Video sharing platforms are websites that allow users to upload, store, and deliver video content, and leverage it for marketing purposes (e.g. lead generation, conversion, advertising). They may also be referred to as video clouds, video players, or video hosting platforms. Content may include product demo videos, help/training videos, or webinar recordings. In addition to hosting pre-recorded, on-demand video, some platforms allow users to stream live events. Another use case is for employee education and training videos.
In this article, we will review some of the largest video sharing platforms in 2023, based on their traffic rank, features, and user base.
YouTube
YouTube is the world’s largest video sharing platform. It’s fairly easy to use (many video apps even support uploading directly to YouTube), and you can share videos publicly or privately for free. To upload a video, you’ll need a Google account and to be signed into YouTube1.
YouTube is known for its diverse and engaging content, ranging from music videos, documentaries, tutorials, vlogs, gaming, comedy, and more. It also provides a way for independent artists and vloggers to release videos to the public and monetize their YouTube channels to make money. Based on the latest statistics, around 30 million people visit YouTube and nearly 5 billion videos are browsed per day2.
Some of the features of YouTube include:
- YouTube Studio: A dashboard that allows you to manage your channel, upload videos, edit thumbnails, add subtitles, monitor analytics, and more.
- YouTube Shorts: A feature that lets you create and watch short-form videos (up to 60 seconds) with music, filters, and effects.
- YouTube Music: A music streaming service that offers personalized playlists, recommendations, and access to millions of songs and videos.
- YouTube Premium: A subscription service that offers ad-free viewing, offline downloads, background play, and access to YouTube Music and YouTube Originals.
- YouTube TV: A live TV streaming service that offers over 85 channels of entertainment, news, sports, and more.
- YouTube Kids: A family-friendly app that offers curated content for children of different ages and parental controls.
Vimeo
Vimeo is another popular video sharing platform that focuses on high-quality and professional content. It offers a range of plans for different needs and budgets, from free to enterprise-level. To upload a video, you’ll need a Vimeo account and to be signed into Vimeo.
Vimeo is known for its creative community and supportive environment. It hosts videos from filmmakers, artists, educators, businesses, and organizations. It also provides tools for video creation, collaboration, distribution, and monetization. According to its website, Vimeo has over 200 million users and reaches over 1.5 billion viewers per month3.
Some of the features of Vimeo include:
- Vimeo Create: A video maker that allows you to create stunning videos with templates, stock footage, music, and more.
- Vimeo Record: A screen recorder that lets you capture your screen, webcam, or both and share your video messages with anyone.
- Vimeo Showcase: A portfolio builder that helps you create custom websites to showcase your videos with your own domain name.
- Vimeo OTT: An online video platform that enables you to launch your own subscription or transactional video service with branded apps.
- Vimeo Stock: A stock video marketplace that offers exclusive footage from top creators at affordable prices.
Dailymotion
Dailymotion is a French video sharing platform that offers a mix of user-generated and premium content. It’s free to use and upload videos (up to 60 minutes long and 2 GB in size), but you’ll need a Dailymotion account and to be signed into Dailymotion.
Dailymotion is known for its diverse and global content library, covering topics such as news, sports, entertainment, music, gaming, comedy, and more. It also partners with media companies, publishers, broadcasters,
and brands to distribute their videos to a large audience. According to SimilarWeb, Dailymotion has over 365 million visits per month4.
Some of the features of Dailymotion include:
- Dailymotion Partner Program: A program that allows you to monetize your videos with ads or subscriptions.
- Dailymotion Cloud: A cloud-based video hosting solution that offers transcoding, delivery, analytics, and security services.
- Dailymotion API: An application programming interface that allows you to integrate Dailymotion’s features into your own applications or websites.
- Dailymotion App: A mobile app that lets you watch, upload, and share videos on the go.
Bilibili
Bilibili is a Chinese video sharing platform that specializes in animation, comics, games, and other subcultures. It’s free to use and upload videos (up to 1080p resolution and 2 GB in size), but you’ll need a Bilibili account and to be signed into Bilibili.
Bilibili is known for its interactive and community-driven content, featuring real-time comments, bullet screens, live streaming, and fan clubs. It also produces original content such as anime, documentaries, and variety shows. According to its website, Bilibili has over 200 million monthly active users and over 1.2 billion monthly video views.
Some of the features of Bilibili include:
- Bilibili Video: A video player that supports various formats, resolutions, and playback speeds.
- Bilibili Live: A live streaming platform that allows you to watch or broadcast live events, games, shows, and more.
- Bilibili Bangumi: A video-on-demand service that offers exclusive and licensed anime, drama, and movie content.
- Bilibili Mall: An online shopping platform that sells official merchandise related to Bilibili’s content and culture.
- Bilibili App: A mobile app that lets you watch, upload, and interact with videos on the go.
Twitch
Twitch is a live video streaming platform that focuses on gaming, esports, and creative content. It’s free to use and stream videos (up to 1080p resolution and 60 fps), but you’ll need a Twitch account and to be signed into Twitch.
Twitch is known for its live and interactive content, featuring chat rooms, emotes, donations, subscriptions, and more. It also hosts events such as tournaments, conventions, and charity drives. According to SimilarWeb, Twitch has over 48 million visits per month.
Some of the features of Twitch include:
- Twitch Studio: A streaming software that helps you set up your stream with templates, overlays, alerts, and more.
- Twitch Sings: A karaoke game that lets you sing along to thousands of songs and stream your performance to the world.
- Twitch Prime: A premium membership that offers free games, in-game loot, ad-free viewing, and more.
- Twitch Turbo: A subscription service that offers ad-free viewing, custom emotes, chat badges, and more.
- Twitch App: A mobile app that lets you watch, stream, and chat with your favorite creators on the go.
Conclusion
These are some of the largest video sharing platforms in 2023, but there are many more to explore. Each platform has its own strengths, weaknesses, features, and audiences. Depending on your goals, preferences, and budget, you may want to use one or more of these platforms to share your videos with the world.