Are you looking for an online video platform (OVP) to take your business to the next level? Or maybe you’re thinking of switching to a new one in the coming year?
Either way, there are lots of options to choose from. New platforms are popping up all the time in the OVP space. In fact, the global OVP market is predicted to reach $1.6 billion by 2027, driving over 80% of all internet traffic.
With so many options, you might find it confusing to figure out which one is right for your business. Publishers, broadcasters, e-learning brands, sports leagues, fitness companies… Everyone needs different things from an OVP.
So, we’re going to walk you through 19 different platforms. We’ll cover the unique features of each one, along with the pros and cons. But first, let’s cover the basics.
What’s an online video platform?
An online video platform allows you to upload live and recorded video content on a website. The platform hosts the content on your behalf so you don’t have to build your own data centers or infrastructure.
In addition to hosting, OVPs often provide live streaming software and HTML5 video players that allow your audience to watch your content on virtually any device. OVPs also help you secure, manage, and monetize your videos.
Many businesses use OVPs to improve lead generation, brand awareness, advertising reach, and paid access to video streaming.
19 top online video platforms
Now we’ll get into the different options for online video platforms so you can decide which one is best for you.
1. JW Player
JWP is the leading OVP for publishers and broadcasters. Our platform helps you manage, scale, and monetize your video strategy — increasing your ad yield by up to 30%.
Plus, JWP is super easy to use. Sara Livengood, Product Manager at Refinery 29 puts it this way: “We’re seeing great returns (with JWP). It was really easy to implement and just a quick check of a box.”
Features
- Comprehensive video management console
- Best-in-class VOD and live streaming capabilities
- Industry-leading HTML5 video player (the first one developed)
- Native SDKs
- Recommendations engine
- Client-side ad insertion (CSAI)
- Delivery and management APIs
- Studio-approved DRM, geo-blocking, and URL token signing
Pros
- All-in-one solution for publishers
- End-to-end solution for broadcasters
- Secure, user-friendly platform
- Highly reputable: 9 out of 10 customers rate JWP better than any other OVP
- Best-in-class technology
- Effective: 88% of JWP customers increase video viewing by at least 10%
Cons:
- Sometimes it’s more than small organizations need, depending on your broadcasting or publishing plans. But you can always use our 30-day free trial to see if JWP is the right fit.
- For some users, there’s a small learning curve. Our top-notch support team is designed to onboard all of our customers as quickly as possible though!
2. YouTube
Image credit: YouTube
As one of the first platforms to make online video streaming popular, YouTube is probably the most well-known OVP on the market. The Google-owned platform is free to use and one of the best options for consumer-created content.
YouTube can have some downsides for businesses though. There are limitations on monetization, for example, and you don’t retain full ownership of your content. But if you’re just getting started with video, YouTube is a good way to dip your toes in the water.
Features
- Live streaming and VOD hosting
- Ad-based monetization
- Strong search engine
- Analytics tab
- Browsing capability
Pros
- Completely free video platform
- Most viewers are already familiar with the platform
- Good for maximizing public views or building a following
- You can pay to promote content
Cons
- Limited privacy and security
- Only offers ad-based monetization
- Third-party ads and logos
- No ownership rights (YouTube’s terms of service state that you turn over intellectual property rights to your videos when you upload them to YouTube, giving them a royalty-free license and the right to copy and redistribute your video content.)
3. Panopto
Image credit: Panopto
On the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of security, you have Panopto — a platform designed for internal video sharing and secure live streaming. Panopto is widely used by organizations in the education space and integrates smoothly with many Learning Management Systems (LMS).
Features:
- Education-focused streaming tools
- Remote video communication and collaboration
- Privacy features for secure streaming and sharing
- Customizable, HTML5 video player
- LMS integrations
Pros
- Audio and video hosting
- Strong video organization and search tools, including asset categorization
- Highly customizable platform
- Used by leading academic institutions, including Duke, Stanford, Dartmouth, and Brown.
Cons
- Several G2 users say the user interface isn’t always intuitive and it can take a while to get the hang of it
4. Brightcove
Image credit: Brightcove
Founded in 2004, Brightcove is an online video platform designed for enterprise video. It’s focused on helping customers monetize videos, motivate employees, and increase sales.
Features
- Live streaming and VOD hosting
- HTML5 video player
- OTT (over-the-top) video experiences
- Monetization options
- Video encoding
- Audience insights
Pros
- Wide variety of marketing tools and integrations
- High-quality video technology
Cons
- Several G2 users mention that Brightcove’s analytics and metrics are lacking
- Reviews also mention a steep learning curve with the user interface
5. Vimeo
Image credit: Vimeo
Also launched in 2004, Vimeo got its start as a niche video platform for film and digital media. The platform has grown substantially though, and it’s now probably the second most well-known OVP after YouTube.
Vimeo acquired Livestream in 2017 and pivoted more towards the B2B space. Around the same time, the company also pivoted away from being a video-viewing destination (similar to YouTube) into being a distribution solution for video creators.
Features
- Full-HD streaming capability
- All-device video player
- Adaptive bitrate streaming
- Full suite of privacy tools
- White-label services
- Vimeo Create, a template-based video builder that allows you to create quality VOD without high-tech skills
- Monetization tools
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Easy to use
- Good for creators
Cons
- Some G2 users mention poor customer service
- A few complaints of unclear service terms
6. Wistia
Image credit: Wistia
Wistia’s video platform is designed primarily for marketing teams. Its suite of video marketing tools allows users to create, host, market, and analyze the impact of video.
Features
- Video SEO, marketing automation, and video engagement tools
- Soapbox, a browser-based screen recorder
- Video trimmer, an easy-to-use tool supporting simple video edits
- Video analytics tools and A/B testing
Pros
- Advanced marketing tools and analytics
- Tech support for all plans
- Fully customizable video player
- Easy embedding and sharing
Cons
- No live streaming capabilities
- Focused primarily on marketing so not a good choice if you’re looking for a broader tool
7. IBM Watson Media
Image credit: IBM Watson Media
IBM Watson Media is a scalable, cloud-based OVP that offers end-to-end solutions for live or on-demand content. It’s often used for enterprise-level employee communications, virtual conferences and events, commercial promotion, government proceedings, and concerts or entertainment.
Features
- Livestream and VOD capability
- HD live broadcasting and recording
- Mobile compatible player
- Live chat and Q&A
- Multi-CDNs
- Live playlists with looping
- Customizable channel page
Pros
- Ability to handle complex setups
- Multiple layers of protection and encryption
- Video streaming works with all RTMP-based (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) encoders
Cons
- Some G2 users mention the cost being too expensive
- Not ideal for small organizations
8. Kaltura
Image credit: Kaltura
Kaltura’s open source video management solution is best known for its applications in the education space, including virtual meetings, classrooms and webinars, town halls, and more.
The majority of Kaltura’s clients are higher education, education management, or e-learning organizations.
Features
- Real-time, live, and VOD experiences
- Collaboration spaces with HD video playback, digital whiteboard, shared notes, and chat
- Live broadcasting
- Video messaging via emails
- Advanced analytics
- Branded video player with captions, translations, and auto-transcriptions
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Special tools for education providers, including virtual classrooms, LMS video, lecture capture, and campus portal tools
Cons
- It can be overwhelming for beginners because it’s so customizable
- Might not be ideal for organizations outside of the education industry
9. Vidyard
Image credit: Vidyard
Vidyard is an online video platform that’s designed primarily for sales and marketing teams. It allows sales reps to easily record and send videos to potential clients using unique features like ready-to-record video templates.
Features
- Free screen or webcam recording
- Ready-to-record video templates
- Built-in tracking and analytics
- Quick video editing
- Customizable and branded video landing pages
Pros
- Unique sales tools like video “call to action” buttons and links
- Easy to use and beginner friendly
Cons
- Not an all-in-one or end-to-end solution
- Focused primarily on sales videos
10. Flowplayer
Image credit: Flowplayer
Flowplayer offers a lightweight, fast-loading solution for media houses, broadcasters, publishers, event owners, and OTT platforms. The company was recently acquired by Wowza, paving the way for new features and capabilities like expanded analytics and enhanced player configurability.
Features
- Live streaming and VOD hosting
- High-quality HTML5 player
- Live broadcasting capabilities
- Monetization tools
- Real-time video analytics
- Android and iOS SDK for mobile app development
Pros
- Multiple options for video monetization
- LIghtweight, fast video player
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
- Some reviews mention frequent bugs
11. Muvi
Image credit: Muvi
Muvi is an online video platform focused on OTT streaming. It’s designed to help broadcasters set up a fully managed, white-label streaming platform like Netflix or Hulu. And it doesn’t require any coding or development to produce TV-quality streams.
Features
- Live streaming and VOD capabilities
- Live broadcasting tools
- White-label streaming
- Audio and music streaming
- Customizable, HTML5 video player
- Video monetization tools
Pros
- Straightforward, easy-to-use platform
- Full-featured video CMS
- Strong security features
Cons
- Some reviews mention limitations in Muvi’s design templates
- Focused entirely on OTT streaming so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a broad solution
12. Qumu
Image credit: Qumu
If you’re looking for a video platform focused on internal communications only, Qumo could be one to consider. The Qumo platform offers solutions for capturing and sharing secure videos within your organization. It’s often used for executive webcasting and corporate communications, striving to “provide a more efficient and effective way to share knowledge”.
Features
- Live streaming with chat, polling, and Q&A capabilities
- Video conferencing integrations
- Compatible with mobile and desktop devices
- Built-in CDN and CMS
- Advanced analytics
Pros
- One centralized library where you can organize content by playlist, metadata, topic, etc.
- Ability to create workflows and manage access at the user and network levels
Cons
- Not designed for external or public-facing videos
- Not a broad solution
13. Dacast
Image credit: Dacast
Dacast’s OVP offers a cloud-based live streaming and OTT video streaming solution across all devices. Dacast broadcasters include small- to medium-sized companies, enterprise businesses, media companies, TV stations, religious networks, sports leagues, and municipal organizations.
Features
- Live streaming and VOD capabilities
- Video security features like password protection and AES encryption
- RTMP ingest, playback, and streaming support
- Video monetization tools
- HTML5 video streaming
- Real-time video streaming analytics
- Ad-free streaming
Pros
- Tech support included with all plans
- Unlimited viewers and channels
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Many user reviews mention issues with customer service
14. Hippo Video
Image credit: Hippo Video
Hippo Video is another OVP that’s designed specifically for sales and marketing teams. It also offers special solutions for sales teams in real estate, tech, healthcare, insurance, tourism, and a few other industries.
Features
- Record and send video email through Gmail and Outlook
- Video personalization tools
- Live streaming through integrations
- VOD hosting support
- White-label video player that can be customized through API
Pros
- Teleprompter feature lets you plan out what you’re going to say
- Includes virtual background options
Cons
- Video monetization only available through a Muvi integration
- Some complaints about the reliability of tech support
15. Cincopa
Image credit: Cincopa
Cincopa was founded in 2006 with the mission of providing businesses with advanced capabilities to market, teach, and engage through video, images and audio. Cincopa’s platform is focused mostly on hosting. It’s best suited for large organizations that need a solution for storing and managing videos, photos, audio, and other types of files.
Features
- Live streaming and VOD capability
- Video templates
- Customizable HTML5 player
- Video asset management solution
- Integrations with marketing automation platforms like HubSpot
- Centralized Digital Asset Management (DAM) platform
- Security features and API solutions
Pros
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth
- Unique online course hosting and internal communication training features
Cons
- Some complaints about the file organization system being clunky
- Focused mostly on storage
16. Vdocipher
Image credit: Vdocipher
If your videos are behind a paywall and security is your number one concern, Vdocipher is worth a look. This OVP offers secure video hosting for e-learning, media, and LMS platforms, incorporating unique features like watermarking to prevent illegal downloads and screen captures.
Features
- DRM-encrypted streaming
- Watermarking to deter screen capture
- Amazon AWS server plus CDN
- HTML5 video player, compatible with multiple devices
- Plugins For WordPress and Moodle
Pros
- Strong security features
- Easy to use, intuitive platform
Cons
- Some complaints about the amount of storage for the price
- Level of security may be unnecessary depending on the type of video you produce
17. Zype
Image credit: Zype
Zype is a cloud-based SaaS platform focused on OTT streaming. Its API-first platform is designed to help you manage, distribute, and monetize your video across the entire OTT ecosystem.
Features
- Flexible, API-centric architecture
- Bring your own storage, encoding, video player, DAM, or CDN
- 28+ video connectors and integrations
- Apps creator for OTT
- Flexible monetization and data capture options
- Video CRM
Pros
- High level of customization available
- Strong API platform
Cons
- A few online Zype users have mentioned that analytics could be improved
- Focused mostly on OTT streaming
18. Brid.TV
Image credit: Brid.TV
Just founded in 2018, Brid.TV is a fast-growing OVP focused on speed and monetization. The platform offers an HTML5 player, a high-spec video platform, and a content management system. The company has offices in Los Angeles and Belgrade.
Features
- Video hosting and library
- Lightweight HTML5 video player
- Low-latency live streaming
- Video monetization using instream and outstream ads
- Video ad performance platform
Pros
- Advanced monetization features like header bidding
- Brid.TV marketplace for advertising
Cons
- Learning curve for beginners
- Might not be ideal if monetization isn’t your primary goal
19. VPlayed
Image credit: VPlayed
VPlayed by Contus was founded in 2008 as a web design company. Today, VPlayed is
an OTT streaming solution that enables broadcasters, media professionals, online tutors, and content owners to launch a white-label video streaming platform.
Features
- Live streaming and VOD
- HLS/HTML5 video player
- Monetization options
- Video CMS
- White-label video streaming
- DRM and security features
- Encoding and transcoding
Pros
- Strong OTT features
- Integrates easily with other products
Cons
- Specific to OTT businesses
- No free trial available
Online video platforms FAQ
Still have questions about online video platforms? That’s understandable. There’s a lot to learn. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to get you started.
What does an online video platform do?
An online video platform allows you to upload live and recorded content on a website. The platform hosts the content on your behalf so you don’t have to build your own data centers or infrastructure.
In addition to hosting, OVPs often provide live streaming software and HTML5 video players that allow end-users to consume your content on virtually any device. The best video platforms also help you secure, manage, and monetize your videos, providing content delivery and integrations with content management systems and other software.
What is the difference between an online video platform and a video hosting service?
A video hosting platform only provides hosting, whereas an OVP combines other services with hosting. Examples include live streaming software, HTML5 video players, security features, and monetization options.
What are the benefits of an online video platform?
There are many benefits of using an OVP. Here are some of the most common:
- You can store all of your online video content in one place and manage it from a single dashboard.
- You’ll provide an excellent viewing experience that adjusts to multiple devices.
- You can automatically upload or embed videos without dealing with encoding and other technical issues.
- You’ll be able to implement more effective video marketing and monetization strategies.
- Your videos can be securely shared, stored, or kept behind a paywall.
- You can make your videos available in lots of different places online.
- You can reach more customers by improving your exposure through search engine rankings.
- You’ll have a backup in case your own systems go down.
How do I choose the right online video platform?
Before choosing an OVP for your business, answer these questions to figure out exactly what functionality you need. Then, you can see which platform checks the right boxes.
- What matters more to you: reach or security?
- Which teams will use the online video platform the most? (e.g. sales, marketing, content creators, internal communications, or everyone)
- Which integrations are absolutely necessary? Which ones would be nice to have?
- How many videos do you expect to have?
- Do you want your videos to be interactive or in specific formats? Will you be producing mostly live or on-demand video?
- Will the videos be viewed primarily internally or externally?
- Where will most of your videos be viewed? (e.g. desktop, mobile devices, apps)
- How much support will you need?
- Do you need to track your videos or subscribers?
- How important are analytics to your business model?
- Will your videos be behind a paywall?
- What’s your budget for video solutions?
- Are you looking to monetize your videos?
Choose a video platform that works for you
There’s a reason over 12,000 publishing sites rely on JW Player to stream, play, engage, and monetize videos on their sites, powering over 10 billion plays a month. Here’s what you can do with JWP:
Play
Provide beautiful experiences on every screen. With high-quality, consistent playback, you can reach viewers everywhere. Whether across websites, mobile apps, or connected TVs, our customizable player delivers a beautiful experience and increases your ad revenue.
Stream
Deliver compelling videos anywhere. Our streaming services process and deliver high-quality videos faster and at a smaller size to your audience on every device.
Monetize
Increase ad revenue with industry-leading ad support that maximizes your fill rate and CPMs across platforms and screens. Our experts will guide you through best practices and how to take advantage of our innovative technology such as Video Player Bidding.
Engage
Capture your viewers’ attention and keep them watching. Our engagement products (Article Matching and Recommendations) surface the most relevant content from your library to increase plays — in real-time.
Ready to see what JW Player can do for you? Start a free trial today! Or schedule a demo with our sales team.