Dacast is a seasoned player in the video industry with over a decade of experience, having earned the trust of thousands of customers worldwide. Nevertheless, with the ever-changing landscape and emerging competition in the video industry, it’s good to stay ahead of the trends.
This article focuses on the best Dacast alternatives for 2023 and their unique features, pricing structures, and performance capabilities.
Dacast: An Overview
Similar to JW Player, Dacast is an end-to-end live streaming platform designed for hosting, monetizing, and broadcasting video content. Let’s take a look at their key features to see what it offers for video-driven businesses, educators, and content creators:
- Live streaming: Dacast offers live streaming capabilities and supports both live and VOD (video-on-demand). Its feature set includes adaptive bitrate streaming, low-latency streaming, and global content delivery.
- Video hosting: Dacast users can use the platform to host their video content and store it securely in the cloud. Basically, you can upload your videos to the platform and access them when you want to broadcast or share them with your audience.
- Monetization: Dacast supports AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD subscription models, so you can create monthly or weekly subscription structures. Alternatively, you can set up group pricing or channel packages for your audience. To accurately represent the streaming cost in the viewer’s currency, Dacast automatically converts the currency on its paywall.
- White-label streaming: With Dacast, you can customize the interface of your HTML5 video player and embed it on your website.
- OTT solution: With Dacast’s OTT platform, you can monetize and deliver live or on-demand content on your own OTT apps on every device. To protect your content, you can check out their security features, including DRM (Digital Rights Management), password restrictions, or geo-restrictions.
- RTMP live streaming: Dacast’s RTMP functionality includes streaming unlimited live video channels, VOD hosting, library organization, and video monetization features.
- HTTP live streaming: Dacast uses the HLS streaming protocol to distribute live streams on all platforms and devices. The HLS platform is scalable, meaning that it converts live streams into smaller files that are easier to distribute to a wider audience without a designated player.
- China video hosting: By signing up for Dacast, you can deliver video in China. Namely, the platform has an ICP license and a contract with Chinese CDNs, allowing users to host video-on-demand in China.
- Video API for developers: With Dacast’s video content management API and player API, you can build your own video CMS, or enhance your mobile apps.
In terms of pricing, Dacast offers three subscription tiers:
- Starter: Priced at $39 per month when billed annually, the Starter plan offers 2.4 TB of bandwidth and 500 GB of storage per year. Creators or businesses with smaller audiences could benefit the most from this plan.
- Event: The Event plan will cost you $63 when billed annually, and will allow you 6 TB of bandwidth and 250 GB of storage upfront. If you don’t want to sign a contract, but need bandwith, this is the plan for you.
- Scale: Lastly, the Scale plan costs $165 per month when billed annually, and comes with 24 TB of bandwidth and 2000 GB of storage. This plan would be a good choice for business and organizational video streaming.
All things considered, Dacast’s solution doesn’t come without drawbacks. Upon research on G2 and Capterra, here are some of the most common cons that users have experienced:
- Weak API compared to competitors
- Some users on G2 report delays when the bandwidth is exceeded
- Some users want more payment plans
- Processing to full HD quality can take some time
Overall, Dacast is a platform worth looking at if you want a video streaming solution with basic tools to enhance your video content.
What are the Best Dacast Alternatives in 2024?
While Dacast is a decent live streaming and video hosting solution, taking a look at some alternatives will help you make a better-informed decision based on your specific needs. Let’s take a look at some of Dacast’s toughest competitors:
1. JW Player
JW Player is a complete video hosting solution designed for publishers, broadcasters, and companies that rely heavily on video content. The platform has been assisting businesses in growing and enhancing their video strategy since its launch in 2004.
The end-to-end VOD platform makes it possible for users to stream live events 24/7 across multiple platforms and devices, including web, OTT, and CTV.
Additionally, you can increase your incremental plays up to 60% while also expanding your ad potential. JW Player makes this possible through tools like the recommendations engine, article matching, and social media integrations.
And if you need to maximize your ad revenue, look no further. JW Player provides AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD video monetization options so you can make the most out of your video content.
All things considered, JW Player is a trusted video streaming solution that will provide top-notch experiences no matter the device. Here are their main selling points:
- Subscriptions and payments: Take advantage of the SSAI, CSAI, AVOD, TVOD, or SVOD monetization models to increase ad revenue.
- FAST channels: JW Player partnered with ViewNexa to bring you FAST channel integration.
- OTT apps: Delivering content to every device has never been easier with JW Player’s integrated workflows. Moreover, you can safeguard your premium content with studio-approved DRM, as well as Token Signing and Geo Blocking.
- HTML5 web player: JW Player’s fastest HTML5 player will allow your video content to look beautiful on any screen. Notable features include CSS and APIs for customization, and HLS & DASH compliant video playback.
- Video analytics: Utilize the comprehensive data insights to adjust your video strategy depending on your audience’s needs.
If you decide to team up with JW Player, you can try it out for free before contacting the sales team for more details on pricing.
Pros
- Easy conversion of live streams into on-demand content
- Support for two adaptive streaming formats
- Fast HTML5 video player
- Customization options
- Outstream and instream ad capabilities
- Native SDKs for building OTT apps
Cons
- Doesn’t support audio-only streaming
2. Brightcove
Brightcove, established in 2004, is a video hosting solution provider. It caters to large businesses and established content creators. The platform offers features like content monetization, OTT solutions, audience engagement tools, developer solutions, and retail/e-commerce integrations. Here are some key features to consider:
- Pay-per-view monetization
- OTT apps
- Native Video Cloud Interactivity features
- APIs and SDKs
- Retail and e-commerce integrations
- Social media integrations
However, pricing details are not publicly available and must be obtained by contacting their sales team directly.
Pros
- Intuitive user interface
- Up-to-date with latest technology
- Online resources and documentation available
- Quick response times from customer support
- Scalable solution
- Integration with Tier 1 CDNs
Cons
- Some users report longer upload speeds for larger files
3. Uscreen
Uscreen is a white-label, end-to-end video platform. The solution has all the necessary tools you need to distribute video content online or on OTT devices. You can take advantage of various monetization, analytics, marketing, or sales tools.
Moreover, the platform grants you control over your customers’ data, such as personal or billing information that is securely saved in their database and can be exported at any time. Here’s what else they have to offer:
- Branded OTT apps
- PPV live streaming
- Monetization tools
- Marketing and retention tools
- Video CMS
- Themes and templates
You can get started with Uscreen for free for 30 days. If you decide to continue, you can subscribe to the Growth plan for $149 monthly, or go for the Pro plan for $499 per month. The Plus plan with additional features is available upon contacting sales for users with specific requirements.
Pros
- Great customer support
- Easy to navigate for less tech-savvy users
- Regular updates with new features
- Affordable pricing
- Variety of templates
- Third-party integration
Cons
- Some users found the user dashboard confusing
4. Vidyard
Vidyard is a video hosting platform focused on helping businesses use video to increase sales and improve customer engagement.
Namely, Vidyard’s specialty are unique video messages for your outreach emails. They offer virtual walkthroughs, on-demand videos, as well as digital sales rooms. Here’s a quick overview of their main features:
- Video hosting
- Automated prospecting
- AI script generator
- Customization options
- Real-time analytics
- Marketing and social media integrations
To get started, you can sign up for Vidyard’s Free plan. After that, you can upgrade to the Pro plan at $19 per month when billed annually, or the Plus plan at $59 per month when billed annually. If you require additional features, contact sales for a custom plan.
Pros
- Ability to address customer questions in a personalized manner
- Ability to add call-to-action at the end of a video
- Easy editing
- Easy to use Chrome extension
- Video embedding options
Cons
- Slight learning curve in the beginning
5. Kaltura
Kaltura is suitable for enterprise-level organizations looking to deliver live and VOD solutions.
The platform finds its main use in larger companies or educational institutions looking to increase audience reach and engagement. You can broadcast both live or pre-recorded content in up to 4K video quality. Here’s what you can expect if you sign up:
- Developer APIs and SDKs
- Cloud TV platform
- Online community portal
- Video transcoding
If you want to take their features for a test drive, Kaltura offers a free trial with 2 free webinars. Then, you can contact their sales team to create your own plan by mixing and matching their features.
Pros
- Live chat support available
- Seamless learner experience with virtual classrooms
- Easy onboarding process
- Good value
Cons
- Might be too complicated for beginners due to the high customizability
6. IBM Cloud Video
Originally operating as Ustream, this scalable content delivery platform used to help military service members connect with their families through video.
Nowadays, IBM provides a live streaming and video hosting solution with monetization options, white-label streaming, and security options. Keep reading to check out their key features:
- HD transcoding
- Channel branding
- Interactive video options (live chats, polls, Q&A)
- AI closed captions
- Audio support for multiple languages
- Customizable registration forms and reminders
IBM offers three membership plans and a 30 day trial period. The Silver plan starts at $129 per month, the Gold plan starts from $649 per month, while the Platinum plan starts from $1,299 monthly. For more advanced features, you can contact the sales team and create a custom plan.
Pros
- Good corporate firewall support
- Multiple device compatibility
- Easy to set up and navigate
Cons
- Expensive
7. Vimeo
Vimeo is a video platform with a variety of tools and features ideal for small broadcasters.
The platform packs all of the essentials for editing, managing, sharing, and monetizing your video content. Let’s have a look at what this affordable solution provides:
- High-quality streams in 4k, 8k, HDR, and Dolby Vision
- Creation and editing tools
- Ability to create videos for social media platforms
- Ad-free player
- OTT
- Virtual events and webinars
Vimeo’s Starter plan will cost you $12 per seat/month, while the Standard plan is priced at $20 per seat/month. An Enterprise plan with enhanced support and security is also available when you contact the sales team.
Pros
- Full control over privacy settings
- Large creator community
- Reliable
Cons
- Some users on G2 experienced slow upload times
8. Muvi
Muvi is an online video platform provider aimed at streamers who want to start their own video streaming service.
With Muvi, you can customize your platform according to your branding, and you don’t need coding. Plus, you can use Muvi for music or VOD streaming, as well as monetizing your content. Check out some of their features:
- Metadata management
- MRSS feeds
- Geo-blocking
- Built-in CDN
- Smart TV apps
- Ad-supported subscription plans
To get all of these features and more, you can sign up for the Standard plan at $399 per month, the Professional plan at $1,499 per month, or the Enterprise plan at $3900 per month. The additional, Ultimate plan, includes all of the features of the Enterprise plan plus some more advanced tools and is available upon contacting sales.
Pros
- Elaborate metrics
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Some G2 users would like to see more templates
9. VPlayed
VPlayed is a video platform offering OTT, live and VOD solutions to customers looking to monetize and scale their video content.
The solution is built on microservice architecture and provides you a streamlined workflow with over 100 third-party service integrations. Their most notable features include:
- HLS/HTML5 player
- Video content management system
- DRM and security
- Video marketing tools
- Android and iOS mobile apps
- Real-time analytics
- Encoding and transcoding
To get a price on VPlayed’s solution, book a demo with their sales team.
Pros
- Multilingual subtitle support
- Dynamic watermarking
Cons
- Lack of free trial
10. Restream
Unlike the rest of the Dacast competitors on this list, Restream is primarily a simulcast tool. This means that it focuses on streaming video content to several different destinations.
Still, their Restream Studio solution allows in-browser streaming where you can engage with your viewers. Some of their noteworthy features include:
- Customization options (logos, overlays, backgrounds)
- Real-time audience engagement
- Multistreaming to 30+ social platforms
Restream offers a Free plan, a Standard plan for $16 per month, as well as a Professional plan for $41 per month.
Pros
Fast channel creation
User-friendly interface
Cons
- Lack of a background removal tool
Final thoughts
While Dacast is a compelling solution for video streaming, it’s crucial to consider alternatives that may better suit your specific needs. We’ve examined some formidable competitors and their own range of features, advantages, and drawbacks. By exploring these Dacast alternatives, you can make a more informed decision to enhance your video content strategy in 2023.