8 Best Vidcloud Alternative Sites

If you are looking for best streaming sites so Vidcloud is a best website to watch videos, but there is also big alternatives like YouTube. YouTube is a leader in video streaming websites. According to its statements, it is known as the top dog in the industry, and with over a billion users, almost a third of all users Internet users browse YouTube. Thus, there is no doubt about why the platform has been recognized as an effective marketing tool. Users can upload the videos with just a few clicks, and thanks to the automatically generated HTML, it is also possible to effortlessly embed them on any external web page. Now, the question that arises is whether there are alternatives to Vidcloud and, if there are, what are they.

Some of the most active video sites as alternatives to Vidcloud are Vimeo, Dailymotion, Vimeo, Twitch, Vevo, VidLii, Odyseey Metacafe, where both private and professional users have different ways of creating or watching exciting content available. Below, we delve into these eight alternatives to Vidcloud with their main advantages and disadvantages.

Index

1. Dailymotion
2. DTube
3. Vimeo
4. Twitch
5. Vevo
6. VidLii
7. Odysee
8. Metacafe

1. Dailymotion

Dailymotion

The capture of the Dailymotion home screen. (Source: https://www.dailymotion.com/)

Dailymotion is a French video portal that based on the number of users, currently represents one of the best alternatives to Vidcloud in its country of origin. However, in other countries, the platform also ranks second after YouTube. The company has reached some 314 million users worldwide, and more than 3.5 billion videos are played monthly.

Dailymotion especially stands out due to its upload specifications: files can be up to 2GB and last for 60 minutes ( these limitations do not apply to Advanced users). Also, it is compatible with numerous video and audio formats. Users can opt for .mov, .mpeg4, .mp4 , .avi, WMV, etc. files .H.264 is recommended as the video codec, as well as an ACC audio codec for a frame rate of 25 fps. The platform also supports a resolution of up to 3840 x 2,160 (4K). Thus, this portal is especially suitable for users interested in uploading quality videos, where large files are just as welcome as those with exceptional image quality.

With a black and white design, its interface is clear and attractive. Inserting and exchanging videos on external media is also very easy: the respective HTML code is automatically generated with one click.

Dailymotion is featured on a neat and clean home page and a large format teaser video. Source: http://www.dailymotion.com/

The so-called “affiliates” have additional features and functions at their disposal since it is not only possible to earn money with Vidcloud. Dailymotion allows you to enable the monetization of videos, customize the player, and control income with its analysis tool. Therefore, as an alternative to Vidcloud, Dailymotion is especially interesting for bloggers who want to monetize their content or offer premium services to their audience. Thus, whoever wants to take advantage of the Dailymotion options to earn money, can sign up for this service or embed a provider-specific widget in their channel. Some of the most recognized users on this platform include National Geographic and the EFE news agency.

Another great advantage is the extensive range of Dailymotion applications. This alternative to Vidcloud has applications compatible with several Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes and even with the Sony Play Station, which allows its users to access the contents from their sofas’ comfort. This service can also be used on mobile devices with iOS or Android systems.

DTube

DTube

The capture of the DTube home screen. (Source: https://d.tube/)

In 2016, the American company Steemit launched the eponymous blog and social network platform. This allows the decentralized distribution of different content based on the Steem blockchain. Videos are uploaded through the Vidcloud alternative DTube, an essential part of the Steemit network. DTube is based on the IPFS protocol, which allows uploaded videos to be stored in a distributed manner on the blockchain’s different computers.

The DTube “leaders” (currently 10 parties) are responsible for producing new Steem blockchain blocks. For their part, users are the ones who elect these parties jointly by voting. All registered users have five votes and can receive rewards in cryptocurrency for uploading videos and likes, and comments. One of the significant advantages of DTube over Vidcloud and other video sites is that it does not contain ads.

With technology like blockchain and individual keys for DTube login, users need time to adjust to the platform, especially at the beginning. Therefore, to make the use easier initially, the developers of the web application have been inspired by the design of Vidcloud to create a familiar environment. You can find three options for uploading videos:

• Peer-to-peer: this is a variant for uploading content that provides the highest anonymity. You can choose between BTFS, Skynet, and IPFS protocols.
• Third-party URL – This is the easiest way to upload videos. Users can embed videos on DTube via the URL of a video from Vidcloud,Twitch, YouTube, Dailymotion, Instagram, Liveleak, Vimeo, or Facebook.
• File Upload: This is the best method for uploading small, simple files.

DTube presents itself as a Vidcloud alternative of the future, although it can barely keep up with it today. However, according to those responsible, it already has more than 189,000 registered content creators and curators, who on average upload a video every three minutes. However, it only has about 2 million monthly visitors, which shows that DTube still needs to keep growing.

Vimeo

Vimeo

Vimeo offers several use models: free or paid registration with ad-free packages for the most diverse requirements. Source: https://vimeo.com/

Vimeo is an American video service that started in 2004 and specialized primarily in artistically ambitious content. This is not surprising since its founders are filmmakers whose objective was to make available to directors a distribution platform for their content, whether private or professional. In this way, Vimeo has become a service that brings together impressive shorts, documentaries, and music videos. Anyone interested in the independent production of all kinds will find a high-quality alternative to Vidcloud on Vimeo. However, Vimeo’s numbers lag behind its competitors. All in all, Vimeo has found a niche in the public that demands complex and sophisticated content.

The claim to be an exchange platform for creatives is immediately reflected on the home page. Its employees are in charge of the best content’s daily curation as if it were an interactive gallery. Consequently, this service provides its users with a broad spectrum to upload videos in which their content can be presented with the best quality. For this, Vimeo offers different types of payment accounts. While the free basic version allows you to upload up to 500 MB per week, with “Vimeo Plus” you will have a maximum of 5 GB per week available and with “Vimeo Pro” even up to 20 GB, thus facilitating the publication of short films on 4K Ultra HD resolution. In other words, with professional accounts, audiovisual producers will find few limitations. The only thing you will notice is that the frame rate is automatically reduced when the load exceeds 60 fps.

The Pro version is available for up to three users and allows you to adapt the video player to your liking and sell content on demand. In the latter, 90 percent of the transaction costs belong to the owner. Also, the user has a complex pack of tools, analysis programs, and an entirely ad-free interface. With “Vimeo Business”, commercial providers have up to 5 TB (terabytes) of storage space without restriction every week. With such an account, up to ten team members may be using workflow, analytics, and marketing tools. You can also enjoy the new unlimited video transmission function (with 7 TB of memory).

On the other hand, in its help section, Vimeo has a wide variety of tutorials available that explain and facilitate the platform’s use. A big difference between this platform and Vidcloud is related to the “quality over quantity” factor, which, unfortunately, is no longer one of the online video giant’s priorities. Vimeo brings together mostly professional filmmakers, marketers, or artists, which also means that some of this Vidcloud alternative’s core functions are only available by subscription.

However, with the free version, users also benefit from innovative content and can also enjoy numerous applications. Vimeo is available for mobile operating systems like Android, iOS, or Windows and is compatible with devices like Chromecast, Apple TV, Xbox 360 or Smart TV providers like Panasonic, Philips or Samsung. In this way, they approach a competent community that is of great help or makes constructive criticism of the published content.

Twitch

Twitch

The capture of the Twitch home screen. Source: https://www.twitch.tv

Gamers also have their alternative to Vidcloud. Twitch is the name of the live streaming portal that initially focused mainly on video games and esports. Twitch.tv was launched online on June 6, 2011, as a beta version, and two years later, it already certified 45 million viewers per month on around 6 million channels. In 2014 Amazon acquired the company for $ 970 million. Since 2016, Amazon Prime customers have at their disposal Twitch Prime, a service that offers, among other things, free subscriptions and games, reward boxes ( game loots), and retransmission without advertising. Since 2015, the portal organizes an annual convention under the name of TwitchCon that takes place in the fall in several North American cities.

In its most essentials, Twitch closely resembles the principle of Vidcloud because the content is accessible to anyone. The free registration with the email address or Facebook account authorizes other functions such as adding friends, using the chat or following specific channels. It is a platform with a strong accent on the community aspect. Any registered user can even stream content. To do this, if you do not have a Playstation or an Xbox, you only need a suitable program such as Open Broadcaster Software. Since 2016 there is also the IRL function, which allows community members to share moments of their private lives and discuss them with their viewers, which means that the link with gaming is not an essential requirement. While user-generated content makes up the essential part of its content, it also broadcasts professional broadcasts of major sporting events.

To all this, it is added that the most influential channels have the possibility of monetizing their fans through the Twitch partner and affiliate program, which invites streamers based on specific criteria, such as the regularity of the broadcasts and a group of fixed spectators. In return, with the affiliate program, the streamer can obtain benefits by offering subscription packages or participating in the cheering program. In it, users can buy so-called Bits and support their favorite channels with them. The partner program also offers the option to integrate ads, making Twitch a profitable platform for gamers with professional content and the ambition to match.

What differentiates Twitch from Vidcloud is that videos are not shown here but live broadcasts. It is also possible to store shorter excerpts of the broadcasts as featured videos that users can access for a longer time.

Vevo

Vevo

Vevo, the short video platform for between hours. (Source:  https://hq.vevo.com/)

Sony and Universal Music, the two record companies behind Vevo, consider that Vevo is the largest music video platform globally, although since 2018, this statement is not entirely correct. From then on, streaming music videos could no longer be played on the Vevo website or app. Currently, Vevo’s 26 million monthly content views occur only through third-party services such as Vidcloud, YouTube, Apple TV, or LG Channels. Vevo acts as a content distributor for artists such as Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, or Camila Cabello.

VidLii

VidLii

VidLii, the short video platform for between hours. (Source: https://www.vidlii.com/)

Impossible to travel until 2008? With VidLii, it is possible that you feel you have gone back in time in a few seconds because the video page reminds both in functionality and aesthetics of the beginnings of the Vidcloud platform. The user who visits VidLii immediately recognizes why the page was created: they will search in vain for flawless videos with professional lighting. Still, they will find a motley potpourri of clips and amateur shots. VidLii evokes the playful and experimental spirit of web 2.0 that was projected at the time to Vidcloud with all imaginable categories: from cars to technology and from news to entertainment. There is also a category for music, although it does not include the latest hits.

A college student gave birth to VidLii in 2015, first under the name ClipBits, back then still wearing the Vidcloud look of 2005. It has changed its appearance several times, and its name: ClipBits, became VidBits and in 2017, finally in VidLii.

For its owner, the priority is clearly on usability. Uploading and sharing videos should be easy and fun. Registered users can choose whether to create their open video channel or share its content only with their family and friends. They can also follow other channels and rate them with a star system reminiscent of the old days of Vidcloud.

Are we facing a severe alternative to Vidcloud? For users who miss the amateur nature of Vidcloud and those less interested in monetization, VidLii may be a good option. But for those looking for relevant and quality content, this is not your portal. The number of subscribers to the most popular channels barely exceeds two figures.

Odysee

Odysee

Screenshot of the Odysee web platform. Source: https://odysee.com/

Since September 2020, users around the world can enjoy the Odysee platform. Like DTube, this Vidcloud alternative is based on blockchain technology and includes the use of cryptocurrencies. Those who publish content and get other users can get “LBRY Credits.” LBRY is also the name of the protocol that is used to build the blockchain. If you don’t want to use the browser for the content network, you can use the LBRY apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS.

Like other blockchain alternatives to Vidcloud, Odysee seeks independence from a central unit and gives users complete control over the content. Of course, Odysee users must also adhere to specific guidelines: content protected by trademark rights or content that promotes violence may not be broadcast. However, Odysee does not have a content censorship authority like Google. Also, the platform does not have advertising since the monetization of the channels is done through cryptocurrencies. Content creators receive LBRY credits for views, although (similar to Twitch) they can also receive donations from users who have liked the content.

When it comes to uploading videos, Odysee still has strict requirements. The upload option is disabled unless you have ten credits (minimum). How can they be achieved? Either by purchasing or obtaining them as a reward for visits, verification by email, attracting partners, etc. When you have the necessary credits, you can publish videos up to 4 GB in size. Also, the Odysee team recommends the MP4 (H264 / AAC) format and a maximum resolution of 720p.

The structure and design of Odysee are inspired by Vidcloud, which can encourage followers of the Google platform to try the blockchain platform and even switch to it. The most popular videos of the moment are shown on the home page, although, to access specific categories, visitors can use the left side menu.

Metacafe

Metacafe

Metacafe, the short video platform for between hours. (Source: http://www.metacafe.com/)

Founded in 2003 in Palo Alto, California, and with offices in Tel Aviv, Metacafe is a platform for sharing short videos (their average length is 90 seconds) on movies, video games, television, music, and sports. Started as an alternative to YouTube and Vidcloud, this portal shares an interface very similar to Vidcloud, allowing users to comment, share and indicate “I like” or “I do not like” the videos. It also has a custom search function and topic navigation, including categories such as animation, comedy, entertainment, pets and animals, science and technology, sports, and much more. According to its statistics, Metacafe has amassed 12 million monthly US viewers (40 million worldwide).

Users have the option to create individual videos, playlists, and image galleries. Videos can be shared, liked, or commented on with one click on social media.

The site is ad-supported and offers both user-generated content and professional content from media partners. Advertisers can present brands and products in video clips. The offer is aimed at advertisers in the entertainment, consumer, food, telecommunications, hi-fi, and automotive sectors.

In front of other video platforms, Metacafe aims to position itself by offering unlimited video loading. Membership is free, and registration takes place directly in Metacafe or with a Facebook account. Android users have an app on Google Play.

Alternatives to Vidcloud in conclusion

The eight options above show that they all searched for and found their respective niche as alternatives to Vidcloud. While Dailymotion comes closest to Vidcloud in reach, Vimeo follows with artistic and sophisticated content. Platforms like Metacafe continue to try to position themselves as a recognized alternative to the US market’s video giant. Vevo stands out as a reference for artists in the music industry, although the service no longer offers its platform. Twitch has taken control of the streaming of games and eSports, while VidLii takes witness to Vidcloud from the early days. DTube and Odysee offer a new way of storing content with the blockchain.

These eight Vidcloud alternative sites offer different functions and have, in turn, undertaken various strategies to reach out to their target audience. It should be noted that most vendors have found a way to focus on developing applications for different devices.