You all have heard of live streaming here and now, be it on social media, news, or sports related events. It has become an essential tool for engaging audiences in real-time, whether for business, education, or entertainment. 

With WordPress dominating and powering over 40% of the web, integrating live streaming into your WordPress site is now possible and can significantly enhance user experience and engagement. 

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to set up live streaming on your WordPress website, discuss the best live streaming WordPress plugins, and provide tips on embedding live streams effectively.

Why Live Stream on WordPress?

Before diving into the technical aspects, let us first understand why you should consider live streaming on your WordPress website. 

Live streaming on WordPress can:

• Increase Engagement: It has been established that live video content is more engaging and can help retain visitors on your site longer.
• Enhance User Experience: Live streaming offers a dynamic and interactive experience for your audience.
• Benefit Course Creators and LMS Sites: For educators and course creators, live streaming can facilitate real-time teaching and interaction with students which is the need of the hour.

Choosing the Best Live Streaming WordPress Plugin

To start live streaming on your WordPress site, you need a reliable WordPress live streaming plugin. For now, there are a handful of plugins that do the job and one of the best options available is the VdoCipher WordPress plugin.

Lets learn how setting up Live Streaming on WordPress with VdoCipher actually works:

Step 1: Sign Up for VdoCipher

• Go to the VdoCipher website.
• Sign up for an account if you don’t have one already.

Step 2: Install and Activate the VdoCipher Plugin

• Go to your WordPress dashboard.
• Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
• Search for VdoCipher WordPress Plugin and click Install Now.
• Once installed, click Activate.

Step 3: Configure the Plugin Settings

After activating the plugin, you need to configure its settings:

• Go to VdoCipher > Settings.
• Enter your API credentials (you will find these in your VdoCipher account dashboard).
• Customize the settings according to your preferences, such as video quality and streaming options.

Step 4: Create a Live Stream

• Go to your VdoCipher account dashboard.
• Navigate to the live streaming section.
• Create a new live stream event by entering the required details such as the event title, description, and streaming quality.
• Once the stream is created, you will get a unique stream key and server URL.

Step 5: Embed the Live Stream on Your WordPress Site

• Copy the Embed Code: VdoCipher provides an embed code for your live stream.
• Add the Embed Code to Your Post/Page:
• Go to the WordPress editor for the post or page where you want to embed the stream.
• Switch to the Text view if you’re using the Classic Editor, or add a Custom HTML block if you’re using the Block Editor.
• Paste the embed code into the editor.
• Publish/Update the Post/Page: Once you’ve added the embed code, publish or update the post/page to make the live stream visible to your visitors.

That’s it. This 5 step integration is as simple and easy to do as it sounds.

Integrating Live Streaming Software with VdoCipher

To enhance your live streaming experience, you can use any live streaming software like OBS Studio or vMix, alongside the VdoCipher plugin. Since OBS Studio is a more popular choice, we will talk only about it. For curious minds, you can read about vMix live streaming on our other blog. 

OBS Studio allows you to customize your stream with overlays, multiple camera angles, and more.

Here’s how you can set up OBS Studio with VdoCipher

• Download and Install OBS Studio: Go to the OBS Studio website and download the software for your operating system.
• Configure OBS Studio: Open OBS Studio and go to Settings > Stream. Select Custom Streaming Server and enter the server URL and stream key provided by VdoCipher.
• Start Streaming: Click Start Streaming in OBS Studio.

Your stream will now be live on your WordPress site. For more detailed information, check out how to use OBS studio for streaming your live content guide.

Benefits of Using VdoCipher for Secure Live Streaming

VdoCipher offers robust protection against unauthorized access, ensuring your live streams are secure. Here are some of the benefits:

• Security: VdoCipher provides domain restriction to ensure that video url can not be shared outside your video hosting website.
• High-Quality Streaming: Enjoy high-quality video streaming with minimal buffering.
• Ease of Integration: As we saw above, VdoCipher plugin is easy to integrate with your WordPress site, making the setup process straightforward.

WordPress Live Streaming for Course Creators and LMS Sites

Live streaming is particularly beneficial for course creators and LMS sites. As it allows for real-time interaction with students, providing a more engaging, interactive and lively learning experience.

By embedding live streams on your WordPress LMS site, you can:

• Conduct Live Classes: Engage with students in real-time, answer questions, and provide immediate feedback. This was useful during the covid times and it continues to be. 
• Host Webinars: Share expertise and knowledge with a wider audience.
• Offer Q&A Sessions: Address student queries and enhance the learning experience.

Comparison of Popular Live Streaming WordPress Plugins

Choosing the right live streaming plugin can be challenging. Don’t worry, we have taken the liberty to compare some of the popular options, so that you can make an informed decision: 

Some Real Life Case Studies and Examples

Case Study 1: Online Course Platform

An online course platform integrated VdoCipher to provide secure, high-quality live classes. This enabled the platform with some senses of security as the video could not be shared outside the domain and offer a seamless learning experience.

Case Study 2: Corporate Training

A corporation used VdoCipher for internal training sessions, ensuring that sensitive information shared during live streams remained secure. The ease of integration with their WordPress site allowed for quick deployment.

Tips for Successful Live Streaming

For a successful live stream, you need to take care of a few things. Such as:

• Stable Internet Connection: Ensure a reliable internet connection to avoid interruptions.
• Quality Equipment: Use high-quality cameras and microphones for clear video and audio.
• Engaging Content: Plan your content to keep your audience engaged.
• Interactivity: Encourage audience interaction through Q&A sessions, polls, and chat features.
• Troubleshooting Common Issues like Buffering and Lag
• Optimize video quality settings.
• Check lighting for the best visual angle.
• And most importantly, test your setup before going live.

Monetization Strategies

If you’re planning to monetize your video content. Here are the few existing models you can choose from: 

• Subscription Models: Offer exclusive live streams to subscribers.
• Pay-Per-View: Charge viewers a fee to access live events.
• Sponsorships: Partner with brands for sponsored live streams.

Legal Considerations and Copyright

You also need to take care of legal matters when it comes to live streaming, like:

• Permissions: Obtain permissions for music and content used in live streams.
• Broadcasting Laws: Comply with local broadcasting laws.

This is important to avoid any unwanted lawsuit.

Conclusion

To summarize, integrating live streaming into your WordPress website can significantly enhance user engagement and provide a dynamic lively experience for your audience. By choosing the VdoCipher live streaming WordPress plugin and following the steps outlined in this blog article, you can easily set up and embed live streams on your site. Whether you’re a business, educator or content creator, live streaming on WordPress offers a powerful way to connect with your audience in real-time.

FAQs on WordPress Live Streaming

1. How to create a live streaming website in WordPress?

To create a live streaming website in WordPress, install WordPress, select a theme optimized for video streaming, install a live streaming plugin like VdoCipher, configure the plugin, and embed the live stream on your site.

2. How to live stream on WordPress?

Install a live streaming plugin such as VdoCipher. Sign up for an account, configure the plugin with your API credentials, create a live stream event, and embed the stream on your WordPress page using the provided embed code.

3. How to stream live video on a WordPress website?

Install and configure a live streaming plugin like VdoCipher. Create a live stream event in the plugin’s dashboard, obtain the embed code, and paste it into your WordPress post or page.

4. How to embed a live stream on WordPress?

Generate the embed code from your live streaming plugin. In WordPress, go to the editor for your desired post or page. For the Classic Editor, switch to Text view and paste the embed code. For the Block Editor, add a Custom HTML block and paste the code. Publish or update the post/page.

5. What are the best live streaming plugins for WordPress?

Top live streaming plugins include VdoCipher for secure, high-quality streaming, WPStream for versatile live events and video-on-demand, and VideoWhisper for live streaming and video conferencing.

6. How to ensure high-quality live streaming on WordPress?

Ensure high-quality live streaming by using a reliable plugin, maintaining a stable internet connection, using high-quality cameras and microphones, and optimizing video quality settings in your streaming plugin.

Akash Kandari

Hi, I am Akash, an engineer turned marketer. I talk about SaaS products, video tech, and product marketing. When not working I enjoy my time watching anime, learning something new and hanging out with friends & family.

The post A Complete Guide on WordPress Live Streaming: Embed, Tips and More appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

It’s a dynamic playground where popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max compete for your screen time, while social media giants like YouTube, Facebook Live, and Twitch keep us endlessly entertained. Meanwhile, E-Learning pioneers like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy are schooling millions with their engaging video lessons.

For viewers, it’s all about finding the perfect mix of entertainment and education. For businesses, it’s about staying ahead in the race to deliver fresh, engaging content that clicks with audiences.

In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll unravel the stats and trends for VOD/OTT streaming platforms, social media platforms and e-learning platforms that are redefining streaming basis subscriber growth, content consumption habits, device preferences, and the emerging trends.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

VOD & OTT Streaming Stats

Subscriber Counts:

Additionally, more on this:

• Though Amazon Prime Video has around 220 million subscribers, it’s unclear how many actively use Prime Video due to its inclusion in Amazon Prime. 

• Together with Hulu and ESPN+, Disney as a platform reaches a combined total of 224.7 million. 

• Google Play Movies & TV/ Vudu VOD platform subscriber metrics are unclear because both of these operate as a rental/purchase service rather than a subscription-based platform.

Content Consumption and Trends:

1. Netflix: Still a leading service, Netflix remains a top service with originals like Bridgerton and Stranger Things, plus popular licensed shows like Seinfeld. Offering plans from $7 to $23 a month, it boasts a catalog of over 5,500 titles. (SlashFilm)​​ (Entertainment Tonight)​

2. Amazon Prime Video: With over 18,000 movies and nearly 2,000 TV shows, Prime Video is a leading streaming service, attracting viewers with its originals, licensed titles, and exclusive rentals. (SlashFilm)​

3. Disney+: Thrives with its Disney legacy content, Star Wars, and Marvel franchises. It features around 7,000 TV episodes and 500 films, appealing to nostalgia-driven viewers. (TV Guide)​​ (SlashFilm)​

4. HBO Max: Offers over 10,000 hours of content, combining Warner Bros., DC, and CNN. Its impressive library of originals and hit shows, like Succession and Euphoria, keeps users engaged. (Entertainment Tonight)​​ (SlashFilm)​

5. Hulu: Leads in up-to-date TV content with next-day access to current episodes. It offers over 68,000 hours of programming, including reality shows, live TV, and on-demand movies.​ (TV Guide)​​ (SlashFilm)​

6. Peacock: The NBC Universal platform attracts users with its mix of originals and licensed content like The Office. Its library of 15,000 hours focuses heavily on comedy and crime dramas​. (Entertainment Tonight)​​ (SlashFilm)​

7. Apple TV+: Despite a smaller catalog than competitors, Apple TV+ distinguishes itself through high-quality, exclusive originals like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show. (SlashFilm)​

8. Crunchyroll: This platform has a vast library of over 1,200 anime titles, offering both subtitled and dubbed versions. 

9. Paramount+: Paramount+ attracts Star Trek and Yellowstone fans with CBS Sports, Showtime add-ons, reality shows, and live TV. (Entertainment Tonight)​
10. Search for Religious Information: 30% of U.S. adults go online to search for church live streaming or information about religion, indicating a strong interest in digital religious content.

Device Preferences:

1. Smart TVs lead as the top streaming devices, used by 74.5% of households. Streaming sticks follow at 64%, while gaming consoles have gained popularity, reaching 43.5%.
2. In Asia, mobile phones have surpassed desktops as the preferred streaming devices, with 45% streaming via mobile. Big screens, like TVs, account for 43%, while desktops are used by just 7%. (Comparitech)​
3. Millennials and Gen Z are known to shift their subscription patterns and are more likely to cancel and resubscribe based on specific content​.
4. Binge-watching is highest among the 30 to 44-year-old age group, at 70%, and this preference shapes their device usage​. (Exploding Topics)​
5. Ad-supported services are gaining traction, as nearly 57% of consumers express interest in them for their cost-saving potential​. (Comparitech)​

Emerging Trends

1. Subscription Fatigue: Due to rising SVOD prices, over 50% of consumers have switched to cheaper, ad-supported versions. The shift to AVOD is growing, with ad-supported streaming projected to reach $81.2 billion in 2024.
2. AI in Streaming: AI enhances viewing hours by up to 80% through personalized recommendations. Studios using AI for content creation and prediction see up to a 12% increase in viewership. (Axinom)​ (Muvi One)​
3. Short-form Video: Short-form videos are gaining popularity, with Netflix offering series under 15 minutes per episode, catering to younger and busy audiences. (Exploding Topics)​
4. Niche and Non-English Content: Demand for niche platforms and non-English originals is rising, as seen with Dark and Money Heist. Local-language content appeals broadly.. (Exploding Topics)​​ (Muvi One)​
5. 5G and Immersive Content: The rollout of 5G will enable faster download speeds and latency-free streaming, supporting 4K and 8K videos. AR/VR content and spatial streaming will offer immersive experiences, particularly for sports and concerts.​ (Muvi One)​
6. Live Sports and Docuseries: Live sports streaming draws viewers, with Netflix set to stream a tennis match in 2024. Docuseries like Tiger King gained 64 million viewers in its first month, showing a strong demand for this content. (Exploding Topics)​​ (Fast Company)​

E-Learning Video Courses Streaming Stats

User Count:

Content Consumption and Trends:

1. Coursera: Technology (data science, computer science) and business courses account for 56% of enrollments, with 77% of users leveraging the platform for career skills.​ (BitDegree)​​ (Online Courseing)​

2. Udemy: Web development, IT certification prep, and marketing lead among the 200,000+ courses, and business-focused courses saw a 70% pandemic-driven growth​. (Thinkific)​

3. edX: Computer science, business management, and engineering are high-demand subjects, with STEM enrollments up 28% thanks to professional certificates.​ (Online Courseing)​

4. Khan Academy: Math makes up 55% of views in K-12 and SAT prep, while mobile learners account for 40% of traffic amidst a 60% pandemic-driven usage boost​. (BitDegree)​

5. LinkedIn Learning: Business analytics and leadership development lead among 16,000+ courses, with 80% of learners using it for career advancement​. (skillfrontier.io)​

6. MasterClass: Creative arts, business leadership, and cooking lessons are most popular, while self-care and wellness course consumption jumped 80%​.

7. Skillshare: Photography, graphic design, and writing are highly viewed, with user-generated courses in creative hobbies accounting for 40% of enrollments​. (Thinkific)​

8. Pluralsight: Cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software development are trending, with 55% of businesses using the platform to close tech skill gaps​. (skillfrontier.io)​

9. FutureLearn: Healthcare, language, and digital skills courses are popular, and business/management enrollments surged by 30% for workforce upskilling.​ (Thinkific)​

10. Treehouse: Web development and programming remain top subjects, and shorter courses (under 30 minutes) saw a 45% increase in consumption.​ (Thinkific)​

11. Teachable: Content marketing, business branding, and freelancing are popular, with 68% of platform content creation and consumption driven by solo entrepreneurs​. (Thinkific)​

12. Thinkific: Business skills, fitness, and health courses dominate enrollments, and fitness coaching classes saw a 50% post-2020 increase​. (Thinkific)​

13. Codecademy: Python, web development, and data science courses are most popular, while backend programming languages are up 30% in interest.​ (Thinkific)​​ (Online Courseing)​

14. Simplilearn: Data science, project management, and IT security are in demand, while certification programs represent 60% of new enrollments​.

15. OpenLearn: Languages, health, and social sciences attract significant interest, with social sciences courses up by 50% due to rising student demand.​ (Thinkific)​

16. Udacity: Machine learning, data science, and robotics are the most popular, and its skill-focused nanodegree courses boast up to 80% retention.​ (Online Courseing)​

Device Preferences:

When it comes to streaming educational content, different devices cater to diverse preferences and learning habits. 

Mobile Devices:

• Growth Trend: Mobile devices are increasingly popular for e-learning. In 2023, about 68% of online course content was consumed on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.​ (Comparitech)​

• Regional Influence: In regions like Asia and Latin America, mobile streaming accounts for nearly 45% of educational content consumption.​ (Comparitech)​

• K-12: Approximately 40% of Khan Academy users stream content through mobile apps, leveraging offline downloads for flexible learning.​ (BitDegree)​

Desktops/Laptops:

• Desktops or laptops remain the primary devices for detailed and technical learning. Over 70% of e-learning content is accessed via these devices, particularly for coding or intensive coursework​. (Online Courseing)​​ (skillfrontier.io)​

• Udemy: Around 80% of Udemy users prefer desktops for interactive and longer courses due to the better user experience​. (Thinkific)​

Tablets:

• Tablets offer a middle ground between desktop and mobile devices, attracting around 20% of users, particularly for video lessons and creative content like design or writing.​ (Thinkific)​

• Coursera: Tablets represent 10-15% of Coursera’s device preferences due to the flexibility of switching between multiple devices.​ (BitDegree)​

Smart TVs:

• Streaming on Smart TVs is gaining traction, especially for professionally produced video courses. MasterClass and LinkedIn Learning reported a 30% growth in TV-based viewing in 2023.​ (Thinkific)​​ (skillfrontier.io)​

• Mobile & Desktop: While learners primarily access courses through desktop computers, mobile access remains crucial, particularly in regions with higher smartphone adoption like Asia and Africa.​ (BitDegree)​

Emerging Trends

Emerging trends in educational content streaming reflect how advancements in technology and changing consumer behaviors shape the e-learning landscape. Here are some emerging trends with numbers:

Short-Form Content:

• Micro-Learning: The need for quick, digestible content is on the rise, with 55% of learners preferring short-form video lessons under 10 minutes.​ (Exploding Topics)​
• Increased Retention: Platforms adopting bite-sized videos (2-5 minutes) have reported up to 80% improved engagement​. (Axinom)​

Mobile-First Learning:

• Mobile Usage: Mobile-first strategies are becoming prevalent as mobile device usage exceeds 68% for streaming educational content.​ (Comparitech)​

• Regional Uptake: In Asia and Latin America, mobile-based course consumption has surpassed desktop by up to 20%.​ (Comparitech)​

Interactive and Gamified Learning:

• Gamification Impact: Interactive courses using quizzes and gamified elements increase student retention by over 35% compared to static content​. (Fast Company)​

• Immersive Experiences: AR/VR technology is projected to grow by over 20% in educational use due to its engaging, immersive learning experiences.​ (Muvi One)​

Live and Social Learning:

• Live Streaming: Live lessons and real-time feedback drive increased participation, with platforms like LinkedIn Learning noting a 60% rise in live video engagement​. (Axinom)​

• Community Learning: Collaborative platforms with active student communities, such as Skillshare and MasterClass, have seen a 40% increase in shared learning experiences​. (Thinkific)​

Adaptive Learning and AI:

• Personalization: AI-powered recommendation engines have increased student satisfaction by 20% through curated, personalized course suggestions​. (Muvi One)​

• Adaptive Paths: Platforms using adaptive learning paths tailored to individual progress have reduced course dropout rates by 18%.​ (Axinom)​

Social Media Platform Streaming Stats

User Count:

Content Consumption and Trends

1. YouTube: Gaming, music, and educational videos remain the most popular, contributing to over 1 billion hours of video watched daily. YouTube Shorts have driven a 30% increase in engagement since their launch​. (Brian Vander Waal)​​ (The Tech Edvocate)​

2. Twitch: Gaming is the primary driver, accounting for 80% of live streams, with non-gaming content (like Just Chatting) seeing a 20% annual growth. Average concurrent viewership is around 2.5 million.​ (UpJourney)​

3. Facebook: Live streaming content and video posts (including Watch) garner 1 billion daily views, with a noticeable 30% growth in video consumption. (Transizion)​​ (Upskillwise)​

4. Instagram: Reels are now the primary engagement format, making up more than 20% of time spent on the platform.​ (Brian Vander Waal)​​ (The Tech Edvocate)​

5. TikTok: Short-form videos drive an average of over 850 minutes of monthly usage per user, with dance challenges, memes, and educational clips being among the most viral content​. (Thinkific)​​ (Brian Vander Waal)​

6. Snapchat: Visual messaging and Stories dominate, with 75% of Gen Z active daily. Spotlight, Snapchat’s short-form content feature, grew by 40% in 2023​. (Transizion)​

7. Twitter:  Twitter Spaces (audio) and video tweets receive 10x the engagement of text posts, while sports, news, and entertainment videos are top performers​. (Upskillwise)​

8. Dailymotion: News, entertainment, and sports videos lead content views, with the platform reporting 300 million monthly visitors across Europe and Asia​. (Brian Vander Waal)​

Device Preferences

Mobile Devices:

• Growth Trend: Mobile device usage is dominant on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, with over 95% of Instagram users and nearly 100% of TikTok’s 1 billion users accessing the platforms via smartphones.​ (Brian Vander Waal)​​ (Thinkific)​
• YouTube: More than 70% of YouTube’s global watch time comes from mobile devices​. (The Tech Edvocate)​
• Facebook: Facebook sees over 80% of its active users accessing content on mobile devices, especially for short videos and Facebook Live.​ (Transizion)​

Desktops/Laptops:

• Dominant Device: Desktops and laptops remain key for detailed and interactive streaming, especially on platforms like Twitch and Twitter, where they account for 60% and 40% of viewership, respectively​. (UpJourney)​​ (Upskillwise)​
• Twitch: Desktop streaming is crucial due to the need for interactivity in gaming content, representing around 60% of total Twitch viewership​. (UpJourney)​

Tablets:

• Balanced Preference: Tablets offer a mix of portability and screen size, making them attractive for platforms like YouTube, where tablet usage contributes to nearly 15% of total mobile watch time.​ (The Tech Edvocate)​
• Amazon Live: Tablets provide a flexible browsing experience, helping shoppers stream product demos interactively​. (UpJourney)​

Smart TVs:

• Emerging Trend: Connected TVs are gaining traction, with YouTube reporting over 20% of watch time coming from smart TVs, particularly for long-form and professionally produced content.​ (Transizion)​
• Facebook Watch: Facebook’s episodic series and curated videos attract increasing TV-based viewing through smart TV apps and streaming devices​. (Upskillwise)​

Emerging Trends

When it comes to emerging trends in streaming content, different behaviors and technological shifts are shaping the landscape:

1. Short-Form Video: Platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts are leading a surge in short-form video consumption. TikTok’s rapid growth to over 1 billion users is driving this trend, and YouTube Shorts have seen a 30% rise in engagement​. (Thinkific)​​ (Brian Vander Waal)​
2. Live Streaming: Real-time interaction via platforms like Twitch and Instagram Live is gaining popularity, particularly in gaming and influencer marketing. Twitch saw a significant increase in non-gaming live streams, while Facebook Live videos received twice the engagement of standard posts​. (Transizion)​​ (UpJourney)​
3. Connected TV: Smart TVs are gaining traction for streaming, with YouTube reporting a 20% watch time increase from connected TVs. Professional content, like YouTube’s original series and longer form shows, benefit from TV-based viewing.​ (Transizion)​​ (The Tech Edvocate)​
4. E-Commerce Integration: Social platforms like Amazon Live and Instagram Shopping are blending content and commerce, making it easier for users to shop directly from live streams or videos.​ (UpJourney)​
5. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR filters and VR experiences are being incorporated into streaming, especially on Snapchat and Instagram, providing users with immersive and interactive content.​ (Brian Vander Waal)​​ (Transizion)​

Conclusion

The streaming revolution is in full swing as VOD and OTT platforms continue to gain massive followings with ever-diversifying content preferences. Social media streaming remains a creative place where influencers, gamers, and content creators reach millions instantly. Meanwhile, E-learning services like Coursera and Khan Academy are transforming online education with dynamic video courses. These shifts indicate major changes, with content creators adopting new strategies to attract viewers, businesses using data to compete, and consumers enjoying a wide spectrum of entertainment and educational content.

Akash Kandari

Hi, I am Akash, an engineer turned marketer. I talk about SaaS products, video tech, and product marketing. When not working I enjoy my time watching anime, learning something new and hanging out with friends & family.

The post Video Streaming Stats 2024: Trends Across VOD, OTT, and More appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

For seamless live streaming, you require live streaming software.

What Is Live Streaming Software?

Live streaming software is an application or platform that enables you to broadcast live video and audio over the internet. It captures, encodes, and streams audio and video from various input and output sources like camera, microphone or simply screen capture.

A good live streaming software includes features for mixing multiple sources, adding graphics, adding text overlays, encoding for different formats, and distributing the streamed content to popular apps like YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook. From personal live vlogs to gaming streams to church live streaming to professional webinars or sports events, live streaming is widely used for a range of purposes.

The core of any live streaming software is an encoder, which converts the video input into digital format for live streaming. There are many good live streaming software available out there. And with many options, sometimes it gets hard to choose. Today, we will discuss the best live streaming software – the good, the great, and the life-changing. This will help you make an informed decision for your streaming needs.

How to Choose the Best Live Streaming Software?

Choosing the right live streaming software is crucial for every business or individual who wants to excel in the streaming world. Here are a few things you can keep in mind when opting for one,

1. Purpose of stream and content type: Are you streaming for educational content, gaming, webinar, live event, or something else? Different platforms serve different types of content, so choose the one that aligns with your goal.
2. Audience size: A larger audience requires more bandwidth and higher stream quality. You can ensure your software can support your needs.
3. Features and interactivity: Apart from all the basic features like multiple source mixing, encoding, and overlays. Look for interactivity features like chats, polls, Q&A, and quizzes, to engage a larger audience.
4. Ease of use and compatibility: Opt for a user-friendly interface and straightforward interface for a smaller audience. Check for integration options with popular live streaming platforms. Check for software compatibility with your existing hardware and devices.
5. Bandwidth and quality: For a larger audience you require a larger bandwidth and higher streaming quality. Depending on your needs, you can ensure that the software you choose supports high-resolution quality.
6. Cost: Consider your budget, there are free options for basic streaming and paid versions for more advanced features. Assess your needs. 
7. Customization: Do you need basic customization options like editing or text overlays? Or you do want to add a theme to your streams that matches your brand style.
8. Support: When you’re new to the streaming world and have a growing audience, it’s also wise to check if the software comes with good customer support.
9. Analytics: If you’ve been in this game for long, detailed analytics and in-depth insights as a feature can be a cherry on top. Insights like viewer count, demographics, and engagement rates all help you grow and understand your audience better.
10. Monetization: If monetization is your goal, especially for a larger audience, look out for software options that come with integrated monetization options.
11. Scalability: Are you anticipating a larger audience in the near future? Then look out for software that can cater to your scalability needs and handle a large number of audiences without lag or quality issues.

Now depending on your usage, you can make an informed decision about which live streaming software to go ahead with.

Top 16 Live Streaming Software Ranked

We have ranked all popular live streaming software based on their pros and cons. We have considered factors like versatility, user-friendliness, feature richness, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for different user groups. Without further ado, let’s go through each one of them.

1. OBS Studio – “Open Broadcaster Software”

OBS Studio is a robust, free live streaming software known for its high-definition screen capture and video recording capabilities. It’s highly favored for its user-friendly interface and versatile functionality, supporting various platforms and offering extensive customization options for streamers and content creators. It is one of the must have tool for your live streaming website. If you want know more about how to use obs studio, you can check the blog linked.

Pros:

1. Completely free and open-source. Distributed under the GPLv2 license and can be used commercially without restrictions​​​​.
2. Offers real-time video/audio capturing and mixing. Users can create scenes from multiple sources, including captures, images, text, webcams, and more​​.
3. An unlimited number of scenes with customizable transitions. 
4. Includes an intuitive audio mixer with filters like noise gate, suppression, and gain, along with VST plugin support​​.
5. Easy-to-use configuration options and a streamlined settings panel for tweaking broadcast or recording aspects​​​​.
6. The modular ‘Dock’ UI allows users to rearrange the layout and pop out individual Docks to their own window​​.
7. Users can set hotkeys for various actions and use Studio Mode to preview scenes and sources before going live​​​​.
8. Offers a high-level view of the production, allowing monitoring and easy transition between different scenes​​.
9. Equipped with a powerful API for plugins and scripts, providing further customization and functionality​​.

Cons:

1. The wide range of features and settings can be overwhelming for new users or those not tech-savvy.
2. Users might experience dropped frames if their internet connection isn’t stable or can’t keep up with the set bitrate​​.
3. Some users may face issues after updating OBS, especially with antivirus or security programs flagging it falsely​​.
4. Users may need to manually adjust settings for optimal quality. OBS provides tools and guides, but it requires a bit of learning and experimentation​​.
5. Being an open-source project, it doesn’t offer direct customer support, though there’s a large community for help.

2. Wirecast

Wirecast is all about giving you the power and flexibility to create awesome live video streams. Whether you’re a Mac user or a Windows fan, this software’s got you covered with its customizable tools.

Pros:

1. You can hook up as many cameras as you want. This is huge for professional-level productions.
2. Got PTZ cameras? Wirecast can control them. Plus, it integrates with control surfaces.
3. Bring in guests from anywhere in the world into your live stream. Pretty neat for interviews or collaborations.
4. Layer-based compositing feature lets you mix and match different video sources and graphics. It’s like having a mini-TV studio.
5. Record isolated feeds and use virtual cameras and microphones for more control.
6. Over 12 multilingual languages’ customer support. This makes it accessible to a global audience.
7. Stream to multiple platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and more, all at the same time.
8. Access to over 500,000 stock media assets. This is a goldmine for adding professional touches to your streams.

Cons:

1. With so many features, it can be a bit overwhelming for beginners. 
2. While Wirecast offers a lot, it’s not the cheapest option out there. You’ll need to weigh the cost against the benefits you get.
3. To run smoothly, especially with multiple sources and high-quality streams, you’ll need a pretty powerful computer.

3. X-Split Broadcaster

XSplit Broadcaster is an all-in-one streaming and recording application designed for content creation, especially in gaming and esports. It’s known for its powerful live video streaming and recording studio capabilities, offering limitless customization options​​.

Pros:

1. Offers a Layout Wizard to easily switch between various streaming setups, such as solo streams, podcasts, or presentations with multiple guests​​.
2. Features a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality for media sources, and compatibility with applications like Skype, Zoom, Teams, and Discord​​.
3. Supports streaming to major broadcast platforms with native plugins or Custom RTMP, and allows simultaneous streaming and recording​​.
4. Capable of live streaming to multiple platforms like Facebook and YouTube at the same time​​.
5. Includes scene presets, noise suppression, projector output, media slideshow, per scene audio, chroma key threshold, and custom transitions for enhanced broadcast quality​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.
6. Utilizes NVIDIA Encoding for improved streaming performance, and offers Split Mode for professional scene switching​​​​​​.
7. Allows recording different scenes simultaneously with multiple audio tracks for easier post-production​​​​.
8. Supports Macros, Custom Scripts, and APIs for personalized broadcast settings​​.
9. Provides high-end support and lifetime updates to users​​.

Cons:

1. Some features, like streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously, require a premium license​​.
2. Setting up and configuring audio options can be complex and may require going through guides and tutorials​​​​.
3. New users, especially those starting a gaming channel, may find it challenging to understand all the features and may need to refer to guides​​​​.
4. Managing licenses for a team requires a system that may not be straightforward for all users​​.

4. vMix

vMix is a versatile, Windows-based live video production software that excels in live streaming, input switching, and audio mixing with up to 4K resolution support. It’s known for its wide range of features including built-in video-conferencing, social media integration, and more.

Pros:

1. It can handle inputs from multiple cameras, crucial for professional-grade live streaming.
2. Offers robust tools for live streaming.
3. Allows recording of live streams, a useful feature for post-event access or editing.
4. Attractive video effects for Enhancing the visual appeal of streams.
5. The Multi-view layout option feature aids in managing different video sources simultaneously.
6. Input management and an easy user interface make it user-friendly, especially for managing various inputs.

Cons:

1. New users may find it a bit challenging to get accustomed to its features.
2. PC-specific with no macOS version available, limiting its user base.
3. Unclear technical terms can be a hurdle, especially for less tech-savvy users​​​​.

5. Riverside.fm

Riverside.fm is a versatile platform for podcast and video recording, offering a range of features catering to individual creators, professionals, and companies.

Pros:

1. Riverside records locally on the device, which ensures high-quality audio and video even with unstable internet connections​​.
2. Provides individual, synchronized tracks for each participant, offering more flexibility in post-production​​.
3. Supports 4K video and 48kHz WAV audio files, delivering professional-grade output​​​​.
4. Features like AI-assisted editing, accurate transcriptions in 100+ languages, and automatic captioning streamline the post-production process​​​​​​​​​​.
5. Easy to use and does not require guests to download any software to join a session. 
6. Offers live streaming to social media platforms and allows live call-ins and interaction during recording sessions​​.
7. Designed for a variety of users, from individual podcasters to large brands and companies​​.

Cons:

1. The free version has limitations like a watermark on exported files, up to 720p video quality, and only 2 hours of separate audio and video tracks​​.
2. Higher-quality features, like 4K video, 48 kHz audio quality, screen sharing, and live streaming, are available only in paid plans​​​​.
3. To benefit from lower monthly rates, users have to commit to annual billing.
4. While user-friendly, the range of features and settings might be overwhelming for beginners or those new to podcasting and video recording.
5. The pricing for the Business plan is not listed on the website and requires contacting sales, which may be inconvenient for some users​​.

6. Ecamm Live

Ecamm Live is a comprehensive live streaming and video production platform designed exclusively for Mac users. It offers a suite of features for streaming, recording, podcasting, and presenting, including support for multiple cameras and screen sharing.

Pros:

1. Acclaimed for its clean and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for beginners.
2. Apart from being beginner-friendly, it also offers advanced controls for experienced users.
3. Supports major streaming platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and more, including multi-streaming platforms like Restream and Switchboard.
4. Integrates comments from multiple platforms into its interface, simplifying engagement with the audience.
5. Supports up to 4K 60 frames per second, catering to high-quality streaming needs.
6. Offers direct integration with Skype for guest additions or an interview mode for up to 10 guests on the Pro Plan.
7. Allows isolated video and audio track recording for enhanced post-production flexibility.
8. On the Pro Plan, it can act as a webcam, integrating its features into platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
9. Users have praised the responsive and helpful customer support team.
10. It’s not just for live streaming but also serves as a solid tool for audio, screen, and video recording​​​​​​​​​​.

Cons:

1. The absence of a mobile app for iPhones can be a drawback for users seeking mobility.
2. While it offers a range of features, some advanced features available in more expensive software are missing.
3. Users have found issues with exporting settings for use on other machines and have noted that the process of setting up layers, backgrounds, and layouts is not clear​​​​.

7. Restream Studio

Restream Studio, a feature of Restream, is a cloud-based live streaming platform known for its versatility and ease of use. It is a powerful and user-friendly tool for multi-platform live streaming, with a strong emphasis on audience engagement and analytics.

Pros:

1. Offers a free plan with sufficient features for beginners.
2. Designed for ease of use, making it accessible for newcomers.
3. Comparatively easier to set up than many similar platforms.
4. Allows live streaming on over 30 platforms for both free and paid users.
5. Supports uploading and broadcasting pre-recorded videos.
6. Users can create their own streaming channel on the platform.
7. Integrates chats from different platforms, facilitating better audience engagement.
8. Special features to boost video interaction during live streams.
9. Provides detailed insights into streaming performance and audience metrics.
10. Works well on popular operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.
11. Allows streaming from several cameras simultaneously.
12. Enables recording of live streams for other uses like vlogging or podcasts.
13. The live Studio feature lets users invite other broadcasters to join the live streams​​​​.

Cons:

1. Full HD streaming setup is only available with the Professional plan at $49/month.
2. Paid subscription prices are relatively high compared to similar platforms.
3. Does not support 2K and 4K video streaming.
4. Restrictions on the amount and capacity of stored pre-recorded videos.
5. Some features like streaming to Facebook Live or YouTube gaming are only available to paid subscribers.
6. Priority support is exclusive to Premium and Business plan users.
7. Watermarks can’t be removed without upgrading to a paid plan.
8. Inability to stream two different video contents simultaneously.
9. Streaming quality heavily relies on the strength of the internet connection.
10. Users need to download separate tools for advanced video editing​​​​.

8. OneStream

OneStream Live is a cloud-based streaming service that offers a blend of features and some limitations. Here’s a comprehensive look at its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

1. Supports broadcasting to over 45 platforms simultaneously, including major social media and gaming platforms.
2. Offers both live and pre-recorded video streaming options.
3. Allows users to record their streams and download them for future use.
4. Ensures a good quality of both audio and video in streams.
5. Known for its ease of use, making it accessible for busy individuals.
6. Pre-recorded videos can be scheduled up to 60 days in advance, ensuring consistent content delivery.
7. Users can add custom thumbnails, watermarks, and logos.
8. Provides comprehensive analytics across all streaming channels in one place.
9. Supports major cloud providers like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, allowing for efficient video upload and streaming without consuming too much internet bandwidth.
10. Boasts a large user community, providing a valuable resource for support and tips​​​​​​.

Cons:

1. The platform supports a narrower range of video formats compared to some competitors.
2. The storage capacity for videos is somewhat restricted.
3. There have been instances where promised features in early adoption plans were not delivered or were charged additionally.
4. Some advanced features are only available under the Professional plan, which may not be feasible for all users​​​​.

9. Lightstream Studio

Lightstream Studio lets you create live streams right from your browser. It’s cloud-based, meaning you don’t need any fancy equipment or software downloads. Just hop onto their site, and you’re pretty much good to go.

Pros:

1. You only need a computer and an internet connection to start streaming.
2. The studio allows unrestricted control, so you can arrange your stream layout exactly how you want. You’re not stuck with preset layouts, which is a big plus for creators who want to stand out​​.
3. Lightstream integrates with other platforms for on-stream alerts, motion graphics, and social media messaging, boosting engagement and interaction​​.
4. Super handy for streamers on the go. You can control your stream from your mobile device, like starting and stopping the stream or switching scenes​​.
5. Offer both monthly and annual plans with a 7-day free trial. All plans include cloud sync and storage, unlimited streaming hours, and live chat support​​.
6. Whether you’re into console gaming or creating content with mixed remote video feeds, Lightstream has tailored features for different types of streamers​​.

Cons:

1. While Lightstream is great for basic streaming needs, it might not satisfy those looking for advanced production features.
2. Since it’s cloud-based, your stream’s quality is heavily dependent on your internet connection. A poor connection can lead to stream disruptions.
3. Depending on the plan, there might be limitations on the maximum streaming resolution. For instance, some plans cap at 720p 30FPS, which might not be ideal for those wanting ultra-high-quality streams​​.
4. Depending on the project type (Gamer or Creator), the number of participants you can have on your stream varies, which might restrict some types of broadcasts​​.

10. Twitch Studio

Twitch Studio is Twitch’s own streaming software, designed to make it easier for new streamers to get started with broadcasting. It’s tailored specifically for Twitch streaming and offers a range of tools and features to help users create high-quality streams.

Pros:

1. Designed with beginners in mind, making it easier to start streaming on Twitch.
2. Offers seamless integration with Twitch services and features.
3. Provides basic customization options for overlays, alerts, and more.

Cons:

1. Primarily focused on Twitch, which might not be suitable for multi-platform streaming.
2. May lack advanced features compared to more comprehensive software like OBS Studio or XSplit Broadcaster.

11. FFmpeg

FFmpeg, a versatile open-source software, is widely used for various multimedia processing tasks, including live streaming. Here’s an overview of its advantages and limitations.

Pros:

1. Distributed under LGPL or GPL license, allowing free use, modification, and redistribution.
2. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile tool for different environments.
3. Covers a wide range of multimedia processing for video, audio, and images.
4. Benefits from a large, active community of users and developers contributing to its development and improvement.
5. Offers abundant online resources, including user guides, tutorials, and forums, facilitating user learning and mastery.
6. Can encode input sources like cameras or screen captures in real-time and send them to streaming servers using protocols like RTMP.
7. Offers a wide array of encoding parameters and settings for video and audio codecs, making it highly customizable for specific streaming needs​​​​.

Cons:

1. Its primary operation through a command-line interface can be intimidating for users unfamiliar with such interfaces, though third-party graphical interfaces are available.
2. The software’s extensive functionality makes it challenging to learn, especially for beginners.
3. As an open-source project, it may experience bugs or issues leading to instability or crashes, although these are generally quickly addressed by the developer community​​.

12. VidBlasterX

VidBlasterX, a live streaming and video production software, offers a mix of powerful features and some challenges, particularly for new users. Let’s delve into its pros and cons.

Pros:

1. Designed for robust video production needs.
2. Supports multiple cameras and various input sources.
3. Allows users to tailor the interface to their specific needs.
4. Suitable for both live event production and IMAG output due to its ultra-low latency.
5. Reduces issues with mismatched video and offset audio.
6. Supports Network Device Interface (NDI) and IP-based video streams, enhancing connectivity options.
7. Includes multi-channel, slow-motion, instant replay features.
8. Offers a built-in keyer for green or blue screen applications.
9. Allows for real-time text, graphics, and animation overlays.
10. Supports a variety of video formats and MP3 audio.
11. Facilitates use and controlling PowerPoint presentations within the software.
12. Supports SD, HD, and up to 4K resolutions.
13. Simplifies audio mixing and control.
14. Offers API commands, triggers, and custom scripting for professional automation​​​​​​.

Cons:

1. The software’s complexity and range of features can be overwhelming for beginners.
2. Requires significant resources, which may not be readily available to all users​​​​.

13. SplitCam

SplitCam is a solid choice for users seeking a free, user-friendly live streaming solution with capabilities for multi-platform streaming and audio mixing. Its ability to split webcam feeds and support for major streaming platforms adds to its appeal.

Pros:

1. Completely free, making it accessible for users on a budget.
2. Offers advanced functionalities for live video streaming.
3. Allows users to broadcast video to multiple streaming sites simultaneously.
4. Enables splitting webcam video into different applications like Skype, Webex, Teams, YouTube, and more, enhancing versatility.
5. Includes tools for mixing audio, which is essential for live streaming.
6. Users can add their logos or branding and perform editing in the live stream, offering a degree of customization.
7. Compatible with platforms like Twitch.tv, YouTube, Facebook, and others, making it a versatile choice for streamers​​​​​​.

Cons:

1. Adds watermarks to videos, which might not be preferred by users seeking a more professional look.
2. While it offers a range of functionalities, it may not be as feature-rich as some of its more advanced competitors​​.

14. Prism Live Studio

Prism Live Studio is a versatile tool for live streaming and video content creation, notable for its user-friendly interface, compatibility with various gadgets and OBS plugins, and innovative features like beauty effects and virtual chroma key.

Pros:

1. Compatible with various gadgets, similar to Streamlabs, using web functionality.
2. The software is user-friendly and easy to learn.
3. Allows streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously for free.
4. Supports many OBS plugins and functionalities.
5. Includes beauty effects and functions for enhancing webcam appearance.
6. Provides the ability to remove backgrounds or apply high-quality blur effects and background images without additional devices, enhancing privacy and professionalism in videos.
7. Features automatic face recognition technology for retouching webcam appearance.
8. PRISM Lens can be used as a webcam for live streaming and video conferences, offering creative effects.
9. The PRISM Mobile app can be connected directly to a PC for live streaming and creating diverse video content, even without a camera​​​​​​​​​​.

Cons:

1. Does not include pre-built themes.
2. Lacks audio effects and VST compatibility.
3. Being a relatively recent software, it misses some advanced features.
4. Learning custom CSS for customization can be challenging.
5. Does not offer certain premium features that might be available in other similar software​​.

15. FFSplit

FFSplit is a free streaming and a solid choice for users seeking a free, straightforward solution for live streaming and recording, especially those using Windows. It’s particularly beneficial for those needing a tool that supports multiple video sources and formats.

Pros:

1. Distributed as freeware and is designed for ease of use, allowing users to create professional and unique content quickly.
2. FFSplit enables capturing videos from various sources to create a live video feed.
3. Allows live streaming and local recording using FFmpeg, or can be used as a webcam source via a DirectShow filter.
4. The software is optimized for high performance, focusing on essential functionalities.
5. Offers support for popular streaming services like Twitch, YouTube, Ustream, and Hitbox.
6. Compatible with a range of video formats, including MP4, AVI, FLV, and WMV.
7. Provides various customizable options to enhance the streaming and recording experience​​​​​​.

Cons:

1. FFSplit is limited to Windows users, lacking support for other operating systems.
2. Compared to other streaming and recording software, it misses some advanced features.
3. The software is rarely updated, which might impact its long-term usability and compatibility with newer technologies​​​​.

16. Switchboard Live

Switchboard Live is a potent tool for those looking to leverage multi-platform streaming, especially useful in increasing the return on investment and engagement in social media and digital marketing initiatives.

Pros:

1. Allows content creators and brands to simultaneously stream to various channels like Facebook, YouTube, Periscope, Twitch, and custom RTMP destinations.
2. Enables broadcasting across multiple channels with just one input source.
3. Users can monitor, direct, link, and switch between multiple inputs and workflows simultaneously.
4. Provides the ability to hand-pick channels for broadcasting and edit stream descriptions and metadata in real time.
5. Offers a robust analytics tool to track the performance of each live video stream, providing unique performance data.
6. Allows users to export channel-specific results like user counts, reactions, and subscriptions into an easy-to-read report.
7. Users can add watermarking to video outputs and adjust the quality or watermark for each destination.
8. Offers a powerful API to automate most features and tasks, enhancing efficiency​​.

Cons:

1. Some users have reported problems with the follow-up and resolution of issues by the support team.
2. The design of the user interface, particularly after login, has been criticized for its lack of appeal and no option to switch from dark mode​​.

Each software has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the specific needs and skill level of the user. Advanced users or professionals might prefer Wirecast or vMix, while beginners or those looking for free options might lean towards OBS Studio or XSplit Broadcaster.

Whether you’re an influencer, gamer, an online educator, or a business, the right streaming software can amplify your message and reach. As we’ve explored today, there’s a wide variety of live streaming software out there, each with its own set of features, pros, and cons. Your choice depends on your specific needs – from audience size to feature set, ease of use, and budget. In this fast-evolving digital landscape, the right software can transform your live streaming experience, helping you leave a lasting impression in your viewers’ eyes.

FAQs About Live Streaming Software

What is Live Streaming Software and How Does it Work?

Live streaming software is an application or platform that broadcasts live video and audio over the internet. It captures and encodes audio and video from various sources, allowing for mixing, adding graphics, text overlays, and streaming the content to platforms like YouTube and Facebook.

Why is Live Streaming Popular in 2024?

Live streaming has gained popularity due to the increased preference for video content and the convenience of consuming and sharing live videos, especially post-pandemic. It is used for various purposes, including education, entertainment, and professional webinars. Video streaming platforms have become a necessity nowadays when most of our audience is present online.

How Do I Choose the Best Live Streaming Software?

When selecting live streaming software, consider the purpose of your stream, audience size, software features (like interactivity and overlays), ease of use, compatibility with your hardware, bandwidth requirements, cost, customization options, customer support availability, analytics, monetization options, and scalability.

What are the Pros and Cons of OBS Studio for Live Streaming?

OBS Studio is free and open-source, offering high-quality video/audio capture and mixing, customizable transitions, and a user-friendly interface. However, it can be overwhelming for new users and requires a stable internet connection and manual settings adjustment.

Can Live Streaming Software Support Large Audiences Without Quality Issues?

Yes, certain live streaming software is designed to handle large audiences without compromising quality. It’s important to choose software that supports higher bandwidth and streaming quality to accommodate larger audience sizes.

Is There Free Live Streaming Software Available That Offers Professional Features?

Yes, there are free live streaming software options, like OBS Studio, that offer professional features. These free versions often include functionalities like multiple source mixing, encoding, and overlays, though more advanced features might require a paid version.

Akash Kandari

Hi, I am Akash, an engineer turned marketer. I talk about SaaS products, video tech, and product marketing. When not working I enjoy my time watching anime, learning something new and hanging out with friends & family.

The post Top 16 Live Streaming Software Ranked in 2024 appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

But let’s be real, choosing the best video monetization platform in this diverse universe can become challenging sometimes. That’s where we hop in, to help you understand everything there is to know about these platforms and how you can effectively use them.

The rise of video monetization platforms has opened a lot of doors for broadcasters and content creators. Number of digital video viewers worldwide has risen from 2.78 billion in 2019 to 3.48 billion in 2023. There has never been a better time to join and be part of this revolution.

In this blog, we will explore the topic of video monetization platforms in detail. It does not matter if you are new to the game or have some prior knowledge, we have got you covered. We will explore different monetization models like AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD. We will also talk about the latest and best monetization platforms in 2023 for every model which will help you make an informed decision and take your video monetization strategy to the next level.

It is about time you turn your views into revenue and leave your mark in the ever-expanding world of video content. Let’s get started, first thing first,

What Is a Video Monetization Platform?

Video Monetization Platform is a web application that allows content creators, online educators, broadcasters, and media companies to host their video content online and generate revenue from it. These platforms generally offer different ways to monetize the content like through advertisements which is AVOD, subscriptions which is SVOD, transactional which is TVOD (also known as pay-per-view model), or direct sales of merchandise related to video content.

Before we get into the best video monetization platforms for your business. It is important to understand all the monetization models in detail. These model can be divided into 5 major categories as follow,

1. Advertising-based Video on Demand (AVOD)
2. Subscription-based Video on Demand (SVOD)
3. Transactional-based Video on Demand (TVOD), also known as Pay-Per-View Model
4. Premium Video on Demand (PVOD)
5. Membership and Patreon Model

Now the next question is how to choose the right monetization platform for you. This largely depends on the type of content, your audience size, revenue goals, and more. We will discuss this in detail later.

First, let’s talk about all the monetization models in detail,

What Is the AVOD (Advertising-based Video on Demand) Monetization Model?

AVOD or Advertising-based Video on Demand model is the most common of all. It has a straightforward proposition, that is users can access unlimited content as long as they sit and watch advertisements in between. This model is quite a game changer in the video content industry. 

AVOD is a simple yet effective model that helps the platform offer an extensive range of content without the barrier of subscription fees. The most popular example is YouTube where in the free plan you see skippable and sometimes non-skippable ads in between. YouTube shares its revenue from advertisements with the content creators, which motivates them to keep creating and posting content. Other popular AVOD models include video monetization platforms like Hulu, Tubi, and Rumble.

Also note that AVOD is just limited to large platforms. It is also popular among small user-generated video platforms as well. On top of that, AVOD platforms have a competitive edge over other models in reaching a wider audience, users who are reluctant to pay for subscription services. It is a viable alternative to the subscription-based model that we will discuss next.

What Is the SVOD (Subscription-based Video on Demand) Monetization Model?

Unlike AVOD, where the revenue comes from advertisements. SVOD relies completely on users paying a monthly or yearly subscription fee to watch video content. It has a buffet-like approach where you pay one time for exploring and consuming content.

Popular video monetization platforms that utilize this model are Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ (formerly Hotstar), Amazon Prime, and e-learning platforms like Toppr, Vedantu, and many more. With the SVOD model, users can consume a diverse range of shows, lectures, movies, and more without the interruption of ads. This model is more successful with online education videos as no one wants to see ads while learning, as it causes a distraction.

While the above-discussed platforms have thousands of hours of content, it is assumed that an average user will only consume a fraction of this time. If every user gets on consuming maximum bandwidth (data usage while streaming) by watching an extraordinary amount of videos, it could lead to operational losses.

What Is the TVOD (Transactional-based Video on Demand) Model?

TVOD is like the new kid in the block that is becoming increasingly popular in the streaming-based era. As the name suggests, you do a transaction to rent or buy specific content you desire. This model is also known as the Pay-Per-View model, which means pay for what you watch. This model offers something different and is for people who don’t want to be tied up to a subscription to watch video content.

So what’s the big deal with this model? Imagine you are in a shopping mall and you see the price tag for different clothes. You like something, pay for it, and bam – it is yours! With the subscription model, you often end up paying for a bunch of stuff you will never watch. For the creators, this is a pretty sweet deal too, as they are getting more aware of what’s hot and what’s not, which helps them manage costs and risks. So there is no shooting in the dark!

And then there is another disadvantage with subscriptions: you often get overwhelmed with the content, just like in Buffet. So TVOD model is perfect for decisive viewers who know what they want but if you’re someone who likes to browse and try before watching, you might find this model limiting.

Some popular examples of TVOD video monetization platforms are Amazon Prime, YouTube, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies and TV, Vudu, Bookmyshow, and more.

What Is the PVOD (Premium Video on Demand) Monetization Model?

Premium-based Video on Demand is the newest of all. This is sort of a variation of a TVOD, the catch is you can access the content way before the release, hence the name premium. Imagine you’re a big Marvel fan, and a new movie is about to be released. With PVOD you can watch the movie at the same moment, before the release with a few extra bucks. That’s PVOD for you. You get premium access at a premium cost.

This model is a game-changer for streaming services. Why? Because now they are not just sitting idle and waiting for subscribers anymore. They are actively working on getting early bird specials. Luring customers with the new and shiny content and keeping them around with the rest of the content. 

PVOD gives users the feeling of that extra without them having to wait too long to watch premium video content. Movies like “Free Guy”, “Boss Baby 2”, and “The Flash” are examples of films that used the PVOD model.

What Is the Membership and Patreon Monetization Model?

The Membership model represents an innovative approach to content monetization particularly in the world of digital media and online video creation. It is sort of an evolution of the SVOD model, where you pay to watch some exclusive content behind a paywall for some fee. However, unlike subscribers, patrons feel a part of something special, a sense of community and belonging.

Patreon platform was launched in 2013 and is a membership platform where creators get to monetize their content using fans aka patrons’ support.  A diverse range of content creators such as musicians, podcasters, artists, and video creators receive the fee directly from their supporters who then become patrons. 

Both the membership and patreon models have some similarities in terms of providing exclusive content to premium members. The difference is in the approach and focus, like the membership model is more about creating a community and belonging while the patreon model is about direct support and engagement between creators and fans.

What is a Hybrid Video on Demand Monetization Model?

Apart from these, hybrid VOD models are also popular now which use a combination of two or three of these models. For example, YouTube (AVOD & SVOD) and Amazon Prime (TVOD & SVOD). Hybrid models can be further classified into – 

1. Freemium with Premium Content – that offers free content along with premium content on extra purchases. Example, YouTube, Peacock.

2. Transactional and Subscription Combo – this is just like gym membership, where you pay extra for personal trainers and all other services are free. Example, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+.

3. Ad-based alongside Subscription – the one that shows ads in between but if you want to have an uninterrupted watch session, you can opt for subscription. Example, YouTube, CBS (now Paramount+), and Hulu.

4. Limited-time free access – the one where they offer a movie or show for free for a limited time or for limited content (like just the first episode) and once you get hooked, you got to pay to watch more. Example, HBO Max and Disney+.

This was all about VOD models. Our next segment is how to choose the right video monetization model for your video monetization platform.

How to Choose a Video Monetization Model?

Now it’s time to slice and dice these models to match different industries. We talked earlier about how to go around choosing the top video monetization model for you. This largely depends on,

Target Audience Preferences

What does your audience like? What kind of content are they into? How do they like to consume the content? Are they comfortable with paying or prefer free access with ads?

Nature of Content and Quality

Is your content exclusive or for a global audience? Does your content get released regularly or is more seasonal? Like regular content works well with SVOD while sporadic content can be TVOD.

Revenue Goals

Are you looking for upfront revenue (TVOD) or aiming for steady recurring pay (SVOD)? Do you want to maximize profits quickly or slowly build a community before you sell?

Market Competition

What monetization models your competitor uses? Do you want to use the same or stand out with a different approach? Like if your target market is already saturated with subscription services, you can offer a freemium or ad-based model.

Technology and Infrastructure

Can you manage high-quality streaming (idle for SVODs)? Lower quality streams benefit from ad-based. Does your platform have the capability to offer a seamless experience for subscription or transactional models?

Brand Identity and Value Proposition

Your VOD model should align with your brand identity and value prop. For example, if exclusivity is part of your brand, a premium model makes more sense.

Scalability and Flexibility

Since the digital landscape changes very quickly, your model should be able to adapt and scale as and when needed.

Always remember with VODs there is no size fits all approach. Just like cooking, where you adjust the quantity and ingredients based on arriving guests. The same goes with the VOD models. It has to be tailored to your audience, nature of content, and business or revenue goals.

Which Video Monetization Model Best Suits Your Industry?

Now let’s come back to slicing and dicing these VOD monetization models to match different industries that we talked about earlier.

Music Industry

Freemium with Premium content, is one of the hybrid VOD models that we discussed earlier. For example, YouTube Music and Spotify. You can browse through a wide range of music libraries for free with ads in between and if you prefer no-ads interruptions or other advanced features like creating a playlist or offline listening, you can buy a premium subscription.

One can also opt for TVOD monetisation in this case like iTunes and Bandcamp. Here music artists can directly sell their content to their fans. Great for musicians who have a loyal fan base.

Movie Industry

The SVOD monetization model is the most popular choice in the movie industry. Platforms like Disney and Netflix use this model to attract movie buffs by offering them a large library of movies for a monthly subscription fee.

In this case too, one can opt for the TVOD model, ideal for the latest releases or special screenings. Platforms like Amazon Prime, Google Play Movies, and YouTube let users rent or buy movies at a one-time fee.

TV Shows and Series

Besides the SVOD model, same as we discussed for the movie industry. Hybrid Ad-based with a Subscription-based VOD model also works great here. Popular platform Hulu uses this model where they offer ad-based subscriptions for a cheaper fee for casual viewers and premium ad-free access for binge watchers.

Educational or Elearning Industry

Platforms like Coursera, MasterClass, and Reforge use a subscription-based monetization model because it works well in this industry, providing a wealth of educational content for a recurring fee, ideal for continuous learners.

Freemium with Premium Hybrid models also does well in this industry. Think of platforms like Duolingo and Khan Academy, which offer free educational content with an option to upgrade for more features and no ads experience.

Niche Content (like Fitness or Cooking)

The membership subscription model works in niche content. Platforms like Freeletics, and Centr in Fitness offer membership programs with monthly or yearly subscription fees.

If you want to attract a wider audience, you can also go with the ad-supported content program without a paywall. Just like on YouTube, a lot of fitness and cooking content creators rely on ad revenue while offering free access to their content.

Every industry has its unique nature and needs, so carefully picking the right VOD monetization model is the key here.

That’s all about it video monetization models. By now you must have a clear understanding of VOD streaming and monetization models around it. A VOD platform hosts video content online and shares it with the help of CNDs (Content Delivery networks). Another important aspect of VOD streaming is securing web hosting. A lot of platforms offer a seamless playback experience backed by DRM encryption.

DRM techniques help secure the content by making it difficult for hackers to hack into your platform and sell your content elsewhere at cheaper prices. If your content is not protected, it can lose its value and ultimately the revenue. You must have noticed if you try to take a screenshot or capture a video on Netflix with any recording tool, it doesn’t allow you. That is because it is backed by DRM. 

Enter VdoCipher!

VdoCipher is the most popular secure web hosting solution used by many B2B e-learning businesses to secure their online content. It uses a multi DRM solution which allows creators to secure their content across multiple devices and operating systems. An added bonus is you also get advanced user-based analytics which can further help you optimize your content strategy based on watch time and at the same time look out for suspicious activities.

In conclusion, the landscape of video-on-demand monetization is vast and varies from industry to industry, including type of content, revenue goals, and business vision. Whether you are a musician, online educator, filmmaker, or simply a content creator in a specific niche, there is a tailored video monetization model fit for you. The key is to understand your needs and then make a decision. Simply by making informed decisions and leveraging proper monetization strategy, you can maximize your revenue and can also improve your audience’s watching experience. It’s about time you take your video content seriously and convert those views into a stable revenue stream. Good luck!

A Quick Recap And FAQs Around Video Monetization Platforms

1. What is a Video Monetization Platform?

A Video Monetization Platform is a web application that allows content creators, educators, broadcasters, and media companies to host video content online and generate revenue from it through various monetization models such as advertising, subscriptions, transactions, or merchandise sales.

2. What are the Different Monetization Models for Video Content?

There are five major video monetization models,

• Advertising-based Video on Demand (AVOD)
• Subscription-based Video on Demand (SVOD)
• Transactional-based Video on Demand (TVOD), also known as Pay-Per-View
• Premium Video on Demand (PVOD)
• Membership and Patreon Model

3. How Do I Choose the Best Video Monetization Platform for My Content?

The choice of the right model depends on factors like your target audience preferences, the nature and quality of your content, revenue goals, market competition, technology and infrastructure, brand identity, and scalability. You should tailor the model to align with your specific needs.

4. Which Video Monetization Model Suits Different Industries?

Different industries have different preferences,

• Music Industry: Freemium with Premium content and TVOD
• Movie Industry: SVOD and TVOD
• TV Shows and Series: SVOD and Ad-based with Subscription-based VOD
• Educational or E-learning Industry: SVOD and Freemium with Premium
• Niche Content (e.g., Fitness or Cooking): Membership subscription and Ad-supported content

Akash Kandari

Hi, I am Akash, an engineer turned marketer. I talk about SaaS products, video tech, and product marketing. When not working I enjoy my time watching anime, learning something new and hanging out with friends & family.

The post A Comprehensive Guide to Video Monetization Platforms and Models for Digital Revenue appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

Businesses often suffer a heavy loss in revenue when video piracy happens. The only solution to stop this is to get help from secure hosting platforms. These platforms generally have a password-protected or DRM-based encryption solution to curb the issue of online theft.

In this article, we will cover everything there is to know about safe and private video sharing, from platforms to encryption tech behind safe video hosting. Also, effective strategies to share videos securely.

Why Share Videos Securely? Understanding the Importance of Safe Video Sharing

Before we start, it’s important to know why there is a need for a safe video sharing solution. 

When a video is shared online without consent, there are many risks associated with it, which fall under several categories like loss of revenue, video misuse, privacy breach, negative impact on the company’s brand value, and more.

To combat all of these risks there is a need for a safe video sharing solution. A solution where unauthorized users won’t be able to access, download, copy, or share the video outside the platform. Fortunately, there are modern tools available, which help in securing video content online.

Video piracy has real-life consequences that affect businesses and stakeholders. Consequences like,

Financial loss

Unauthorized video sharing results in a significant loss in revenue for content creators and distributors. When people illegally download someone’s work without paying for it and further distribute it to the masses, original makers are not able to get a return on their investment.

Diminished Value of Content

There is a reason premium content has a paywall. Value has some price. When pirates download and distribute the same valuable content, it loses that premium vibe and also ruins the brand image.

Negative Impact on Jobs and Industry

The e-learning and the entertainment industry is a major contributor to the world economy. Video piracy results in job losses as businesses are unable to meet their revenue targets.

Compromised Quality

Often the quality of content is also diminished due to video piracy. Pirates don’t care about maintaining the quality, so pirated content generally has lesser resolution, and distorted audio which results in poor viewer experience.

Security Threat 

Piracy is often done by accessing unauthorized or shady channels, and with everything shady comes security risks. Cybercrime, malicious viruses, or software are some of the security threats associated with pirated content which compromise users’ personal information. To mitigate security risks associated with piracy, prioritize external attack surface management this way, safeguarding users’ personal information against cyber threats and malicious activities.

Legal Consequences

Downloading and distributing copyrighted material is a violation of federal copyright laws which can result in heavy fines or imprisonment.

How to Share Videos Securely Online: Choosing the Right Platform

We just discussed why there is a need for secure video sharing platforms. Choosing a secure, safe sharing platform is the need of the hour, especially when you are a content creator, e-learning business, or media platform that wants to share content with specific users.

So comes the next question, how do we choose secure video sharing platforms? What specific things one needs to look into when selecting one? Don’t worry! We have got you covered. 

Here are some key features you can look into,

Encryption

Make sure the video hosting platform uses encryption to secure the content. You can look into the platforms that use HTTPS to encrypt the data with an additional feature like encrypting the store content.

DRM (Digital Rights Management)

There are many types of DRM like digital encryption, watermarking, access control, and DRM software. DRM techniques help prevent unauthorized access, copying, or distribution. One can also opt for a multi-DRM solution, which uses a combination of Google Widevine, and Apple Fairplay DRM tech to block illegal access across Chrome and Apple devices.

Access Controls

Features that allow you to manage and restrict who can view or share your content are a plus. This typically includes permissions, authentication, and the ability to set up password-protected access.

Data Privacy Compliance

Make sure the platform complies with data privacy regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and other data protection laws.

Service and Legal Compliance

You can review the platform’s terms of service to get an understanding of how they handle legal aspects like copyright infringement, user agreements, or any other security-related breaches.

Customer Support

Ensure they have proactive customer support services that you can depend on when dealing with security concerns and resolving issues.

Performance

Choose reliable and high-performance hosting for delivering a seamless viewing experience.

Security Tools Integrations

Check if the platform integrates with security tools and services like anti-piracy services, user security analytics, or CDNs (content delivery networks) with security features.

Practical Tips for Secure Video Creation 

Securing video content and protecting against video piracy involves a mix of tech measures, legal considerations, and practices. 

Here are some tips for secure video creation to help minimize digital piracy,

Watermarking

Adding a visible dynamic watermark effectively prevents users from downloading or screen-capturing the content. Also, it helps trace back to the origin creator if required.

Blocking Credentials Sharing

Credential sharing is one of the actions that often leads to video getting pirated. When users share the credentials with others, the same premium content is consumed by many without paying for it.

Restricting Watch Time

You can restrict the playback time for your videos content depending on your user’s behavior. For example, for lecture-type content, a student will watch it 1-2 times at max. Restricting watch time beyond that will make sure your video is not being watched by several users.

Domain Restrictions

Another way to prevent your videos from getting downloaded is to use domain restrictions. This will make sure that your video embed code only plays and loads in your domain. Hence preventing the copying of video embed code and then reused by hackers.

Secure Video Sharing And Hosting Platform

Don’t use a regular video hosting service, instead invest in a secure video hosting platform like VdoCipher. A good secure video hosting platform typically has,

• DRM-based encryption – to prevent download
• Video API – to manage videos, enable automatic video upload, and get OTP for playback
• CDN – for faster content delivery regardless of geographical location
• User Security Video Analytics – to monitor users’ behavior and block suspicious activities
  

Monitoring and Analytics

Use video player analytics tools to monitor user engagement and performance. Watch out for suspicious activities like unusual watch time or patterns and block those users to prevent illegal distribution.

How to Overcome Challenges Around Secure Video Sharing

Secure video sharing involves implementing safety measures to protect the confidentiality and availability of the video content. Whether you share the media for private or professional use, security is important. Let’s talk about some challenges we face when sharing video online and how to overcome them,

Dealing with file size limitations

When sharing a larger file online, it’s always wise to compress the video file beforehand. Video compression is the key strategy for overcoming file size limitations without compromising the quality. You can adjust the bitrate and resolution using software like Adobe Premiere or Handbrake while maintaining the accepted quality.

Managing slow internet connections

Encourage users to use low resolution when they have a slow internet connection. It will reduce the amount of data needed for streaming the content. Progressive loading is also a great technique that allows users to start watching the video before it’s fully downloaded (how YouTube works).

Addressing compatibility issues with different devices

Opt for video formats that are universally accepted and are widely compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems like MP4 or MKV. Recommend using video players that work seamlessly across all devices, and players that support multiple formats and codecs ensuring smooth playback.

What Are Safe Video Sharing Etiquettes

Now let’s talk about what to do and what not to do when sharing a private or professional video online, we call it safe video sharing etiquette.

Setting appropriate sharing permissions

When it comes to sharing videos online, it is important to set the right permissions to maintain control over who can view/share your content. Understand and make use of platform-specific permissions like private, public, or restricted sharing settings. Reserve private settings for sensitive content while public settings are more suitable for non-sensitive or promotional content.

Educating recipients about privacy settings

Clearly communicate and explain the settings with the recipients as well. If applicable, give them instructions on how they can adjust their settings from private to public or vice versa. If you have password-protected settings, inform them beforehand about the password and ask them to keep it confidential. 

Encouraging responsible sharing habits

Promoting responsible sharing habits creates a positive and secure online video sharing environment. Ask for consent and permission from people featured in the video before sharing. Practice discretion when sharing videos. If the video contains copyrighted material, compliance with the copyright laws. Always obtain proper permissions or use licensed content for sharing.

Case Studies: Real-Life Secure Video Sharing Experiences

All businesses that involve video hosting often face many challenges when it comes to secure video hosting and sharing. Challenges that we discussed above. A lot of things can go wrong and will go wrong if you are not careful enough. 

Let’s hear some real-life issues businesses face and how VdoCipher helped them overcome those.

Rajeev Vasani from Vasani Academy quoted – “Things like multiple CDN optimization, two pass encoding, DRM implementations were difficult to handle on their own. Along with the best security I can get, VdoCipher helped with the smooth delivery of course videos to our students across tier 2-3 cities of our country.”

Abhijeet Jagirdar from Time Pvt. Ltd. India says – ”Key feature requirements are scalable robust infrastructure with security from piracy. VdoCipher CDN + player was apt to meet our security and stability needs. We have seen appreciative growth in our online users regularly; their technology and support have helped us to execute our online strategy to perfection.”

Daniel from JustVision says – “We were looking for an affordable video hosting program with solid DRM and the option to geo-restrict content and were happy to find VdoCipher.”

Diane White from Toolbox For Writers shares – “It has been a great treasure in that I feel more protected knowing people cannot download streaming videos, and that if they do, their IP address, name, and email address will all be on the video. The support is fantastic, and the site is easy to navigate and use. Hooray for VdoCipher.”

These are some of the living proof that the need for secure and safe video hosting and sharing is the need of the hour. And many e-learning and media businesses are facing challenges securing their media. A lesson that we can learn from here is to protect your valuable content from piracy or unauthorized access if you don’t want to lose your revenue to online theft.

The Future of Secure Video Sharing

As technology evolves, so does the scene of secure video sharing. We talked about various DRM techniques like watermarking, encryption, and more. However, more emerging technologies that are making their way for securing and video authentication like Blockchain. Blockchain is known for its secure and transparent nature and could help verify the authenticity of videos in the future, preventing tampering or deepfakes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also increasingly being deployed for dynamic encryption and decryption of video content. AI can help with a higher level of security, as it can adapt encryption levels based on contextual information.

The key takeaway is we need to stay informed about emerging technologies and their useful impact on online piracy. Implement all the already out solutions like DRM tech to prevent unauthorized sharing and actively participate in the security ecosystem, thus contributing to a safer and more secure online video sharing environment.

A Quick Recap and Popular FAQs Around Secure Video Sharing

Why is secure video sharing important?

Secure video sharing is important to protect content creators and distributors from financial loss, compromised quality, and legal consequences associated with unauthorized access, download, and distribution of videos. It ensures privacy, prevents piracy, and maintains the value of premium content.

What are the risks of sharing videos online without consent?

Risks include loss of revenue, video misuse, privacy breaches, negative impacts on brand value, and legal consequences. Unauthorized sharing can lead to revenue loss, compromised content quality, and security threats such as cybercrime and malicious viruses.

How can businesses prevent video piracy and unauthorized access?

Businesses can prevent video piracy by using secure video hosting platforms with features like encryption, DRM (Digital Rights Management), access controls, data privacy compliance, legal compliance, and reliable customer support. Implementing secure video creation practices, such as watermarking and restricting watch time, also helps.

What features should one look for in a secure online video sharing platform?

Key features to consider include encryption, DRM solutions, access controls, data privacy compliance, service and legal compliance, reliable customer support, high-performance hosting, and integration with security tools like anti-piracy services and CDNs.

Akash Kandari

Hi, I am Akash, an engineer turned marketer. I talk about SaaS products, video tech, and product marketing. When not working I enjoy my time watching anime, learning something new and hanging out with friends & family.

The post Safeguarding Your Content in 2023: Best Ways to Share Videos Privately appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.

Earlier there used to be only one exam for JEE but in 2013 it was changed to two parts JEE (Main) and JEE (Advanced). Basically AIEEE was renamed to JEE (Main) for admission in NITs, and other top engineering colleges while JEE (Advanced) is for admission in IITs. It’s important to clear the Main exam to appear for the Advanced exam.

JEE is the toughest engineering exam in India that tests your knowledge in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. And because it’s so tough to crack, aspiring students prepare hard and often take up offline or online coaching to score well.

We have all witnessed the rising trend of online education. The online coaching platforms market is expected to grow by 19.94%. There is freedom and flexibility with online JEE coaching compared to traditional coaching. You can choose your own time to take lessons.

The Growth of Online JEE Coaching

The COVID-19 Pandemic was responsible for the increase in the shift from traditional to online learning. The coronavirus outbreak made people think beyond normal offline learning methods. This was the trend setter from offline to online JEE coaching.

Classroom learning is still popular among students but online coaching is the present need. 

Let us look at the benefits of eLearning for JEE aspirants,

• Freedom and Flexibility: You get to choose the time slots for taking lessons
• Accessibility: You can record and rewatch the sessions
• Affordable: It cuts down the expense of visiting coaching centers
• Personalized learning experience with the rise of live classes
• Saves you the extra time you spend commuting to offline coaching centers 
• Easier to make notes while attending lectures
• Anyone can experience the best learning from the experts, especially useful for people from remote areas where coaching centers are not a thing.

JEE Offline vs JEE Online Coaching

Let’s compare JEE offline and online coaching basis a few factors,

Time

There is no doubt that online coaching is a big time saver as it cuts down the time to visit coaching centers. You can use the extra time to prepare for additional lessons. Since JEE is an extremely competitive exam, you need to be extra efficient with your time. So efficiency-wise online coaching is a win.

Flexibility

Online coaching is much more flexible than offline coaching. As one can attend the classes in the comfort of their place. You just need to have a stable internet connection. Offline, you have to attend the classes based on the prior decided time and place.

Resources

In online classes, modules and sessions are available to students at all times. One can anytime log into the platform and can view or download the learning material. In offline, you are handed over with learning modules when you join the coaching center. It’s your responsibility to keep them safe.

Interaction

In offline classes, you get to interact with the faculties and can discuss the doubts at the end of classes or even between. However, some students shy away from asking questions for fear of getting judged. Online coaching offers live doubt clearing sessions, and with one-on-one sessions, you can approach the tutor without the fear of being judged.

Online Exams

Online coaching offers countless tests and mock exams from previous years that you can take at your convenience. One popular online mock test series is the All India Test series for JEE, which allows you to evaluate your preparation. Real aspirants participate in this exam. Top IIT JEE coaching institutes like Allen, Aakash, and FIITJEE all offer these test series.

So offline and online both have their pros and cons. It’s up to you to decide which works better for you. It all depends on your comfort, way of learning, and how motivated you are to study.

Free vs Paid Coaching: What’s Best for You? 

I mentioned earlier in this article that JEE is no joke. Therefore hardly anyone relies on free coaching for this exam. Sure, you can find tons of free resources around exam preparation. But you can’t just study from YouTube and shady apps when preparing for the toughest exam in India. All the information will be in bits and pieces and not structured in any way.

Paid coaching on the other hand gives you the opportunity,

• To study from the expert coaches
• Structured modules which cover the entire syllabus
• Free mocks are created keeping in mind the exam difficulty and pattern
• Live doubt clearing one-on-one sessions
• Most importantly, with features like progress tracking you get to know where you stand and optimize your preparations accordingly

Top JEE Online Coaching Platforms in 2023

Many JEE coaching institutes in India have become a household name. Institutes like Allen, FIITJEE, Aakash, Resonance, and more. You can find their centers in almost all Tier 1 cities in India. When online coaching was not available, aspirants used to choose from one of these.

Let’s take a look at top IIT JEE online coaching platforms in 2023 and discuss in brief about them,

IITIANGUIDE – One of the best online platform for IIT JEE with IITian faculty. They have one-year and two-year programs which you can take in groups as well as 1-1 coaching sessions.

Vedantu – The course is designed keeping in mind that it suits everyone who wants to crack main and advanced. Here students can choose between Hindi and English as language to take lessons. You are free to choose from different timings and faculty.

Physics Wallah – PW offers a team of dedicated expert tutors who help each student in all the exam subjects. Apart from JEE, they also have teaching experts for other competitive exams. They have courses aligned for Class 11, Class 12, and Droppers.

Unacademy Plus – Another popular online platform for JEE coaching, offers everyday live classes, quizzes, and mock tests. The disadvantage with this one is that it’s expensive compared to other platforms with relatively high net data consumption.

All major platforms for JEE coaching online have a lot of similarities like +1 or +2 or crash course programs, 1-1 live doubt clearing sessions, free tests, and syllabus-wise modules. Many students who cracked JEE 2021 opted for these courses and were successful in cracking amid the pandemic.

Key Features to Look Out for When Choosing Best Online Platform for IIT JEE

With so many online coaching options out there, it sometimes gets overwhelming to choose from. Here are some key features you can watch out when choosing a JEE online coaching platform,

• Check out the reviews and recommendations online. Read real-life success stories online from real students and pick your green flags.
  
• Do a background check around the faculty. Most of these institutes offer ex-IIT faculty but still go through their teaching experience once. Also, make sure the teachers don’t change amid the course frequently as it can hamper your pace.
• Skim through the platform and its features. It should not be too complicated or too poor when it comes to user interface and experience. Features like interactive sessions are a bonus. Make sure it’s not too boring.
• Since it’s an online platform, you expect flexibility in terms of learning. Make sure you can rewatch old sessions or be able to download missed out lectures. Live sessions as per your preferred time are a gold mine.
• You need tons of practice mock tests while preparing for JEE. Make sure the platform you’re sticking to offers you the same.
• Compare the prices of different platforms and go with the one you think is most suitable for your budget and at the same time offers all the basic things.
• Lastly, just like before buying a tee, you try it once. Do the same when selecting the platform. Take a demo class and get an actual feel of the day-to-day lessons.
  

Selling JEE Courses Online: A Guide for Creators

In the era of the creator economy, educators have found a way to create something and then sell it online. We discussed how popular e-learning platforms like Vedantu and Physics Wallah sell online JEE coaching courses for aspiring students. 

Selling online courses has become more and more common now. You can also be an individual who likes teaching, leverage online course creator platforms like Teachable, and sell an online course.

Market Demand and Potential Earnings

Market demand for online education is on a steep rise. People are feeling more and more comfortable learning online. As we discussed the benefits of online learning over tradition above, the flexibility and freedom online courses offer is unmatchable, along with several other benefits. And with the internet, the sky’s the limit on your potential earnings. It can go up as the vast internet is, provided you deliver actual value in your course.

Advantages for Educators

If you are an educator, there are many benefits of teaching online. With remote learning, you can widen your audience by entering into cities where there are no proper coaching facilities. Another advantage is that you get to enjoy the work-life balance as you will be in the comfort of your home teaching more students than you could ever imagine.

Designing a Curriculum: Ensuring Comprehensive Coverage for JEE Subjects

The first step to creating a course is designing an effective curriculum. You need to create a comprehensive curriculum covering the entire JEE syllabus. Every subject, each topic needs to be included in the best possible way. It’s also important to explain each topic in the most digestible way. Adding media, infographics, and real life examples and making sessions a bit interactive help too. You don’t want to create a boring course.

Choosing the Right Platform

Next comes choosing the platform where you can host your course. You can start with WordPress, many educators use this CMS to host their course. Additionally, you can integrate any Learning Management System (LMS) along with the course. It will help enhance the experience of learning as it offers features like quizzes, discussions, track progress, and more.

WordPress for Selling Courses and Benefits of LMS for Course Delivery

The core element of any online teaching course is the video content. Now you need to host your videos on your CMS. WordPress allows you to host videos but the disadvantage of free hosting is that pirates can download your content without your permission and may sell it as their own. You might want to consider using a secure video hosting platform to protect your course content from pirates or hackers. 

Protecting your content from unauthorized access will make sure your content value remains intact and is accessible only to enrolled users.

Setting the Right Price for Your JEE Course

It’s also important to decide on your pricing strategy. For starters, you can watch a few competitors and their pricing. Then you can strategically come up with a pricing that offers maximum value at optimum price. When promoting your course, don’t underestimate the power of giving discounts and coupon codes to attract your new customer base or to retain existing customers. 

Engaging Students

The most effective way of learning a course is by engaging. Make sure your module is interactive for students. You can include quizzes, trivia, live Q&A, and more such elements to make your course exciting. 

Take feedback from students and continue improving your course. Use positive testimonials to attract more customers. Word of mouth works like a charm in the e-learning industry.

To summarize, an online selling course is a lucrative career option. It also has a good sense of purpose as you are the bridge between an aspiring JEE student and his dream coming true. Especially for students who are not in metro cities and are deprived of good JEE coaching.

The Future of Online JEE Coaching

With the evolving role of technology in online education, many passionate tutors and coaches invest in creating an online course. Since the demand for JEE online coaching is on the rise, some educators make a fortune by creating and selling courses online. It’s a win-win for both the creator and the consumer. Consumers get to access and learn from the course at their own pace and in the comfort of their place. 

With the continuously growing need for e-learning coaching platforms. And with traditional coaching centers making a shift to online learning, the future of online JEE coaching looks bright.

In conclusion, we can say that in today’s ever-changing digital world, online learning platforms hold a lot of value for both educators and students. Choosing the right platform improves the overall learning and teaching experience. 

For the coaching experts, it provides a powerful medium to teach aspirants online using the latest various features to improve the learning experience. Features like secure video hosting stop your valuable course content from getting stolen. And for the students, it’s an effective new way to take interactive online coaching without the hassle of commuting to coaching centers. 

The online coaching scenario is changing for good and we should all aim for continuous learning and adaptation in the e-learning space.

Lets Answer Popular FAQs about Online Courses

Is online coaching better than offline coaching for JEE?

It depends on an individual’s preference whether to opt for online or offline coaching. Online coaching does offer many benefits over traditional coaching in the sense of freedom, flexibility,  accessibility, and affordability.

How to sell online courses?

There are many online platforms out there that let you host your course on their platform and help you monetize the same. Additionally, you can also create your course on WordPress integrated with any good Learning Management System (LMS). 

Where to sell online courses?

You can sell your online course on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable. You can build a comprehensive curriculum and can host your course on any of these sites. And earn a decent income.

How to create an online course to sell?

Try to make the course content as valuable as possible. It should cover all the syllabus in the best possible way. Making an online course engaging and lively should also be given importance. Think beyond classroom teaching, and make use of learning models or real-life examples in your course.

Is selling online courses profitable?

Scaling your online course has never been this easy. You can reach a wide range of students online compared to offline teaching. Take your time and focus on creating a practical useful course. Promote your course initially and then let the course content and learning experience drive your course from there.

Akash Kandari

Hi, I am Akash, an engineer turned marketer. I talk about SaaS products, video tech, and product marketing. When not working I enjoy my time watching anime, learning something new and hanging out with friends & family.

The post Cracking JEE: How Online Coaching Transformed India’s Toughest Exam appeared first on VdoCipher Blog.