If you’re an online course creator, chances are you’re already thinking about incorporating video into your lessons. And why not? Video content is essential for online learning, especially for those mobile learners who need flexibility. 

From bite-sized lessons to step-by-step guides, video is a powerful tool. According to a 2023 report by Panopto, educational videos can increase student engagement by a whopping 76% and boost information retention by 52%.

But here’s the million-dollar question: Where do you even start? With so many options out there, picking a reliable video hosting platform can feel like choosing the perfect ice cream flavor (but with less mint chocolate chip). We’re here to help! Let’s dive into how to choose the best video host for your online course.

Tips for finding a video host

When it comes to choosing a video host, there are a few key things to keep in mind. We’ve broken down the top considerations to make sure you’re set up for success—without breaking the bank or losing your sanity.

Consider your budget

Video hosting platforms range from free to hundreds of dollars a month. It’s easy to get tempted by all the bells and whistles, but the goal is to find something that meets your needs without draining your wallet. Make a list of the features you absolutely need versus those that are nice-to-haves. With so many budget-friendly options, there’s something for everyone!

Be mindful of branding

Your brand is everything, and your video host should support that. Look for a platform that allows you to add your logo, change colors, and truly make it your own. Some platforms offer “white labeling,” meaning the host’s branding won’t be visible to your learners. If branding matters to you, this is a feature to keep in mind.

Look for support

Most paid platforms offer customer support; and trust us, it’s a nice value-add. Whether you hit a technical snag or just need help uploading a video, having a reliable support team can save you headaches and help keep your course content flowing smoothly.

Consider the integrations

Your video host should easily embed or integrate with your learning management system (LMS). Check if the platform integrates with your course tools, marketing platforms, and analytics software. A seamless experience for you means a seamless experience for your learners.

Check for analytics

Wouldn’t it be great to know if your learners are actually watching your videos? Some video hosts offer robust analytics, including completion rates and heatmaps that show where people stop watching. These insights help you refine your content and improve student engagement.

Watch for security and privacy

If you’re offering paid or premium content, protecting it is a must. Look for platforms that provide password protection, secure embedding, and other privacy features to safeguard your hard work.

4 video hosting platforms for online courses

Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore four of the best video hosting platforms for online course creators. Each one comes with unique benefits, so there’s a fit for everyone!

1. Vimeo

Vimeo is a well-known video hosting platform that’s ideal for creators who want a professional look and feel to their course. It offers customizable branding options, strong privacy settings, and great integration capabilities. 

The video player can be customized so that you can discretely embed it into your site in a way that allows it to blend into the overall design. The video quality and player controls are also very sleek. 

Whether you’re hosting a simple lecture or a full-blown video series, Vimeo has you covered.

Main benefits:

• Customizable branding
• Strong privacy controls
• Analytics and engagement tools

Price: Starts at $12/month, with a free option available.

2. Wistia

Wistia is designed with businesses and creators in mind. Its powerful branding tools allow you to match your video player to your course’s look, and its advanced analytics help you see how learners interact with your content. 

Plus, Wistia has interactive features on its videos that allow creators to add calls-to-action or email collection forms right in the video. You can also include annotated links or chapter navigation in the video, and it integrates with event software if you host a lot of live events. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to keep their course videos on-brand and backed by insights.

Main benefits:

• Advanced branding and customization
• Deep analytics
• Excellent support

Price: Starts at $19/month, with a free option available.

3. YouTube

YouTube: it’s free, easy to use, and integrates seamlessly with almost any LMS. While it lacks some of the branding and privacy controls of paid platforms, it’s a great choice for those just getting started or anyone on a budget. 

Further, YouTube isn’t just a video streaming site—it’s also the second largest search engine in the world after Google. YouTube videos are easy to upload, easy to embed, and come with a number of helpful features, such as automatic transcription, making your videos more accessible. Plus, you can optimize your videos with keywords, hashtags, and descriptions to make them more discoverable by users on the site.

Main benefits:

• Free and easy to use
• Excellent for embedding in LMS
• Massive reach and discoverability

Price: Free

4. Brightcove

Brightcove is the powerhouse of video hosting, perfect for advanced creators who need to stream high-quality content. It’s built for professionals and offers advanced security features, branding, and integration. If you’re looking to stream live or host a large volume of premium content, Brightcove is a top-tier choice.

Main benefits:

• Excellent for live streaming
• Advanced security features
• Great for large-scale operations

Price: Pricing not readily available (contact for details)

Which video hosting solution best suits your needs?

When it comes to video hosting, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to find a platform that aligns with your budget, branding needs, and course requirements. Whether you’re building a full curriculum or just want to enhance your course with video content, there’s a platform that can help you get there.

One more tip: Platforms like LearnDash integrate with multiple video hosting platforms, including YouTube, Vimeo, and Wistia. With LearnDash, you can create an entire course in just a few steps using YouTube playlists or other video content. Plus, LearnDash supports video progression, allowing learners to unlock new lessons after completing a video—a great way to keep them engaged!

To learn more about how you can use YouTube to build a course, check out this guide: Use YouTube to Build a Course in 3 Steps. Ready to create your own video-powered course? Get LearnDash LMS today and start building!