Whether you’re a small business owner, a content creator, or just someone who wants to share videos on your website, there’s a big question you’ve probably pondered: Should you self-host your videos on your website or throw them up on video platforms like YouTube or Vimeo and then embed them on your site? That is what we will check in today’s Video Lion. Come with me!
So, let’s start with Self-Hosting Videos:
Self-hosting videos is a bit like managing your business, being the one who makes the rules. You’re the one in charge, the ruler of your video kingdom. But, in everything in life, there are pluses and minuses.
The Pluses:
The first one is Total Control: Self-hosting gives you absolute control over your videos. You decide how your video player looks, feels, and behaves. It’s like you’re the director of your own movie!
Then we have Full Customization: Want your video player to match your website’s style? No problem! You can design it to blend in seamlessly.
Then, Privacy: If you’re dealing with sensitive content or you just want to keep things under wraps, self-hosting lets you choose who gets to watch your videos. It’s your secret garden.
No Surprise Ads: You won’t see any pesky ads popping up next to your video. It’s your content, and it’s all about you!
The Minuses:
First, Techy Troubles: Self-hosting can get pretty technical. You need a good server, enough bandwidth, and some technical know-how to make it work. If you’re not tech-savvy, this path could be a bumpy ride.
Now, Speed Bumps: Big video files can slow down your website if you don’t optimize them correctly. If the pages on your website are slower to load, people will leave your site quicker than they came.
Money Matters: Hosting videos takes up space on your server, which can cost you more in hosting fees.
Then, Limited Reach: Your videos might not get as much visibility as they would on YouTube or Vimeo. It’s like hosting a party but not sending out invitations.
Now, let’s look at YouTube or Vimeo Embedding:
Picture this: you’re the cool kid who throws a party everyone wants to attend. Uploading your videos to YouTube or Vimeo and then embedding them on your website is like that popular party.
The Pluses:
Wide, Wide World: These platforms are like the hangout spots of the internet. Your videos have a better chance of reaching a larger audience. It’s like inviting the whole town to your party!
No Tech Stress: You don’t have to worry about servers and bandwidth. Hosting platforms take care of all the technical stuff, so you can relax. And your videos will play seamlessly, no problem.
Then, Google Loves You: If you want Google to notice you, hosting on YouTube is a smart move. Your videos can show up in search engine results and drive more traffic to your website. It’s like getting free advertising. Don’t forget, Google owns YouTube.
Share, Share, Share: Viewers can easily share videos from these platforms, spreading the word about your content. More sharing equals more eyeballs on your stuff.
The Minuses:
Less Control: You won’t have as much say in how the video player looks or behaves. It’s like throwing a party at someone else’s place—you have to follow their rules.
Ads Alert: YouTube and Vimeo might display ads, and those can sometimes distract viewers from your content. It’s like having a random street performer show up at your party.
Limited Customization: While you can make some changes to the video player’s appearance, it might not perfectly match your website’s design. It’s like wearing your favorite sneakers to a fancy dinner.
Then, there’s the Privacy Predicament: On these public platforms, you might have less control over who can watch your videos. It’s like throwing a party with an open-door policy.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Before you decide, let’s consider a few things:
The first is Goals: What’s your main goal? Is it to control everything, or do you want as many people as possible to see your videos?
Tech Savviness: Are you tech-savvy, or do you prefer to leave the technical stuff to others?
Budget: Hosting videos can get expensive. Do you have the budget for self-hosting, or are you looking for a more cost-effective option?
SEO: If you’re all about SEO and getting found on Google, YouTube might be your golden ticket.
In many cases, a mix of both can be a smart strategy. You can upload important videos to YouTube for maximum exposure and embed them on your website for context and engagement.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice should align with your specific needs and priorities. So, go ahead, make an informed decision, and let your videos shine like the stars they are—whether they’re self-hosted or YouTube’s VIP guests!
That’s it for today. Before you go, don’t forget to give us a like or leave a comment, and, if you haven’t done it yet, subscribe to our channel or podcast to stay informed about everything related to video for business.
See you in the next Video Lion!
Click below to watch the Video Version of this blog: