Video hosting is a type of web hosting geared toward the streaming of audio and video files. Traditional web hosting companies serve up web pages to Internet visitors, but frequently forbid the uploading or downloading of resource intensive videos.
Are you ready to find the perfect video hosting company? Here are a few tips to help you choose the host that’s right for you.
Consider compatibility first
Video and audio streaming is done in many different formats. Some of today’s most popular and widely used formats are Flash, Windows Media, Quicktime and Real. What format do you need?
Some video hosting providers give users access to web server software that will re-encode videos into different formats—a process that is called transcoding. It’s important that you’re able to display videos in a way that all of your online viewers can see.
How much space and bandwidth will you need?
Media files, particularly videos, are often large. The uploading, downloading and viewing of such files can consume tremendous amounts of bandwidth. How many videos do you plan to upload and how many visitors do you anticipate visiting your website?
Video hosting companies offer a variety of different packages to choose from that vary in size and price. Knowing exactly how much space and bandwidth you’ll require will aid you in purchasing the right size hosting plan.
Do you plan to monetize your website?
Are you interested in making money from your website? If so, you’ll want to find a host that allows clients to advertise on their websites and may even provide tools to insert ads on each page.
How much do you have to spend?
Prices vary a great deal between video hosting companies. Know how much you have to spend each month so that you’ll be assured to stay within your budget. Also, pay special attention to overage fees. When you go over your monthly allotted space or bandwidth, your hosting company will charge you extra to keep your website online.
How big are your files?
Some hosting companies place a limit on how large media files can be. If you have especially long videos you’ll need to search for a host that can accommodate you.
Do you need support?
When you purchase a web hosting plan you’re not only paying for space and bandwidth, but also technical support. Each company provides a different level of support. Will you require phone support that is available 24/7 or are you most comfortable with email support that’s only available during business hours?
Do you need a basic account or something more advanced?
Basic video hosting accounts will give you a fair amount of space and bandwidth each month, a means of uploading and streaming your multimedia files and technical support. Do you have other needs? More advanced accounts may offer any or all of the following:
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HD support
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Built-in server side video viewing software
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Uptime guarantee
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Live streaming
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Mobile device support
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Money back guarantee
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Private and public galleries
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Domain level privacy
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Analytics tools
By knowing exactly what you need, you’ll be able to identify those hosts that will be a good fit for your new website.
When searching for a new host, take the time to read well researched hosting reviews. Web hosting reviews written by consumers and professionals will help to guide you toward responsible, reliable web hosting companies.