The surge in viewer volumes due to Covid pandemic drove video streaming platforms and businesses to seek out a reliable, secure and scalable solution in cloud video platforms. However, the ease of use, lowered costs of infrastructure, scalability, unlimited storage and security that cloud video platforms offer have now become the default standard in the video streaming industry.
The reduced infrastructure needs and optimized other factors like unlimited storage, scalability, security as well as convenience.
In this article, we will explore the basics of cloud video platforms and how they work along with the top features and advantages of using cloud streaming for your business.
What Is Cloud Video Streaming?
Cloud video streaming is the use of cloud servers to send video content over the internet and can be accessed remotely by the users. Physical hardware is absent and software will handle the files and data stored to ease broadcaster access to information, and workflow remotely. Videos are uploaded by businesses and streamed to audiences in large volumes. Businesses will use cloud video streaming services to streamline the process to reduce costs and increase efficiency spending on Transcoding, custom video players, video processing, secure streaming and CDN issues.
Working of Cloud-Based Video Streaming: An Overview
The following steps are involved in cloud-based video streaming:
A network of dedicated cloud servers use software to host video files to deliver content Broadcasters upload files to the servers
- Encoding and Transcoding into different formats for playback is completed
- Transcoding video in the cloud – improves efficiency
as multiple renditions of single video files are completed after an initial encoding process.
These cloud servers are actually served by large data centers owned by Microsoft or Amazon with physical servers. Hence, small businesses can subscribe and rent sections of these physical servers and benefit from the economics of scale.
Therefore, content is prepared for broadcasters to host - via live stream events or on-demand, to a variety of devices.
Advantages of Cloud Video Streaming Solution
As businesses cater to the demands for video streaming, the delivery of videos in a seamless manner has to be optimized. In the currently available solutions, cloud online video platforms are the most competent.
The following factors prove using cloud video platforms is an advantage:
1. Budget-Friendly - No upfront large amount is invested; only storage and bandwidth requirements have to be paid.
2. Accessibility - With a steady internet connection, target audiences can view videos anywhere, anytime.
3. Zero maintenance for individual infrastructure - With cloud infrastructure, there is no need to invest in hardware infrastructure for data storage. Instead, you will only have to rent such spaces and begin streaming within a few hours or days.
4. Scalability - Cloud video platforms are the best solution when businesses want to serve a large audience. When the business increases, you can upgrade cloud storage and induct other features that can help you expand or step down as needed.
5. Potentially unlimited storage capacities - Unlimited data can be stored when you begin to use cloud video platforms and gain cost-effectively. Features such as backup, and archives will provide limitless data storage.
6. Security - When using cloud video platforms, regulators demand security compliance and encryption, DRM protection, online video watermarking, access control, and authentication mechanisms to protect data.
7. Continuity - In any type of emergency, or natural calamity, cloud streaming platforms will have a backup plan and a continuity plan to take over. Content is typically replicated and maintained in more than one location so that video is accessed whenever required.
8. A video-centric content delivery network - A private content delivery network is available when using a cloud video platform such as api.video. Similarly, Netflix has Netflix Open Connect, a native network for the content they produce.
Top 9 Features a Cloud Video Streaming Platform Should Offer
1. Video Transcoding
This is a necessary feature since the initial video has to be converted into a variety of formats or different bitrates. This is done to match varied internet speeds and device configurations and streaming protocols.
2. Feasibility
A simple cloud video platform will improve efficiency and enable users to bulk upload, navigate and use various tools to manage content.
3. High-level Security
Secure video hosting is of key importance as it will protect content and restrict videos to certain domains, share videos for limited periods, and control access when multiple users are there.
4. Easy Embed/Integration option
It should be easy to integrate the cloud video platform into the website and applications thereby increasing scalability and feasibility. When it offers multiple embed options, documentation, and APIs.
5. Transcoding of videos
A very important feature in cloud streaming platforms as it has to covert multiple qualities of videos into different bitrates for every person to view on their device regardless of the bandwidth.
6. CDN for smooth playback
CDN is critical to a streaming platform as it ensures smooth playback even as buffering and loading are minimalistic.
7. Interactive CTAs
Since e-education platforms use interactive features such as buttons, segmentations, and chapters within the videos CTAs are a necessary inclusion.
8. Streaming Analytics
Streaming data analysis provides the necessary insight for a business to understand how their viewers feel about their content. Factors such as total views, and average time.
9. Support Channel
Cloud streaming platforms provide technical support that your business needs to perform well. Tutorials, documentation, screenshots, and several other options provide the necessary support.
Conclusion
In the above discussion, we have introduced how cloud video platforms work and how your business can benefit from using them. Additionally, you can now use the top-9 features to evaluate vendors and pick a solution that matches your business plan!
