If you’re a business that wants to appeal to audiences today, you need to make sure you're harnessing the most effective and appealing marketing techniques. Study after study has shown that video marketing is important and businesses that master the use of video end up being more successful than those that avoid it.
Luckily for businesses today, many digital solutions make using video simple. With its ease of use and practically unlimited scalability, cloud video streaming is an ideal solution for marketers seeking a video hosting solution capable of taking full advantage of the Internet’s appetite for never ending video content.
What Is Cloud Video Streaming?
From the very first black-and-white silent films to complex virtual reality movies today, video appeals to humans’ desire for narrative, their love of beautiful imagery, and their connection with visible emotion, which stirs empathy.
Today, video isn’t just entertainment. It’s a crucial part of business.
In earlier years, video content originated from localized company infrastructures that were costly to maintain and required the support of dedicated IT professionals. In 2024, cloud video platforms help brands and businesses get their message in front of a global audience without the complications and expense of hosting and streaming video content locally.
How can Viostream help? As one of the world’s leading enterprise and top cloud video streaming platforms, you can store, manage, and share videos from anywhere, all you need is a connection to the web. Learn about Viostream and start your free account today.
How Does Cloud-Based Video Streaming Work?
Cloud-based video streaming makes video files available to viewers on-demand on any device and any location. Users create video content and upload it to a provider’s network of cloud servers. It is then transcoded into an efficient format that can be easily live-streamed or consumed on demand by viewers worldwide.
With the power of the cloud, today’s video streaming platforms can support scaling at any level for more speed, bandwidth, and economy. That allows businesses of all kinds to leverage the potential of cloud streaming to reach audiences and build engagement.
What to Look for in Top Cloud Video Streaming Platforms
The top cloud-based video streaming platforms share some key features that help users seamlessly and safely share their content with the world, including:
- HTML5 video players. These players are compatible with nearly every device and can be embedded in web pages, social media posts, and other kinds of content.
- Adaptive video playback. This renders video content in multiple resolutions for virtually universal compatibility with any device or internet connection.
- Privacy, security, and support. A quality streaming service will make it a priority to keep data secure and respond quickly to user concerns and issues.
Viostream
When it comes to companies that want to use video to grow, there’s no better than Viostream, a full-featured video solution for businesses, governments, and everyone in-between. It is one of the world’s top cloud video streaming platforms. With dedicated video themes, vast security options, and live streaming capabilities, Viostream has the right plan to suit your needs, starting from completely free to our custom enterprise options
How can Viostream help? We don’t just supply unprecedented ease in uploading and sharing video content, we also allow you the user to control exactly who sees your content as well as letting you customize how that content is displayed. Experience why Viostream is one of the top cloud video streaming platforms for business when you start your free account today.
Dacast
With video and player API for integrating video into other cloud-based apps and software, Dacast is an enterprise-level streaming platform. Dacast’s live streaming plans range from $65 per month to a custom-priced enterprise solution. Dacast targets businesses, government entities, and religious organizations with a full-service solution for video hosting and live streaming features, including the option to monetize your video.
Brightcove
Brightcove’s enterprise-level streaming platform specializes in marketing and advertising. The platform features integration with the most popular cloud apps and systems. Brightcove targets larger advertising and media companies and offers pricing information only upon request.
IBM Cloud Video
IBM Cloud Video is a high-profile provider of AI-powered livestreams and video on demand. Plans are only priced upon contacting IBM, though they do provide a 30-day free trial. IBM Cloud Video targets businesses using video for advertising, education, and in-house needs.
Kaltura
Kaltura is an open-source streaming platform specializing in video streaming for educational institutions and professional organizations. Prices are dependent on what module or area you’re looking for. As an example, Kaltura only has existing plans for Webinars ($150+ p/m for business), Virtual Classrooms ($23+ p/m for standard), and Media Services. All other module pricing is contact only. Kaltura targets virtual learning, community, and professional organizations with audiences looking to gain knowledge. It is one of the top cloud video streaming platforms for learning.
Vidyard
Targeting marketing and sales campaigns, Vidyard combines interactivity and personalization with an emphasis on video SEO and advanced analytics. Pricing ranges from a “free forever” limited plan to a custom enterprise solution. Vidyard targets professionals in industries including real estate, education, and finance.
Wowza
Wowza’s video streaming solution supports self-hosted streaming and API access. It’s a low-latency, cost-effective solution with two main products: the Wowza Streaming Cloud and the Wowza Streaming Engine for enterprise-level streaming. Wowza’s pricing starts at $25 per month with a “pay as you go” model, plus a custom enterprise plan. Wowza targets both consumers and developers building livestreaming apps.
JW Player
With products including OTT apps, its HTML 5 video player, and video monetization. In addition, you can also customize the player with your own company's colors. JW Player has a 30-day free trial with limited features, and custom enterprise pricing for all other needs.
StreamShark
StreamShark offers a variety of enterprise-level streaming solutions, including brandable channels and encoder management. The platform is targeted towards organizations with global reach. Its monthly plans are based on viewer hours and other usage factors and range from $199 for individuals and small businesses to contact requests for larger companies. StreamShark targets a wide range of business users, with pricing based on individual needs.
Vimeo
Vimeo is without question one of the top cloud video streaming platforms on the Internet. Vimeo’s free basic platform offers video hosting and livestreaming services with limited uploading for users of all levels. For more features, plans start at $15 per month and include multiple pricing tiers for businesses and enterprises, but also includes a free plan. Vimeo also offers Vimeo Livestream, a premium streaming solution for organizations with advanced marketing needs.
SproutVideo
SproutVideo offers both live streaming and VOD services for a variety of users. Features include custom players and embeds as well as other playback features including autoplay. Plans range from a 30 day free trial to Seed at $10 per month to Forest at $295 per month for enterprise-level streaming. Sprout Video targets small to mid-size businesses as well as large corporations.
Panopto
Panopto’s streaming platform specializes in supporting learning management systems, with features including lecture capture and video-search software. Panopto’s prices range from a free basic plan with limited features to custom enterprise solutions at custom prices. Panopto targets businesses and institutions offering virtual and in-person learning. It is one of the top cloud video streaming platforms in terms of popularity.
Muvi
Muvi is a unique video streaming solution to help businesses launch their own OTT streaming platforms. Plans range from Standard at $399 per month to the Black custom plan with premium features and support. Muvi targets businesses and institutions in sports, education, religion, and government.
Liveswitch Cloud
Liveswitch Cloud is a dedicated solution just for live streaming. Liveswitch Cloud’s plans require sign-up before providing a figure, but they require add-ons for participant minutes and messaging. The platform also offers a custom enterprise solution. Liveswitch Cloud targets developers building video applications and platforms in various industries.
Cloudflare Stream
Cloudflare Stream is an API-powered streaming solution designed for VOD hosting. It offers several pricing plans billed according to per-minute usage as well as a custom enterprise plan. This platform targets developers building scalable livestream applications for businesses of all sizes.
Why Choose Viostream?
Viostream’s transparent pricing structure makes costs clear and consistent, with only additional quoted features for the business plan. We also provide a robust customer support team who are available for every plan.
Even with our free account, you can upload and share up to 10 hours worth of video, complete with unlimited video embeds and a custom sharing theme. Not only that, the free account also includes CTA’s and Chaptering as well as simple video analytics.
Check out our pricing page for a full breakdown of what you get with our account upgrades.
With flexible, scalable options for businesses of all sizes, Viostream is a complete streaming and hosting solution. If you want to see how Viostream can help you use cloud video streaming in your business, click here to learn more or start your free account now.
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