There are numerous factors to consider before choosing the best live streaming platform for your needs. While a free live streaming option may be ideal, sometimes, you may need a paid option. The streaming service you choose should be futuristic to accommodate your needs as they change, cost-effective, and feature-rich. In this article, we discuss some of the top streaming platforms you should know.
1. Periscope
Periscope is a unique Twitter-integrated live streaming platform. Apart from an intuitive interface, Periscope features a wide range of incredible content that users will enjoy watching.
- Crucial Periscope Facts
Whenever users go live, they will start receiving alerts on comments, followers, and new people joining the live session.
Users can activate video replay for all their broadcasted video sessions allowing viewers to watch them later.
You have access to replays repeatedly for 24 hours and delete them whenever you want
Users can broadcast videos to their target audience on Periscope just as they do on Twitter.
Periscope is available free of charge
2. Vimeo
Vimeo is an excellent live streaming video solution that businesses can leverage to fulfill their needs regardless of the framework or strategy. The platform was launched in 2019, with Vimeo Enterprise being the latest entrant in the market. The upgraded version offers advanced security and robust features that are ideal for large and medium-sized businesses.
Vimeo Enterprise combines its customized embedding with a beautiful branded player. Its advanced features and security that businesses can leverage to scale and achieve growth include:
- Sole sign-on authentication
- User-level data
- Live streaming to safeguard Showcase pages
- Production services live
- SLAs and uptime guarantees
- Account management and dedicated business support
If your enterprise requires advanced performance like multiple concurrent streams, IP restriction and geoblocking, API access, monetization, or eCDN, Vimeo Livestream can assist. Users can still opt for the Video Premium subscription, which comes with limitless live streaming. However, it does not feature some of the advanced features available on the Vimeo Enterprise platform.
3. IBM Cloud Video
Formerly known as Ustream, IBM Cloud Video offers video and live streaming solutions and comes with a wide range of advanced features. Users can choose the Platinum, Gold, or Silver pricing plans that range between $99 to $999 per month. These subscription plans depend partly on the duration of time your target audience invests in watching your videos. When you exceed the assigned viewer hours, you will incur extra fees.
Suppose your event surpasses the expected hours or gains more popularity than anticipated; you could pay additional fees. For big companies either considering promoting a new brand or organizing hall meetings, such fees are often discouraging. One of the key advantages of IBM Cloud Video is that users get the sole sign-on or user authorization feature and password security for events. These advanced security features help secure your video contingent and dedicated production and support services. The platform’s production and support services come in handy whenever you need assistance during an event or virtually.
While the IBM Cloud Video platform is ideal for various business needs, it does not feature in-person hands-on training for teams. You may need to collaborate with video specialists to train your in-house staff or let them learn on the go.
4. Panopto
The Panopto platform that was established in 2007 is available in five different cities across the globe. It prides itself in providing employment for approximately 100 employees and being among the leading video content management players.
Panopto does not specialize in live streaming only. It has mastered the art of VAM (video asset management.) VAM is an extensive management system that organizes and stores loads of digital video content. It provides internal distribution and central storage for video content. Some organizations leverage Panopto as a video content management system but use a different service for dependable live streaming. The single sign-on feature on Panopto can be technical, with user guides offering sophisticated steps.
Panopto does not provide live production solutions. While the platform’s on-demand video streaming could be critical for your organization, Panopto lacks crucial features that can facilitate growth.
5. YouTube
YouTube is one of the most popular live-streaming platforms with numerous users across the world. It attracts approximately two billion members per month from different parts of the world. Anybody can access the platform regardless of their age, and it also comes in a kid-friendly version. YouTube is among the most extensive live streaming solutions you can choose. According to the platform founders, channels that feature weekly live stream videos attract nearly 40%, new subscribers.
Even with the popularity of YouTube, some organizations have banned its use, terming it as a social platform. Some companies block it to prevent their employees from accessing it during working hours. Did you know you can unblock YouTube just by using VPN and watch your favorite channels? Today, YouTube is much more than a social platform with many content creators publishing educational video content. You can acquire nearly any type of knowledge from YouTube.
Apart from YouTube’s vast access to viewers, the platform offers robust analytics on live videos and monetization options. Users can leverage it to store their video content seeing that it saves live streams allowing users to watch replays at their convenience. Further, YouTube Live features a chat function allowing viewers to send their favorite video content creators messages.
Finally
What is the ideal live streaming platform? Only you and your team can determine the ideal solution for your video content needs. Remember, the option you choose should support a wide range of video content use cases. It should also come with robust customization and security features to protect your content and brand.