Hosting, managing, and monetizing videos takes a lot of time and resources, even for large-scale publishers and broadcasters. Quality enterprise video platforms can help streamline the process significantly.
However, choosing the right video platform for your business can be challenging. The best advice I can give you is to take the time and energy to do extensive research. After all, you don’t look for an OVP every day.
That being said, I’m well aware that most professionals don’t have hours of free time at their disposal to read the nitty-gritty of each video platform’s features. So, to help you out, I put together a list of my top picks.
But before I get to that, let’s cover some basics about enterprise video platforms and what features you should look for in one.
What Is an Enterprise Video Platform?
Enterprise video platforms are online video platforms that have the capability to support large-scale publishers and broadcasters. This includes (but isn’t limited to) extensive storage availability, multi-library management, high-end security features, multi-channel video content distribution, and, of course, monetization opportunities.
Enterprise-level publishers use these video platforms for various purposes, from OTT streaming to internal communication. Your specific needs will, to a large extent, dictate which platform is the best choice for your business. So keep that in mind when going through my list.
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Why Choose an Enterprise Video Platform
If you’ve never used an EVP before, you might be wondering – is it even worth it? After all, enterprise-level solutions generally tend to be more expensive than consumer-grade or open-source alternatives. I mean, what’s stopping you from just using a video-sharing platform like YouTube instead?
Well, here are a couple of (in my opinion) quite compelling reasons not to choose a cheaper alternative:
- These platforms focus on wider audiences, not business solutions — Since these platforms are built for the masses, most of the content consumed is commercial. Although B2C businesses could use them, B2B businesses will have a harder time finding an audience.
- Security and privacy leave much to be desired — Businesses may lose the rights to their content once they publish it via these consumer-grade OVPs, which can lead to piracy issues. Also, due to these platforms’ large scopes, the security features large companies need are often lacking.
- Lack of advertising control and monetization options — Most consumer-grade OVPs leave publishers with little to no control over what ads appear on their videos, and video monetization features are generally lacking.
- Tech support is often underwhelming — Due to the sheer number of users free video platforms have, support is often sluggish or unresponsive. Being unable to resolve an issue quickly can be devastating for major publishers.
Features to Look for in an Enterprise Video Platform
Now that I’ve covered the what and the why, let’s take a look at all the features a good enterprise-level video platform should have. Again, keep in mind that some of these items may be less or more important, depending on what you’re looking for exactly. However, these are the features that I considered when compiling the list.
Robust Video Hosting Capabilities
Rather than getting a separate enterprise video hosting platform, finding a well-rounded EVP with built-in storage will help you avoid complicated integrations. Ideally, unlimited storage is great for enterprise-level publishers with extensive libraries. However, a platform with reasonable storage scaling and pricing could also be an option.
Reliable HTML5 Video Player
If you ask me, a good online video player is a must when choosing an enterprise video streaming platform. Even if you already have one, integrating it with the platform can be a hassle and a half.
Although there are other players out there, an HTML5 video player requires fewer resources, can be easily integrated, and can stream a wide range of video file formats.
Powerful CDN to Streamline Video Delivery
A content delivery network (CDN) allows publishers to transmit multimedia content over the internet quickly and efficiently across the globe. In other words, this service makes your content accessible to users worldwide.
Here are a few of the most significant benefits of a CDN:
- Minimized latency — Without a CDN, users from geographically distant places can face significant latency issues. Content delivery networks store your content on multiple servers across the globe. When a user requests to view a video, CDNs deliver the content from the server nearest to them, minimizing lag.
- Streamlined video delivery — CDNs take care of the entire video delivery process, making publishers’ lives easier.
- Easy scaling — CDNs allow for effortless scaling. That means you can go from a few hundred viewers to several million overnight without having to upgrade hardware or software.
Not having a CDN takes a huge toll on the quality of user experience. That is why I wouldn’t recommend even considering a platform without one.
State-of-the-Art Security Features
It’s no secret that large corporations deal with vast amounts of confidential or private information daily, especially in internal communication. That is why operating in a safe environment is the number-one priority.
Luckily, most enterprise video platforms offer outstanding security features to help publishers protect their (and their users’) confidential data. Here are some features you should look for:
Data safety should be every brand’s top priority, so I really don’t recommend settling for anything less than the most secure platform.
Intuitive Video CMS
No video platform is complete without an intuitive video content management system. Its primary purpose is to allow publishers to upload, manage, and organize video libraries. Additionally, a good CMS should offer insight into the performance of your videos and be easy to navigate.
Some of the most useful features of enterprise video content management systems you should look for are:
- Video Library Organization Tools — These should allow you to filter and organize your extensive video library into categories to make navigating it easier.
- Playlists — Your video CMS should have the option to group your videos into custom playlists that you can use to organize and recommend related content to viewers.
- Real-Time Video Analytics — Data analysis is the backbone of any successful business. That is why having insight into metrics like view time, plays, and similar is essential to optimizing your publishing strategy.
Advanced Video Monetization Features
Finally, abundant video monetization options are a must for most video publishers. As you already know, there are various monetization models on the market to choose from, including advertising (AVOD), subscriptions (SVOD), and transaction-based (TVOD) monetization.
Now, at first glance, it may seem that the more monetization options a video platform offers, the better it is. However, this is only true if you’re planning on employing all of them. For most publishers, it is enough to find a platform that supports the monetization model they plan to use.
That being said, choosing a video platform that supports several of these models gives you more flexibility down the line, i.e. if you ever decide to change your monetization strategy.
10 Best Enterprise Video Platforms for Publishers in 2024
Congrats, you’ve finally made it to the list (and thanks for reading this far). Without further ado, here are the 10 best enterprise video platforms for publishers on the market right now.
1. TargetVideo
Platform Focus | Free Trial |
---|---|
Video Advertising and Yield Optimization Platform | Yes |
Platform Overview
TargetVideo is an online video platform tailored to medium and enterprise-level publishers. The platform is packed with functionalities designed to help publishers and broadcasters manage and streamline their processes, from unlimited hosting to detailed ad inventory management.
TargetVideo’s clients get to enjoy all the main features every good video streaming platform should have – video library management, advanced security features, extensive video performance analytics, OTT app support, and more.
When it comes to content distribution, TargetVideo boasts a state-of-the-art HTML5 video player developed in-house. The video player is fully customizable and has engagement-boosting features such as playlists, captions, and content suggestions.
For publishers looking to monetize video content, TargetVideo’s platform integrates with the company’s proprietary video ad network. Advanced monetization options such as the Yield Optimization Engine, real-time ad analytics, and native advertising environments ensure that publishers get the most out of their inventory.
TargetVideo Key Features:
- Complete infrastructure for publishers
- Extensive video and ad analytics
- Advanced advertising features
- Top-tier in-house HTML5 video player
- White-label OTT apps
- Live streaming & VOD
- Android, iOS, and CTV SDKs
- Full platform and player APIs
- 24/7 technical support
- Custom-tailored pricing
2. Brightcove
Platform Focus | Free Trial |
---|---|
Enterprise Video Hosting & Video Publishing | N/A |
Platform Overview
Brightcove is likely one of the best-known names in the world of EVPs. It is designed specifically for corporate-level internal communications, enterprise video hosting, and other tools and services tailored to large-scale businesses.
Brightcove allows clients to host, manage, distribute, and monetize content in various ways. It comes with live event streaming, detailed measurement and analytics, audience engagement tools, high-end security, and multiple monetization models.
That being said, a robust video platform such as Brightcove can pose a significant learning curve, even for experienced publishers. Additionally, most detailed information about their offer is only available upon contacting the sales team.
As is pretty much customary for enterprise-level SaaS providers, Brightcove doesn’t have predefined pricing plans. Rather, it tailors its offer to each specific client.
Brightcove Key Features:
- Rich selection of video-focused services
- Corporate communications, video marketing, and video streaming
- Audience engagement tools
- Rich analytics suite
- Dozens of CRM and MarTech integrations
- Extensive monetization support
3. Vimeo
Platform Focus | Free Trial |
---|---|
All-Rounded Offer for Businesses of All Sizes | Yes |
Platform Overview
While Brightcove is well-known in corporate circles, Vimeo is well-known, period. Although the platform isn’t specifically tailored to enterprise-level publishers, it does offer significant enterprise-level solutions.
One of the main selling points of Vimeo Enterprise is the support for virtual events and webinars, as well as live-to-VOD capabilities. This also comes with an array of engagement-enhancing tools such as polls and Q&As. Needless to say, the security features are on par, too.
Vimeo’s enterprise-level support is available 24/7 with on-call experts there to solve any issues, provide onboarding and training, and help define the client’s business strategy if necessary. The pricing for the Enterprise level is tailored to specific clients. However, there are lower-tier plans with fixed prices available, too.
Vimeo Enterprise Key Features:
- Unlimited storage
- Advanced AI features
- Live events, screen recording, live-to-VOD
- Engagement tools
- 24/7 expert live support
- Customizable video player
- Video editing tools
- Comprehensive analytics suite
4. JW Player
Platform Focus | Free Trial |
---|---|
Online Video Player and Platform | Yes |
Platform Overview
JW Player is one of the industry pioneers that started as an open-source HTML5 video player but quickly expanded its business into a full-fledged video platform. The company has since introduced dozens of features like live streaming and OTT support, AI content matching, and even implemented a header bidding system into their player.
JW Player offers users private video hosting, content management, and engagement features. The player supports MPEG-DASH and HLS streaming and prides itself on its speed and user-friendliness.
In terms of monetization, JW Player shines in the video advertising department thanks to its various ad formats (instream and outstream ads) and built-in prebidding system. This system allows publishers to maximize ad revenue through real-time bidding.
Besides ad-supported monetization, JW Player also offers subscription-based and pay-per-view monetization models through third-party integrations. Publishers also get access to the platform’s and player’s API, so they can easily integrate any services they need that aren’t supported by default.
JW Player Key Features:
- Proprietary HTML5 video player
- AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD support
- Video engagement boosting tools
- Live streaming & VOD support
- Detailed analytics and metrics
- OTT support with Android, iOS, and tvOS SDKs
- Platform API
5. IBM Cloud Video
Platform Focus | Free Trial |
---|---|
Enterprise Video Streaming & Hosting Services | Yes |
Platform Overview
IBM’s enterprise video streaming solution is a comprehensive offer packed with high-quality features and tools. This includes top-tier security, API access, HD transcoding, engagement-boosting features, and more.
A conglomerate such as IBM is able to offer its clients the highest level of service and solutions. Whether you’re looking for detailed, real-time analytics, extensive storage capabilities, or an eCDN, IBM’s got it. Of course, this all comes at a price.
Large-scale publishers can choose among four enterprise plans, ranging from Enterprise Silver, which comes with the essentials, to Enterprise Custom, a plan tailored to specific clients. In terms of pricing, expect to pay around $800/month and up, depending on your chosen plan.
IBM Cloud Video Key Features:
- High-end, comprehensive EVP
- Easily scalable video solution
- Top-tier security features
- Multiple enterprise-level plans
- Platform API
- Mobile SDKs
6. Kaltura
Platform Focus | Free Trial |
---|---|
Enterprise Video Software and Video Cloud Platform | Yes (for some products) |
Platform Overview
Kaltura seems to be on a mission to become the most versatile corporate communication platform out there. Its products are divided into multiple use cases, ranging from virtual classrooms to media services. Clients can choose one of them or mix and match to create the plan they need.
One of Kaltura’s biggest strengths is its robust audience engagement toolkit, especially for webinars and virtual events. It also features a website builder, marketing automation integrations, collaboration support, and lead generation features.
It is important to note that Kaltura doesn’t offer any built-in monetization support. As such, it is more geared toward businesses looking for internal and external communication infrastructure, rather than, for instance, OTT streaming support.
Kaltura Key Features:
- A wide variety of video products
- Ad server integrations
- Live streaming & VOD support
- Intuitive video CMS
- Platform API
- Mobile SDKs
7. Dacast
Platform Focus | Free Trial |
---|---|
Live Video and Event Streaming | Yes |
Platform Overview
The Dacast Enterprise Video Platform is tailored to both businesses that want to monetize video content and those looking for internal communications support. The EVP offers all the main features every good platform should have – secure video hosting, library management, performance analytics, and more.
Dacast also has a proprietary customizable video player, along with high-end content security. In terms of monetization, Dacast has secure paywall capabilities for PPV content, as well as advertising support.
Publishers interested in Dacast’s offer can choose among four pricing plans, including a custom plan, which might be the best option for enterprise-level businesses.
Dacast Key Features:
- High-end enterprise streaming solution
- Low-latency HLS and MPEG-DASH streaming
- Private video hosting
- Global CDN
- White-label platform
- Versatile monetization options
- Four pricing plans to choose from
8. Bitmovin
Platform Focus | Free Trial |
---|---|
Corporate Video Streaming | Yes |
Platform Overview
Bitmovin is a video streaming platform and a technology company offering an array of video hosting, management, and streaming services. The platform supports both VOD and live streaming using its customizable video player.
In addition to the basic platform capabilities, Bitmovin also offers extensive SDKs and APIs for developers, as well as extensive video performance and audience analytics. Lastly, the company puts a lot of emphasis on DRM and other content security measurements.
In terms of monetization, Bitmovin is quite ad-focused, with capabilities such as server-side and client-side ad insertion, Google IMA, and the company’s proprietary Advertising Module.
Bitmovin Key Features:
- Multi-codec streaming
- State-of-the-art encoding solution
- Reliable HTML5 player
- Real-time video and ad analytics
- Ad-based monetization support
- Encoding API
- Android, iOS, webOS, and Roku SDKs
9. Muvi
Platform Focus | Free Trial |
---|---|
OTT, Video Streaming, and Video on Demand | Yes |
Platform Overview
Muvi is an enterprise-level video and OTT platform that specializes in providing the complete infrastructure for broadcasters looking to deliver videos across a variety of OTT and CTV channels.
The platform’s infrastructure includes video hosting, advanced security options, and a reliable CDN. The platform offers publishers access to its regularly updated SDKs to streamline integrations with OTT apps across various devices. There is also a handy website builder publishers can use to streamline launching their first OTT website.
One of Muvi’s most attractive features is its flexible monetization options. Publishers can choose between AVOD, SVOD, or TVOD monetization models and a few other, non-conventional ones (one-time discount coupons, content renting, etc.).
Muvi Key Features:
- Extensive OTT app support
- In-house hosting and global CDN
- DRM support
- Extensive security
- User engagement features
- AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD
- Live & VOD support
10. Vidyard
Platform Focus | Free Trial |
---|---|
Internal Communications and Sales | Yes |
Platform Overview
To a large extent, Vidyard’s EVP focuses on driving user engagement, streamlining the client pipeline, and generally facilitating the sales process. In line with this, the platform also comes with an array of available integrations, including Salesforce, SalesLoft, and Outreach.
The thing that Vidyard is probably best known for is its extensive, high-quality self-serve knowledge base, available with all pricing plans (including the free one). There are also weekly webinars for those interested.
Unfortunately, this sales-heavy focus comes at the expense of other features. Namely, Vidyard doesn’t have any built-in monetization capabilities. It also may pose a bit of a learning curve for some publishers.
Vidyard Key Features:
- Geared toward sales-focused businesses
- Extensive knowledge base and webinars
- 4K streaming, AR, and VR support
- Reliable and secure hosting
- Mobile support
- Platform API
- Video SEO support
Maintain Full Control Over Your Content With TargetVideo
Congrats, you’ve made it to the end of the list. As you can see, there’s a big decision to be made – the market is full of quality, robust video platforms for enterprises. The right choice for your business will depend on your precise requirements.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive infrastructure with extensive management features and ad-based monetization, I highly recommend giving TargetVideo a try. Reach out to our sales team, and one of our experts will answer any questions you may have and provide you with all the necessary information.
FAQ
1. What are enterprise video platforms?
An enterprise video platform is a video hosting and content management solution built to help broadcasters distribute and monetize videos at scale.
2. What is the best enterprise video platform?
Some of the best enterprise video platforms are TargetVideo, Brightcove, and Dacast.
* This article was originally published here