We all know how important video is. In fact, according to Cisco, by . 82% of all internet traffic will be video.
That’s up from 75% in 2016! With numbers like that, it’s no wonder why an increasing number of businesses are looking for the best video platform to help them take advantage of this powerful marketing tool.
But with so many different types of video platforms out there, it can be tough to know where to start.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the different types of video platforms and their pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your business.
We’ll also cover key considerations when choosing a video platform and how to get started using one.
Table of Contents:
- The Different Types of Video Platforms
- The Pros and Cons of the Most Popular Video Platforms
- Key Considerations When Choosing a Video Platform
- How to Get Started With Using a Video Platform
- Conclusion
The Different Types of Video Platforms
There are many different types of Video Platforms out there. And, each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
So, which one is the best for your needs?
Well, that depends on what you want to use it for.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular types of video platforms and what they’re best for:
1. Social Media Platforms.
If you want to share your videos with the world, then you’ll need to use a social media platform. The most popular ones are YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
Each platform has its own pros and cons, so you’ll need to decide which one is best for you. For example, YouTube is great for reaching a wide audience, but it doesn’t have the same engagement as Facebook or Instagram.
2. Live Streaming Platforms.
If you want to live stream your video content, then you’ll need to use a live streaming platform. The most popular ones are Twitch and Periscope.
Twitch is great for gaming and e-sports, while Periscope is great for general live streaming. Both platforms have their own pros and cons, so you’ll need to decide which one is best for you.
3. Video Calling Platforms.
If you want to video call someone, then you’ll need to use a video calling platform. The most popular ones are Skype and FaceTime.
Skype is great for long-distance calls, while FaceTime is great for calls with people who are close to you. Both platforms have their own pros and cons, so you’ll need to decide which one is best for you.
4. Video Editing Platforms.
If you want to edit your videos, then you’ll need to use a video editing platform. The most popular ones are iMovie and Adobe Premiere.
IMovie is great for simple edits, while Adobe Premiere is great for more complex edits. Both platforms have their own pros and cons, so you’ll need to decide which one is best for you.
5. Video Hosting Platforms.
If you want to host your videos, then you’ll need to use a video hosting platform. The most popular ones are Vimeo and Wistia.
Vimeo is great for hosting high-quality videos, while Wistia is great for hosting videos that are meant to be embedded on other websites. Both platforms have their own pros and cons, so you’ll need to decide which one is best for you.
No matter what type of video platform you use, you’ll need to make sure that you’re using it in the right way. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll need to make sure that you’re using it in a way that benefits you the most.
The Pros and Cons of the Most Popular Video Platforms
There are so many video platforms out there these days, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you and your needs. Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular video platforms, along with their pros and cons, to help you make a decision.
YouTube:
Pros:
YouTube is the largest video platform in the world, with over 1 billion users. It is easy to use and has a ton of features, including captions, annotations, and links.
You can also monetize your videos with ads.
Cons:
YouTube has been known to censor certain videos and channels, and it also has a lot of inappropriate content.
Vimeo:
Pros:
Vimeo is a more professional video platform than YouTube, and it is popular with filmmakers and businesses. It has great features, like HD support and analytics.
You can also choose to make your videos private or only viewable to people with a password.
Cons:
Vimeo’s basic plan is more expensive than YouTube’s, and it doesn’t have as many users.
Dailymotion:
Pros:
Dailymotion is similar to YouTube, but it is not as popular. It has a clean interface and good features, like HD support and video editing tools.
Cons:
Dailymotion doesn’t have as many users as YouTube, so your videos may not get as much exposure. It also doesn’t have as many features as YouTube.
Facebook:
Pros:
Facebook is the largest social media platform in the world, with over 2 billion users. You can post videos on your profile, in groups, and in events.
Facebook also has a live-streaming feature.
Cons:
Facebook is known for censoring certain videos and content. It also has a lot of inappropriate content.
Instagram:
Pros:
Instagram is a popular photo-sharing app that also allows you to post videos. It is easy to use and has a lot of features, like filters, tags, and locations.
You can also post videos in your stories.
Cons:
Instagram videos are limited to 60 seconds, and you can’t post videos in your feed unless you have a business account.
Snapchat:
Pros:
Snapchat is a popular messaging app that also allows you to post videos. Videos on Snapchat are called “snaps,” and you can add filters, text, and drawings to them.
Snapchat also has a live-streaming feature.
Cons:
Snapchat videos are limited to 10 seconds, and they disappear after they are viewed.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Video Platform
It’s no secret that video is one of the most powerful tools in a marketer’s toolbox. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which video platform is right for your business.
Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a video platform:
1. Ease of Use:
You don’t want to spend hours trying to figure out how to use your video platform. Look for a platform that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface.
2. Cost:
Video platforms can range in price from free to several thousand dollars per month. Be sure to consider your budget when choosing a platform.
3. Features:
Each video platform offers different features. Some platforms offer basic features like video hosting and playback, while others offer more advanced features like video editing and analytics.
Consider which features are most important to you and choose a platform that offers them.
4. Compatibility:
Make sure the video platform you choose is compatible with the other software and platforms you use. You don’t want to invest in a platform only to find out it doesn’t work with the rest of your tech stack.
5. Support:
When you encounter a problem with your video platform, you’ll want to know there is someone you can contact for help. Look for a platform that offers 247 support in case you run into any issues.
Choosing the right video platform is essential to your video marketing success. Keep these key considerations in mind to ensure you choose a platform that is right for your business.
How to Get Started With Using a Video Platform
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably interested in using a video platform. Maybe you want to start a vlog, or perhaps you want to create video content for your business.
Whatever the reason, you’ll need to know the ins and outs of using a video platform before you get started.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when using a video platform:
1. Choose the Right Platform.
There are many different video platforms out there, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. If you’re just starting out, you might want to use a free platform like YouTube or Vimeo.
However, if you’re looking to create professional-quality videos, you’ll need to use a paid platform like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
2. Know Your Audience.
Before you start creating videos, you need to know who your audience is.
Are you creating content for businesses or consumers?
What age group are you targeting?
What interests do they have?
Once you know your audience, you can create videos that appeal to them.
3. Keep It Short and Sweet.
People have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep your videos short and to the point. If you’re creating a vlog, aim for videos that are under 5 minutes.
If you’re creating video content for businesses, aim for videos that are under 2 minutes.
4. Invest in Quality Equipment.
If you want your videos to look professional, you’ll need to invest in quality equipment. This includes a good camera, microphone, and lighting.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on equipment, but you do need to make sure that you’re using quality products.
5. Edit Your Videos.
Once you’ve filmed your videos, it’s important to edit them before you publish them. This includes cutting out any dead space, adding transitions, and adding music or sound effects.
If you’re not experienced in video editing, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to the different types of video platforms and their pros and cons.
We hope this has helped you narrow down your options so you can choose the right one for your business. If you’re still not sure where to start, we recommend checking out our top picks for the best video platform for small businesses.
Welcome to DS – Software Reviews! Our focus is on in depth, single product reviews of various software tools. We aim to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed purchase decisions. If you’re looking for honest, unbiased reviews of the best video platforms and tools on the market today, then you’ve come to the right place. Thanks for visiting us!
