Videos have become an integral 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. Video hosting is a good way to prevent large video files from paralyzing your website.

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?

Simply put, with video hosting you upload your videos in high quality to a platform on the internet so that they are 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 integrated into other websites.

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

What are the advantages of video hosting?

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

Why? Because even hosted videos can place an extreme load on your server, even with low data traffic. While a regular WordPress website with images is usually only a few megabytes (MB) in size, a single 720p video alone usually comes to more than 100 MB. Accordingly, even hosted videos place a particularly 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 ensure that your website visitors can watch your videos at all times without any problems, it is usually better to use a separate video hosting service.

This reduces the load on your own servers and boosts 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 are also distributed.

Which platforms are available? 10 video hosting providers in comparison

Now you're probably wondering: Where can I best host my videos if not on my own server? We compare the best current video hosting solutions for you and include both free video hosting tools and paid premium solutions in the list. Do you know other providers that you can recommend? Then feel free to use the comment function.

One more note: We have created our selection for several countries. If this factor is important to you, you should also check which service is best known in your country.

1st YouTube

YouTube is the undisputed leader when it comes to video content, with 1.9 billion logged-in users active on the site every month .

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

YouTube as a video hosting site is generally suitable for anyone who wants to tap into new target groups and bring more visitors to their website through videos. Due to its size and popularity, it is difficult to completely avoid YouTube when it comes to video content. However, those who value individually branded and ad-free videos should also look for another video hosting solution.

Costs: Free of charge

Information for the video upload:

• 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, MP4, MPG, AVI, WMV, MKV, 3GPP etc.

The most important advantages at a glance:

• Free unlimited storage space in the cloud
• Community with 1.9 billion users
• Videos can also be uploaded privately (not publicly visible)
• Simple embedding via user-defined iFrame codes

2. dailymotion

Dailymotion has set itself the goal of challenging YouTube. The platform is not only similar to the competition in terms of layout: Dailymotion is also free of charge 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 basically any type of video can be hosted as long as it does not violate the website's guidelines.

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

Costs: Free of charge

Information for the video upload:

• 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.

The most important advantages at a glance:

• Unlimited free video hosting
• Option to host videos privately and password-protected
• All common video formats are supported

3. vimeo

Vimeo is a popular alternative to YouTube and is best known for the many creative videos and documentaries that can be found there. The site is seen as a go-to platform for creatives and professionals. Although its traffic and visibility do not quite match the figures of its biggest competitor, Vimeo also has a considerable community with over 260 million users.

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

The basic version of Vimeo is free of charge, while extended 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 per week and the storage space is limited to a total of 5 GB. This makes Vimeo particularly useful if you do not regularly upload new videos and your videos provide additional information as an integral part of existing website content, for example.

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

Information for the video upload:

• 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 space: 5 GB total, with a limit of 500 MB/week and a maximum of 10 uploads/day (free version)
• Accepted video formats: MOV, MPEG4, MP4, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 3GPP etc.

The most important advantages at a glance:

• No advertisements
• Customizable and discreet video embeddings
• Create your own videos directly on the platform with Vimeo Create
• Affordable premium version

4. jetpack WordPress video hosting

Most WordPress users are familiar with Jetpack, but the tool is not entirely uncontroversial in the scene. Some find that the range of functions makes the WordPress installation too extensive. What many don't know: With Jetpack VideoPress, the plugin also offers video hosting in the premium package.

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

Overall, Jetpack Video Hosting is well suited for anyone who already has a WordPress website with a Jetpack subscription and does not want to use an additional provider.

Costs: 12 euros per month (annual billing)

Information for the video upload:

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

The most important advantages at a glance:

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

5. wistia

Alongside Vimeo and YouTube, Wistia completes the "big three" of video hosting. The platform is more than just a video hosting service: Wistia is specifically tailored to the needs of companies 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. For example, forms for lead capturing or call-to-actions (CTAs) can be integrated directly into the video player. The player itself has a simple structure and is customizable. For example, it is possible to select the preview image for the video or upload it separately.

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

Costs: free basic version, extended functions from $19 or $79 per month (annual billing)

Information for the video upload:

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

The most important advantages at a glance:

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

6th SproutVideo

SproutVideo attaches great importance to data protection and security . The platform is one of the most secure solutions for video hosting and offers numerous options for protecting confidential information and, for example, restricting access to certain videos based on roles.

SproutVideo's video player is also very easy to fully customize and seamlessly integrate into websites. An impressive range of marketing functions (e.g. lead forms, collaboration features and analyses) are also available.

However, with all its functions, the video hosting platform is also relatively complex. It is therefore more suitable for experienced marketers. In terms of cost, SproutVideo is also a good option for small companies, agencies and freelancers: most of the important marketing functions are already included in the cheapest plan (Seed for $10 per month).

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

Information for the video upload:

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

The most important advantages at a glance:

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

7. brightcove

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

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

Overall, Brightcove is a scalable all-in-one video hosting platform that is primarily used by large companies for video marketing and communication. 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)

Information for the video upload:

• Maximum resolution: Unlimited
• Maximum file size: Up to 100 GB without any problems
• Maximum video length: Unlimited
• Aspect ratio: All (responsive player)
• Storage space: Varies depending on the package booked
• Accepted video formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 3GPP

The most important advantages at a glance:

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

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". The video hosting platform automatically supports optimized resolutions and turbo bandwidth (if required).

Branding and video players can be fully customized . Spotlightr also offers numerous tools with which you can, for example, capture leads, target user-defined audiences or make your videos interactive and run competitions.

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

Cost: 14-day free trial, then from $7 per month (billed annually)

Information for the video upload:

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

The most important advantages at a glance:

• Customizable branding
• Comprehensive toolbox to drive leads and sales
• Advanced analysis options
• Integrations with important Email Service Providers (ESP) and CRMs

9. vidyard

Vidyard specializes in personalized videos and is primarily aimed at companies. The platform can be used to host videos as well as create and edit them directly (via screen recording or webcam).

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

If you only want to record, upload and share up to 25 videos, the free basic version of Vidyard is ideal. Extended functions such as your own video sharing page, customizable CTAs or analysis tools are available for a monthly fee.

Costs: free basic version, extended functions from $19 per month (with annual payment)

Information for the video upload:

• 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

The most important advantages at a glance:

• Personalized videos
• Comprehensive options for integrations (e.g. Outreach, Salesforce, Marketo, Outlook)
• Video sharing page with individual branding
• Animated video preview and support for 360-degree videos

10. cincopa

Cincopa is a comprehensive hosting solution for videos, audio, images, slideshows and podcasts. In addition to videos, the platform also allows you to manage other digital assets via a central dashboard and share them on your website or via email with just a few clicks. For example, Cincopa also offers over 100 fully customizable and responsive templates for videos and audio players.

Videos can be published fully embedded via Cincopa and fully automated with CTAs, forms and chapters. The platform also offers opportunities to generate leads and increase user interaction. Depending on the subscription selected, Cincopa also offers a number of analytics tools.

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

Costs: 30-day free trial version, extended functions from $25 per month (with annual payment)

Information for the video upload:

• 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 the file size
• Storage space: max. 40 videos (Plus Plan) or max. 200 videos (Corporate Plan)
• Accepted video formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, MKV, 3GPP

The most important advantages at a glance:

• SEO-friendly embed code by default
• Possibility 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 on the internet. Which solution suits you best depends on your individual requirements.

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

• Reliable video delivery on all devices
• Intuitive video content management system (Video CMS)
• Basic analysis tools
• Comprehensive data protection
• Easy sharing and embedding of videos in websites
• Integration options (e.g. in WordPress or WooCommerce)

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

Frequently asked questions about video hosting

Why do you need video hosting?

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

Where is the best place to host videos?

There is no general answer as to which video hosting provider is best. Rather, it depends on your individual needs. Overall, however, you should make sure that the provider of your choice provides videos reliably on all devices, offers basic analysis options and makes it easy to share and embed videos. Providers such as YouTube, Vimeo or Wistia have often proven themselves here.