platform, you’d get a video platform that you can customize according to your own branding and you can change the controls according to your own requirements. 

So all in all, if you are someone looking to host your videos, it s best to go for an online video platform to build your own video website like YouTube.

Which is Your Favourite Online Video Platform Like YouTube?

YouTube is still the number one online video platform when it comes to popularity. But, due to some of the recent issues like overuse of ads and complaints on content, users are looking for an alternative.

If you are looking for an alternative platform, you can try out all the 12 video sites similar to YouTube mentioned here. We agree that they cannot completely replace YouTube. But, these online video platforms are on par with YouTube, when it comes to quality, content, and ease of use. Thus making it worth a try.

Which of the above is your favorite? Did we miss any other alternative video sites like YouTube on this list? Mention it in the comments. We’ve recently published a blog on the history of Youtube, do check it out to know more about how the platform rose to its current status. 

Why Do You Need An Online Video Platform Like YouTube?

FAQ On Video Platforms Like YouTube

Which are the best video platforms like YouTube with fewer restrictions?

Below are some of the best video platforms with fewer restrictions

• Dailymotion
• Vimeo
• Rumble
• Veoh
• DTube
• VdoCipher

What are the common features of video websites?

Some of the important features of video websites are:

• Provides an option to easily stream live videos
• You can manage privacy and security with ease
• Easily browse videos by category and filter out videos
• Easily Customize your video

Is there a good alternative video platforms like YouTube?

Few alternate video platforms similar to YouTube include Dailymotion, Vimeo, Twitch, DTube, Rumble, Flickr, Veoh which offer users a variety of options for uploading and viewing content. You can always rely on VdoCipher as a great YouTube Alternative, Vimeo alternative and more.

Why should you look for YouTube Alternatives?

Few reasons to prefer other video platforms

• YouTube tracks lots of aspects of your behavior. If that is something that you can avoid you can consider using other video platforms
• There are more innovative video platforms to consider where you get engaging content and different features.      

Rahul Rana

Head of Digital Marketing at Vdocipher. I love the art of connecting the right product to their users. When i’m not doing that i love getting lost in books.

www.vdocipher.com/

The post Top 12 Online Video Platforms Like YouTube (2024) | YouTube Alternatives appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

The challenges range from managing video hosting to structuring courses and ensuring a seamless user experience. Without the right tools, it can feel overwhelming to bring your educational vision to life.

However, this is where WordPress LMS plugins come to the rescue. These powerful tools simplify the process, allowing you to effortlessly host videos, manage courses, track student progress, and more.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best WordPress LMS plugins available, highlighting their key features and how they can transform your WordPress site into a fully functional online learning platform. 

WordPress LMS plugins help you build a scalable online course website without any coding experience. 

Buckle up if you are looking for answers to questions like, 

What Are the Benefits of Using a WordPress LMS Plugin?

As a course creator, you know the power of engaging learning experiences. However, managing everything, from content creation to student progress, is challenging!

That’s where knowing the benefits of the LMS plugins makes you confident and puts you at ease. Let’s explore them.

Streamlined Course Management

With WordPress LMS plugins, you can build well-structured courses without any hassle.

They help you organize modules, quizzes, assignments, and other learning materials effortlessly.

Not just that, you can also track student progress, manage enrollment, and deliver content efficiently—all within a centralized and intuitive dashboard.

Enhanced User Experience

With the right plugin in place, you can ensure seamless course navigation and help your students easily access materials, track their progress, and stay engaged throughout the course.

Features like progress bars and completion certificates can add tangible markers of achievement, boosting self-efficacy and motivation.

You can also add discussion forums to encourage active participation while developing a sense of community among your course students.

Scalable Learning Solutions

With a WordPress course plugin, you can easily adapt to the updates or enhancements required in the course, like adding a new lesson or a new media file in the resource section.

Whether it’s integrating new technologies, revising content, or adding interactive features, the flexibility of these plugins ensures that your evolving course is accessible without interruption.

To understand this, imagine you have a course on bicycle maintenance, and one video lesson shows how to fix a flat tire. But a new type of patch comes out, and you want to update the video with the new patching method.

Now, without plugins, you’d likely need to edit the entire video, replace the outdated patching segment, and re-upload it. This could be time-consuming.

But with plugins, you get the flexibility to make:

Targeted Editing: You can just replace the patching technique part with the new method, keeping the rest of the video the same.

Text Overlays and Annotations: You can showcase the new patching method through an overlay on top of the original video, explaining the steps.

Improved Engagement through Interactive Content

Advanced LMS plugins help you transform passive lectures into a dynamic learning portal. You can integrate interactive elements like quizzes, multimedia content, and collaborative activities.

Using these course plugins, you can also introduce gamification techniques like points, levels, badges, leaderboards, and other challenges.   

On top of that, collaborative features like forums and group projects can also be easily implemented in your learning portal.

Seamless Integration with Other Tools

One of the key challenges for any creator or developer is connecting seamlessly with the tools they already use in their workflow. This is where, once again, LMS for WordPress benefits you with easy API integrations.

You can integrate with email marketing platforms and connect with payment gateways effortlessly. 

Also, you can use membership plugins to grant exclusive access to premium content.

Now that you’ve seen how WordPress LMS plugins can transform your fear into confidence, let’s explore the setup process!

How to Set Up an LMS Plugin on WordPress 

Get ready to dive into creating an LMS (Learning Management System) website using WordPress and explore the steps involved in setting up an LMS plugin.

We will discuss the complete process, including choosing the right plugin, installation, configuration, and course creation.

Step 1: Choose the Right WordPress LMS Plugin

The LMS plugin ecosystem offers a variety of options, each with its own strengths and target audience.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular choices to help you find the perfect fit for your needs:

Remember, the best LMS plugin for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. And don’t forget to consider the factors mentioned below when making your choice.

Beyond Features: Factors to Consider when choosing an WordPress LMS Plugin

Ease of Use:

How comfortable are you with technology? Do you have some technical knowledge or do you want a complete user-friendly plugin that can clearly show you the steps to upload videos, add media, or edit videos as required?

Let’s say, you’re a yoga instructor with limited technical experience who is willing to offer online classes. In that case, a complex LMS like LearnDash with a steep learning curve could be frustrating.  

What you need is a user-friendly plugin like LifterLMS or Tutor LMS. Their intuitive interfaces make it easy to add new lessons, videos, and quizzes without any extensive technical knowledge.

Course Complexity:

Do you need features for advanced courses (quizzes, certificates)? Consider these, as it totally depends on you, your interests, and your purpose.

For example, if you’re a data scientist who has created an in-depth online course with advanced quizzes, graded assignments, and personalized learning paths, then a basic LMS with limited features won’t be sufficient for you.

You will need a powerful LMS like LearnDash or LearnPress, which offer features like drip content, advanced quizzing functionalities, and integrations with tools like Google Forms for collecting assignments.

Budget:

Do you need basic free options or premium plugins with extended functionalities?

Think about that!

Because you might be creating a course to help your audience, build your personal brand, or even just to feel good.

And if you’re just starting out with a small online course and have limited funds, then spending a lot on an WordPress LMS plugin might not be feasible for you.

In that case, you can explore free LMS options like Sensei or the free version of Tutor LMS. 

These plugins offer basic functionalities that can be a great starting point, especially for smaller courses.

At any point, you can always consider upgrading to a paid plan for more features.

Scalability:

Will your course audience and content likely grow in the future?

Asking this question is essential because not every plugin can provide a high level of scalability.

To understand this, imagine you’re a passionate baker who decides to share his/her expertise through an online course. You start with a small group of students. 

The course becomes a hit, and suddenly, you find yourself with hundreds of students enrolling each month.

Now, If you’re using an LMS that can’t handle a large number of students, you might encounter problems like:

• Slow loading times 
• Technical glitches lead to crashes or errors.

With a scalable LMS like LearnDash or LifterLMS, you don’t face such performance issues.

Community Support:

This is again one of the important factors to consider. You need strong community support to provide a smooth learning experience and long-term success. Here’s why: 

Troubleshooting and Bugs:

Even the best plugins encounter issues. This is where an active community forum allows you to find solutions from other users or developers.

Customization and Integration:

LMS plugins offer customization options, but you might need help to tailor them to your needs. And a vibrant community can provide code snippets, tutorials, and other workarounds.

Updates and Compatibility:

LMS plugins need to keep pace with the evolving WordPress environment and other plugins. And having a community keeps you informed about updates and compatibility issues.

For example, you want to add a gamification element to your course, but the plugin doesn’t have a built-in feature.

Now, with a plugin like LifterLMS (which has a strong developer community and third-party integrations), you can search for community-developed add-ons to gamify your courses or explore integrations with gamification plugins like GamiPress.

Step 2: Installing and Activating Plugin

Once you are set with the plugin selection, it’s time to get your chosen LMS plugin up and activated on your WordPress website. 

Here’s a closer look at the steps involved:

1. Navigate to the “Plugins” section in your WordPress dashboard: This is where you’ll manage all the plugins you use on your website. 
2. Click “Add New” and search for your chosen LMS plugin: This opens the WordPress plugin directory, where you can find thousands of free and paid plugins. Search for the name of the specific LMS plugin you decided on in Step 1.
3. Install and activate the plugin: Once you find your chosen LMS plugin, you’ll usually see an “Install Now” button. Click that button, and WordPress will download and install the plugin on your website. 
4. After installation is complete, the button will change to “Activate”. Click “Activate” to turn on the plugin and make it available for use.

That’s it!

These are the basic steps for installing and activating most LMS plugins on WordPress. Some WordPress LMS plugins might have additional configuration steps after activation, but those will be specific to the plugin you choose.

With the plugin activated, it’s time to configure your settings.

Initial Setup and Configuration

At this stage, you make your online learning platform ready for students. It’s like setting up a shop before you open the doors for business.

Here’s a breakdown of the key things you’ll likely configure:

Course creation settings: This is where you decide how students will access your learning materials. You’ll typically choose:

Content delivery methods: Will students access content through streaming, downloadable files, or a combination of both?

Enrollment options: How can students sign up for your course? Will it be free, paid, or require approval?

Payment gateways (if applicable): If you’re offering paid courses, you’ll need to set up a secure way for students to pay. That involves integrating a payment gateway service like PayPal or Stripe with your platform.

Email integrations: This automates emailing students about important information. You can set up emails for:

• Welcome messages after enrollment
• Reminders about upcoming deadlines or lectures
• Course updates and announcements

By configuring these settings, you create a smooth experience for both you and your students. 

Step 3: Creating Your First Course

Here comes the exciting part – crafting your course!

While specific interfaces may vary, most LMS platforms provide similar tools for building your course. Here’s a general breakdown:

Lesson Modules:

Think of these as chapters in your course. You’ll likely be able to create modules, and then add lessons within each module.

Content Upload:

This allows you to upload various content types like videos, PDFs, audio recordings, presentations, and text documents.

Quizzes and Assessments:

Evaluate student learning with quizzes, multiple-choice questions, or even open-ended assignments.

Drip Content:

Schedule content releases to students at specific intervals, keeping them engaged and coming back for more.

Structuring and Organizing Your Content: Tips for Success

Maintain Clarity:

Break down your course into manageable modules and lessons.

Build a logical Flow:

Structure content in a logical sequence that builds upon prior knowledge.

Add Dynamism:

Integrate multimedia elements and interactive activities to keep students engaged.

Clear Communication:

Provide concise instructions and explanations throughout the course.

Wrap it Up Confidently:

Conclude your course with a comprehensive summary module reinforcing key takeaways.  

Also, consider including a final assessment or project to solidify learning.

Customizing Your LMS Plugin for Optimal Performance

Once you’ve got the basics of your WordPress LMS plugin down, it’s time to fine-tune it for a stellar user experience that would potentially boost your course’s effectiveness. 

Here’s a deep dive into three key areas for customization:

Design and Layout Customization

With WordPress course plugins, you can control your platform’s look and feel.

Theme Compatibility and Customization Options:

Theme compatibility refers to how well a plugin works with a specific theme. While most plugins are designed to work with a wide range of themes, there can be occasional conflicts. These can cause visual glitches, broken functionality, or even crash your website. 

Hence, It’s always a good idea to check for compatibility before installing a plugin.

Customization options refer to ways in which you can modify the look and feel of your website’s theme. There are two main approaches to customization: using the built-in options of your theme and using plugins.

Theme Customization Options:

Many themes come with built-in customization options accessible through a visual interface in your WordPress dashboard. These options can typically include:

• Color schemes: Change the primary and accent colors of your theme.
• Typography: Choose different fonts for headings, body text, and other elements.
• Layouts: Select from pre-designed layouts for your homepage, blog posts, and other pages.
• Backgrounds: Upload custom background images or choose from a library of patterns.
• Logos and favicons: Upload your own logo and favicon to personalize your brand identity.

Plugin-based Customization Options:

While theme options offer a good starting point, plugins can unlock a whole new level of customization:

• Page Builders: These popular plugins (e.g., Elementor, Beaver Builder) use drag-and-drop interfaces to let you build complex layouts for your pages without needing to write code.
• Header & Footer Builders: Plugins like Header and Footer Editor allow you to customize the header and footer sections of your website independently of your theme.
• Typography Plugins: Advanced typography plugins like Google Fonts Typography give you more control over your fonts, including weight, size, and line spacing.
• Custom Login Page Customizer: These plugins come in handy when you want to customize the login page to match your website’s branding.  
• Mega Menu Plugins: Plugins like Max Mega Menu work as a complete menu management plugin, enabling you to create complex and visually appealing navigation menus.

Enhancing User Experience (UX):

WordPress LMS plugins can transform your website into a powerful learning platform. But how do they make learning enjoyable for your users? Here’s a quick look:

• Engaging Content:  LMS plugins like LearnDash or LifterLMS allow you to add videos, quizzes, and interactive exercises, making learning fun and memorable.  
• Personalized Learning: Plugins like Sensei LMS or MemberPress offer features to create personalized learning paths based on a user’s skills or interests.  
• Community Building: Plugins like bbPress or BuddyPress can integrate forums and discussion boards into your LMS platform; they help you create a sense of community, allowing learners to share knowledge and collaborate.
• Gamification & Progress Tracking: LMS plugins like gamification add-ons for LearnDash or GamiPress award badges can keep users motivated and engaged. 

For example, a fitness course could award badges for completed workouts with the Ultimate Badge System plugin and create a leaderboard with the GamiPress plugin to spark friendly competition.

• Mobile-Friendly Learning: Many WordPress LMS plugins are optimized for mobile devices, allowing learners to access courses anytime, anywhere. 

By implementing these features with WordPress LMS plugins, you can create a user-friendly and engaging learning experience that keeps students coming back for more.  

2. Monetization Strategies

WordPress LMS plugins empower you to create valuable online courses, but how do you convert that value into income? 

This is where monetization strategies help you build a thriving online business on top of a knowledge-sharing platform.

2.1 Course Sales 

This is the most straightforward approach. Students pay a single fee upfront for lifetime access to your course content. This model works well for comprehensive, stand-alone courses.

2.2 Subscription Models

Monthly/Yearly Memberships: Where you offer access to a library of courses (including new releases) for a recurring monthly or yearly membership fee. This helps you build long-term student engagement and provides a predictable income stream. 

You can consider using plugins like Paid Memberships Pro or MemberPress to manage memberships.

Drip Content: When you release course content in stages over time, you keep your students engaged and motivate them to maintain their subscriptions to access the latest modules.

2.3 Certification Programs

You can charge an additional fee for students who want to receive a completion certificate upon finishing your course. 

This adds value and credibility to your program, while also adding a monetization stream to your business. 

  2.4 Bundled Courses

You can offer discounted packages that combine multiple related courses at a lower price than purchasing them individually. This encourages students to invest more in a broader range of expertise.

2.5 Freemium Model:

Provide a limited portion of your course content for free as a teaser, with the full course available for purchase. This allows potential students to experience your teaching style and values before committing financially. 

Once you are set with your monetization strategy, here are a few additional considerations to get the most from your marketing efforts:

Integrate Secure Payment Gateways:

Utilize trusted payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe to ensure secure and smooth transaction processing for your students.

Implement Discount Codes and Affiliate Programs:

• Offer discount codes for targeted promotions or as part of marketing campaigns to attract new students.
• Develop an affiliate program to encourage others(partners/affiliates) to promote your courses and earn a commission on each sale they generate. 

You can explore plugins like AffiliateWP to manage affiliate programs.

3. User Management and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

The performance of your WordPress LMS is directly related to user management and role-based access control. Here is why,

Enhance Security:

You can limit access to sensitive information based on user roles.

Improve Efficiency:

Streamlining course administration and user management tasks becomes easy and better.

Scale Effectively:

You can easily add new users and roles as your LMS platform grows.

To help you better understand, here are the different user roles and their respective designated permissions:

Administrator:

Has full control over the LMS platform, including managing users, courses, settings, and payment gateways. This role is typically reserved for the LMS owner or a designated administrator.

Instructor:

Creates and manages courses, uploads content, interacts with students through forums and discussions, and can track student progress.

Student:

Enrolls in courses, accesses course materials, completes assignments, and takes quizzes. Students may also have the ability to interact with instructors and other students in forums or discussion boards (depending on your LMS configuration).

Editor:

May have permission to edit course content created by instructors, but typically cannot create new courses or manage users. 

Note:

The specific permissions assigned to each role will depend on your LMS platform and your course requirements.

Here are some additional roles you might consider creating:

Teaching Assistant:

Assist instructors with managing courses, grading assignments, and providing basic student support.

Content Creator:

Develops and uploads course materials (e.g., videos, quizzes) but may not have instructor privileges like interacting with students.

Customer Support:

Provides technical support to students who encounter issues while navigating the LMS platform.

Setting Up Role-Based Access and Permissions:

Step 1: Define roles as mentioned above.

Step 2: Assign permissions based on roles.

Permissions are the access levels. Although each LMS plugin might have its own approach, here are some common permission areas to consider for each role:

Course Management: Who can create, edit, and delete courses? Can they manage content, assignments, and quizzes within their courses? (Likely Instructors and Admins)

User Management: Who can add, edit, and delete user accounts? This is typically reserved for Administrators to maintain security.

Content Access: Which roles can view specific course materials, quizzes, and assignments? Students typically only have access to their enrolled courses, while Instructors and Admins may have broader access.

Payment Processing: Who can manage payment gateways and view student transactions? (Restricted to Administrators in most cases.)

System Settings: Who can modify LMS settings and configurations? (Limited to Administrators)

Step 3: Test, Test, and Test!

Now, it’s time to test your configuration. Create test accounts for each role (Admin, Instructor, Student) and try to perform actions that would be typical for that role. This ensures they have the appropriate level of access and nothing is accidentally left open.

By strategically customizing your WordPress LMS plugin in these ways, you can create an engaging learning environment, tap into various revenue models, and manage your online courses efficiently.

Which WordPress LMS Plugins Can You Use to Embed Videos on Your Website?

WordPress offers built-in video embedding, but for more control and advanced features, you can consider using a video plugin.

Here’s a breakdown of some top options to elevate your website’s video experience:

1. VdoCipher (Security & Monetization Focused)

Features:

• VdoCipher prioritizes security with features like DRM encryption, watermarking, and access restrictions.
• Offer pay-per-view, subscriptions, and rentals for your videos, perfect for creating premium video content.
• Facilitate insights into viewer engagement with comprehensive video analytics.

Benefits:

• Ideal for protecting sensitive video content and generating revenue through your videos.
• Powerful analytics help you understand your audience and optimize your video strategy.

2. WP Video Lightbox (Lightbox & Engagement Focused)

Features:

• Showcase your videos in beautiful lightbox popups that grab attention and keep viewers engaged.
• Integrate with popular membership plugins to deliver exclusive video content to paying subscribers.
• Encourage viewers to share your videos on social media platforms with built-in sharing buttons.

Benefits:

• Increases video engagement with lightbox popups and social sharing features.
• Perfect for creating exclusive video content for premium memberships.

3. Video Gallery (Versatility & Customization Focused)

Features:

• Create stunning video galleries with a variety of grid layouts, responsive design, and customization options.
• Embed videos from various sources, including YouTube, Vimeo, and self-hosted videos.
• Easily organize your videos into engaging playlists to keep viewers watching.

Benefits:

• Maximum flexibility for creating custom video galleries that match your website’s design.
• Flexibility to add custom link on single videos in gallery views.

4. Jetpack VideoPress(Security & Monetization Focused)

Features:

• Secure video storage and high-performance playback through a global Content Delivery Network (CDN).
• Track basic metrics like video views and engagement to analyze video performance.
• Allows you to add subtitles, chapters, captions, private videos, and poster images.

Benefits:

• Upload, store, and manage your videos efficiently within WordPress.
• Provides control over branding and avoids distractions with ad-free playback.

5. Presto Player (Security and Engagement-focused)

Features:

• Supports multiple video hosting platforms for optimized delivery.
• Employs performance optimizations like lazy loading and adaptive bitrate streaming for smooth playback.
• Works perfectly with the built-in WordPress block editor (Gutenberg) and other page builders such as Elementor and Beaver Builder.

Benefits:

• Sticky players and autoplay options maximize your viewing time and engagement.
• Private videos can keep your students logged in to your website longer to view them.

6. Easy Video Player (Ease and Customization Focused)

Features:

• Easily embed videos from popular platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion with just a few clicks.
• Automatically adjusts to different screen sizes, ensuring optimal viewing experience on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.

Benefits: 

• You can ensure that your video complements your website design.
• Video autoplay and video loop give more control to the visibility of your video content.

These are just a few examples, and the best plugin for you depends on your specific needs.  Prioritize factors like security, monetization options, engagement features, and customization flexibility when making your choice.

Which WordPress LMS Plugins Should You Consider?

With so many options available, choosing the right WordPress LMS plugins might feel overwhelming, Here is the breakdown of some popular plugins with their pros and cons, so that you can make a choice:

LearnDash

Known for its robust feature set and flexibility, LearnDash is ideal for creators with complex learning structures. You can build courses with quizzes, assignments, drip content, and certificates.

Its extensive customization options allow you to create a learning experience that perfectly aligns with your brand. However, the demanding learning and higher price point might be a concern for beginners.

Lifter LMS

If user-friendliness is your priority, LifterLMS is the way to go. Its intuitive interface makes course creation and management effortless. And the fully responsive design ensures that your courses look great on any device.

It offers a free version that allows creators to get the benefits of the core plugin,

While the advanced features like memberships and certificates often require paid add-ons. 

Tutor LMS

It’s a new rising plugin, trying to make its name with a focus on providing streamlined course creation and mobile-ready learning.

While the freemium model provides a solid foundation to get you started, affordable add-ons unlock advanced features like content dripping and prerequisites.

However, as a newer platform, it has a smaller community and its feature set might not be as extensive as established options.

Sensei

Created by the team behind WooCommerce, Sensei could be your choice if you have already invested in the WooCommerce ecosystem.  

With a user-friendly interface, It integrates seamlessly with WooCommerce stores. You can create and sell your courses along with your other products in the store.

A free version is also available but is not extensive as compared to paid options like LearnDash, and customization possibilities are limited.

LearnPress

LearnPress is a feature-rich free plugin that caters to a wide range of course creation needs. It offers core functionalities like lessons, quizzes, and assignments, with paid add-ons unlocking advanced features like content dripping, memberships, and course certificates.  

It is also enriched by a large community and extensive resources, which makes it a good option for those comfortable with some technical setup.

Courseware

If membership-based courses are your focus, Courseware is the option as it integrates well with membership plugins like Paid Memberships Pro. 

This plugin offers decent course creation features, but its overall functionality might be less robust than some competitors.

Thinkfic

It’s a good option for beginners with its user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop course builder.

It provides course creation, hosting, marketing tools, and built-in payment processing. 

However, Thinkific has a higher price tag and less flexibility compared to some WordPress plugins.

Kajabi

Similar to Thinkific, Kajabi is an all-in-one platform with a focus on selling online courses. It offers features like landing pages, email marketing, and sales funnels, alongside course creation tools. 

Its robust functionalities come with the highest price point on this list and less flexibility for complex course structures.

Conclusion

We’ve covered a lot of ground, from the benefits of using WordPress LMS plugins to their setup, customization, and even selecting the best option for your needs.

LMS Plugin’s powerful features allow you to streamline course management, create engaging learning experiences, and even scale your offerings—all within your WordPress website.

By implementing them, you gain the tools to create engaging online courses and manage learning content effectively.

Don’t wait- take the first step, and for any point of confusion, reach out to us at support@vdocipher.com.

Rahul Rana

Head of Digital Marketing at Vdocipher. I love the art of connecting the right product to their users. When i’m not doing that i love getting lost in books.

www.vdocipher.com/

The post WordPress LMS Plugins To Create Online Course Website appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

In this article, I’ll explore how it all began for YouTube and how it ultimately rose to the behemoth it is now.

What was the Original Use Case of Youtube?

On February 14, 2005, Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim founded YouTube as an online video-sharing platform. YouTube’s creators aimed to make it simple for individuals to publish and distribute videos globally. Before the introduction of YouTube, there were no viable online video-sharing platforms. Therefore, Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim devised a plan to create a website where individuals could share online recordings of their lovely experiences.

Despite its humble beginnings, YouTube has become the most popular website for uploading videos and the second most viewed website after Google. On April 23, 2005, they launched the first video, “Me at the Zoo,” with Jawed Karim. However, these services needed several steps before video posting and were pricey for users, who had to pay to share films.

The three founders began their work in Mellon Park, California, with a vision of creating a platform that would enable users to share videos easily online. This website allows users to publish, view, comment, like, and share videos with fewer restrictions than its predecessors. Unlike prior video-uploading platforms, YouTube eventually became an excellent video-sharing website in the world.

Who Founded YouTube & How Was It Created?

It all started when Steve Chen’s flat hosted the other YouTube founders for supper. Chen and his buddy Chad Hurley spent the party taking photographs and videos of each other. All of them were ex-workers of the American e-commerce firm PayPal- Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim.

The pals created a video-sharing service after seeing a desire to distribute videos online. They realized that new websites like Flickr made sharing digital photos simpler, thus, a platform for sharing videos was viable. Chen was a great coder, while Hurley’s design skills could make a new Web site appealing.

First, the three creators resolved to create simple software for everyone, including non-technical people. They also intended to create a video upload and viewing app that didn’t need any special software. They also sought to avoid requiring site users to register to see shared footage. Finally, the creators needed a fast search capability to discover video archives.

To start planning, the crew moved to a larger workspace above a pizza and Japanese restaurant in San Mateo, California. Their first video – Me at the Zoo was published on April 23, 2005; they shared most of the site’s activity in May 2005. YouTube began six months later, in November 2005. YouTube received US$11.5 million in the same month.

Around 65000 new videos were posted daily and had 100 million views, dazzling the digital industry. Google bought YouTube for US$1.65 billion the same year. YouTube added video adverts. In August 2007, YouTube introduced pre-roll ads after Chad Hurley first rejected them because they would be bothersome to users. In January 2009, it had a 43% market share and 6 billion video views. Since then, YouTube has become the ideal cinematic platform for artists to show their talents.

First YouTube Video

One of the three co-founders of YouTube, Jawed Karim, uploaded the first video to YouTube, an 18-second movie taken in the San Diego Zoo and named “Me at the Zoo.” The video, uploaded on April 24, 2005, has over 240 million views.

First Million Views Video

The viral video that contributed to YouTube breaking this record was a Nike advertisement depicting Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho collecting his Golden Boots. In September 2005, the video received its first million views. This attracted not just many views but also Nike’s understanding of YouTube’s advertising potential.

YouTube’s Growth Phase (Pre-Google)

YouTube’s trademark, logo, and domain were registered on February 14, 2005.

Former PayPal workers Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim hatched the concept a year before YouTube’s formal start while attending a dinner party in San Francisco. Karim said in a 2006 interview that the driving force was the impediment to obtaining internet recordings of Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction at the 2004 Super Bowl and of that winter’s terrible tsunami.

On April 24, 2005, the site’s first video was uploaded (18 seconds long)

Considering the videos that often become popular on YouTube, one could assume that the first video ever uploaded to the platform was bizarre. Also, it’s a short film of co-founder Jawed Karim praising the elephants’ “very, really big trunks” as he stands near them at the zoo. 

Its beta website became up in May 2005.

To illustrate how far YouTube has progressed since this occasion, here is a screenshot of its original homepage.

In September 2005, the video received its first million views

The viral video that contributed to YouTube breaking this record was a Nike advertisement depicting Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho collecting his Golden Boots. This attracted not just many views but also Nike’s understanding of YouTube’s advertising potential.

On December 15, 2005, the site officially emerged from beta.

Due to Sequoia Capital’s $3.5 million investment, YouTube launched its website by strengthening its servers and expanding its bandwidth.

In June 2006, a deal with NBC ushers in a new digital age for the conventional media corporation.

In February 2006, NBC demanded that YouTube remove one of their televised SNL video (“Lazy Sunday”), claiming copyright violations. Not only did the video-sharing website comply with the request, but it also started its Content Verification Program, assisting other content owners in preventing future infringements (by locating and removing videos that infringe their copyrights). Later, NBC recommended that YouTube advertise its fall television program. This agreement made successful relationships with other content producers possible.

October 2006: Google’s acquisition

Google purchased the fast-expanding video-sharing network for $1.65 billion after seeing its potential as “the next phase in the development of the Internet.”

YouTube’s Early Success- A Quick Look at the Growth of YouTube 

May 2007: Partner Program launch

This enables YouTube to pay ordinary individuals for viral content. Therefore, some individuals have made six-figure salaries via YouTube by converting their interests into companies.

April 2011: Launching YouTube Live

Thus, YouTube began broadcasting concerts, royal weddings, news, and the Olympics.

December 2012: First billion-hit video

“Gangnam Style” was YouTube’s most-watched video until June 2020, when “Despacito” topped it with 6.8 billion views. Also, YouTube “broke” from “Gangnam Style” views. The view counter was modified to a 64-bit integer to record values more significant than 32 bits. In August 2012, the video-sharing platform covered the presidential elections.

November 2014: Music Key is introduced.

This service streamed music videos without ads. YouTube Red replaced Music Key (2015).

November 2015: YouTube Red launch

This YouTube subscription removes ads. 2018 saw YouTube Premium.

September 2016: YouTube Go debuts

Google launches YouTube Go, a low-end software for offline watching in places with poor internet. Also, YouTube Go lets users download videos.

April 2018: YouTube headquarters shooting

38-year-old Nasim Najafi Aghdam was the shooter. She killed herself after injuring three people, one seriously. Also, he claimed YouTube discriminated against her channels.

May 2018: YouTube Red becomes YouTube Premium.

On May 17, 2018, YouTube rebranded YouTube Red to YouTube Premium. YouTube also relaunched its YouTube Music subscription service.

November 2018: YouTube ad pod testing.

Google began testing ad pods, “two commercials stacked back-to-back, so viewers can go straight to the content if it’s not the correct ad for them,” on November 21, 2018. Why? “When viewers watch two commercials in a break, they’re less likely to be disturbed by advertising later,” they say. Result? To boost ad views and monetization. Ad pods are unpopular with viewers, and a petition has been filed.

September 2019: YouTube launches Video Reach.

YouTube introduces AI-powered ads. At Advertising Week in New York, its new Video Reach marketing platform employs machine learning to find the best ad combinations. Advertisers will stop controlling categories: better outcomes, ad format flexibility, audience engagement and reach, and cheaper advertising expenditures.

June 2020: YouTube eliminates categories.

YouTube categories become less relevant as algorithms get more complicated and understandable. YouTube relied on people to categorize videos back then. The system classifies videos and shows them to the most probable viewers.

January 2022: YouTube is the second-most popular social network globally.

YouTube rules video social media with 2.2 billion monthly active users, according to statista.com.

YouTube’s Google Acquisition

The existence of YouTube in 2022 is counting 17 years. In the recent history of YouTube, YouTube has evolved as a friendly video-sharing platform. It is now even a very big market for under 1 min short videos. Eventually, it is a place where you can find anything you want and get it under your comfortable watch time. Whatever you want to watch, or answers to questions you are looking for, YouTube will be pleased to solve your problem. YouTube has now become the real monopolist of the online video world, having the biggest video content storage and growth.

In October 2006, Google acquired the consumer media company YouTube for a hefty amount of $1.65 billion. At that time, YouTube dominated the video market for user-generated content (UGC). Foreigner Google Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt saw the deal as the next big step in the evolution of the Internet. Under the deal, YouTube will continue to retain its brand, its new headquarters in San Bruno, and all 67 employees, including co-founders Chad Hurley and Steve Chen.

The all-stock deal was seen as the most expensive deal made by Google in its eight-year history. Google’s strategy was to tap into the promising video and social network market, explore the revenue increments in the video-sharing space and utilize network effects massively by targeting kids, youths, and artists.

Along with YouTube, Google integrated with other purchases like Episodic – an online video platform startup (2010),  Rights Flow – music rights management (2011), Vidmaker – video editing provider (2014), Launchpad Toys (2015), child-friendly apps production integrated into YouTube for kids. In 2005, Google spent nearly $130.5 million to buy 15 companies.

YouTube’s Ad and Subscription based business model

Adwords/Adsense 

Most of Google’s revenue is from its proprietary advertising service, Google AdWords. Whenever a visitor clicks on an advertisement, advertisers may earn between a few cents to more than $5, especially for highly competitive searches like insurance, houses and loans. It is to be noted that Adwords is the platform through which advertisers place Ads on YouTube and pay for them to google. These Ads get displayed via Adsense, through which creators earn a share.

YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium offers uninterrupted ad-free YouTube and YouTube Music starting at $11.99/month. YouTube shares a part of your premium monthly membership fee with creators. Best of all, the more videos you watch from your favorite creators, the more money they make. Currently, YouTube ‘Premium Lite’ is being piloted in some regions of Europe, offering more affordable premium subscriptions. The model will lack some of the YouTube Premium features like offline downloads and background playback.

Channel membership

YouTube Channel Membership is a paid monthly subscription to a channel. The subscribers pay a monthly fee to access extra benefits, exclusive content, and support for their favorite creators. The membership offerings may include exclusive live streams, live chat, badges, and custom emojis. Prices will vary by creator and country, but in the United States, pricing options range from $0.99 to $99.99 per month. YouTube takes a 30% share of the channel’s membership profits. 

Pay per View

A lot of YouTube content is available on a pay-per-view basis. These include movies, shows, and other video content that can be purchased or rented for viewing at a low cost.

YouTube TV 

YouTube TV is a TV streaming service in the United States that lets paid subscribers watch live TV from 100+ broadcast, cable, and regional sports networks. The base plan costs $64.99 per month. As of April 2022, YouTube TV has surpassed 5 million paid subscribers in just five years.

YouTube Partner Program and ad-based revenue for channels

YouTube Partner Program or YPP mainly provides creators access to YouTube monetization features. This way, a revenue-sharing model gets followed, and the video creator gets entitled to share in ads getting flashed or based on premium users’ watch time. For YouTube Shorts monetization, Google distributed a separate budget of $100 million among the creators according to the watch time. Later, there are speculations of YouTube shorts becoming part of YPP for revenue sharing.

Current YPP Minimum Requirements

With YouTube gaining more popularity, rules to become a part of the YouTube Partner Program are also getting stringent. Current policy states to have some minimum eligibility requirements before joining. Such as,

• Adhere to all Community guidelines and YouTube channel monetization guidelines. They are the rules to be followed during the creation and for any monetization activity. If these compliance are not met per the stated agreement, you will be rejected after the YPP review process. Also, there are chances of an active strike on your channel, and your earnings are in potential danger.
• You must be a resident of a country where the YouTube Partner Program is still available.
• It is required to have more than 4000 public watch hours in the preceding 12 months and at least 1000 channel subscribers.
• Finally, you need to sign up and link a Google AdSense account.

Once you meet the above conditions, Sign YPP terms by signing into YouTube and going to YouTube Studio. After that, click on the Monetization option given in the left menu. Now, click Start on the window with “Review Partner Program terms” to acknowledge and sign the terms. This will start a YPP review process, and after completion, you will be notified of acceptance or rejection.

Note: If the minimum requirements of 1000 subscribers and 4000 watch hours are unmet, a  Notify button will appear in the Monetization Review section. This can be opted for getting an email notification if you meet the threshold.

How can a Channel Earn other than YPP or Adsense?

There are multiple ways of earning, even if your channel has been rejected for YPP due to non-compliance. These include promoting other products via your channel or videos. The most used ways have been discussed below.

Sponsored videos

YouTube Sponsored videos are paid for by a sponsor to promote their product or service. Companies and brands reach out to YouTube channels with huge subscriber bases to make a video that can promote their sales. 

Embedded advertisements

Embedded videos show In-stream and InVideo overlay ads.

YouTubers with active advertisement agreements can embed the Ad within the video stream directly when creating the video.

Affiliate Advertisement 

YouTubers can leverage the affiliate programs offered by brands with one-time or even recurring commissions on sales. For example, if a creator decides to promote an editing tool like canva, then they can first create an affiliate account with them. After that, they will get an affiliate link with tracking parameters that need to be placed in your video or channel text description. Conversion through clicks on the link will earn your affiliate income.

YouTube Features over the years

Major updates have been added to YouTube in the starting years. They range from feature updates like embedding to partnership program launch. So let us look at the rollout timeline wrt the year it became public.

2005

• YouTube’s Beta site launches.
• Video HTML embedding added.
• 5-star rating system
• YouTube’s playlist function was added.

2006

• Added “Groups” feature,  user viewing history, and user profile personalization.
• adds a ten-minute limit to all uploaded videos
• Video responses are allowed. Cellphone video uploading function included

2007

• Partner’s Program launches.
• Allows other languages to be used on YouTube
• Ads enabled for the first time

2008

• Support of 480p videos on the platform.
• Video analytics added.

2009

• 1080p videos are allowed on the platform.
• YouTubes automatic speech recognition service

2010

• YouTube’s feature film rental service launches
• The now ubiquitous “Thumbs” rating system is added to YouTube.
• YouTube enables 4K videos to be uploaded.

2011

• YouTube Live is launched.
• YouTube launches its first original channels after acquiring Next New Networks (an original video programming company)
• YouTube launches its “Youtube Analytics” tool. 

2012

• YouTube merges with Google Video. 

2014

• Music Key is added to the site, a subscription-based service to stream music videos ads free from participating labels on YouTube and Google Play Music. Later superseded by YouTube Red. 

2015

• YouTube Red launches, now YouTube Premium

2016

• YouTube launches its general subscription service. This replaces YouTube Red. 

2018

• Channel Membership launches

2019

• YouTube launches its “Two Ads” feature for the first time.
• Begin to phase out the classic version of YouTube Studio to all content creators by the spring of 2020. 

2020

• Suggested actions to rotate your phone or play a video in VR for a better experience. 
• Bedtime reminders
• Video Chapters feature that will make it easier for users to jump to a specific section of a video, rewatch a part, and more

2021

• Launch of a new Permission Support for Live Control Room, the new ability to add and personalize text within Auto Chapters in Studio, and a new way to visually link to Places Mentioned in videos.

YouTube Studio

The YouTube Studio is the tool that YouTube provides for managing your channel. It contains all the information required to examine a vast quantity of data. Moreover, if the site considers you a partner, you may begin monetizing your channel, evaluating your revenue, and getting free music to use in your movies. 

How YouTube Studio can Help You?

This tool can help you improve the video marketing. To maximize its benefits, you must understand its features. YouTube Studio has these key features.

Manage Channels

You may swap accounts in YouTube Studio by signing in and clicking on your picture in the top right corner. The account change menu will appear.

View Analytics

Monitoring analytics is crucial for strategy development, whether you’re a brand or a content provider. YouTube Studio is known for analytics. It will show your channel’s viewers, views, impressions, interactions, subscriptions, and video playback time. Click “statistics” on the dashboard’s left side to see analytics.

Edit, Program, and Upload Videos

You can edit, post, and schedule your videos using this tool.

It does not have complex editing features, but you may make cuts, combine frames, add a final screen, blurs, video components, or audio.

Allow Access for Multiple Users

YouTube Studio’s business functionality is handy. The left menu’s “Settings” panel’s “Permissions” section enables it. Click “Manage permissions” there. After logging in, click “+” to invite others.

Design Your Playlists

Playlists structure your channel for viewers. They help users find videos they like on your channel. Click “Lists” and “New playlist” to create your playlists.

Manage Comments

YouTube Studio lets you filter user comments. Allow, moderate, or disable comments.

Subtitle Videos

Add subtitles in the languages of the countries where your brand is present and the markets you intend to enter to strengthen your video marketing plan and attract international consumers.

Hide Channel

It takes time to build a following if you just started your channel with a few videos. Therefore, conceal your channel till there is good content. Use the menu’s “Settings” panel. Click “Channel” and “Advanced options.” Finally, click “Remove material from your channel” to remove or conceal your channel.

Get the Latest News on New Features

YouTube Studio news can be checked using Creator Insider. Check it often to make sure to get everything. Find the newest YouTube Studio, and YouTube features here.

YouTube Premium Subscription

YouTube Premium (previously YouTube Red) is a premium membership service that enables users to watch YouTube videos without advertisements and save material for offline viewing.

A YouTube Premium membership provides ad-free, offline, and even screen-locked access to YouTube Music, the company’s music streaming service.

The Advantages of Premium

If you’re considering subscribing to YouTube Premium, there are several things to consider. 

• YouTube originals: You get access to original material, mainly from prominent creators, as well as specific television programs, documentaries, and films.
• Background play: If you’re watching a video on a mobile device, the audio will continue to play even if you leave the app or shut your phone’s display. You may watch films in picture-in-picture mode while using other applications on Android.
• Download videos: Videos and playlists may be downloaded and viewed offline on a smartphone or tablet.

In the future, Google may introduce new features to Premium, so stay tuned!

Major Issues YouTube Faced

Although YouTube popularized the concept of online video, most of its videos are of “user-generated material” that does not earn income from users or advertising. People visit Netflix, Hulu, or iTunes to watch premium material such as movies and television shows. YouTube needs help to identify its primary business. The great majority of its material cannot be monetized.

Future of YouTube

Therefore, YouTube has yet to learn from its past errors since it continues to fall short in several areas. It is simple to foresee YouTube in the future, including low-quality content, since this will be the only material that fits inside their rigorous criteria. Consider YouTube an artist who creates a sculpture by removing the elements they dislike. YouTube continues to ‘chip away’ at its platform by demonetizing channels that do not share the company’s ideals or produce ‘inappropriate’ material.

We hope this YouTube downturn slows and the firm returns to a more ‘common-sense’ platform strategy. Hence, we are still waiting for a well-funded alternative to generate advertising money for producers who prioritize free expression on their platforms.

As technology progresses, it will be intriguing to see how YouTube interfaces with the metaverse and if more VR content will become accessible. YouTube’s future is still unknown, and the next several years will be crucial for the company.

I hope you enjoyed this brief history of Youtube, do let us know what’s your view on it. Meanwhile do take a look at our blog in Youtube for Enterprise.

FAQs

When was YouTube released to the public and when did YouTube get popular?

YouTube was officially launched to the public on December 15, 2005. It quickly gained traction and became popular over the next year. In November 2006, just a year after its public debut, YouTube was acquired by Google for $1.65 billion in stock, which was a testament to its rapid rise in popularity.

Is YouTube an American company and who is the founder of YouTube?

Yes, YouTube is an American company. It was founded by three former PayPal employees: Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim. They registered the domain name on February 14, 2005.

What was YouTube originally made for?

YouTube was originally conceived as a video dating website called “Tune In Hook Up.” The idea was for users to upload videos introducing themselves and describing what they were looking for in a partner. However, the founders soon realized that the platform had broader potential and decided to shift the focus, transforming it into a more general video-sharing website. The first video ever uploaded, titled “Me at the Zoo” by co-founder Jawed Karim, was not related to dating and demonstrated the platform’s potential for diverse content.

Rahul Rana

Head of Digital Marketing at Vdocipher. I love the art of connecting the right product to their users. When i’m not doing that i love getting lost in books.

www.vdocipher.com/

The post History of YouTube – How it All Began & Its Rise appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

There are various free video hosting platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo. They’re perfect if you want to share your content publicly. But if you want to host private content behind a paywall or for just internal circulation you’d want to stick to a private video hosting service. This would not only provide you with much-needed security but also some crucial features such as analytics, CDN, dashboard, etc.

To put it in simpler terms, If you are someone who wants to make sure that their content remains private you’d need to opt for a private streaming platform. In this blog, I’m going to further explore private video hosting services for businesses why would you need one, and what are solutions available. 

What Is Private Video Hosting?

A private video hosting service enables businesses to upload and stream videos in the most secure and smooth way possible. You can ensure that your premium content is not easily downloadable and shared among your users. 

Video piracy has been a major concern for video platforms for quite some time now. It is quite often that eLearning or OTT platforms would find their content being leaked and shared on pirated websites. Pirates would often download a video using a plugin or at times by recording their screens. This gives them complete access to the premium content and this can be shared further multiple times. Ultimately hurting the revenue of the content creator. 

Private video hosting platforms cater to this problem by providing DRM encryption which makes it difficult to download the video. On top of this, several other security features such as dynamic watermarking, password protecting videos, and screen recording prevention on certain devices, act as a further safety net that reduces content piracy. Ultimately, giving a much-needed boost to your revenue.

Private Video Hosting Vs Free Video Hosting

Apart from security and privacy concerns, there are a few other reasons why opting for a private video hosting service can be better.

Free video hosting such as Youtube generates revenue through advertising and is full of it. If someone is watching content on Youtube or embedded video in your platform, they’d often be disrupted with ads and promotional video. This can distract your users and can be poor for user experience, especially when you want to create an optimal experience for them.

Free video hosting services offer almost no option for branding and customization. With Vimeo and YouTube, you got only a few options for branding your player and even channel.

You don’t get enough data. Their platform does give you video analytics, but often you’d find that the data is anonymous and doesn’t offer you many insights into your users.

Who Needs Private Video Hosting?

You might want to consider a private video hosting service if you are looking to generate revenues through your videos. Or in certain cases, private content intended to be consumed by a select audience. These can be for internal corporate training, seminars, etc. 

One of the bigger use cases for business video hosting services is the e-learning and OTT platforms. These businesses rely on their videos to generate revenue and need robust and secure video hosting to ensure that the videos are protected and run smoothly.

These platforms are also prone to video piracy, this is why it becomes quintessential for them to invest in added security along with providing their users with an optimal viewer experience. 

Need for Private Video Hosting Platforms

Private video hosting platforms are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a level of control and customization not found on mainstream platforms like YouTube. These platforms provide users with the ability to maintain their brand’s integrity by ensuring there are no unwanted ads, offering tailored branding options, and providing advanced analytics. Moreover, they prioritize security, often featuring password protection and encryption to keep content safe. With the added benefits of potential monetization and superior storage options for higher quality content, private hosting platforms are an excellent choice for businesses and individuals looking for a more personalized video-sharing experience.

Private video hosting platforms offer unique advantages that public platforms like YouTube might not provide. Here’s a look at why you might need one:

• Full Control – Private platforms give you control over your content. You decide who sees your videos and when.
• No Ads – Unlike many public platforms, private ones usually have no unwanted ads. This means no interruptions for your viewers.
• Branding – Get a tailored look. Customize the player, the landing page, and even the URL to match your brand.
• Analytics – Detailed insights are a boon. Understand your audience better with in-depth analytics that many private platforms offer.
• Security – Keep your videos secure. Many platforms offer password protection, domain restriction, and encryption.
• Better Storage – More storage options and formats are often available, allowing for higher quality uploads.
• Monetization – Some platforms allow you to sell or rent your videos, giving you a direct revenue stream.

What Makes A Great Private Video Hosting Service?

To ensure that the videos are being streamed in the most secure and smooth manner. There are certain features that need to be there in the platform, to not only safeguard the content but also ensure a good user experience. 

Security

First and foremost would be the Security, if you are looking to generate revenue from your videos, getting them pirate would be almost anti-climatic. Your best bet against it would be to make sure that the private video hosting solution you opt for protecting you from such scenarios. The most ideal solution would be a service that provides DRM encryption. A multi DRM approach consisting of Google Widevine DRM and Apple Fairplay DRM can help you prevent any unauthorized use and leakage of your content. 

Encoding and Transcoding: 

A private video hosting solution that supports encoding and transcoding into a variety of formats will ensure broadcasters can distribute their video content to viewers.

It’s important that you are not limited by the format of your video files you can upload on your video hosting service. It can be quite cumbersome to have only a few limited options and then manually convert files into the required format. This is why it is important to have good video encoding and transcoding capabilities in the private video hosting service you opt for. 

The video encoding process of converting RAW video files into the ones that can be streamed online. While in video encoding the file is converted into other formats. 

Video API

Video APIs can make a lot of tasks such as uploading and embedding videos much easier by automating the whole process. Using server APIs you can manage your video and enable automatic video upload through APIs easily. Also, player APIs can help you to embed videos, change the player design, and add interactive features.

CDN

CDN or Content Delivery Network is a geographically distributed network of servers that ensures speedy content delivery regardless of the user’s location. In our case, videos uploaded are copied in real-time and stored in the relevant servers. Whenever a user requests a video, locations that are best for serving the user are chosen, ensuring good quality of your videos across the globe. Using a CDN you’ll ensure that your platforms scale with the viewers while ensuring that video streams seamlessly with minimum buffering.

Opting for a private video hosting platform will help you serve better-quality videos to your users globally.

Video Analytics

Analytics give you deeper insights into how your user interacts with your video content. You can figure out what content performs the best. You’ll be able to track who’s watching your content, how long did they watch the videos as well as their engagement.

You can tailor your content to your users’ needs depending on the insights you get. Thereby helping you make a better impact on your audience. 

In order to know more about must-have video hosting features, you can check out the blog linked. 

Best Private Video Hosting Services

Here are the best private video hosting services you can opt for to ensure secure video streaming. 

VdoCipher

Vdocipher is a secure video platform that helps businesses to protect their content and ensure a seamless streaming experience. If security is a major concern for you, then Vdocipher is the platform you need to go for. They provide Hollywood Grade DRM encryption which is used by the likes of Netflix along with other security features such as dynamic watermarking, screen recording prevention on android and iOS. Also, you get other standard security features such as domain restriction, geo-restriction, and dynamic URLs. Together all these security features contribute a vital role in boosting your revenue, which you would have otherwise lost to video piracy. 

Other crucial video hosting features are:

• multi CDN, 
• Video Transcoding,  
• Video APIs to upload and embed content
• Customizable Video Player, 

VdoCipher currently caters to e-learning and media platforms across 40+ countries.

Kaltura

As a video hosting platform, Kaltura enables you to brand your videos, and add annotations, CTAs, chapters, and forms that can appear on your video; all to increase lead generation and engagement with your audience. Although, Kaltura is best for Marketers, publishers, sales, and education personnel looking at higher levels of engagement and brand awareness. It can also be used to host private videos.    

Kaltura’s security features include domain lock, right-click protection, password protection, Email gate, or paygate.

Panopto

Panopto is another private video hosting service widely used by businesses. Their solution also includes video creation, management, and sharing. Vidyard’s features include video analytics, security features, and integrations with other tools

Panopto is used by businesses for video marketing to generate more leads and engage the audience before closing the deal.

Their security features include password protection, IP protection, and SSO login.

Brightcove

Brightcove is one of the video platforms available for hosting private videos since 2004. The platform has thousands of customers across 70 countries and aims to help in the marketing aspect of videos online.

Brightcove Media platforms offer solutions for broadcasting, publishing, marketing, or enterprise communications.

Some of their main feature includes

• Video Library Management
• Content Management
• Ingest and Transcoding
• Live Events Streaming
• Advertising

Vimeo

Vimeo was launched in 2004 as a Video sharing platform that enables creative professionals, and businesses to host private videos, record, edit, customize, and market videos with features like text and calls to action. 

Vimeo has more than 200 million users, 1.5 million paid subscribers. The Platform also provides workflow features, privacy settings, and detailed analytics

Here are some of the features that Vimeo has to offer for content creators

• Video Analytics – Metrics like average viewing time, live stats,  video engagement graphs are available.
• Video Editing – It enables the users to adjust colors, record videos, add text.
• Video Reward – This feature allows content creators to accept cash payments from viewers who appreciate the content.
• Video Security – Privacy feature includes password protection, viewer permissions

Wistia

Wistia is a business video hosting service founded in 2006. It helps businesses to leverage their video content to help brand marketing. It serves more than a half-million businesses across 50 countries.

Wistia offer numerous benefits such as 

• Wistia has a built in SEO solution for videos offering the users to add metadata like Title, Description, Tags, Etc It makes it simpler for google bot to find your videos for indexing.
• The video platform is adfree. Videos can be watched hassle free without videos being interrupted by ads
• Wistia provides an option to integrate CTAs into your videos. It’s a great way to earn more conversions by embedding CTA in to sales page or informational page
• Wistia comes with a heatmap feature that allows you to understand how audience interacts with your video

Vidyard

Vidyard is one of the private video hosting services founded in 2011 which connects users with personalized video experiences. It assists businesses to transform their way of communication and helps to drive more revenue through online videos.

Key Benefits of Vidyard

• Availability of custom playlists and video hubs to showcase your video library which helps the internal team
• In-depth viewer analytics like Streaming quality reports, viewer tracking
• Video security features like access controls, SSO support, Password protection, Embed restrictions
• Integration to various platforms

IBM Video Cloud

IBM Watson Media is an enterprise video streaming solution. Businesses can host private videos, manage and broadcast live and recorded videos. IBM Cloud Video offers a comprehensive solution for all businesses to enhance video capabilities.

IBM has three primary types of OTT video: subscription video-on-demand, ad-supported video-on-demand, and live-streaming.

Main Features of IBM Cloud Video

• Video engagement features like Audience polling, Audience Q&A, and comments
• Video Player features include Player customization, Mobile compatibility, Video Editing
• Additional features like Enterprise Content Delivery Network (eCDN), Cloud-based Transcoding, Integrated Content Management

VIDIZMO

Vidizmo started in 2009 offers private video hosting services to organizations across various industries. This platform simplifies the process of managing digital media with the support of artificial intelligence capabilities.

• Integration with various industry-leading applications
• SCORM Compatible
• Video scheduler to publish video content
• In-video quizzes and interactivity
• Automated video content via uploading tools

Wowza

Wowza was started in 2007 recognized as a global leader in video live streaming technology. Wowza comes with two options Wowza Streaming cloud and Wowza Streaming engine. 

A streaming engine is a server-based package utilized to deliver audio/video content.

Support for a wide variety of protocols, security options, including CDN, geoblocking, and codecs

• The platform provides developer tools including a REST API, Java and Ruby SDKs
• 4K streaming support across a wide range of devices
• Support multi-bitrate type live to stream
• They provide a streaming engine option for those who want to enjoy self-hosted streaming services

Muvi

Muvi is another video hosting service that is focused on White Label OTT Multi-Screen Video & Audio Streaming Platform. A cost-effective solution for content creators and it provides them with monetization options.

• It provides Robust APIs
• Offers white label multi-screen OTT TV everywhere
• Geo security and rights management
• Movie studio approved DRM

StreamShark

StreamShark was founded in 2011 as a video platform for hosting and streaming live videos. They have developed a secure and private video streaming service with viewers having an exceptional experience. It offers a consumer-grade (B2C) platform and an enterprise platform for streaming.

Key features include

• It offers global video CDN services with over 100 locations
• Support for Domain and IP restriction
• Detailed Analytics report
• It provides Single Sign-On support

How Private Video Hosting Platforms Secure Your Content?

Encryption is the backbone of video security. By converting video content into a coded format, encryption ensures that only authorized users can access and view your videos. Here are some of the most effective data encryption techniques used in private video hosting:

1. AES  Encryption: Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is one of the most widely used encryption algorithms. AES is known for its speed and security, making it ideal for encrypting large amounts of data. 
2. End-to-End Encryption: This technique ensures that data is encrypted on the sender’s device and only decrypted on the receiver’s device. It provides an additional layer of security, making it nearly impossible for hackers to intercept and decode the data during transmission.
3. Encryption Protocols for Video Streams: Protocols like Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) are essential for securing video streams. SRTP protects the data integrity and confidentiality of live video streams, while HTTPS ensures secure communication over the internet.
4. Digital Rights Management (DRM): DRM technologies control how video content is used and distributed. By embedding DRM into your videos, you can restrict copying, sharing, and unauthorized viewing, ensuring that only paying customers or authorized viewers can access your content.
5. Dynamic Watermarking: Adding dynamic watermarks to your videos can help deter piracy by embedding unique identifiers into each video stream. This makes it easier to trace unauthorized copies back to the source. Unlike static watermarks, dynamic watermarks can change based on the viewer’s information, making them harder to remove or alter.

User Authentication and Access Control

Controlling who can access your videos is crucial for maintaining privacy and security. User authentication and access control mechanisms help ensure that only authorized users can view your content. Here’s how these systems work:

1. Single Sign-On (SSO) Solutions: SSO allows users to log in once and gain access to multiple applications and services. This simplifies the login process and improves security by reducing the number of passwords users need to remember.
2. OAuth 2.0 Integration: OAuth 2.0 is an authorization framework that enables third-party applications to access user data without exposing passwords. It’s widely used for granting access to video content securely.
3. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): RBAC allows administrators to assign different access levels to users based on their roles within an organization. For example, a teacher might have full access to upload and manage videos, while students can only view the content.
4. Secure Sharing Links: These links can be set to expire after a certain period or limit the number of views, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the video.
5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity using two different methods, such as a password and a code sent to their mobile device.

Analytics to Track Piracy Attempts

Understanding and mitigating piracy attempts is crucial for protecting your video content. Advanced analytics can help track and prevent unauthorized access and distribution. Here are some key features:

1. Real-Time Viewer Statistics: Monitor who is watching your videos, from where, and on what devices. This data helps identify suspicious activity, such as unusual spikes in viewership from specific locations.
2. Content Access Logs: Detailed logs of when and where your content is accessed can help detect unauthorized use. These logs can be cross-referenced with user credentials to identify potential breaches.
3. Heatmaps: Visual representations of user interactions with your videos can highlight abnormal usage patterns, indicating possible piracy attempts.
4. Automated Alerts: Set up alerts for unusual activity, such as multiple logins from different locations within a short period. These alerts can help you respond quickly to potential security threats.
5. Watermark Tracking: Dynamic watermarks not only deter piracy but also help track the source of unauthorized copies. If a pirated video surfaces, the watermark can identify the original viewer who distributed it.

Summing It Up!

If you are looking for a solution that protects your content from being viewed by unauthorized users, private video sharing and hosting services are the right choice for you. The right video hosting solution for your business can be chosen on the basis of how secure you want your content to be and what is the purpose. If the content is for internal circulation, then a solution  with password protection, Domain restriction might be enough 

But if you are looking to generate revenue from your video content, it is best that you opt a solution that provides DRM-based encryption so that any video downloads can be prevented entirely. Other important features you need to consider are CDN for speedy content delivery and Video APIs to automate your workflows.

FAQs

Why should I choose private hosting over platforms like YouTube?

Private platforms offer more control, enhanced security, no unwanted ads, better branding opportunities, and often provide detailed analytics. It’s ideal for those wanting a more personalized and professional experience.

Are private video hosting platforms expensive?

Pricing varies. Some platforms have a one-time fee, while others operate on a subscription basis. It’s essential to compare options based on your budget and needs.

How secure are my videos on a private platform?

Most private platforms prioritize security, offering features like password protection, encryption, and domain restriction. Always review the platform’s security features before choosing. Platforms like VdoCipher offer robust security with Hollywood Grade Multi DRM Encryption along with dynamic watermarking, secure offline downloads, and more.

Rahul Rana

Head of Digital Marketing at Vdocipher. I love the art of connecting the right product to their users. When i’m not doing that i love getting lost in books.

www.vdocipher.com/

The post 12 Best Private Video Hosting Services [2024] appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

In this blog, we tackle these common hurdles head-on, providing practical solutions and best practices to help you seamlessly embed videos into your WordPress site. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned blogger, this guide will empower you to enhance your site’s multimedia experience effortlessly.

Today, everybody wants an easier and faster way to educate and entertain themselves. That’s why platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo, and TikTok are growing like crazy. And if you have an online presence, then you cannot ignore incorporating videos into your page.

That’s why we are breaking down everything around embedding videos in WordPress, including

What are the Benefits of Adding Videos to Your WordPress Site?

Today, with ever-growing competition and information overload, videos are not a luxury to have on your website; they have become a necessity. 

To give it more clarity, here are three specific statistics,

• More than 80% of all worldwide internet traffic is constituted by video content.
• Consumers retain 95% of a message when viewed on video, compared to 10% when read in text.
• Almost half of all internet users search for video content about a product or service before visiting a store.

Now, when you know that your audience is looking for video content, and they consume this video content way better and faster than any other medium. 

Why take the risk of not having a video on your website?

Still not convinced?

Here are some specific benefits of adding a video to WordPress website:

Higher Engagement and Enhanced User Experience – Videos are easier and faster to digest. They are far more engaging than plain text and images. They keep your viewers stay longer on the page. 

Improved SEO – Search engines love websites with diverse and engaging content, and videos are a surefire way to boost your SEO. Not only do videos increase dwell time, but also provide opportunities to incorporate relevant keywords, making your site more discoverable in search results.

Stronger Brand Image – Videos allow you to express your values and emotions in a way that can never be done with plain images or text. They help you express the overall brand personality and get closer to your audience.

Higher Shareability – In today’s social media-driven world, shareable content is driving the whole game. And videos are inherently more likely to be shared than text or images. That gives your brand the potential to reach a much wider audience organically. 

Higher Conversion – Videos highly help in conversions and reaching your marketing goals.

You can effectively communicate your product- highlighting its features, how to use it, competitive advantage, and customer testimonials to increase trust, reduce friction, and generate higher conversion.

Videos are super beneficial to add to your WordPress website. They can enhance your credibility and authority among your audience. So, it becomes important that you know how to add videos to WordPress with all the clarity and confidence.

How to Embed Videos on a WordPress Page or Post

You can add video to WordPress in several ways. Choose the one that suits your requirements well. 

Here are the three specific methods to seamlessly embed videos in your WordPress posts and pages:

1. oEmbeds or Auto-embeds – For a Simpler Way

This is one of the simplest ways to add a video to WordPress. As its name suggests, it allows your website to automatically generate the embed code for popular video hosting platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion. All you need to do is copy and paste the video URL directly into your WordPress editor.

For instance, if you want to embed a video from YouTube, follow the steps below:

1. Go to YouTube.com
2. Search the video you want to embed in WordPress.
3. Copy the URL from there.

1. Now paste it into your WordPress blog post or page where you want the video to appear. 

WordPress will then recognize the link and seamlessly embed the video for you.

Note: WordPress can only do auto-embeds for white-listed video services. And here is the list of White-listed video services:

• Amazon
• Animoto
• Cloudup
• CollegeHumor
• Crowdsignal
• Dailymotion
• Facebook
• Flickr
• Hulu
• Kickstarter
• Meetup.com
• Mixcloud
• FlowPlayer
• Screencast
• Scribd
• Slideshare
• SmugMug
• Youtube
• SoundCloud
• Speaker Deck
• Spotify
• TED
• Tumblr
• Twitter
• VideoPress
• Vimeo
• WordPress.tv

2. Video Block –  For Added Flexibility

This WordPress functionality offers more granular control over your video placement and customization.

Here’s how to use it:

1. In your WordPress post or page editor, click the “+” icon to add a new block.
2. Search for “video” in the block search bar.
3. You’ll see options for different video sources like YouTube, Vimeo, or even self-hosted videos. Choose the one that you would like to embed.
4. Paste the video URL into the designated field and click “Embed.”

This method provides more flexibility. You can adjust the video alignment within your content and explore additional settings, like setting a poster image or enabling autoplay.

3. Plugins and Shortcodes/Iframes – For Advanced Users 

While the above methods cover most embedding needs, WordPress plugins offer even more advanced functionalities. Here’s what you can explore:

Plugins: Plugins provide a wider range of features, allowing you to create responsive video layouts, curate video playlists, customize playback controls, and more.

Shortcodes/Iframes (for developers): For those comfortable with code, shortcodes and iframes offer more control over video embedding. However, this method requires some technical knowledge and is generally recommended for advanced users.

WordPress Plugins: For those seeking even more advanced video embedding features, WordPress plugins are the way. These plugins can offer functionalities like:

• Responsive video layouts that adapt to different screen sizes.
• Playlist creation for a curated video experience.
• Customization options for playback controls, thumbnails, and more.

4. Embedding Videos using Shortcodes/Iframes 

If you’re comfortable with code, you can embed videos using shortcodes or iframes. The specific steps will vary depending on the video hosting platform you’re using. 

Here’s a general guideline:

1. Obtain the Embed Code:  Look for the “embed code” or “iframe code” option on the video hosting platform. This code snippet will contain the necessary information to display the video on your website.
2. Shortcode Method:  If a shortcode is available, copy the code provided by the platform and paste it into your WordPress content at the desired location.
3. Iframe Method: If using an iframe, copy the iframe code snippet and navigate to your WordPress editor. Switch to the “text” editor mode (usually a button labeled “Text” or “HTML”). 

Paste the iframe code where you want the video to appear. 

For those specifically looking to stream live videos on WordPress, our guide on WordPress live streaming provides in-depth instructions to help you set up and manage live streams directly on your website.

Shortcodes vs. Iframes: Understanding the Difference

While both shortcodes and iframes can be used to embed videos, they differ in their approach:

• Shortcodes:  These are WordPress-specific snippets of code that function like macros. When you insert a shortcode into your content, WordPress recognizes it and replaces it with the desired functionality, such as embedding a video. 

Video hosting platforms might provide shortcodes for easy integration into your WordPress site.

• Iframes:  These are HTML elements that allow you to display content from another website within your current page. In essence, you create a window within your webpage that loads the video content from an external source.  

If the video hosting platform doesn’t offer a shortcode, you can potentially use the iframe code provided by the platform.

Caution: Always obtain iframe code from reputable sources to avoid security vulnerabilities on your website.

Video Embed Plugins for WordPress: Free vs. Premium Solutions

When it comes to embedding videos in WordPress, choosing the right plugin is crucial for a seamless user experience and maximizing audience engagement. There are both free and premium plugin options available, each offering distinct advantages and features.

Free Video Plugins:

Free video embed plugins are popular for those looking to add basic video embedding functionality to their website without incurring extra costs. They are ideal for bloggers or small businesses who need to showcase videos quickly and simply. Key features often include:

• Basic Embed Functionality: Easily embed videos from platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and others using a simple shortcode or URL.
• Responsive Design: Ensure that videos adapt well to various screen sizes, including mobile devices.
• Limited Customization: Basic options for adjusting video player settings, such as autoplay, loop, and mute.

Examples of Free Video Plugins:

1. YouTube Embed Plus:
   • Specializes in embedding YouTube videos.
   • Offers features like lazy loading, playlists, and GDPR compliance.
2. WP Video Lightbox:
   • Creates a lightbox overlay to display embedded videos.
   • Supports both YouTube and Vimeo with basic customization.
3. Video Embed & Thumbnail Generator:
   • Automatically generates video thumbnails and provides responsive embeds.
   • Integrates with YouTube, Vimeo, and self-hosted videos.

Premium Video Plugins:

Premium plugins, though requiring an upfront cost, provide comprehensive features that can enhance the appearance, functionality, and performance of your videos:

• Advanced Customization: Greater control over video player design, layout, and interaction features like calls-to-action or clickable overlays.
• Analytics Integration: Built-in tools or integration with external services to track video performance metrics such as watch time, views, and engagement.
• Marketing Tools: Support for features like email capture, video-based lead generation, and integration with CRM systems.
• Customer Support: Access to dedicated technical support and frequent updates to ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress versions.

Premium Video Plugins Examples:

1. Presto Player:
   • Advanced features like email collection, chapter markers, and video hosting integration.
   • Supports platforms like Vimeo, YouTube, and local hosting.
2. FV Player Pro:
   • Offers branding-free players, video analytics, and support for playlists.
   • Supports Vimeo Pro, Amazon S3, and self-hosted videos.
3. VdoCipher WordPress Plugin:
   • Provides secure video streaming with DRM encryption and dynamic watermarking.
   • Integrates seamlessly with the VdoCipher video hosting platform.
   • Features a customizable player and built-in analytics for viewer engagement tracking.

Why You Should Not Self-Host Your Videos? 

Videos are a powerful tool for engaging your audience, but managing them yourself can be a hassle. 

Uploading, storing, and streaming videos all require technical know-how and resources. Let’s explore more specific reasons why you should not self-host your videos:

Bandwidth Issues – Videos are large files, and streaming them requires a lot of bandwidth. And self-hosting means your website’s bandwidth allocation is going to struggle, especially with high traffic. 

That can lead to slow loading times and buffering issues, ultimately frustrating your viewers and impacting your website’s performance.

Storage challenges – As your video library grows, storing them all on your own server can take up valuable space. And upgrading your server plan to accommodate this can be expensive.

Security Concerns – Self-hosted videos can be vulnerable to security breaches. Without the high-security measures employed by video hosting platforms, your videos could be compromised, or even malware could be distributed through them.

Conversion Chaos – For optimal playback across different devices and browsers, your videos need to be converted into various formats and sizes. And this conversion process can be time-consuming requiring technical expertise.

Limited Features – Video hosting platforms not only provide storage and streaming; they offer a lot of other features as well. These features can include analytics, playlist creation, marketing tools, and even content protection. For self-hosting, it becomes an extra headache to access these valuable functionalities.

How To Embed Your Videos Using VdoCipher

Embedding videos using VdoCipher is exciting. Vdocipher provides you with various options to choose from. You can go with quick embed or use the VdoCipher plugin to explore its advanced features like adding watermark to your WordPress videos.

Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Once you are logged in to the VdoCipher’s dashboard, click on the videos option from the dashboard

2. Select the video that you want to embed, and click on the ‘Embed’ button.

3. You can see all the embedding options right here, including the WordPress plugin and Quick Embed.

4. All you need to do is just select the method you would prefer for your video embedding and follow the steps provided.

5. Now just go to your website and paste that embed code or shortcode, wherever you want the video to appear.

At any point in time, if you find any confusion, you can refer to the easy and detailed tutorial associated with each method like this one.

Here are a few of the additional VdoCipher features that take your video content strategy to the next level.

Adaptive Bitrate Streaming – VdoCipher delivers video quality that adjusts in real time based on your viewer’s internet connection. Whether they’re on high-speed Wi-Fi or a slower mobile network, VdoCipher ensures a smooth viewing experience.

Top-class Security – VdoCipher uses features like  DRM encryption, Dynamic watermarking, and Piracy tracker to keep your content safe from unauthorized access and tampering. That ensures only authorized viewers can access your videos.

Scalability – VdoCipher adapts to your needs. Its cloud-based infrastructure guarantees high availability and consistent performance, which means your videos are always accessible and play flawlessly, no matter how much traffic you experience.

Custom Player- Make your player yours by customizing the player controls and colors according to your brand and customize it according to your user’s behavior.

What are Some Common Issues with Embedding Your Videos?

Videos are a fantastic way to grab attention and add dynamism to your website’s content. But sometimes, those embedded videos don’t display well.

Let’s explore some common problems you might encounter when embedding videos and how to troubleshoot them:

1. The Video Isn’t Showing Up

       This can happen because of various reasons, like:

• Incorrect URL: Double-check that you’ve copied and pasted the video URL accurately.
• Compatibility Issues: Ensure the video format is compatible with your website and visitors’ browsers.
• Privacy Settings:  Make sure the video you’re embedding is set to public viewing on the hosting platform

2. The Video Won’t Play

• Browser Issues: Outdated browsers or disabled plugins like Flash Player can prevent videos from playing. Encourage viewers to update their browsers.
• Slow Connection:  Large video files and sluggish internet connections can lead to buffering issues. Optimize your video size or consider a video hosting platform with a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for faster streaming.

3. The Video Looks Broken or Pixelated

• Video Quality:  Using a low-resolution video can result in pixelation on larger screens. Upload higher-quality videos or optimize them for web viewing.
• Display Issues:  Incompatible embed code or conflicts with your website’s theme can cause display problems. Try regenerating the embed code or checking with your theme’s documentation.

WordPress Video Plugins You Can Use to Embed Videos on Your Website?

1. VdoCipher’s WordPress Video Plugins: VdoCipher provides video hosting, video playback, and piracy protection solutions for WordPress websites in the e-Learning & media field to help them serve content in the most secure and smooth manner . With VdoCipher you also get security features such as DRM encryption, dynamic watermarking, Geo, IP restrictions, piracy tracker and more
2. Advanced Responsive Video Embedder: This plugin lives up to its name by providing extensive control over video responsiveness and display. You can create custom video layouts, configure spacing and margins, and ensure your videos look perfect on any device.
3. WP Video Playlist: As the name suggests, this plugin is ideal for creating curated video playlists. You can easily arrange multiple videos in a sequence, add titles and descriptions, and customize the playlist player’s appearance to match your website’s theme.
4. YotuTube Embed Plugin: This plugin is specifically designed for YouTube users who want to embed their entire channel or specific playlists directly into their WordPress website. It provides a user-friendly interface to manage your embedded YouTube content and showcase your channel seamlessly.
5. Video Embed Forms by Everest Forms: This plugin goes beyond just embedding videos. It allows you to create interactive forms where users can submit information before or after watching your video. This can be a powerful tool for lead generation, gated content access, or audience engagement.

Choosing the Right WordPress Video Plugin

With so many options available, selecting the right plugin depends on your specific needs. Consider these factors when making your choice:

• Features: Identify the functionalities most important to you, whether it’s responsive layouts, playlist creation, or advanced customization options.
• Ease of Use:  Choose a plugin with a user-friendly interface that integrates smoothly with your WordPress environment.
• Compatibility: Ensure the plugin is compatible with your current WordPress version and other plugins you might be using.

Note: While plugins offer great features, it’s important to choose wisely and only install plugins from reputable developers. Avoid overloading your website with too many plugins, as this can impact performance. 

See, the power of video content is undeniable. By strategically embedding videos on your WordPress website page or posts, you can inform, engage, and inspire your audience in a way that text and images simply cannot.  

Remember, the possibilities are endless! Leverage the flexibility of WordPress and the powerful features of video hosting platforms like VdoCipher to embed videos in WordPress and create a truly dynamic and immersive online experience. 

You can even use WordPress LMS plugins alongside VdoCipher to stream your video courses

FAQs:

1. What are the easiest ways to embed videos in WordPress?
   WordPress offers built-in support for video embeds through oEmbed, or you can use plugins like Embed Plus or WP Video Lightbox for additional customization options.
2. Can I embed videos from any platform in WordPress?
   While WordPress supports most popular platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and Dailymotion, certain platforms may require a plugin or manual embed code insertion.
3. How can I improve the loading speed of embedded videos?
   Use lazy loading to delay video loading until it’s needed or host videos on external platforms like YouTube to minimize server load.
4. Why isn’t my video embed displaying correctly?
   Common issues include conflicts with your theme, plugin incompatibilities, or incorrect URL/embed code formatting.
5. Are there any SEO benefits to embedding videos in WordPress?
   Yes! Videos increase user engagement, which can indirectly boost SEO. Include video transcripts and captions to improve accessibility and SEO further.

Rahul Rana

Head of Digital Marketing at Vdocipher. I love the art of connecting the right product to their users. When i’m not doing that i love getting lost in books.

www.vdocipher.com/

The post How To Embed Videos in WordPress – A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

And more importantly, live content generates 27% more minutes of watch time per viewing than on-demand video.

See, live streaming isn’t just a trend; it’s a game-changer tool for your eLearning and media businesses. 

In today’s saturated content market, where capturing the attention of your audience is a challenge, live-streaming works like a magic wand, giving a boost to your engagement. 

And if you are unsure of what exactly live video streaming is or how live streaming works, you are at the right place. Because in today’s blog, we are going to cover all of your doubts right here.

What is Live Video Streaming?

Live video streaming is the process of sharing video content in real time. It involves transmitting video data over the internet as it’s being created.

Unlike pre-recorded videos (video-on-demand), live streams allow viewers to watch events as they happen. Live virtual concerts, classes, sports, and other live broadcasts are examples of live video streaming.

With live streaming, you don’t need to wait for the complete video content to be edited and uploaded. You can access and interact with the content as it happens.

The growing popularity of social media live, highlights the significance of its immediacy, interactivity, and engagement. 

Benefits of Live Video Streaming

Live streaming offers numerous benefits for e-learning and media businesses. Here are some of the ways it can increase your audience engagement and build a dynamic learning environment:

• Enhanced Engagement with Interactive Features:  With features like chat functions, you can allow your students to ask questions in real time, encouraging discussion and ensuring deeper understanding.
• Real-Time Feedback and Polls:  With live polls and quizzes, you can assess your students’ and subscribers’ level of understanding in real time and make changes accordingly.
• Boost Retention with Scheduled Classes:  With pre-scheduled live classes or events, you can ensure maximum attendance and course completion rates.  
• Parallel Live Streams:  With multiple live streams simultaneously, you can run classes with different learning styles or experience levels. That will increase the overall participation in your classes.
• Interactive Review Sessions:  With live review sessions for upcoming exams or complex topics, you can better prepare your students and ask for a premium charge.  
• Automatic Recording: Live sessions can be automatically recorded and saved to your dashboard. You don’t need to manually record your sessions/classes. Additionally, you can easily convert your live streams into valuable on-demand (VOD) video content. 

This VOD content expands your learning library and becomes useful for students who might miss live sessions due to time zone differences or scheduling conflicts.  

This way, you not only boost your brand engagement but also create a more dynamic learning experience, leading to a loyal student base for your e-learning or media channel.

Apart from this, live streaming offers several other benefits:

• Cost-Effective Production:  You can reach a global audience without the high costs associated with physical events.
• Increased Accessibility: With no geographical barriers, you can allow students from anywhere in the world to participate in your program.
• Expert-Led Learning: You can also invite industry professionals for live Q&A sessions or guest lectures, enhancing the quality and credibility of your curriculum.
• Content Repurposing: You can record your live streams and convert them into valuable on-demand content pieces.

How Does Live Streaming Work?

Live streaming represents a powerful tool for audience engagement and content delivery. But have you ever wondered how that real-time video makes its way from your camera to viewers’ screens?

If yes, then your questions are going to be answered here.

And before we delve into the technical workflow, why not first have a look at the different types of live streaming setups? This will help you align your streaming goals with the setup required. 

So, here are the most common streaming setups that you should be aware of:

Webcam Streaming: This is the best option for quick updates, interviews, or webinars. As it offers a low barrier to entry, it is ideal for businesses on a budget or those who are new to live streaming.

Mobile Streaming: This is the most convenient, portable, and on-the-go solution for live streaming. Many platforms provide built-in mobile streaming functionalities, allowing you to broadcast from events, locations, or behind-the-scenes glimpses.  

Encoder Streaming: This setup is a bit costly, but at the same time, it offers the most control and flexibility. This is ideal for businesses aiming for a premium viewing experience or large-scale productions. A dedicated live streaming encoder requires multi-camera setups, high-quality audio, and complex graphics integrations.  

Now, let’s understand the basic workflow of live streaming, which comprises five key steps:

Basic Workflow of Live Streaming

1. Compression and Encoding:

The journey begins with capturing raw video data, be it from a phone camera, a professional setup, or even a gaming console. However, this unprocessed footage is massive! To ensure smooth delivery over the internet, it undergoes compression and encoding. 

Compression removes redundant data (like similar frames) while encoding converts it into a format suitable for web transmission.  

2. Segmentation:

The next step is chopping it up for delivery. After the first step, the compressed video stream is sliced into smaller, manageable chunks. This allows viewers to start watching immediately without waiting for the entire video to download. 

3. Content Delivery Network (CDN) Distribution:

Now, to make live streaming fast, the segmented packets need to reach viewers across the globe with minimal delay. That’s where the Content Delivery Network (CDN) comes into the picture.

It is a geographically distributed network of servers strategically positioned around the world. The video segments are sent to these servers, which then act as local outposts, reducing latency.

4. CDN Caching:

To further optimize delivery, CDNs employ caching. You can think of it like your web browser storing frequently visited websites for faster loading. Popular video segments are stored on servers closer to viewers. This reduces travel time for the data, resulting in faster playback and less buffering (those annoying pauses).

5. Decoding and Video Playback:

Finally, when viewers hit play, their devices (phones, computers, tablets) connect to the CDN, requesting the video segments. The closest CDN server dispatches the pre-segmented chunks, one by one. 

Live streaming player on the viewer’s device then decodes and assembles these chunks back into a smooth, flowing video stream – the live content you see unfolding in real time!

What is the Technical Setup You Need For Live Streaming?

Creating the ideal live streaming setup looks different for each broadcaster. Because live streaming is used for many different objectives in so many industries, there are numerous factors to consider when designing the optimal streaming setup for your company.  

While the specifics may differ, these fundamental elements remain constant:

Software: Selecting the right live streaming software can help you capture, edit, and broadcast your content seamlessly.

Hardware: High-quality cameras, microphones, and even green screens help you create professional and polished presentations for your audience.

Support: Exploring expert support, complex productions, or new streamers can ensure a smooth and successful broadcast.

Now, let’s take a look at a live stream setup for streaming at different levels:

Additional Considerations for Live Streaming

Beyond the technical setup, here are some additional considerations that you should be taking into account if you are serious about getting the maximum benefit from your broadcasting efforts.

Plan clearly: Clearly define your goals (increased student enrollment, brand awareness, etc.) and target audience (students, industry professionals) upfront. This will guide your content strategy and setup choices.

Explore monetization options: Explore revenue generation options beforehand. Consider subscriptions for exclusive content or pay-per-view for high-value events. Choose a platform that supports your chosen strategy (free platforms often limit monetization).

Understand the value of targeted promotion: Don’t just rely on the broadcast. Get discovered for maximum value. Utilize social media, targeted email campaigns, and SEO optimization to reach your ideal viewers. You can promote upcoming streams with clear value propositions.

Utilize a data-driven approach: Understand the significance of analytics. They guide you to make better decisions in your interactive planning. When you track stream analytics, you assess your content based on engagement levels, demographics, and all. This data helps you refine your content and delivery approach for future streams, maximizing their impact.

By prioritizing these considerations, you’ll unlock the full potential of your live stream. Beyond the technical setup, it will help you build powerful tools for engaging your audience, achieving your goals, and potentially generating revenue for your business.

To maximize the impact of live video streaming, it’s important to stay updated with the latest industry trends and insights. Understanding the latest streaming stats can help enhance your live video streaming strategy, ensuring you leverage the most current data to engage your audience effectively.

Popular Live Streaming Platforms

The world of live streaming is fascinating. And to uplift its popularity and usage, many players have stepped into the field. Here, we’ll explore some of the most popular live streaming websites, where creators host their content and connect with global audiences.

They provide the necessary infrastructure to broadcast, view, and often interact with the live content, which can range from user-generated videos to professional broadcasts. 

The features of these platforms can include chat functions, donation options, subscription services, and more, all designed to create a comprehensive viewing experience. 

Let’s take a dip and explore some of the major live streaming platforms in this dynamic landscape.  

For those specifically using WordPress, our guide on WordPress live streaming provides in-depth instructions to help you set up and manage live streams directly on your website.

What Features to Look For in a Live Video Streaming Platform?

While looking for the right video streaming partner, you need to check if they support and provide the following features:

• High-quality video and audio
• Reliable streaming with minimal buffering
• Adaptive bitrate streaming
• Device compatibility
• Interactive tools
• User-friendly interface
• Recording and playback options
• Analytics and reporting
• Content monetization options
• Custom Branding
• Robust security features like password protection, encryption, DRM, and access control
• Customer support and troubleshooting
• Accessibility features like captions, subtitles, and screen reader compatibility

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) Optimization For Better Live Video Streaming

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) play a critical role in delivering high-quality live video streams by caching content closer to viewers and reducing latency. CDN optimization focuses on enhancing the performance and efficiency of these networks to improve stream quality, minimize buffering, and ensure seamless delivery, even during high-traffic events.

Challenges:
1. Latency Reduction: Minimizing the time delay between video playback request and actual delivery.
2. Cache Invalidation: Effectively managing the cache to deliver the most current content in dynamic scenarios.
3. Load Balancing: Distributing traffic across multiple servers to avoid overloading and reduce the risk of outages.
4. Edge Server Placement: Strategically locating edge servers to maximize proximity to high-demand regions.
5. Geographical Redundancy: Maintaining uninterrupted service despite regional outages or high traffic.
6. Content Security: Protecting against DDoS attacks, unauthorized access, and data breaches.
7. Dynamic Content Delivery: Handling personalized or geo-targeted content dynamically.

Solutions and Best Practices:

1. Intelligent Load Balancing:
Implement smart algorithms to distribute traffic based on server health, proximity, and resource availability. This ensures that users receive content from the most optimal server.

2. Multi-CDN Strategy:
Use multiple CDN providers to create redundancy and balance traffic, ensuring that any one provider’s failure doesn’t result in significant disruptions.

3. Edge Computing Integration:
Leverage edge computing capabilities to preprocess and store popular content closer to end users, reducing latency and offloading central servers.

4. Cache Optimization Policies:
Develop robust cache control policies that prioritize frequently accessed or time-sensitive content while efficiently invalidating outdated material.

5. Geo-Distributed PoPs:
Expand the CDN’s Point-of-Presence (PoP) network to cover diverse geographic regions, allowing for localized delivery and reducing data travel distances.

6. Real-Time Monitoring and Analytics:
Continuously monitor network performance to detect bottlenecks and optimize server routing dynamically. Implement analytics for proactive decision-making.

7. Adaptive Bitrate Streaming:
Adjust video quality in real-time based on network conditions to ensure smooth playback even on unstable or congested connections.

8. Enhanced Security Protocols:
Incorporate SSL encryption, token authentication, and watermarking to prevent unauthorized access and protect content integrity.

9. Traffic Prioritization:
Prioritize critical traffic during high-demand periods, such as live events, to minimize buffering for premium content or high-value customers.

10. Edge Application Delivery:
Use CDN edge servers to deliver interactive elements and dynamic applications directly, enabling faster and more responsive user engagement.

Use Case Example:
Live Sports Broadcasting: During a high-profile sports event, a broadcaster uses an optimized CDN setup to ensure millions of global viewers receive a high-definition stream with minimal buffering. By leveraging multiple CDNs, edge computing, and adaptive bitrate streaming, the broadcaster dynamically routes traffic, caches the most popular live streams close to viewers, and adjusts video quality based on each viewer’s connection speed, providing a seamless and engaging viewing experience.

Optimizing CDNs is vital for maintaining the quality of live video streams, especially as the demand for real-time content continues to grow. By addressing common challenges with innovative solutions, businesses can deliver superior streaming experiences, boost viewer engagement, and stay competitive in the dynamic landscape of live video streaming.

Video Transcoding and Encoding Optimization

Video transcoding and encoding are integral processes in live streaming, converting raw video input into a format suitable for efficient delivery and playback on a wide range of devices. Optimizing these processes ensures high-quality streams at minimal bandwidth usage and enables seamless viewing experiences across varied network conditions and device capabilities.

Challenges:

1. Bandwidth Constraints: Adapting video quality to varying network speeds without compromising the viewing experience.
2. Device Compatibility: Ensuring video playback across devices with different resolutions, codecs, and capabilities.
3. Format Proliferation: Supporting multiple formats, including legacy and emerging standards.
4. Processing Latency: Reducing the processing delay from input to playback, especially crucial for live events.
5. Scalability: Maintaining high performance under a rapidly increasing audience load.

Solutions and Best Practices:

1. Adaptive Bitrate Streaming:
   Implement adaptive bitrate (ABR) streaming to adjust video quality based on real-time network conditions. This method involves encoding multiple bitrate versions and dynamically switching based on the viewer’s bandwidth.
2. Multi-Pass Encoding:
   Use multi-pass encoding to analyze video content for optimal compression, producing a higher quality stream by prioritizing areas with the most motion and detail.
3. GPU-Accelerated Processing:
   Leverage GPU processing for encoding tasks, significantly accelerating transcoding speeds and reducing processing latency for real-time streaming.
4. Content-Aware Encoding:
   Implement AI-based content-aware encoding techniques that recognize and optimize key frames, reducing overall file size while preserving critical visual details.
5. Codec Selection and Optimization:
   Choose modern, high-efficiency codecs like HEVC or AV1 for superior compression rates. Optimize codec settings based on the desired balance between quality and processing speed.
6. Resolution and Frame Rate Adjustment:
   Transcode content to multiple resolutions and frame rates to cater to different device capabilities and network conditions, offering everything from 1080p to low-resolution mobile formats.
7. Edge Transcoding:
   Offload transcoding processes to edge servers closer to end-users to reduce central server load and improve latency for regional viewers.
8. Watermarking and Encryption:
   Apply watermarking for copyright protection and encryption to secure content delivery, ensuring integrity throughout the transcoding pipeline.
9. Cloud-Based Scalability:
   Utilize cloud infrastructure to scale transcoding operations dynamically, ensuring consistent performance during sudden spikes in live stream traffic.
10. Continuous Quality Monitoring:
    Monitor transcoding quality in real-time to identify potential issues like stuttering, artifacts, or bitrate mismatches, enabling immediate adjustments.

Embedding Your Live Streams on Your Website

Embedding your live streams on your website is easy. Once you log in to the Vdocipher dashboard, you can go to the Live Stream section and select your Live-stream video to embed on your website or wherever you want. 

Then go to the generate embed code section and copy the embed code

Finally, you can simply copy the generated code to place it on your website or anywhere you want. The video will appear seamlessly within an iframe.

At any stage, you don’t need to worry about all the technicalities, as Vdocipher offers tutorials and guides for embedding your VOD and live streams. 

See, the world of live streaming is constantly evolving with exciting features and immersive experiences. But with all the excitement, security is a major concern when content goes live. 

And Vdocipher was born with this very concern.

Watching a friend, scared of putting out the best piece of knowledge online, the CEO of Vdocipher was thoughtful about the piracy impact on creators and viewers. 

Now, Vdocipher helps creators make more money while viewers get the highest quality content from the industry’s top minds.  

And guess what? We’re never satisfied with just “good enough.” 

We are constantly evolving to provide the most robust security solutions available.

Stay tuned for future blog posts where we’ll delve deeper into these advancements and help you leverage them for maximum impact. 

FAQs

1. What is live video streaming? Live video streaming is the real-time broadcasting of video content over the internet, allowing viewers to watch events as they happen without any significant delay.
2. How do I start live streaming? To start live streaming, you need a stable internet connection, a video camera or smartphone, streaming software or platform (like OBS, Twitch, YouTube Live, or Facebook Live), and an account with a streaming service. If you want to how to use obs studio, you can learn more on the blog linked.
3. What equipment is needed for high-quality live streaming? For professional-quality live streaming, you might need a high-definition video camera, a reliable microphone, lighting equipment, a video encoder, and a strong internet connection.
4. Can I monetize my live streams? Yes, many platforms offer monetization options such as advertisements, subscriptions, sponsorships, and viewer donations or tips. Platform-specific requirements and features vary, so check the details for the platform you choose.
5. What are the key challenges of live streaming? Common challenges include managing bandwidth requirements, ensuring stable connectivity, dealing with technical issues in real-time, and engaging effectively with the audience during the stream.
6. Is live streaming secure? Security can be a concern, especially for private or sensitive content. Use encrypted streaming services, secure your accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and control access to the stream as needed.
7. How can I improve viewer engagement during live streams? Engage with your audience through real-time interactions like answering viewer questions, conducting polls, or hosting live Q&A sessions. Effective use of graphics and alerts can also enhance viewer engagement.
8. What are the best practices for promoting a live stream? Promote your live stream in advance through social media, email newsletters, and other marketing channels. Consider scheduling regular streaming sessions and collaborating with other creators to reach a larger audience.
9. What platforms can I use for live streaming? Popular platforms include YouTube Live, Twitch, Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and LinkedIn Live. Each platform has its own set of features and audience types, so choose based on your content and target viewers.
10. How do I ensure good audio quality in my live streams? Good audio quality can be achieved by using an external microphone rather than your camera’s built-in mic. Consider the acoustics of your location and try to minimize background noise.

Rahul Rana

Head of Digital Marketing at Vdocipher. I love the art of connecting the right product to their users. When i’m not doing that i love getting lost in books.

www.vdocipher.com/

The post What is Live Video Streaming and How Does It Work? appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.