YouTube Live vs Facebook Live – Which is Better for Broadcasting in 2024

Internet video consumption has been expanding with the appearance of new and improved live-streaming technology, so more and more platforms include the live-streaming option in their offer. Big names like Facebook Live Video and YouTube Live offer stellar services and allow instant social media live broadcasts. The goal is to increase their audience reach and help them grow.

Many may argue that the live-streaming industry is still in its early stages, but it is evidently making a name for itself among big media companies. Facebook Live is the leader when it comes to marketing. Over 38% of marketers use this platform for live video marketing, while YouTube Live takes the third place with 8%.

In this article, we’re going to compare Facebook Live and YouTube Live. We’re also going to discuss some of their alternatives, including Dacast. Furthermore, we’re going to tell you why it’s a great idea to use a professional video hosting service and the key features to look out for when choosing one.

You should know that Dacast is an established, professional-grade live streaming platform. You can try Dacast’s feature-rich platform for free for a full 14 days by signing up today.

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Table of Contents:

• Facebook Live vs. YouTube Live
• How Facebook Live Streaming Works
• How YouTube Live Streaming Works
• Zoom vs YouTube Live
• Professional Live Streaming Platforms
• Why Use a Professional Live Streaming Video Host?
• 15 Best Facebook Live and YouTube Live Alternatives – Updated for 2024
• Conclusion

Facebook Live vs. YouTube Live

Facebook and YouTube are two of the most popular platforms in the world. As of September 2024, Facebook is the leader with 3.06 billion active users, followed by YouTube with more than 2.70 billion monthly active users. We have made a live-streaming platform comparison to help you better understand these big names. 

Facebook Live Streaming

Facebook Live was launched in 2016, allowing users to broadcast live video streams. The live broadcast engagement rate has significantly increased because viewers want to participate in live discussions at the exact time. These live videos increased in viewership by 4 times showing their popularity.

About Facebook Live Streaming

When Facebook Live was released, it became one of the most desired live broadcast tools, allowing people to broadcast live events to their Facebook friends. Initially, many people didn’t fully understand the need for this new feature, but businesses did. They quickly realized that this live-streaming technology is a cost-effective video marketing strategy. It allowed them to create more excitement around their products and services.

With many people using Facebook regularly, sharing and watching live video content is a natural extension of the service. Some Facebook live audience reach streams reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Facebook updated its ranking algorithm to show more live videos on people’s news feeds. If you missed a live video from a friend or someone you follow on Facebook, live videos remain on the account’s wall after the Facebook live-streaming event has finished.

Is Facebook Live free? The good news is that Facebook Live is free to use. You can go live from an individual page, from a group page, or within an event.

How Facebook Live Streaming Works

To create a quality live video, you will need to have access to Wi-Fi, a mobile or web app, a functional webcam, and a microphone. Everything that follows is relatively simple.

Log into your Facebook app on your mobile device and start streaming live events following these steps:

1. Open your Facebook app.
2. Navigate to the top and tap the status input area labeled “What’s on your mind?”
3. Find the Live Video option. Tap the button, and allow Facebook to access your camera and mic so you can start a live stream. 
4. Add a description and the location of your live video and choose your target audience. 
5. The final step is to tap the Go Live button to start your mobile live-streaming.

Live streaming via Facebook Live on a desktop is also easy:

• Create a post at the top of your news feed to go live.
• Click the 3 dots and then click the Live video button. 
• Write a short description of the content of your live video, letting people know about the content of your latest social media live streaming.
• Finally, click the Go Live button to record and broadcast your content.

Facebook suggests using Google Chrome as your browser to go live to avoid any technical issues. To get more technical, you can use a video encoder for Facebook Live streaming. 

Use the following settings to set up the encoder software:

• Video bitrate range: 4,500 – 9,000 Kbps
• Resolution: no higher than 1920 x 1080
• Frames per second: max 60
• Codec: H.264 (x264)
• Mode: Strict CBR
• Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds (recommended) to max 4 seconds
• Max Bitrate: 15,000 Kbps
• Codec: AAC, Stereo
• Max Audio Bitrate: 128 Kbps (recommended), max 256 Kbps
• Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz
• Video length: 8 hours maximum

Once you have completed the live streaming setup of the encoding software, visit your Facebook page and follow these steps:

• Click the tab labeled Publishing Tools.
• Select the option labeled Video and then click Live.
• This is where you can enter the “stream key” and/or “stream URL” that generates into your encoder.
• Enter a description on the next page.
• Finally, click the Go Live button to begin streaming.

Facebook Live Pros and Cons

The built-in audience is the main upside of streaming live using the Facebook Live features. Suppose you’ve invested time building a social media following on Facebook or other social media platforms such as TikTok, LinkedIn Live, or Twitch. In that case, using their platform for social media live streaming is a no-brainer.

Below, you can find some of the Facebook Live benefits and disadvantages that will surely be helpful. 

Pro: Support High-Quality Cameras

The Facebook Live API is sufficiently powerful. Use high-quality compatible cameras for live streaming Facebook Live and connect high-quality video cameras to their platform.

Pro: Free to Use

One of the best streaming advantages of Facebook Live’s real-time streaming features is that they are free to use. It is a great option for people looking to start streaming as a hobby or small businesses with limited content marketing budgets. They provide you with the live video engagement tools you need to livestream without taking on any additional costs.

Pro: Video API

Another of the many Facebook Live benefits is the video API, allowing you to integrate it with the existing workflow. You can easily integrate your live streaming setup into your workflow, which makes the option of going live easier and more natural.

When executing a live streaming platform comparison, the drawbacks are worth considering. Our research and trials also discovered some major downsides to Facebook Live.

Con: No Content Indexing

The inability to index a Facebook post with Live video content is one of the main drawbacks for users. This means that search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo never “find” Facebook posts. Live and archived videos are included in this limitation.

You can search for the content within Facebook itself, but searching inside the platform won’t provide much results. It’s a confusing interface compared to YouTube, Google, and other search engines. Finding posts, especially if they are older, is nearly impossible.

When comparing YouTube vs Facebook for live streaming, the lack of indexing is a disadvantage, especially for businesses.

Con: No SEO Optimization

Facebook content simply won’t rank on a search engine, which is a major drawback for Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Unless you can spontaneously generate a large audience on your Facebook profile, your content will unlikely find traction among viewers after the fact.

Con: Only 1080p Streaming

In the beginning, there was a drawback to the resolution when Facebook Live streaming only supported a 720p HD resolution. This is not full high-definition. Thankfully, Facebook listened to its users and now has a max resolution 1080p (1920×1080). They’ve also increased their max video bitrate to range between 4,500-9,000 Kbps.

However, you can’t offer your viewers the live stream video quality in HD at 1080p @ 60fps unless you are a member of the Level Up program. So, if this is important to you, it can be a major drawback.

YouTube Live Streaming

YouTube was first registered in February 2005 with the vision that ordinary people can share their “home videos.” This video streaming platform became so popular that it served over 100 million videos daily by the summer of 2006. After their own video service failed, Google bought YouTube in November 2006 for $1.65 billion.

YouTube’s live-streaming technology allows users to upload, view, and share digital videos online. Contrary to Facebook’s goal to keep people in touch through multiple uploads and content options, YouTube solely focuses on video.

About YouTube Live

YouTube Live is a live-streaming service that offers an easy way to reach your audience in real time. Whether you’re streaming a video game, hosting a live Q&A, or teaching a class, YouTube Live’s video engagement tools will help you manage your stream and interact with viewers in real-time.

As a Facebook Live alternative, the most significant benefit of YouTube Live is that it offers more functionality, putting it in the lead in the YouTube vs. Facebook for live streaming debate. There’s also a creator studio app that allows you to enhance your videos and engage with your audience wherever you are.

How YouTube Live Streaming Works

Live streaming on YouTube requires you to learn more about the YouTube live features. While YouTube Live offers more than Facebook Live, getting started is slightly more difficult.

• Start by creating a YouTube/Google account. 
• You will need to “verify” your account. 
• If you want to embed your stream on an external site for multi-platform streaming, you need to link an approved AdSense account to your YouTube account. 
• You must have at least 1,000 subscribers to use the mobile live-streaming option on YouTube.

Once these requirements are met, there are two ways to get started:

• Stream Now is a fast and easy way to begin streaming. This method lets you use your webcam or another connected camera to start a livestream.
• Events allow you to pre-schedule a live event, invite people in advance, invite guests, and set up backup streams. It also enables you to use higher-quality cameras connected to encoders.

Upload Guidelines and Specs

When making a streaming video quality comparison, here are some video guideline details you need to know about YouTube Live:

• Minimum dimension: 240p (426 x 240)
• Maximum dimension: 4K (3840 x 2160)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9 (adds padding to videos with other aspect ratios)
• Max file size: 256 GB
• Max video length: 12 hours
• Total file storage: No storage limit
• Compatible video formats: MP4, MOV, MPEG4, FLV, MPG, AVI, Web M, WMV, MPEG-PS, 3GPP, DNxHR, ProRes, CineForm, HEVC (h265)

YouTube’s live-stream capacity is generous, but you must meet specific requirements before starting live-streaming. We should also mention that there are certain restrictions that you need to be aware of, so get all the information before you get started.

YouTube Live Pros and Cons

When comparing YouTube Live vs. Facebook Live, YouTube wins out in searchability and live video SEO.

Let’s discuss some of the YouTube Live advantages and disadvantages.

Pro: Live Video SEO

While YouTube videos appear in search results, this is not true with Facebook Live videos. YouTube is a Google-owned business, so videos tend to rank relatively high. What’s even more interesting is that Bing, Yahoo, and other search engines rank YouTube Live videos highly in their search results.

Pro: Great Search Functionality

Finding videos on YouTube is also easier than on Facebook since the search functionality is much more powerful. YouTube generally strives to make videos available forever, which is not true with Facebook. The content here is technically available forever, but it’s strongly biased toward finding of-the-moment material. Hence, the timeline design of the Facebook stories. Many videos, including live stream recordings, gain significant views afterward. A live stream can continue bringing in viewers months or even years after it was initially broadcast.

Pro: YouTube Live API

A YouTube Live API also allows programmatic access to their live streaming service. This makes it easy to stream live on YouTube while streaming on other services. Users can also integrate apps with YouTube live streams. This allows live social media video broadcasting to YouTube and Facebook simultaneously.

Con: Lack of Control of Content

Giving up control of your own content is a major drawback. That means YouTube can promote your content within its platform or stifle it. They can use your content for advertising purposes or restrict it and take it down. It’s you who has to play by their rules.

Cons: Advertising 

Broadcasting or uploading content via YouTube means they gain access to use your material in their own advertising. You don’t control who advertises on your content and have very limited control over when advertisements are shown. This removes your ability to create a custom experience for your viewers.

Cons: Blocked Website

It’s worth mentioning that YouTube is one of the most blocked websites in the world, especially in businesses and schools. It’s fully blocked in China and cannot be used as a live-streaming platform in the Chinese market. Attempting to load the YouTube app or website while in mainland China will return an error. Your content isn’t worth anything if your target audience cannot access it.

This is a big drawback for many users. For example, with a free B2B platform like YouTube Live, you can’t stream live video on your website while maintaining control of your video content and your brand like you can with professional-grade B2B platforms (e.g., Dacast, IBM Cloud Video, etc.). It is also not the best platform offering streaming monetization options for your content. Who is allowed to participate in revenue sharing is mostly dependent on YouTube itself.

The YouTube and Facebook live-streaming technology has limitations, so it may be advisable to consider other platforms when looking for the best live-streaming for businesses.

Zoom vs YouTube Live

Before discussing the different types of live-streaming for business platforms, we must also mention Zoom. It has grown in popularity this year due to the need for video calling while working remotely.

Many businesses and business professionals see Zoom as a way to share videos with an audience. Many yoga and fitness studios have created virtual classes through Zoom live streaming during the COVID-19 virus.

While this is a fantastic way to keep in touch, Zoom is primarily a video conferencing cloud platform for meetings, webinars, and conferences. Those businesses looking to scale an online video content strategy will need other Zoom alternatives than Facebook Live or YouTube Live. They will need a streaming solution that provides them with control over their content.

Why Use a Professional Live Streaming Video Host?

YouTube Live and Facebook Live are undoubtedly popular social media platforms. However, they’re far from the only solutions in the live-streaming market. They may be some of the first options people consider because they’re well-known and free, but it’s worth spending some time choosing the best live streaming platform in 2024 for your business.

Other live-streaming service providers will often give more features and functionality. For many reasons, professional users often prefer other video streaming solutions.

For people who are looking for a more professional appearance, social media live-streaming platforms aren’t the best fit. It isn’t about Facebook Live or YouTube Live but about finding the right professional video streaming hosting solution.

For example, a company that streams live events may want to monetize its stream. A university may want to stream multiple lectures simultaneously. Businesses, universities, social organizations, and media channels often fall into these situations.

Likewise, video streaming services for churches and houses of worship will need to look beyond social media live-streaming platforms. As mentioned above, a professional streaming video host is ideal if you want to stream a live video on your website. And this is where features offered specifically by professional video platforms come into play.

These features include the ability to:

• Monetize broadcasts with an integrated paywall
• Restrict access to certain geographic locations or IP ranges
• White-label & Branding Control
• Stream multiple events concurrently
• Maintain all rights to broadcast content
• Access dedicated tech support
• Ad-free broadcasting

These features, among others, define a comprehensive live-streaming platform. To guarantee these features, most dedicated streaming providers charge for their services.

Typically, there’s a wide range of pricing plans. Some services are aimed at large businesses, while others are more affordable for smaller businesses or individuals.

Though Facebook and YouTube are free, they simply can’t compete when it comes to functionality and the video needs of corporate enterprises.

15 Best Facebook Live and YouTube Live Alternatives

It’s time to look at the 15 best professional live streaming platform alternatives to Facebook Live and YouTube Live in 2024 and beyond.

1. Dacast

Overview and Company History:

One of the most popular live video hosting services is Dacast — our live streaming platform. Based in San Francisco with offices in London, Dacast is a unified streaming solution that offers a wide variety of professional features. We offer both live-streaming video and on-demand hosting.

Last year, Dacast earned the Streaming Media Readers’ Choice Award for Best Small/Medium Business Video Platform and Runner-Up for Best Education Video Platform. In 2019, Dacast acquired the Vzaar platform, expanding its comprehensive OTT platform provider.

Basic Functionality: 

Dacast provides comprehensive live streaming and professional online video hosting services. Broadcasters can embed videos onto their websites while maintaining 100% control of their content. This is something that isn’t possible with a lot of the other platforms we’ve discussed including Facebook Live streaming.

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

Key Features:

The best features of Dacast include easy-to-use live streaming and on-demand content platform with the following features:

• Secure, global content delivery, including industry-best video hosting
• 24/7 tech support with all plans, including email and live chat
• OTT Platform solutions to broadcast content across all devices
• Fully integrated RTMP streaming platform features
• Video security features, including password protection and encryption
• Live encoding support for the top video encoders
• Zoom live streaming integration
• Expo galleries video portal
• Multi-bitrate streaming
• Real-time analytics
• Ad-free streaming
• Multi-CDN
• China live stream support
• Simulcast: Stream to multiple destinations like Youtube, Facebook and Twitch at once.

Detailed Features:

• RTMP Encoder for ingesting HLS streaming
• Low-latency HTML5 channels for video streaming
• Content control with security options and white label and branding control
• Player API access for 3rd party player integration
• Video API access on premium plans (event and scale)
• SVOD, AVOD, and TVOD monetization options
• Mobile device support
• Live stream recording
• China Video Hosting
• Multi-user access on Scale and Custom plans
• Zoom live streaming integration for meetings and live events in real-time
• Expo 2.0 galleries video portal for immersive video experiences
• Easy live streaming straight from your webcam

Pros:

• Online player and video API access
• RTMP (real-time messaging protocol) for playback and streaming support
• Live video streaming via a customizable HTML5 video player with white-label options
• Positive customer reviews: “Every streaming and hosting service should run as smoothly as Dacast.”
• Cloud-based video transcoding
• Unlimited concurrent viewers
• Unlimited live channels
• 24/7 live customer support

Cons:

• Requires a bit of a learning curve

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: none (but 240p is the recommended minimum)
• Maximum dimension: 1080p or 4K (depends on the user’s hardware and internet)
• Video aspect ratio: no restrictions (but 16:9 is the default)
• Max file size: none
• Max video length: none
• Total file storage: 10-1000GB (depends on plan)
• Compatible video formats: MP4 (preferred), MOV, M4V, M2V, AVI, MPG, FLV, WMV, MKV, WEBM, OGV, MXF, ASF, VOB, MTS

Pricing:

Pricing plans with Dacast include four packages:

• Starter plan: ideal for newcomers with 2.4 TB of bandwidth and 500 GB of storage per month, at just $39 per month billed annually.
• Event plan: for organizations who’d rather not sign a contract, and want to purchase bandwidth separately to live stream an event. It offers 6 TB of bandwidth upfront, 250 GB of storage, and costs just $63 per month billed annually. Additional data and storage can be added as needed.
• Scale plan: includes 24 TB of bandwidth per year, with 2000 GB of storage for $165 per month billed annually. These Scale pricing plans add phone support, unlimited channels, a monetization paywall, ad insertion, white-label Cnames, and video API access.
• Custom plan: if your enterprise business has high-volume streaming needs, you can contact Dacast for a custom plan tailored to your needs.

Broadcasters can contact Dacast directly to learn more about custom-priced high-volume plans. Dacast offers control over your content that you can’t get with live streaming on YouTube and Facebook.

2. IBM Video Streaming

Overview and Company History:

Founded in 1911 as a CTR (Computing-Tabulating-Recording) company, IBM (International Business Machines) became the world’s dominant computing platform. By the 1960s, it produced 80% of the US and 70% of the world’s computers. Based in New York, IBM serves over 177 countries. 

IBM Video Streaming enables users the advantages of live streaming, video-on-demand content management, auto-archive, and more. It is a reliable option for clients like Airbnb, BBC America, and Mazda, powered by IBM Watson AI, offering excellent business innovations and solutions. 

Basic Functionalities:

The IBM video streaming services can be used for internal and external audiences and have numerous live video engagement tools. You can use live video analytics to get insight into the preferences of viewers in real-time. 

Key Features:

• Live and on-demand video streaming
• Secure sharing of online content
• Enterprise content delivery network
• Video distribution and workflow
• OTT video management
• Video monetization

Detailed Features:

• Security-rich video solution: Enable individual user tracking through easy integration with corporate directory systems. This way, you can control the access to corporate video assets. 
• Multi-CDNs: Improve global scalability and reach with a multiple-content delivery network.
• Developer APIs: Use video streaming developer tools to create personalized interfaces, your own streaming applications, analyze engagement, and more. 
• Mobile Compatible player: All devices with any screen size and bandwidth can access the live and on-demand videos with automatic bitrate switching.
• Automated Closed Captioning: Live broadcasts and online videos can be automatically captioned thanks to the AI with speech recognition. 

Pros:

• One of the best-streaming cloud storage set-ups, with reliable cloud streaming.
• Powered by the industry-leading AI tool that offers assistance with caption generation.
• Responsive customer support, helping you if you ever run into issues.
• Internal and external audience streaming is available.
• Enterprise-grade video capabilities for large organizations.
• Hong Kong (China) video hosting.
• Impressive analytics feature where you can monitor various KPIs of live streaming.
• You can easily upload video files and media for your audience during the live broadcast.

Cons:

• Uses an internal content delivery system
• General plans don’t offer APIs
• The chat feature isn’t the best given that it supports a large audience
• Users report data synchronization and upload issues when there’s heavy traffic on the platform.
• Reviewers complain the file management system isn’t good if you have many files because finding what you’re looking for gets challenging.
• Although it allows non-hosts to interact with the broadcast and share files, the permission-granting process is tricky and requires a learning curve.
• There are complaints of slow buffering and crashing streams.

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: 270p (480 x 270)
• Maximum dimension: 2160p (3840 x 2160)
• Max file size: 10GB
• Min video length: 4 sec
• Minimum bitrate: 64 kbps
• Maximum bitrate: 192 kbps
• Video code: H264, H263, MPEG4 (and variants), VP6, VP8, Theora, WMV

Pricing:

The pricing plans for the IBM Watson Media include:

• Silver: Affordable Essentials starting at $137/month
• Gold: Standard business features starting at $688/month
• Platinum: Premium Volume scale starting at $1,380/month
• Custom – Please contact IBM Video Streaming for custom plan pricing.

IBM Video Streaming also offers an SaaS streaming service with AI-driven deep search for security-rich video communications. Here are the IBM Enterprise Video Streaming pricing plans:

• Enterprise Silver: $799/month
• Enterprise Gold: $1,999/month
• Enterprise Platinum: $4,999/month
• Custom: Contact the sales team

30-day free trials are available for test-driving both the IBM Video Streaming and the IBM Enterprise Video Streaming services.

3. LinkedIn Live

Overview and Company History:

LinkedIn is a well-known social media platform that was designed for networking among professionals. The platform recently rolled out LinkedIn Live, which is an exclusive offering that is designed to help brands connect with professionals through live-streamed content.

Basic Functionality:

To stream on LinkedIn Live, broadcasters need the support of a self-hosted streaming setup or a third-party streaming platform (like Dacast and the other OVPs we’ve discussed).

Key Features:

• Social media streaming app
• Highly exclusive features
• Only accessible on an application basis
• Integrates with LinkedIn Events

Detailed Features:

• Livestream Scheduling: You can schedule your live stream in advance and promote it on LinkedIn and other platforms.
• Test Your Stream: You can also create a test stream to ensure everything is alright before you go live on LinkedIn Live.
• Auto Captions: LinkedIn Live offers automatically generated real-time captions you can enable to make your video more accessible to a broader audience. Auto captions for a live stream will continue and will also be available in post-live playbacks. You should enable auto-captions before starting your live stream.
• Stream into an Event on LinkedIn: Approved members and organizations can livestream to profile connections and LinkedIn page followers in addition to LinkedIn Events attendees. Attendees can connect and engage in conversations before, during, and after the livestream in a dedicated space. But you can only stream to one destination. You can stream to a page/ profile and an event simultaneously.

You can also mute specific viewers from commenting and reacting to pre-recorded videos on your stream.

LinkedIn Live is designed to boost engagement, offer quality control and exclusivity, and integrate with LinkedIn Events for virtual event hosting.

Pros:

LinkedIn Live is free to use and specifically designed to reach and connect with other professionals. It is a great way to build brand awareness and can be a great platform for live streaming and connecting with other businesses.

The application is designed to encourage engagement between you and your viewers.

Cons:

LinkedIn Live isn’t open to all users; the access is limited to those on an application basis. You need to use outside and additional streaming technology to go live; the platform doesn’t offer all the features you need within it.

The platform is also highly regulated, so you are not free to broadcast anything you want.

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

Video guidelines and specs on LinkedIn Live depend on the third-party software that you choose.

Pricing:

LinkedIn Live is free to use as long as LinkedIn accepts your application.

LinkedIn Live allows businesses to connect specifically with business professionals. Facebook and Youtube live streaming has more of a general audience. You still need to work with a self-hosted streaming setup or a third-party streaming platform to use LinkedIn Live, as it isn’t a fully independent option.

4. Twitch

Overview and Company History:

Twitch.tv is a very popular application in the world of video gaming. Streamers set up channels where viewers and supporters can follow them. It has 33.2 million active users in the US alone and gets over 1.86 billion hours of watch time via its users every month.

This site is niche, but it is a great streaming platform if you are trying to reach an audience in the gaming, fantasy, music, or tech industry.

Basic Functionality: 

Twitch.tv is a consumer-grade platform for independent streamers, and it is especially popular among eSports (video game) streamers.

Key Features:

• Tools for tipping creators and streamers
• Primarily used to stream video games
• Live chat for viewer engagement

Detailed Features:

Twitch is a social network that is primarily meant for Esport live streaming. Some of its most notable features include:

• Live Streaming Tips: Streamers can make money off their streams by receiving tips from their audience. Viewers can follow the channel, subscribe to it, and donate virtual currency that can be exchanged for real money. Streamers who meet certain conditions can also apply for the Twitch Partnership and Affiliate program to receive rewards such as actual money.
• Viewership Engagements: Streamers can also interact with their viewers through a live chat functionality during the stream. This allows streamers to increase the level of engagement from viewers.
• Twitch Extensions and Plugins: Twitch offers many plugin and extension options to enable streamers to customize their Twitch experience. Examples include Spotify playlists, Prime Gaming, creating stream overlays, localization and translation tools, and game-specific plugins, among others.
• Categories: Streamers can classify their content by categories. It makes it easier for viewers to browse through channels and easily find what they’re looking for.
• Alerts and Saved Channels: Twitch allows viewers to follow channels to receive alerts when the streamer goes live. The channels a viewer follows will be saved to their libraries.

Pros:

Twitch is very targeted for the video game market. They offer mobile broadcasting, allowing you to go live directly from your mobile device.

Viewers can watch content on a browser, from gaming devices, and on the Twitch app, which is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Cons:

One of the biggest drawbacks of Twitch is that it is a consumer-driven platform and is made for connecting with a consumer audience. It isn’t designed for internal or training purposes. Also, they don’t support advanced video streaming tools within the platform.

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: 720p (1280 x 720)
• Maximum dimension: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
• Video aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
• Max file size: Not available
• Max video length: 48 hours
• Total file storage: Not available

Pricing:

Twitch does not charge content providers to use their platform, but they allow them to make money off of their users. This program is called Twitch Subscriptions, and it includes 3 tiers:

• Tier 1 subscription – $4.99/month
• Tier 2 subscription – $9.99/month
• Tier 3 subscription – $24.99/month

Twitch is great for individuals looking to make money live streaming video games and tech content. It serves a very specific niche, unlike live streaming to Facebook and YouTube, which tend to serve larger audiences in a wide range of niches.

5. StreamYard

Overview and Company History:

StreamYard, founded by Hopin, is an in-browser live streaming platform. This platform is relatively basic, but it will get the job done for broadcasters with minimal live streaming needs.

Since this platform is pretty basic, it is relatively easy to start streaming on StreamYard.

Basic Functionality:

StreamYard is a simple in-browser live streaming platform designed for improving audience engagement. StreamYard does not support on-demand streaming.

Key Features:

StreamYard uses in-browser streaming technology. This provides a wide range of functionality without any downloads necessary. The brand customization features on StreamYard are some of the most valuable.

Some of its key features include:

• Custom branding
• Graphic overlays
• Simulcast to social media platforms
• Multiple on-screen presenters
• Screen sharing

Detailed Features:

• Highlight Clips: This feature allows streamers to highlight clips of their live streams. These can then be shared on the platform or exported to another video hosting solution.
• Live Chat: The audience can interact with the streamer and each other on the platform during a live stream.
• Multi-Platform Streaming: You can stream your live video on social media sites and other multiple platforms concurrently. StreamYard also allows you to embed your live stream onto a webpage.
• Analytics: Streamers can collect analytics on the audience count, demographics, and engagement.

Pros:

StreamYard is a simple-to-use platform and makes it easy for you to start live streaming. They allow for using multiple cameras, on-screen presenters and graphic overlays, making content really engaging. It is a great platform for engaging in collaborative streams with multiple people in different locations.

Cons:

The drawback of StreamYard is that it is a very basic platform. It doesn’t support video-on-demand. It offers no monetization options and has limited browser compatibility.

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• You can upload videos up to 10GB in size on Basic/pro, and up to 25GB in size on StreamYard Business
• Prerecorded broadcasts stream at up to 720p on Basic and up to 1080p on Professional.
• StreamYard Business offers unlimited pre-recorded stream scheduling, but users on Basic or Pro can only schedule up to five streams
• On the basic plan, you can only stream for up to an hour but two and eight hours on the Pro plan, and StreamYard Business, respectively.

Pricing:

StreamYard is a great online live streaming platform for businesses and an easy-to-use tool for live streaming. However, due to a recent acquisition of StreamYard by Bending Spoons, the company removed its pricing from the website after a rather unpopular pricing hike around September 11, 2024.

For these reasons, we are removing any pricing information from this section until the company republishes new plans and their prices on their website.

6. Vimeo Livestream

Vimeo is an option for businesses of any size looking for streaming services.

Overview and company history:

Another alternative provider is Vimeo (Livestream). Formerly known only as Livestream, Vimeo acquired the company in 2017. Since then, Vimeo has merged its services and website with Livestream. Today, this business has a unique focus on full end-to-end integration. Vimeo (Livestream) sells several hardware tools such as encoders and cameras that can function with this streaming service natively.

Basic Functionality: 

Both live streaming and video hosting services are available through Vimeo. The basic functionality includes tracking, analytics, and production support. However, white-label streaming, live transcoding, and password protection are only available on premium plans.

Key Features:

API functionality on Vimeo (Livestream) exists in three categories: API tools, Player API, and Channel API. These allow you to customize, control, and modify your content. They also facilitate custom programming and integration.

Other key features include:

• Full-HD quality
• All-device video player with adaptive bitrate streaming
• Video management service
• High-quality videos and streams
• Large storage capacity
• Privacy options
• Upload from anywhere
• White-label service
• Live audience chat
• Monetization options

Detailed Features:

Large Storage Capacity: Vimeo offers several storage options so you never run out of space. You can also make uncompressed versions of your videos available to users.

Privacy Options: You can configure your live streams to choose who can see and who can’t see your videos. Creators can send private review links to clients for individual feedback and comments.

Video Management Service: You can easily organize, share, and make bulk changes to everything from embed settings to licensing.

High-Quality Videos and Streams: Vimeo allows up to 4K Ultra HD streaming, immersive 360 videos and 8k uploads.

Upload from Anywhere: You can upload to Vimeo from your computer, mobile device, or favorite cloud storage platform.

Pros:

Vimeo Livestream doesn’t play any external advertisements on your content. It also allows you to stream as many events with as many viewers as you want.

It is easy to use and has a very professional and sleek layout. It offers detailed analytics, allowing you to learn from your live events to stream better events. It offers a pay-per-view option, allowing you to make money from your live events.

Cons:

Vimeo Livestream as a platform doesn’t offer as much traffic as other sites, and it doesn’t offer any China delivery.

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Recommended dimension: 720p (1280 x 720)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
• Max file size: 3GB
• Max video length: Information not available
• Total file storage: Information not available
• Compatible video formats: MP4 (recommended)

Pricing:

Vimeo Livestream offers four main pricing plans, including:

• Basic Live Stream Today plan: starts at $65 per seat, per month billed annually.
• Vimeo Advanced: Their Advanced plan includes Unlimited Streaming Analytics, White Labeling and Brand Control. This plan is the best option for professional broadcasting on this platform.
• Vimeo Enterprise: The Enterprise plan includes white-label service, monetization, and video API access. It also includes branding control and added security features. Please contact Vimeo for custom pricing information.

Vimeo OTT: This OTT-specific pricing package comes with the Vimeo.com relationship. These plans include all the basics for starting your web-based OTT channel and growing your OTT business online.

The Vimeo Enterprise plan includes white-label service, monetization, and video APIs. It also includes branding control and added security features.

For more details, check out our comprehensive guide to Vimeo Livestream pricing.

Unlike Facebook and YouTube live streaming, Vimeo is more focused on business customers and offers more robust professional features.

7. Brightcove

Brightcove uses an HTML5 video player to better live streaming and video hosting.

Overview and Company History:

Another popular platform is Brightcove. This provider primarily serves mid to large-sized businesses with an array of services. This social media live streaming alternative was founded in 2004 and is one of the oldest video solutions in the game. Last year, Brightcove acquired streaming platform Ooyala, known for its cloud video technology. Since the acquisition, Brightcove has announced end-of-life plans for the Ooyala OVP.

Basic functionality:

The basic functionality of this YouTube Live alternative includes video monetization and transcoding.  Brightcove offers support for OTT (Over the Top) content and TVE (TV Everywhere) technology.

Key Features:

Other great Brightcove features include the ability to bypass ad blockers and capture leads via popup forms inside the video window. Additionally, Brightcove offers powerful video marketing integrations with widely used platforms like Salesforce.

Other key features include:

• Live streaming and video-on-demand hosting
• Video and Usage Analytics
• Server-side ad insertion
• Cloud transcoding and adaptive bitrate streaming

Detailed Features:

Brightcove API

There are several APIs for the Brightcove platform. These include the Media API, which allows you to interact with your library. Additional APIs support the other Brightcove product categories. Comprehensive documentation is available on all of these.

Other features include:

• Multi-bitrate and adaptive streaming
• Global content delivery
• Tech support, but only at a basic level with slow ticket-based responses (unless you upgrade to a paid support plan)
• Security features, but with high-end features only available on custom plans
• Monetization options, but only on custom-priced plans

Pros:

Brightcove offers enterprise-grade features and can support large corporate live events. It includes custom video portals, allowing you to create unique live events. Plus, you can integrate Brightcove with your content management system (CRM).

Cons:

The biggest drawback to Brightcove is that it has a high price point, with no live streaming packages under $499/month. It is targeted at larger businesses with big budgets. Plus, it doesn’t offer China delivery, so if you want to connect with a Chinese audience, this isn’t a good option.

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: Determined by user
• Maximum dimension: Determined by user
• Aspect ratio: No restrictions (since Brightcove uses a responsive player)
• Max file size: No limits on files size
• Max video length: No published limits
• Total file storage: Varies by plan
• Compatible video formats: MP4, MOV, FLV, AVI, WMV, MKV, 3GPP

Pricing:

Brightcove offers three pricing plan levels that target higher-end clients. Brightcove’s pricing is no longer posted, but plans include basic video marketing tools and analytics with SD streaming quality for unlimited viewers.

However, larger users will prefer the Enterprise communications plan, which is custom-priced. Those plans add advanced security tools, HD-quality streaming, and phone support (30-minute response time).

The three pricing tiers include:

• Starter: includes 50 to 200 videos, up to 100,000 plays, and 2-5 users
• Professional: unlimited videos, 100,000+ plays, and no overage plays, with +10 users
• Enterprise: unlimited videos, 100,000+ plays, and no overage plays, with 10+ users, unlimited upload, and analytics-only users

Brightcove, unlike live streaming on Facebook, is built for business marketing and monetization needs.

8. Wowza

Wowza focuses on live streaming for business-critical applications

Overview and Company History:

Wowza was founded in 2005 as a bootstrap start-up with capabilities for live streaming on phones, tablets, and consoles. Wowza is a feature-rich company that offers two main products and has always focused on being first in class for cost-effectiveness.

Wowza is a platform built for professional businesses, unlike YouTube Live and Facebook Live streaming, which is made for everyone. It offers 4K streaming and live stream recording but still has some limitations, with no video monetization, multi-camera feeds, or audience analytics.

Basic Functionality: 

The first is a Wowza Streaming Cloud, a cloud-based live streaming service. Features include support for 4K streaming, white-label service, and security controls.

The second Wowza offering is the Wowza Streaming Engine software. This package allows you to set up your own streaming platform on your servers using the same software on the cloud platform.

Key Features:

Wowza has several APIs in Java and REST to build infrastructure around its streaming platform. These include a server-side API for the Wowza Streaming Engine. This API integrates with databases, storage, web servers, and external processing.

Other key features include:

• Live streaming and on-demand video hosting
• Host-you-own streaming server product
• White-label streaming
• Mobile-compatible video player
• Customer support (*note that phone support and fast responses cost extra)
• RESTful API available

Detailed Features:

• APIs are available
• Live stream recording
• Cloud management portal
• Streaming up to 4K
• Wide range of security options

Pros:

Wowza offers audience engagement tools so that you can interact with your live audience. They offer basic performance monitoring, allowing you to see what is happening with your content. Plus, they have robust security, keeping your content your own.

Plus, they offer video looping, allowing you to play content repeatedly. Additionally, they offer mobile screen support.

Cons:

Wowza offers no multistreaming options, so you can’t stream to other locations, such as social media sites, when you livestream. Also, they don’t offer session recording, so if you want to save your live-streaming content and use it later, you will have to use an outside tool.

Wowza also doesn’t offer video monetization tools, so if you want to make money from your live content, you will have to use outside tools. It also doesn’t support multiple camera feeds, so you are limited to a single camera.

Plus, they don’t have advanced audience analytics, nor do they offer advanced event scheduling, which can limit your ability to promote your live stream.

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: 240p (320 x 240)
• Maximum dimension: 4K (3840 x 2160)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
• Max file size: Not available
• Max video length: Not available
• Total file storage: 250 GB (depends on the plan)
• Compatible video formats: MP4, FLV, MP3, SMIL, AMLST, ID3, NGRP

Pricing:

Wowza has several pricing options that are split into two main tiers: Streaming Cloud and Streaming Engine.

The Wowza Video Cloud Streaming offers four distinct pricing plans and services. 

• One Month of Streaming: $149 one-time purchase; includes 15 hours of live streaming and 500 viewing hours
• Pay as you go: $0/month; $2.50/hour of streaming, all usage billed separately
• Enterprise: Annual plans built for your needs; contact sales for custom pricing

The Wowza Streaming Engine has its own pricing plan packages. These professional-grade streaming plans are billed annually and include:

• One Month of Streaming: $295/month one-time purchase
• Basic monthly: $195 per month 
• Enterprise: Please contact Wowza directly for access to their custom-tailored high-volume enterprise solutions

Check out Wowza’s pricing page for alternative plans and packages.

If you need a budget-friendly video hosting platform with streaming security, try Wowza. 

9. Kaltura

Kaltura provides a wide range of live streaming video solutions.

Overview and Company History:

The Kaltura online video platform targets large institutions. In particular, Kaltura focuses on four markets: video services for educational institutions, enterprises, media companies, and OTT video services. Historically, this company has worked most extensively with educational institutions.

Unlike Facebook Live vs YouTube Live, which is all about social media video content, Kaltura is focused on offering professional live video hosting for educational institutions.

Basic Functionality:

This video streaming solution is an alternative to the self-hosted model. The software for Kaltura is free, however, it requires an infrastructure of servers for hosting and distributing content. Kaltura provides cloud-based video hosting and distribution for both VOD and live streams.

Key Features:

The Kaltura Management Console (KMC) offers tools to create, upload, edit, manage, publish, and deliver live and on-demand video to viewers. Key features of the KMC include:

• Live streaming and VOD hosting
• Secure content delivery via Akamai, Limelight, and eCDNs
• Live transcoding, live production software, and video marketing tools
• Video APIs, SDKs, developer tools, and code recipes
• A highly customizable, and therefore highly complex streaming platform

Detailed Features:

• Multi-bitrate and adaptive streaming
• Video API access
• Global content delivery via a combined CDN approach
• Ability to bring your own CDN
• Security features include a range of authentication and encryption options
• Monetization includes all major models – subscription, advertising, PPV streaming

Pros:

• Many available features
• Customizable streaming experience
• Great monetization options
• Robust security

Cons:

• Ticket-based system for support
• Highly complex
• Not suited for new broadcasters
• No China video delivery

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: 180p (320 x 180)
• Maximum dimension: 1080p (1920x 1080)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
• Max file size: 2GB
• Max video length: Not available
• Total file storage: 10GB to Unlimited (depends on the plan)
• Compatible video formats: MOV, MP4

Pricing:

Prices are based on the solutions you’re looking for. These include but are not limited to: 

Webinars:

• Limited trial: $1 for two webinars
• Business: $150/month billed annually
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Virtual classroom:

• Free trial: 14 days
• Standard: $19/month up to 10 participants per session and up to 10 hrs of cloud recording
• Pro: $45/month up to 100 participants per session and up to 25 hrs of cloud recording
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for up to 10+ classrooms

Media Services:

Annual discounts – Discounted pricing packages are available for any scale and use-case, enterprise SLA, and developer support. For more information, please contact sales

• Free trial account – $100 worth of credits for 30 days for testing
• Pay as you go – You pay only for what you use at these credit levels:
• Base plan: $20 one-time annual fee + monthly usage fees

Other services include virtual events, video portal town halls, video messaging, meetings and more.

10. JW Player

JW Player’s live streaming platform is a sophisticated set of tools with a video player that is open source.

Overview and Company History:

The JW Player project (as the name suggests) began as a video player. This streaming platform was founded in 2005 as part of a student project. Today, this service offers video hosting services and live streaming.

Basic Functionality:

This solution is known for its HTML5 video player for VOD content. In addition to that, JW Player is now a full-service live streaming provider.

Key Features:

• Live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) hosting
• Video recommendations engine to generate custom “watch next” recommendations
• Tools for monetization via advertising, and detailed revenue tracking
• Analytics tools

Detailed Features:

• Multi-bitrate and adaptive streaming
• Global content delivery
• Email support through the $100/month plan level
• Video API access on all plans
• Security features are basic but functional.
• Only custom-priced Enterprise plans offer DRM
• Monetization via advertising

Pros:

• Great video player
• Simple, easy-to-use platform
• Good advertising tools

Cons:

• Live streaming is limited to custom-priced plans with a 6-hour duration
• Only ad-based monetization
• No China video delivery

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: 360p (640 x 360)
• Maximum dimension: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3, 2.39:1
• Max file size: 25GB
• Max video length: Not available
• Total file storage: 25GB to 500GB (depending on the plan)
• Compatible video formats: MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, 3GP, FLV

Pricing:

JW Player pricing plans include the following 4 tiers:

• Stream: Includes video delivery, instant live, broadcast live, and asset management
• Play: Includes cloud hosting, a HTML5 player, OTT apps, and mobile SDKs
• Engage: Offers real time analytics, article matching, custom reports, and recommendations
• Monetize: Has ad insertion features, outstream ads, studio DRM, and player bidding

Unlike live streaming to Facebook and YouTube, JW Player provides you with full control over your content and supports global content delivery.

11. Muvi

Muvi is a live-streaming platform focused on OTT media.

Overview and Company History:

Moving along in our live video streaming platforms review, let’s consider Muvi. This corporate video streaming software solution centers on OTT media businesses. Overall, Muvi aims to provide a “turnkey” service to broadcasters. In short, Muvi focuses on OTT services that are quick to get up and running. They say their model empowers users to launch their own video or audio strategy quickly and easily.

Basic Functionality:

Muvi’s OTT multi-screen video streaming solution helps businesses launch white-label multi-device streams. They also provide VOD and audio streaming. It’s fully managed and all controlled from a single CMS.

Key Features:

• HTML5 all-device video player
• White label custom branding
• Various monetization options
• Support for video and audio streaming
• Dashboard management CMS for naming and organizing content
• 24/7 support

Detailed Features:

• Custom branding
• HTML5 video player
• Analytics
• Monetization options
• DRM and security features

Pros:

• CDN delivery
• Hosting
• No coding required
• Video CMS
• Transcoding
• DRM
• Website and Apps for Mobile and TV.

Cons:

• Not extremely user-friendly
• Hard to integrate or connect
• CMS user interface is complex
• No China video delivery

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: 144p (256 x 144)
• Maximum dimension: 4K (3840  x2160)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
• Max file size: not available
• Max video length: not available
• Total file storage: 1TB, 2TB, 5TB (depending on plan)
• Compatible video formats: MP4, MOV, MKV, FLV, VOB, M4V, AVI, 3GP, MPG

Pricing:

Muvi has 7 pricing categories, namely One, Live, Flex, Player SDK, Playout, TV and Alie. Its core plan falls under Muvi One pricing, and compromises of the following four tiers:

• Standard plan: $399/month (+ $299/month per app + infra fees, allows 2000 concurrent viewers, 1TB each of bandwidth and storage, and API support.
• Professional plan: at $1,499 per month (+ $499/month per app + infra fees) increases limits further and adds premium support.
• Enterprise plan: $3,900 per month (+ $499/month per app + infra fees) adds a dedicated server with auto-scaling.
• Ultimate plan: For pricing, speak to sales. Includes Enterprise plan plus unlimited concurrent users, monthly security and performance reports, proactive monitoring and setup

Muvi offers a professional custom video hosting option for businesses that want to control their video player and monetization.

12. StreamShark

StreamShark features a live streaming workflow and uses a global CDN delivery network.

Overview and Company History:

StreamShark is one of the best live streaming platforms for businesses. It was founded in 2011 and provides multi-faceted online video functionality.

Basic Functionality:

As a corporate streaming solution, StreamShark offers both a consumer-grade (B2C) platform and a distinct enterprise platform for streaming.

Key Features: 

• Manage different phases of an event’s stream
• Multi-vendor approach
• HLS ingests
• Provides global video CDN services

Detailed Features:

• Mobile-compatibility
• Detailed viewer reports
• Customizable live streaming video player
• Global coverage via a multi-CDN network
• Privacy controls
• Advertising and customer support

Pros:

• Localized media ingestion
• monetization options
• Video Encoding
• Redistribution
• Increased storage space

Cons:

• No support
• No embeddable playlists
• Fair to no video analytics
• No China video delivery

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Minimum dimension: 240p (426 x 240)
• Maximum dimension: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9, 4:3
• Max file size: not available
• Max video length: not available
• Total file storage: 500GB, 1TB, 3TB
• Compatible video formats: HLS, WebM VP9, WebM VP8, WebM VP9 DASH, MP4

Pricing:

Monthly live streaming plans with StreamShark begin at $199 per month and include the following:

• Standard: $199/month; includes 1,000 GB of bandwidth; 500 GB of VOD storage an additional overage of $0.10 per GB
• Team: $499/month; includes 4,000 GB of bandwidth; 2,000 GB of storage, and lowers per GB overage prices to $0.09 per GB
• Business: $999/month; includes 9,000 GB of bandwidth; 5,000 GB of storage, and reduces the overage to $0.08 per GB
• Enterprise: Please contact StreamShark for their custom enterprise solutions. These plans include 4k streams, white-glove stream monitoring, enterprise viewer home page, single sign-on SSO support and more.

13. Vidyard 

Vidyard offers an all-in-one platform designed for marketing, sales, and corporate communications teams.

Overview and company history:

Headquartered in Kitchener, Canada, Vidyard was founded in May 2010 as an innovative video startup. In time, it positioned itself as one of the leaders in the market offering competitive features and integrations.

Basic Functionalities:

Vidyard is a platform that helps you record and share personalized sales video messages to help generate more pipelines and boost response time. 

Key Features:

• Cloud integrations
• Secure cloud video platform
• Interactive viewing experiences
• Video SEO
• Personalization, playlist, and other viewing features

Detailed Features:

• Video hosting and streaming
• Advanced video analytics
• Robust security options
• Intro banners
• Sales integration

Pros:

• Sync your video content with your marketing efforts using its numerous cloud integration options.
• An active community of users providing help and insight when needed.
• Customer service agents who can help you with the platform.
• Scripting feature to practice your live stream content beforehand, preparing a script for you to read off during the live show. 
• Excellent video-sharing options such as “publish to socials” buttons, schedule releases, and instant link sharing.
• 4K video playback quality.
• Add a call to action in your video player or on the sharing page
• You can easily manage users on your team and enjoy flexibility in customizing permissions for specific users.
• Extensive self-serve helpful resources to guide you through the Vidyard cloud video streaming solution.

Cons:

• Complicated backend
• Consistency issues
• No China video delivery

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• Max file size: 20GB
• Max video length: no longer than 24 hours
• Framerate: 25fps – 60fps
• Bitrate: 5mbps – 8mbps
• Compatible video formats: WEBM, MP4, MKV, MOV
• Pricing:

Vidyard prices its platform based on the use case, and includes the following packages:

Packages for Individuals and Teams:

• Free: $0 for a limited number of videos per month
• Pro Package: $19/month (when billed annually or $29 when billed monthly)
• Plus Package: $59/month (when billed annually or $89 when billed monthly)
• Business Package: those looking for Business pricing solutions, are encouraged to contact Vidyard’s sales team

Custom Video Solutions:

• All enterprise pricing packages are custom-priced.

14. Wistia

Wistia is a marketing-focused VOD hosting platform.

Overview and Company History

Founded in 2006, Wistia is a video hosting and analytics platform designed to help businesses create, manage, and share videos securely. Its emphasis on high-quality video experiences and robust analytics makes it a great choice for professionals seeking advanced and secure streaming.

Basic Functionalities:

Wistia is useful in helping businesses attract customers while, at the same time, getting them interested in what they are selling. Their lead generation tools help businesses segment, nurture, and convert products, while the built-in SEO helps them discover their products.

Key Features:

• Creating: Make professional high-quality videos
• Hosting: Managing, embedding, and sharing videos easily
• Marketing: Engage the audience and collect leads
• Analyzing: Understand video performance 

Detailed Features:

• Customizable Video Player: Tailor the player to match your brand.
• Advanced Analytics: Detailed insights on viewer engagement.
• Lead Generation Tools: Turn viewers into potential customers.
• Video SEO: Improve search rankings with built-in SEO tools.
• Integrations: Seamless integration with marketing tools like HubSpot and Mailchimp.
• Privacy Controls: Robust options for video security and privacy.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Excellent customer support
• Comprehensive analytics
• Strong focus on security and privacy

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to some competitors
• Limited storage on lower-tier plans

Upload Guidelines and Specs:

• File Types: MP4, MOV, AVI, etc.
• Maximum File Size: 8 GB per video
• Resolution: Supports up to 4K video

Pricing:

Wistia has four pricing plan tiers. These plans are billed annually and include:

• Free: No cost to use; 10 videos max; 1 user
• Plus: $19/month; 20 videos included; 3 users
• Pro: $79/month; 50 videos included; 5 users
• Advanced: $319/month; 250 free videos; 20 users

Wistia also has enterprise solutions for businesses and educational providers looking for a professional grade OTT service provider.

15. SproutVideo

SproutVideo is a powerful video marketing tool for your live streams and videos.

Overview and Company History:

Founded in 2010, SproutVideo is an easy-to-use video-on-demand and live-stream hosting platform for businesses. This service aims to make tracking, publishing, and customizing videos extremely easy, regardless of your experience level.

With all the marketing, analytical, and security tools SproutVideo provides, you can take your video strategy to the next level in weeks. With the many security features available, you can keep your videos private and protected.

Basic Functionality:

SproutVideo is well-suited to broadcasters looking for a comprehensive platform that provides both live streaming and VOD options.

Key Features:

• Customized privacy and security features
• All plan levels receive live chat support
• API Access
• Email marketing integration
• Video SEO

Detailed Features:

Live and VOD hosting with plans priced to suit all budgets and needs.

An advanced suite of features such as video analytics, social sharing, viewer tracking, and geo-location restriction.

Supports Zapier integration, allowing you to create automated workflows and connect with third-party CRM and marketing platforms for a more efficient live video marketing system. 

Security features with an advanced level of protection for both on-demand content and live streams. 

Authenticate viewers before giving them access to your videos with password protection, login protection, and single sign-on. 

Pros:

• Detailed analytics reporting on videos
• All budgets and business needs are covered in plan tiers
• Wide range of customization features
• An affordable option

Cons:

• Limited storage options
• A small number of SEO tools
• Frequent buffering due to slow playback caching

Pricing:

SproutVideo offers four pricing plans to target different budgets. You can try all the features for free for 30 days, after which you can decide on one of the following plans:

• Seed: $10/month with 100 GB of storage and bandwidth
• Sprout: $35/month with 350 GB of storage and bandwidth
• Tree: $75/month with 1 TB of storage and bandwidth
• Forest: $295/month with 2 TB of storage and bandwidth

Conclusion

Considering all the live-streaming technology platforms, we can conclude that using YouTube vs Facebook for live-streaming has pros and cons. We’ve also covered some of the best alternatives to these two platforms, shedding light on what more is available.

Focusing on B2B private streaming platforms, there are some powerful alternatives. Businesses and organizations can use them to broadcast compelling videos. Features like white labeling for ad-free streaming or monetizing a live video post are well worth a closer look.

Businesses in need of a professional-grade, feature-rich, and flexible live-streaming platform look no further than Dacast. We are a leader in live-streaming and video content. With Dacast, you can live stream, create a video library, enable white labeling, and add a monetization paywall for higher quality service and more engagement.

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

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If you found this article helpful, check out our library of useful blog posts for more comparisons. And for the best broadcasting tips and exclusive offers, join our dedicated  LinkedIn group.

Max Wilbert

Max Wilbert is a passionate writer, live streaming practitioner, and has strong expertise in the video streaming industry.