Top 10 Private Streaming Platforms for Live Stream Events

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Recently, live streaming has emerged as a potent force. It is revolutionizing the way we connect, engage, and share content. The immediacy of live streaming has captivated global audiences, irrespective of its application. It is, in fact, providing an unparalleled avenue for real-time interaction.

Yet, when it comes to sensitive or exclusive content, the need for controlled access becomes paramount. And this is where private live streaming sites come into action! From corporate boardrooms to intimate gatherings, private streaming has become a cornerstone for diverse applications. 

In this blog, we embark on an in-depth journey, unravelling the capabilities and features of the top 10 private video streaming platforms available in the market. 

A. What is a Private Live Stream?

Private Live Streams limit viewership to a chosen audience using controls like unique links or passwords. This is perfect for confidential content like internal meetings or exclusive product demos. Only authorized individuals can access it, ensuring privacy. 

As a content creator, you can use private live stream to share specialized content with a limited audience, prioritizing controlled access for added security and tailored experiences.

B. How to Stream Privately?

For a successful private livestream, meticulous planning is key. 

• Start by defining your audience, goals, and content topics. Also, assemble a capable team. 
• Then, choose a streaming platform aligning with your needs, offering customization and reliable delivery.
• Configure your setup with compatible tools, promoting strategically through channels like social media or RSVPs. 
• Confirm privacy settings using measures like password protection, AES encryption, and domain restrictions to safeguard content.
• Combat video piracy with watermarking and digital rights management (DRM).
• Lastly, conduct a test run before streaming and consider repurposing content into on-demand videos, clips, podcasts, or blog posts for added value.

C. Comparison of the 10 Best Streaming Platforms for Private Live Streams

1. OnTheFly 

OnTheFly is your all-in-one solution for creating, streaming, hosting, broadcasting, and recording live videos. With a streamlined setup process completed in under 5 minutes, it offers the easiest way to go live and record video content. 

Pros:

• Platform-friendly
• Professional-grade streaming
• Connect multiple guests
• Save video streams
• Fully-loaded, self-sufficient platform

Pricing:

Pricing details not provided. Please visit the website for more information.

Features

• Live comments
• Personalize your streams
• Download recordings
• Multi-track editing
• Stream pre-recorded clips

2. Dacast 

Dacast stands as a leading online video platform, renowned for its self-service solution catering to live streaming and private video hosting. The recent acquisition of Vzaar has fortified its position, enhancing its capabilities for broadcasters seeking reliability.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use live streaming platform with custom white-label streaming.
• Robust security measures, including AES encryption and password protection.
• Competitive pricing plans with unlimited viewers and live channels.

Cons:

• Learning curve for beginners.
• Varied upload guidelines may require careful consideration.
• Some features are available only in premium plans.

Prices:

• Starter plan: $39/month (billed annually).
• Scale plan: $188/month (billed annually).
• Event plan: $63/month (or $750/year).
• Custom plan: Tailored for high-volume enterprise streaming needs.

Features:

• Secure global content delivery with industry-best hosting.
• 24/7 tech support with email and live chat.
• Ad-free streaming, mobile device support, and live private stream recording.
• VOD to Live feature for seamless transitioning.

3. JW Player 

JW Player, established in 2005, began as part of the open-source code for the original YouTube video player. Initially renowned for its HTML5 player for VOD, JW Player expanded to include live streaming capabilities.

Pros:

• Advanced features like MPEG-DASH playback and CSS skinning.
• Supports HLS adaptive live streaming and real-time analytics.
• Monetization features are available.

Cons:

• Limitations on live streaming capabilities.
• Only ad-based monetization.
• Limited security features.

Pricing:

• Free trial and custom plans are available.
• Starter plan at $10/month (billed annually) with 150 GB hosting bandwidth and 500 GB streaming.

Features:

• Supports MPEG-DASH playback, CSS skinning, DRM, and advanced features.
• HLS adaptive live streaming, multi-bitrate transcoding, and simulcast to FB Live.
• Upload guidelines include dimensions of 360p to 1080p, aspect ratios of 16:9, 4:3, 2.39:1, and compatible video formats like MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, 3GP, and FLV.

4. Wowza

Founded in 2005 as a bootstrap start-up, Wowza is a private video streaming service excelling in live streaming private and on-demand video hosting, particularly known for its robust security features.

Pros:

• Top-notch security features.
• Nearly universal device support.
• Cloud management services for global access.

Cons:

• No simulcasting feature.
• Absence of monetization features.
• Limited to single-camera feeds.

Pricing:

• Streaming cloud services start at $29/month. 
• Streaming engine services start at $175/month. 

Features:

• Cloud management services for low-latency global access.
• HD streaming up to 4K.
• Powerful security and privacy features.
• Access to APIs for developers.

5. IBM Cloud Video 

IBM Cloud Video, formerly UStream, originated over a decade ago to connect military personnel with their families. Acquired by IBM in 2016, it has evolved into the best sites for live streaming for both media and enterprises.

Pros:

• 30-day free trial available.
• Adequate customer support (for inclusive packages).
• Hong Kong (China) video hosting.

Cons:

• Limited access to the free version.
• Insufficient closed captioning support.

Pricing:

• Silver: $99/month.
• Gold: $499/month.
• Platinum: $999/month.
• Custom: Contact IBM Cloud Video for custom plan pricing.

Features:

• A unique built-in CDN is available in the Premium plan.
• Video marketing, live streaming, and event coverage.
• Enterprise video streaming and OTT video management.
• Monetization capabilities.

6. Brightcove 

Brightcove is one of the industry’s oldest private live streaming platforms, supporting both live streaming and VOD hosting. While renowned for its powerful analytics, Brightcove’s security features are more pronounced in its custom plans.

Pros:

• Powerful analytics for business insights.
• Custom video portals for enhanced branding.
• Useful CRM integrations.

Cons:

• Monetization limitations.
• Limited live streaming capabilities.
• No China video delivery.

Pricing:

• Starter: 50 to 200 videos, up to 100,000 plays, and 2-5 users.
• Professional: Unlimited videos, 100,000+ plays, no overage plays, with +10 users.
• Enterprise: Unlimited videos, 100,000+ plays, no overage plays, with 10+ users, unlimited upload, and analytics-only users. 
• Custom pricing.

Features:

• Global content delivery and multi-bitrate streaming.
• Basic tech support and limited API access.
• Customizable video portals.
• Upload guidelines with no restrictions on specific dimensions.

7. Kaltura 

Kaltura, a leader in private live streaming, initially targeted educational institutions but now serves diverse organizations. Renowned for robust security features, Kaltura offers cloud-based video hosting, VOD, and private live streaming with an “open-source” approach.

Pros:

• Unlimited integration options for flexibility.
• Diverse monetization choices.
• Powerful security features.

Cons:

• Limited customer support.
• Overly complex and challenging for new streamers.
• Advanced nature may not suit beginners.

Features:

• Multi-bitrate and adaptive streaming.
• Bring your own CDN capabilities.
• Ticket-based tech support.
• Monetization capabilities.

Pricing:

Kaltura follows a “pay-for-what-you-use” model, requiring you to direct contact with the sales department for custom packages. 

8. Muvi 

Muvi, a private on-demand video hosting platform, specializes in supporting OTT media businesses with a focus on security and privacy. Offering a “turnkey” service, Muvi empowers broadcasters to swiftly launch video and audio strategies.

Pros:

• CDN delivery and hosting included.
• No coding is required.
• Transcoding and DRM features.

Cons:

• Not extremely user-friendly.
• Integration challenges.
• Complex CMS user interface.

Features:

• HTML5 all-device video player.
• Custom branding with white label.
• Monetization options.
• Dashboard management CMS.

Pricing:

• Standard: $399/month (+ additional fees).
• Professional: $1,499/month (+ additional fees).
• Enterprise: $3,900/month (+ additional fees).
• Ultimate: $8,900/month (+ additional fees).
• Black (Custom): Includes premium services and project management.

9. Vimeo Livestream 

Vimeo expanded its services to include live streaming after acquiring Livestream in 2017. Streaming over 10 million events annually, Vimeo integrates hardware, software, and cloud services for comprehensive streaming solutions with an emphasis on privacy and security.

Pros:

• Unlimited events and viewers.
• Ad-free experience.
• Powerful analytics.
• Pay-per-view option.

Cons:

• Lower traffic compared to other best live streaming sites.
• No China video delivery.

Features:

• Video management platform.
• Insightful analytics.
• High-quality streaming.
• Generous storage capacity.
• Privacy and security controls.

Pricing:

• Vimeo Premium: $75/month.
• Vimeo Enterprise: Custom pricing (contact Vimeo).
• Vimeo OTT: Varied plans starting from $1/subscriber per month.

10. Panopto 

Panopto is a private live streaming platform tailored for educational and institutional users. It aims to provide an “internal YouTube” experience for training and online education, serving over 5 million end-users.

Pros:

• Audio and video content support.
• Advanced analytics.
• Document indexing.
• Customizable branding.

Cons:

• No customizable templates.
• No image editor.
• No SEO management.

Key Features:

• Secure portal for management.
• Software for live streaming and auto-archiving.
• Keyword search inside videos.
• API access and LMS/CMS integration.

Pricing:

• Basic: Free.
• Pro: $14.99/month.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing (contact Panopto).

D. Security Features to Look for in a Private Streaming Platform

• Password protection
• Geographic and Referrer Restrictions
• Payment Security
• Digital Rights Management (DRM)
• AES Encryption
• Watermarking
• Video Analytics

E. Private Streaming Platforms vs. Free Streaming Site

• Free Platforms (YouTube, Facebook Live):

Pros: Free, well-known and easy to use.

Cons: Limited privacy, content control, and monetization; potential account shutdowns.

• Professional Platforms

Pros: Enhanced reliability, features, security, ad-free streaming, and support.

Cons: Costly and learning curve.

While free private live streaming platform options exist, opting for a professional private streaming solution brings reliability, security, and advanced features. Despite costs and a learning curve, the benefits outweigh the limitations seen in free streaming platforms, providing better control and support for your streaming needs.

F. Benefits of Hosting a Private Live Stream

• Content Control: Private streams offer control over viewers and content access, ensuring a targeted audience.
• Enhanced Engagement: Interaction on a more personalized level leads to increased viewer engagement, which is beneficial for brands.
• Reduced Effort: Private streams require less promotion and marketing effort compared to public ones.
• Exclusive Feel: Private live streams create a sense of exclusivity, fostering audience-building and customer relationships.

Conclusion

Although we have laid out all the details, including features, prices and security capabilities of all the leading private livestream platforms, the decision of selecting the ideal one remains with you. Hence, we suggest you prioritise your brand’s needs and goals. Also, explore pricing plans and weigh the pros and cons of each platform to make sure your chosen platform helps you elevate private streaming experiences.