How to Host Videos on WordPress Using Video Hosting

April 4, 2023 By WP Helpline Off

Over the past few years, the world of video hosting has drastically changed, morphing from a time-consuming, manual process, to an easy, automated one. Modern video hosting service providers focus on three main areas to win customers over: product quality, value for money, and user-friendliness.

One of the main reasons the process of hosting videos has become so easy is the popularity of video platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. These platforms make it super simple to share and distribute videos. In 2018, over 2.9 billion hours of video were watched on YouTube, representing a 28% increase compared to 2017.

In case you’re curious, here are two authoritative stats from YouTube:

Over 2.9 billion hours of video were watched on YouTube in 2018 alone.
Over 100 million videos are uploaded to YouTube every month.

In addition to being popular, these platforms are also incredibly flexible. They offer a diverse set of features that can be tailored to fit almost any need. Plus, since they’re web based, they require minimal maintenance compared to some other hosting platforms.

The Best Video Hosting Services For WordPress Clients

With so many features and services available, it’s easy to see why YouTube and its ilk are so popular. However, if you’re a WordPress client who wants to host videos on your site, you need to take a bit more caution.

Just because YouTube and Vimeo are easy to use and offer a ton of value, it doesn’t mean they’re necessarily the best fit for every business. After all, not every business needs to be as flexible as a creative agency or a digital marketing firm.

So, if you’re a WordPress client who wants to host videos on your site, keep the above-mentioned platforms in mind but also consider these alternative options.

Here are some of the best video hosting services for WordPress clients:

1. Vessel

If you’re looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense service that gives you the basics without the bloat, you should check out Vessel.

As the name would suggest, Vessel is the simplest video hosting platform available. Simply install the plugin, create an account, and you’re good to go. You won’t need to worry about a thing.

The great thing about this service is that it doesn’t get in the way. You don’t need to have a big budget to make your videos look good. In fact, Vessel doesn’t impose any extra costs on you. All you need is a web server. So, unless you have one already, don’t worry about paying for additional hosting plans or having enough room on your current one.

2. Wistia

Wistia is the YouTube partner network for businesses. The platform provides a variety of value-added features to make creating, marketing, and distributing videos easier for businesses. For example, Wistia offers free hosting for one year for qualifying businesses.

Wistia also provides a template that makes it easier for businesses to get started with video content. With templates, you don’t have to worry about writing unique content for each video you create. You can simply click on a theme and edit the text and visuals as needed.

Wistia does have a minimum commitment. If you decide that the service is not for you, you can cancel anytime. However, the good news is that you don’t need to commit just to try it. Simply need to have a working email address to get started.

3. Vidyard

If you’re looking for a fully featured video hosting platform, you should check out Vidyard.

With Vidyard, you get all the standard features you’d expect from a top-notch video hosting platform, such as HD videos, multiple cameras, and more.

Additionally, the service provides advanced analytics that allow you to track video performance, identify video interests, and create custom dashboards. Finally, Vidyard is mobile-friendly and works seamlessly from any device.

Vidyard’s biggest selling point is its guarantee. If you pay for a plan, you get at least a free dedicated IP that’s always available. Plus, you get a free SSL certificate and the option to purchase more bandwidth as needed. So, while Vidyard does have a minimum commitment, it’s certainly not difficult to justify the cost.

4. Bluehost

Bluehost is the most popular web host among small and medium-sized businesses. The company makes it incredibly easy to get started with a website, offering one free domain and installing WordPress in just a few minutes.

What’s more is that Bluehost offers a money-back guarantee, assuring you that if you follow the instructions carefully, you’ll have a working site within just a few hours.

Once you have a functioning WordPress site, you can install all the plugins you need, including video plugins, and start using the platform to its fullest potential.

Choosing A Video Hosting Service

When you’re deciding which video hosting service to go with, you must factor in a number of different factors. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense service that will simply provide you with a platform and leave you to your own devices, you should check out Vessel.

If, however, you need help creating marketing materials, analyzing video performance, or distributing your videos online, you should consider Wistia or Vidyard. In case you’re looking for a hosting service that offers a complete video experience, with features like live chats, you should go with Bluehost.

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