Videos have become an indispensable part of the internet. They attract the attention of users and generate a lot of traffic on your website. However, if you host them yourself, they also put a strain on your server – and can have a negative impact on the performance of your website. To prevent large video files from crippling your website, video hosting is the way to go.

In this article, you will learn about the advantages of (premium) video hosting and what is important for good video hosting. You will also find an overview of ten of the most popular video hosting platforms for 2024.

What is video hosting?

Basically, with video hosting you upload your videos in high quality to a platform on the web so they're available online and can be shared. The videos are then stored on the servers of the selected video hosting platform and can be accessed directly from there or embedded into other websites.

Depending on the platform, you have almost unlimited storage options at your disposal. The best-known video hosting providers include companies like YouTube and Vimeo.

What are the advantages of video hosting?

A professional video hosting solution is always a good choice if you want to include large video files or many smaller videos on your website. For example, to enrich your blog or to demonstrate your products.

Why? Because even hosted videos can put an extreme load on your server, even with low traffic. While a regular WordPress website with images is usually only a few megabytes (MB) in size, a single 720p video alone is usually more than 100 MB. Accordingly, even hosted videos put a heavy load on your server's bandwidth.

This can have a negative impact on the performance of your website and becomes a problem especially if your bandwidth is limited. The video will then load slowly or freeze completely. To make sure your website's visitors can watch your videos at any time without problems, it's usually better to use a separate video hosting service.

This relieves the load on your own servers and pushes the performance of your website. At the same time, many video hosting platforms also offer a large community with interaction options (e.g. likes and comments), through which your videos spread additionally.

What platforms are out there? 10 video hosting platforms compared

Now you're probably asking yourself: Where can I host my videos optimally, if not on my own server? We compare the best video hosting solutions for you and include both free video hosting tools and paid premium solutions in the list. Do you know other providers you'd like to recommend? Let us know in the comments sections below!

One more note: We've created our selection for several countries. So you should also look at which service is known in your country and consider whether this factor is important to you.

1. YouTube

YouTube is the undisputed leader in video content, with 1.9 billion logged-in users active on the site each month.

The platform basically offers unlimited storage space and bandwidth, individual videos may be up to 128 GB in size when uploaded. Uploaded videos can be easily embedded in other websites via user-defined iFrame codes. However, this will always automatically display recommendations at the end of each video as well as (third-party) advertising. This can be problematic for companies wanting to embed professional videos into their website.

YouTube as a video hosting site is generally suitable for anyone who wants to develop new audiences and bring more visitors to their website through videos. Because of its size and prominence, it's hard to avoid YouTube completely when it comes to video content. However, those who value individually branded and ad-free videos should also look for another video hosting solution.

Cost: Free

Notes for uploading videos:

• Maximum resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
• Maximum file size: 128 GB
• Maximum video length: 12 hours
• Aspect ratio: 16:9 (automatic black frame for 4:3 videos)
• Storage space: Unlimited
• Accepted video formats: MOV, MPEG2, MPEG4, MPG, AVI, WMV, MKV, 3GPP etc.

Major benefits:

• Free unlimited cloud storage
• Community with 1.9 billion users
• Videos can also be uploaded privately (not publicly visible)
• Easy embedding via custom iFrame codes

2. Dailymotion

Dailymotion has made it its goal to challenge YouTube. The platform resembles the competition not only in layout. Dailymotion is also free and an unlimited number of videos can be uploaded. However, only up to a size of 2 GB and a maximum length of 60 minutes per video.

As with YouTube, all videos are automatically provided with advertisements and there is no direct download option. In terms of content, the focus in the Dailymotion community is more on news and entertainment. But in general, any type of video can be hosted as long as it does not violate the website's guidelines.

All in all, Dailymotion is more worthwhile as an additional channel for content creators; the platform is not (yet) a real alternative to YouTube.

Cost: Free

Notes for uploading videos:

• Maximum resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
• Maximum file size: 2 GB
• Maximum video length: 1 hour
• Aspect ratio: 16:9 (automatic black frame for 4:3 videos)
• Storage space: Unlimited
• Accepted video formats: MOV, MPEG4, MP4, MPG, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 3GPP etc.

Major benefits:

• Unlimited free video hosting
• Ability to host videos privately and password protected
• All popular video formats are supported

3. Vimeo

Vimeo is a popular alternative to YouTube and is best known for the fact you can find many creative videos and documentaries on it. The site is seen as a go-to platform for creatives and professionals. Traffic and visibility don't quite match the numbers of its biggest competitor, but Vimeo also has a substantial community of over 260 million users.

Moreover, the video hosting platform stands out for its high quality. Overall, Vimeo offers a tidier video player than YouTube, no ads are displayed and videos with a resolution of up to 8K (8192 x 4320 pixels) can be uploaded. The video embeds can also be customized.

The basic version of Vimeo is free of charge, while advanced features are available at a very reasonable price, currently starting at 8 euros per month. The platform is particularly suitable for creative professionals and companies who want to create, manage and share professional videos.

In the free version, 500 MB of video material can be uploaded weekly and the storage space is limited to a total of 5 GB. This makes Vimeo a good choice if you don't upload new videos on a regular basis and your videos provide additional information, for example, as an integral part of existing website content.

Costs: Free basic version (extended functions from 8 euros per month)

Notes for uploading videos:

• Maximum resolution: 8K (8192 x 4320 pixels)
• Maximum file size: 500 MB (free version)
• Maximum video length: Limited by file size
• Aspect ratio: 16:9 (automatic black frame for 4:3 videos)
• Storage: 5 GB total, with limit of 500 MB/week and maximum 10 uploads/day (free version)
• Accepted video formats: MOV, MPEG4, MP4, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 3GPP etc.

Major benefits:

• No advertisements
• Customizable and discrete video embeds
• Create your own videos directly on the platform with Vimeo Create
• Low-priced premium version

4. Jetpack WordPress video hosting

Jetpack itself is known to most WordPress users, the tool is also not entirely uncontroversial in the community. Some find the range of functions makes the WordPress installation too bulky. What many users don't realise is that with Jetpack VideoPress, the plugin also offers video hosting in the premium package.

With Jetpack Editor you can embed videos directly into WordPress websites or blog posts, including advanced features like autoplay, mute and loop. All videos you upload via Jetpack VideoPress are easily managed in the WordPress library. The videos are ad-free and some of them can be customized (e.g. colors that match your brand).

Overall, Jetpack video hosting is well suited for those who already have a WordPress website with a Jetpack subscription and don't want to use an additional provider.

Cost: 12 euros per month (annual billing)

Notes for uploading videos:

• Maximum file size: 2 GB (1 GB or less is recommended)
• Maximum video length: Limited by file size
• Storage: 1 TB (Premium version)
• Accepted video formats: MP4, MOV, WMV, AVI, MPEG, OGV, 3GPP and 3GPP2

Major benefits:

• Ad-free, customizable video player
• Unlimited video hosting
• Analytics and statistics for your videos directly in WordPress Dashboard

5. Wistia

Wistia completes the "big three" of video hosting alongside Vimeo and YouTube. The platform is more than just a video hosting service: Wistia is specifically tailored to the needs of businesses and is 100 percent ad-free. Of course, you can also simply upload videos and embed them on your website.

However, the tool also comes with some useful marketing functions. Forms for lead capturing or call-to-actions (CTAs) can be integrated directly into the video player, for example. The player itself is simple and customizable, and there is the option to select the preview image for the video or upload one separately.

On top of that, the Pro version ($79 per month) of Wistia offers detailed analyses, such as heat maps of video views. The service is thus aimed primarily at digital marketing experts and professional, data-driven users who value personalization.

Cost: Free basic version. Advanced features from $19 or $79 monthly (annual billing).

Notes for uploading videos:

• Maximum resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
• Maximum file size: 8 GB
• Maximum video length: 2 hours
• Aspect ratio: All (responsive player)
• Storage: max. 10 videos in free version, extended storage depending on subscription (Plus, Pro, Advanced or Premium)
• Accepted video formats: MP4 (recommended), MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 3GPP

Major benefits:

• No advertisements
• Fully customizable embedded player with custom branding
• Leads can be captured directly from the video
• CRM integrations

6. SproutVideo

SproutVideo is all about privacy and security. The platform is one of the most secure solutions for video hosting and offers numerous options to protect confidential information and, for example, restrict access to certain videos based on roles.

Moreover, SproutVideo's video player is quite easy to fully customize and seamlessly integrate into websites. An impressive range of marketing features (e.g. lead forms, collaboration features, and analytics) are on top of that.

However, with all the features, the video hosting platform is also relatively complex. For that reason, it's more suitable for experienced marketers. Cost-wise, SproutVideo is also a good option for small businesses, agencies and freelancers: most of the important marketing features are already included in the cheapest plan (Seed for $10 per month).

Cost: 30-day free trial, then from $10 monthly

Notes for uploading videos:

• Maximum resolution: Unlimited
• Maximum file size: up to 100 GB
• Maximum video length: Unlimited
• Aspect ratio: All (responsive player)
• Storage: 100 GB to 2 TB (depending on package)
• Accepted video formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 3GPP

Major benefits:

• Comprehensive analysis options
• Leads can be captured directly from the video
• Role-based permissions and custom playlists
• Fully customizable video player that integrates seamlessly

7. Brightcove

Brightcove is also a real all-rounder and offers many features that go beyond pure video hosting. Accordingly, the premium video hosting solution is especially suitable for experienced users.

Brightcove provides a fast and flexible HTML5 video player. However, probably the biggest advantage of Brightcove is the extensive integration possibilities that the tool brings with it, such as with WordPress or Hubspot. Videos for social media can also be published and analyzed directly via the hosting platform on different channels with the corresponding feature.

Overall, Brightcove is a scalable, all-in-one video hosting platform used primarily by large companies for video marketing and communications. For small businesses and freelancers, the platform can seem rather complex and difficult to use.

Costs: Prices vary depending on requirements and desired features (personalized offer)

Notes for uploading videos:

• Maximum resolution: Unlimited
• Maximum file size: Easily up to 100 GB
• Maximum video length: Unlimited
• Aspect ratio: All (responsive player)
• Storage: Varies depending on the package booked
• Accepted video formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 3GPP

Major benefits:

• Advanced marketing automation features
• Fast and flexible HTML5 video player
• Extensive options for integration with other tools or CMS (e.g. WordPress, Drupal, Hubspot and SharePoint)
• Advanced server-side ad serving

8. Spotlightr

Spotlightr, formerly known as "vooPlayer", offers a comprehensive video hosting solution aimed at professional users. The platform describes itself as "secure enough for online courses, powerful enough for marketing and flexible enough for growth". At the same time, the video hosting platform automatically supports optimized resolutions and turbo bandwidth (if needed).

Branding and video players can be fully customized. In addition, Spotlightr offers numerous tools that allow you to capture leads, custom target audiences, make your videos interactive, and run contests, for example.

Heatmaps and comprehensive analytics give you deeper insights into the performance of your videos and show, for example, how your visitors interacts with your videos.

Cost: 14 day free trial, then from $7 monthly (annual billing).

Notes for uploading videos:

• Maximum resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
• Maximum file size: Unlimited
• Maximum video length: Unlimited
• Aspect ratio: All (responsive player)
• Storage: 50 GB to 2 TB (depending on package)
• Accepted video formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 3GPP

Major benefits:

• Customizable branding
• Comprehensive toolbox to drive leads and revenue
• Advanced analysis capabilities
• Integrations with major email service providers (ESP) and CRMs

9. Vidyard

Vidyard specializes in personalized videos and is primarily aimed at companies. The platform allows videos to be hosted as well as created and edited directly via screen recording or webcam.

Videos uploaded or recorded on Vidyard can be easily embedded in websites or even emails. The tool also offers a video sharing page with its own branding, automatic subtitles and the possibility to password protect videos.

If you only want to record, upload, and share up to 25 videos, you'll be fine with the free basic version of Vidyard. Advanced features such as your own video sharing page, customizable CTAs or analysis tools are available for a monthly fee.

Cost: free basic version, advanced features from $19 monthly (with annual payment).

Notes for uploading videos:

• Maximum resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) and support for 360 degree videos
• Maximum file size: 20 GB
• Maximum video length: 24 hours
• Accepted video formats: MP4, WEBM, MKV, MOV

Major benefits:

• Personalized videos
• Extensive capabilities for integrations (e.g. Outreach, Salesforce, Marketo, Outlook)
• Video sharing page with custom branding
• Animated video preview and support for 360 degree videos

10. Cincopa

Cincopa is a comprehensive hosting solution for videos, audios, images, slideshows and podcasts. The platform allows you to manage not only videos but also other digital assets via a central dashboard and share them on your website or via email with just a few clicks. Cincopa also offers a total of over 100 fully customizable and responsive templates for videos and audio players.

Videos can be published fully embedded via Cincopa, as well as fully automated with CTAs, forms and chapters. The platform also offers opportunities to generate leads and increase user interactions. In parallel, Cincopa offers some analytics tools depending on the subscription chosen.

Overall, Cincopa is aimed primarily at publishers, marketers and educational institutions. All functions can be tested in a free trial version for 30 days.

Cost: 30-day free trial, advanced features from $25 per month (with annual payment).

Notes for uploading videos:

• Maximum resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels)
• Maximum file size: 100 MB (free version), 20 GB (Plus Plan), 10 GB (Corporate Plan) or 30 GB (Enterprise Plan)
• Maximum video length: Limited by file size
• Storage: max. 40 videos (Plus Plan) or max. 200 videos (Corporate Plan)
• Accepted video formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 3GPP

Major benefits:

• SEO friendly embed code by default
• Ability to add video content with gates
• Complete media package for WordPress and Joomla
• Videos can also be embedded in emails

What makes good video hosting?

As you can see, there are many ways to host videos online. Which solution fits best depends on your individual requirements.

Nevertheless, there are some general criteria that a good video hosting platform should meet:

• Reliable video delivery on all devices
• Intuitive Video Content Management System (Video CMS)
• Basic analysis tools
• Comprehensive data protection
• Easily share and embed videos in websites
• Integration possibilities (e.g. in WordPress or in WooCommerce)

Depending on what you want to use videos for, it's also beneficial if the video hosting platform offers its own community, through which you can generate additional traffic to your website.

Frequently asked questions about video hosting

Why do you need video hosting?

Self-hosted videos can put a strain on your server even with low traffic. This can have a negative impact on the performance of your website. To ensure your visitors users can watch your videos without any problems, you should consider hosting them externally with a third-party provider.

Where is the best place to host videos?

Which video hosting provider is best cannot be determined in a general way. Rather, it depends on your individual needs. Overall, however, you should make sure that the hosting you choose reliably provides videos on all devices, offers basic analysis options, and enables easy sharing and embedding of videos. Providers such as YouTube, Vimeo or Wistia have already proven themselves here.