Imagine a time when people had to travel miles to give or receive knowledge!
Now, thanks to the internet, exchanging knowledge across physical and virtual boundaries has never been easier, as you can do so from wherever you are, using video hosting sites/platforms.
Vidizmo, Vimeo, Brightcove, Opencast, Wistia, Dacast, and Udemy are some of the best video hosting platforms for online courses that you will have insight into.
By the end of this article, you will be able to decide on the best video hosting site or platform for you. But first…
What to consider before choosing a video hosting platform for your online course
As technology continues to transform our world, the demand for knowledge keeps evolving.
So does the need for new approaches and tech.
To make an informed choice for your online course, consider the factors below when selecting a training video hosting platform:
A combination of live streaming and on-demand streaming capabilities
To conduct online courses/lectures you need a live stream.
However, learners may need to revisit the course video later, or they may have missed it.
This is where on-demand streaming comes in, to enable them to watch the course at their convenience.
It is therefore essential to use a video hosting service/platform that combines live video streaming and on-demand streaming.
Video grouping
Ideal video training platform hosting should be able to group videos, for example, according to courses.
This facilitates better organization and therefore easy and quick access to the video content.
Online video library
Since you will be handling a large number of videos, you need a video course hosting platform with an online video library to help sort videos.
After the grouping is done, you can now organize your videos in the library according to preferred categories.
Interactivity
Interactivity makes learning more enjoyable and makes online learning more real.
A video hosting platform that allows for feedback is a great platform.
There should be a way for you to ask questions and get responses, get comments on videos or lessons, and also respond to questions/ comments from your audience.
Additionally, an interactive video player i.e. one that can stream HD videos would also be a great feature.
Analytics to measure interactivity
Analytics enable you to track your video performance; know who is watching, from where and using which device, and also follow up on who has done assignments using this feature.
Integration
A great educational video hosting platform should also offer integration features.
Integrations allow you to use other software and platforms like customer relations management, email or social media platforms in your videos or explanations.
These can come in handy even for your audience.
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7 best video hosting platforms for online courses
Here are some of the best video hosting for education platforms:
1. Vidizmo
Vidizmo is a comprehensive online learning platform that allows you to upload, stream, and share videos either live or on-demand.
Here, you will have the chance to stream online classes but also have them recorded so that they can be accessed by your students on demand.
With Vidizmo, you can also engage and interact with the learners through quizzes or feedback forms.
Additionally, the platform helps you manage large amounts of videos through their online video library; as well as allowing you to group videos according to your desired categories.
If you are faced with video management challenges like corporate network overload, video privacy (who gets to watch and who does not), or managing recorded videos among others, Vidizmo offers solutions to all these.
Vidizmo services are paid services, which means you will need to subscribe to enjoy all that it offers.
The good news is that there is a 7-day free trial. You could start with that to test it out, and then see if you want to proceed with this platform for your course.
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2. Wistia
Wistia is mainly a marketing platform that offers a wide range of marketing tools for businesses, but great for online courses as well, especially if you want to sell your course online.
Wistia offers a customizable video player; you get to tailor your content to your brand, and your beneficiaries will be able to enjoy the services either on their desktop or a mobile gadget, among other customizations you will need to do.
In addition, the platform allows for integration with other systems; you can have social media, email and customer relations management (CRM integration) among many others.
You can also edit your videos with Wistia, host webinars and measure video performance.
For interaction, Wistia offers interactive video tools such as call to action, turnstile, annotation links and more to help you keep your viewers engaged, and build relationships.
However, live streaming is not possible with Wistia, you can only upload videos for on-demand streaming for your course beneficiaries.
Wistia also requires payment, you will need an annual or monthly subscription to fully use the platform services, but you get access to a free trial for 14 days.
Also, Wistia has a free video hosting plan that comes with limits, but it is free!
3. Vimeo
Vimeo is another good option for online course video hosting. It has great customization options; analytics tools; video embedding and it is ads-free.
With Vimeo, you will be able to:
- make videos (including creating and editing, screen recording, webinars, and live streaming.
- manage videos (hosting, determining privacy, and collaboration); and
- share videos.
You can record and make your videos directly on Vimeo, or you can upload from your computer, or Dropbox, Zoom, Drive, or Box.
Vimeo works and connects with all these.
With the Vimeo record, you will be able to record your webcam, screen, or both, hence you get to deliver the knowledge with a personal touch.
You get to keep all your content centralized with the library feature that will allow you to group and categorize your videos.
This also helps for better organization and ordering of work.
Vimeo allows you the liberty to host your classes either publicly or privately.
You can embed your player on your site, set permissions for viewing, and set passwords to protect your videos and live streams.
You can also make videos exclusive to your network, and you get to replace videos without changing the URL.
You can engage your audience with Vimeo by making your video player interactive; you can make video chapters and use the call-to-action feature to guide your viewers.
Additionally, Vimeo offers secure streaming for your high-quality content from wherever you are.
Furthermore, with Vimeo, you will be able to measure the impact of your video.
You can get video analytics on how many people are watching your video, from where, and using what devices.
This allows you to improve your videos and make them work better for your audience.
4. DaCast
DaCast is a unified, professional video hosting platform whose features support online courses.
It offers live streaming and VOD (Video on demand) options for educators.
If you choose to use this platform there are several features you will enjoy and have access to such as:
- You are guaranteed no interruptions from third-party ads – you can run your video for as long as you wish without any adverts.
This is quite good for your audience as it will boost concentration and comprehension. - You get to deliver your content globally and securely – you will be able to reach people from anywhere in the world and use the various privacy tools that DaCast offers.
- You have access to live encoding support; You have a wide range of video security features – including password-protected video hosting which enables you to control who watches your content and who does not.
- Multi-user access; You will reach a wide range of people and your audience will be able to view content on numerous devices – computers, tablets, phones.
- Integration; DaCast allows you to use other platforms to connect your content, access other features, or share the videos through the integration feature.
- You can also record and then make use of the VOD platforms for your students to view later or over and over.
This way, your content viewers get a more professional and polished version since VOD content undergoes more heavy editing sometimes.
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5. Brightcove
Brightcove is a business-centred video hosting platform with integration features, embedding options, and interactivity.
Since it is business-centric, the content you upload is monetized, and you retain the ownership.
The Brightcove player7 delivers wonderful playback, effective monetization, and efficiency.
It offers quality streaming on a global scale; it is developer-friendly with easy customization; offers a variety of integrations; and is accessible to everyone.
It is also loved by viewers because it loads pretty fast and is quite responsive, among other benefits.
6. Udemy
Udemy is a teaching and learning technology company offering a wide range of education services that empower users to grow professionally and personally.
With this platform, you can select a variety of topics under which your online course or content fits.
Is it development, marketing, music, business, IT, or photography? You get to select from this variety and upload your content.
Udemy allows for video uploads, text documents, or articles. Learners can view on demand and learn in their own time.
To start sharing content, you can tap on Teach on Udemy in the top right of your screen, follow the prompts, and get access to Udemy’s course creator resources to start and enjoy your journey.
Udemy offers integration as well, you get to use other apps as needed.
7. Opencast
Opencast is an open-source, education-specific streaming platform. It is customizable and free to access and use.
This might be the best video hosting platform for you if you are working on a budget.
However, you will need technical know-how to navigate it given its open-source nature.
Opencast offers a variety of features including integration, and this gives you instant access to additional features.
Additionally, you will be able to schedule your streaming, edit and distribute your videos, and improve accessibility with the use of subtitles and video playback.
You won’t need a paid plan or payments for this platform, just study and teach for free!
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FAQ
What is the importance of using video hosting platforms for online courses?Â
Video hosting platforms can be used by anyone with an interest in sharing knowledge through a course online.Â
Whereas there are other alternatives like face-to-face learning, teaching, and content sharing, what makes video hosting platforms special is;
Comprehension and retention of information. Unlike face-to-face learning, video platforms give a chance to learners to playback, re-listen, and comprehend the message.Â
This is made possible, especially with the View-on-demand option that comes with many video hosting platforms.Â
Storage space. Imagine a thousand GB and HD videos stored on your computer awaiting consumption or even just put for keepsake.
All that space puts a strain on your computer and makes video hosting platforms a need.Â
Next level. Video hosting platforms come with different features and toolkits that will ease your work and take you a step ahead in your course preparation, execution, and quality. Share knowledge widely.Â
Audience conscience. Since you have a target audience in mind, you prepare your content to suit a particular audience, which will make your audience feel more connected as you speak directly to them.Â
How can I create a training video?Â
Online learning through videos is becoming the way to go for many busy people.
If you have something to share, you can create an online training video in less time than you will create a PowerPoint presentation with the help of a good platform.Â
Here are some steps you can take to create your training video.Â
1. Choose a video maker platform, preferably one that has video templates, images, screens, or animations among others.
2. Choose a template that you think suits your needs and those of your audience.
3. Record or make your video; use visuals like animations or preferred scenes, footage, or clips that you want in your video, text among others.Â
You don’t necessarily need to record yourself to make a good video, visuals come in handy.
But you can record yourself if that is a choice as well. Remember to relax and have fun while at it!
4. Customize your video; adding scenes and fine-tuning all animations in your training video.
5. Branding; Add your company name, colors, and logos. Some platforms may have a brand builder that will automatically fetch the colors and logos of your company when it picks up on the company name.Â
6. Share the video; the video is now ready for your audience, and you are free to download it and share it on a video hosting platform of your choice.
You can also track your video through a link.
What are the top mobile live-streaming equipment?Â
Before you can successfully livestream you need the following equipment;Â
1. Camera. You need a camera to live stream, and you need a good one so you might have to invest most in this equipment.
2. Microphone. This is very key equipment when it comes to live streaming, you want to be heard and the microphone ensures that.
Your choice of microphone will influence your audio quality, it is therefore important to go about this with care.
3. Mixing equipment. Helpful for converting and balancing sounds.
4. Lighting equipment. You need good lighting for your viewers to be able to see you.
A good lighting setup should be able to eliminate any distractions like shadows or images and focus on you.
5. Video switcher. These come in two forms, hardware and software.
The switcher allows you to change or pick content from different cameras or messages from different people in case of an interview.
It also allows you to switch camera angles.
6. Encoders. Depending on which camera you use, you may or may not need an encoder.
If you use a camera that captures video in a format that is not compatible with your streaming service, you then will need the encoder to translate the content Â
What makes a good training video?Â
Anyone may be able to create a video for training or education purposes, but it takes a little more effort and concern to create a great training video that will convey your intended message effectively and successfully.Â
Here is a list of things you need to check to make sure your video is considered good, if not great!Â
1. Video and audio quality; If you are opting for sharing content online, the students or beneficiaries will likely pay for your work, hence you need to have the expected quality.
The quality of your audio and video plays a lot in beneficiary satisfaction and choices.Â
You can use professional video and audio capture equipment to ensure that your videos are of high quality.
Visuals like animations and on-screen text can boost your video quality.Â
2. Video length; You do not want to make a video so long that you lose your audience along the way, or too short that your viewers do not pick anything from it!
Depending on your audience, you need to make a video that will have them captivated throughout and learn in the process.
Be clear and concise in your explanations – use a few words that bring out your message.
To help limit the length, you can stick to one topic per video training.Â
3. Script; Your video comes with plenty of visuals, but the information comes out much clearer in your script.
The script should be well-written, starting with an outline of the main focus and ending with some engagement.
Be sure to use short sentences in your script to make it easy to read.Â
4. Objectives; To remind the viewers of the ‘why’, each of your videos should include clear objectives with a focus on the purpose of teaching what you are teaching
5. Access; You do not want unauthorized persons consuming your services, but your video should be easy to access for your target and authorized beneficiaries so they won’t have to struggle to view them.Â
It might help to check and confirm the formats used.Â
Conclusion
All in all, you have a variety of options to choose from for the best video hosting for online courses, as laid out in the article.
Whether you go with Vidzimo, Opencast, or any other, your decision should be informed by your budget, your audience, and the different features of each platform that should suit your interest.
