We’ve all heard of YouTube and Vimeo, and know that they’re the two most popular platforms for uploading video content. But which one is better? In this post, we’re going to compare the two platforms and even discuss some similarities. Knowing which platform to use for your video content is essential. You want to make sure your videos are being utilized in the best way possible and that your target audience is being reached effectively.
Pricing & Uploading Limits The first differences we’re going to compare are the cost and uploading limits. YouTube allows you to upload content for free because they make their money through advertisements. You’re allowed to upload unlimited videos that each have to be under 15 minutes. On the other hand, Vimeo makes their money through offering their customers an ad-free service. Vimeo offers a free plan which is limited to 500 MB of storage per week. If one wants more storage and access to more features you can purchase Vimeo Plus, PRO or Vimeo Business. The prices vary from $7 to $50 a month. Each plan comes with different uploading limits and features. For example, Vimeo Plus comes with 5GB per week and Vimeo PRO comes with 20 GB.
Audience When it comes to audience size, YouTube has a clear advantage with 1 billion users. YouTube is open to everyone which allows for your video to receive multiple views however there’s the potential that your video won’t be viewed by the specific audience you want. Vimeo has a smaller community with only 170 million users. It’s also open to everyone but has a feature that allows you to create groups so users can upload content and only make it visible to specific groups. With this feature, you can make sure your video is being seen by your intended audience.
Privacy Settings To continue on with the visibility of your videos and who can view them leads us to the privacy settings of each platform. YouTube is very limited in terms of its privacy settings, they only offer 3 options. The public option, which allows your videos to be publicly accessed by anyone. The unlisted option, which allows your video to only be accessed by someone who has the link. Lastly, the private option which allows for your videos to only be visible to you or specific users you choose that have active YouTube accounts. Vimeo offers similar choices as YouTube but if you pay for a plan you can restrict your videos from being embedded onto other websites. They also offer password protection for your videos.
Analytics & Monetization Now that we’ve gone over some differences between the two platforms it’s time to discuss some similarities they both share. Both platforms provide you with analytics and monetization, which is the ability to make money from your videos. When viewing your analytics, both sites provide you with data on your views, comments, likes, and shares. In order to access a more advanced analytics, you have to be a Vimeo Plus member. Both platforms also allow you to make money from your videos. Youtube allows users who have 10,000 or more subscribers to their channel to join a program that allows them to receive a cut from the ads that are displayed on their videos. Vimeo, on the other hand, doesn’t have an advertising program that you can join but they do offer “Vimeo on Demand” to access this feature you’ll need to have a Vimeo Pro account. Vimeo on Demand is a platform where users can sell their videos directly to viewers.
Both platforms are great for uploading video content, but it all comes down to what kind of videos you’re producing and who you want to view your videos. If you’re looking to reach a wider audience and have your videos viewed by everyone then YouTube would be the platform for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more high-end platform and private way of viewing your videos then Vimeo would be the choice for you.