YouTube receives over 1.5 billion signed users a month and feeds 1 billion hours of video a day to users. But YouTube’s guidelines are always being revised without prior notice and competition is so large. It’s hard to get noticed easily and a lot of top rated videos are mundane and boring. If you are one of those users that are frustrated by this, you should read on and discover several YouTube competitors that you will enjoy watching or use as an alternative to publish your content.
Vimeo
In contrast to YouTube, Vimeo emphasises on high-definition quality video content rather than quantity. It is known to use better encoding techniques and higher bitrates than other video streaming services. Despite this, it has one of the smoothest players I’ve come across. Playback continues flawlessly even if you seek to an unbuffered position.
Since video content is mostly uploaded by filmmakers, you will see a lot of animations, music videos, and short films. So it’s beneficial if you want to see original content. It also offers some TV Shows to stream and supports 360-degree videos. If you are lost on what to watch, Vimeo regularly updates its video selection from staff picks and trending videos to help guide you.
Videos are organized by category and channel. There are 16 browsable categories but the community can create custom groups to make it easier to discover interest-specific videos. Apart from this, Vimeo also allows you to change the video URL to make it easier to be found.
One great feature for businesses is video branding. The video can be tweaked to match your portfolio or identity. For example, Vimeo allows you to add text and logos to videos.
TikTok
TikTok is the largest YouTube competitor in 2020. One possible reason for this is that it gives users the ability to make videos in raw style with low-cost production. This motivates people to produce videos from their own home. Also, unlike YouTube, it has very relaxing policies regarding content upload.
Moreover, the platform is becoming very popular with celebrities who seek to promote their work with fans. TikTok offers in-built video editing inside the app. This ensures that the content created is smooth. It also allows services like Adobe Premiere Rush or PicsArt to directly upload to it.
In the end, TikTok provides users with binge-watching opportunities, especially since videos uploaded can only be 15 seconds.
Twitch
With 2.8 billion gamers worldwide in 2020, its no wonder Twitch came about. Twitch, owned by Amazon, gives focus to live streaming for video gaming, e-sports and gaming related shows. Apart from this, it also broadcasts live music videos from festivals and concerts. Back in 2014, Steve Aoki famously aired a whole set from Ibiza.
Twitch homepage includes the most trending games and user goes on about choosing the stream. The live stream includes a live video of a game being played along with their live commentary. The video also provides a live chat where users can interact with each other. With the minimum age requirement being 13, one must be warned that their chat and content isn’t completely censored.
IGTV
Instagram TV is a new addition to Instagram. Its a video platform that shows vertical, long-form videos that are specifically designed for smartphone watch. All you need to do is have an Instagram account and IGTV will automatically show you videos posted by your followed creators.
You can also follow different channels on IGTV or just browse through the automated feed based on your interests. The videos are separated based on your followers, your suggestions and whats trending.
For content creators, IGTV is a great platform to show your work, interests and make connections. In contrast to TikTok, IGTV offers you a limit of 1-hour feed.
Metacafe
Metacafe focuses on short-form video content of 90-second clips. It has a minimal interface with neatly categorized sections for easier browsing. It purveys to over 40 million viewers. This platform is not meant for professionally made videos or hard interviews, but rather sets focus on humorous videos, to-the-point user reviews and how-to-guides made by users.
They also provide a reward program called Produced Reward Program that allows you to get income from your videos. You can get paid up to $5 per 1000 visits from this program. However, you need to have at least 20K views to be eligible for this program.
Facebook has its own video sharing media platform. With over 1.62 billion visiting users every day, it’s a strong YouTube competitor.
Facebook allows you to optimize the videos you upload, including thumbnail tags and meta descriptions. It also enables you to upload high-definition videos without the need to compress.
Creating live videos is a much easier process on Facebook compared to other tools. It’s worth noting that video posts on Facebook have a higher ranking than normal text posts. So Video posts have a higher chance of being shown on other users timelines.
Final thoughts and recommendations
At the moment, YouTube keeps its dominance in video sharing platforms. But that’s not to say, their alternatives do not offer better features in some areas. For example, if you want to easily upload and edit on the go or binge-watch, TikTok, IGTV or Facebook is the way to go. If you have a love for gaming, Twitch is definitely your better alternative. So depending on what you are after, the list of YouTube competitors have a lot to give.
Veteran content writer with focus on Technology and SEO.
