Have you been generating video content for a long time? If yes, you’ve definitely heard of Vimeo at some point. The video-on-demand platform, since its inception in 2004, has catered to many in the creative market.
From hosting videos, organization, and distribution, Vimeo VOD has helped many content creators, mainly in the B2C sector, to upload and embed their content.
In 2017, acquiring Livestream, a service provider for live streaming, marked the onset of Vimeo entering the B2B market.
Now, the platform not just offers VOD but has launched Vimeo OTT to accommodate the ever-changing requirements in the subscription-based VOD platform market.
Write about the intro of Vimeo OTT where it was started and what they have been doing
What is Vimeo OTT?
Vimeo OTT helps broadcasters and influencers create their own subscription-based OTT application or website. The team handles the entire technical aspects so that you can focus on your expertise: original, high-quality video creation.
Some of the prominent features of Vimeo OTT are:
High-quality video delivered with a world-class video player and CDNs
A content management system to upload, organize and transcode videos
Seamless monetization option with subscriptions for users in-app
Stream live content to your users including event-based live streaming
Expect no downtime while migrating content and database
Build branded applications for your customers
Vimeo OTT Review: The Pros
Vimeo OTT has some world-class features that make it a favorite of over 175 million content creators. The prominent advantages of this platform include:
– A powerful CMS that lets you upload videos from any device or cloud storage
– Easy subscription-based monetization with secured paywall integration
– Migration made simple with no downtime
– Round the clock support for any queries and issues
– Customizable branding of apps and video player
– Flexibility to add more apps, DRMs, and other features
Vimeo OTT Review: The Cons
While many people prefer Vimeo to create their subscription-based service, the platform has its downside too. The top among the list is the Vimeo OTT pricing that is mainly tailored for premium customers. The live streaming package drives quality but at an expensive price. The other disadvantages are:
● No 100% Customization
While Vimeo OTT supports fully branded apps, the platform has only a few built-in themes that service providers can use to customize the experience for their customers. There is no scope of using your own servers to store your data as opposed to other Vimeo OTT alternatives in the market.
● Doesn’t Support Audio Streaming
Vimeo OTT caters only to video-on-demand and live streaming but not audio streaming. Many options offer better features based on all use cases in the VOD platform. You can get all-inclusive features for a better price if you go with an alternate platform.
● Limited Revenue Models
Vimeo OTT uses the SVOD monetization option along with transaction & advertising model, server side ad insertion, coupons & promotions, etc that is directed towards constant recurring fee-based services. This can be a big drawback when you plan on expanding your monetization channels. Especially, when you choose a Freemium model to attract subscribers, you’ll surely need to find a platform that covers both ad-based and subscription models.
● Security at a Cost
As an OTT service provider, ensuring the security of your content and customer database is of the highest priority. Vimeo offers multi-platform DRM only to its premium users and has no features for screenshot prevention, IP address blocking which might be potential leaks for pirates.
The 3 Best Vimeo OTT Alternatives & Competitors in 2021
When you build a VOD platform, being able to provide quality content and experience is of utmost importance if you want to retain your customers.
The originality and quality of content lie on your shoulders, but you needn’t take on the experience of OTT platforms, if you pick the right platform to build your OTT service.
#1 CONTUS VPlayed — Digital OTT Experience Platform
CONTUS VPlayed helps broadcasters & content owners to build an OTT platform that is sure to appease customers. With their experienced team, OTT solutions are made simple, easy, and user-friendly.
The key features include:
– 100% customization of apps and website for branding
– On-premises or on-cloud hosting
– Smart cloud transcoding with switchable bitrates
– A powerful CMS to upload in bulk, and organize content
– 6+ video monetization models to increase your ROI
– Realtime analytics to assess your strategy and review
#2 IBM Video Cloud — OTT Media Streaming
IBM Video Cloud is another OTT platform that provides its users a chance to stream high-definition video content at a faster pace. It also gives you the option to record broadcasts and publish them to your users.
The highlights of this platform include:
– HD Live streaming with no limit on resolution or bitrate
– Compatible player on all devices from mobiles, PCs to tablets and smart TVs
– Multiple CDNs to ensure fast streaming across the globe
– Program video playback at any given time with a looping feature
– Customize your channel page to your branding standards
– Live chat option with Q&A section
#3 Dacast — OTT Video Streaming Solution
Dacast is one of the Vimeo OTT competitors that provide both VOD and live streaming options for its users. The platform offers all the necessary features inclusive of CMS, CDNs, security, customization, and monetization models.
Some features that stand out are:
– No limit on the number of live channels
– No cap on the number of viewers
– Multiple monetization options inclusive of subscription, pay-per-view, and ads
– 24/7 support for its customers
– HTML5 video player for a better experience
While Vimeo has made a name for itself in the VOD and OTT platforms, it is clearly not the only option to go for. Multiple new platforms provide better features at an affordable rate. So, choose your OTT platform wisely.
To read full artilce about Review of Vimeo OTT Alternatives
