We use Vimeo as a livestream solution to our custom website & app for students to access one-way livestreams inside the classroom. We currently have about 50 students, and 4 teachers. A Vimeo login is provided to each teacher and they can start the livestream on their own without additional technical assistance, which has been helpful - but also we appreciate that Vimeo has an OBS connection for more advanced users.
Pros
Embed & Livestream permissions
Download protection
Advanced livestream & multi-cam options
Cons
User interface sorely needs more simplicity and accessibility
Likelihood to Recommend
It's not user-friendly and takes an experienced professional to use. If someone is going to use Vimeo Enterprise, they might as well just set up their own system via private servers, they need that level of proficiency/understanding of how to get Vimeo set up.
We needed a platform to host and stream videos for our website that was easy to use, customizable, and cost effective. We also wanted a video platform for internal training and communications that was easy for multiple users to access and use. Lastly, we use Vimeo for live-streaming. It offers an unmatchable cohesive live-streaming solution. So the scope of our use is wide and we can solve multiple video needs with one platform.
Pros
Live-streaming platform with multi stream social media support
The customizable video player and detailed options for playback
Cloud based easy trimming and editing tools.
The Livestream studio software has a ton of features and options
Cons
The video library management is not well designed
The Livestream studio software could use feature updates more frequently
Batch uploading and large file uploading is not reliable
When replacing a video file the platform does not show progress
Likelihood to Recommend
Vimeo is much better for Live-streaming than other software or hardware based solutions. The Livestream Studio app runs on Macs and PCs with almost any hardware configuration. It allows you to have unlimited hardware HD and 4k inputs. 3 GFX channels and 3 media playback channels along with configurable outputs while streaming. The most unique tool is the remote guest feature which has a type of zoom function built in so you can have remote speakers join a livestream and easily hear, see, and interact with the program. This software can transform an iMac into a video production truck run by one person.
I am currently using Vimeo to host my videos for an online program in my business. I have seven modules within the program, each with at least one video (up to three) along with the other materials. All are hosted on Vimeo and embedded within the program's individual pages using their embed options.
I'd attempted to use several other services for this purpose. The issues I ran into with the competitors included allowing users to open the video in a new window (and therefore to share it with people who had not paid for the program) and poor streaming quality of the embedded video. Some even would block the users from viewing the video! I tested all of this before completing the program for sale, but wow - it was difficult to find a service that truly delivered a quality experience and was budget-friendly for a small business.
Pros
Quality streaming of video - few if any hiccups.
Embed options that allow for customization of video.
Option to limit viewing to just one domain, so users can't share the video link with others who have not paid for the content.
Easy upload process.
Cons
I'd like the ability to adjust the sizing of the progress bar for the videos. I recorded my videos with a profile photo that could only display in the lower left corner but when I attempted to add Vimeo's progress bar (showing how much time is left in the video) it covered the profile photo. If I'd kept that progress bar, the result would have looked unprofessional.
I'd like the "optimization" time after the video is uploaded to be faster. However, I realize this may depend on the speed of my internet connection.
I'd like more features in the Plus version of the service such as custom branding and lead generation options. This was included in another competitor that I tried before moving to Vimeo.
Likelihood to Recommend
Although there is room for improvement, it is a fantastic service and I would suggest this to many clients. In fact, I already have and overall they're happy with it.
It does what is needed, has impressive features in the free version as well as the Plus version, and they seem to truly listen to what their clients want for features. They're head and shoulders above the competition with delivering a service that works (unlike other mentioned) along with having a slick end product. I'm so happy that I moved over to Vimeo!
We are a university and we use Vimeo Live for three primary purposes. One is to expand our events to other venues on campus. With no space large enough on campus to host our larger events we often have overflow sites and we stream to these sites enabling us to involve more of the community. We also have an engaged alumni community and Vimeo Live allows us to keep them connected to the campus. Our largest streaming event is our commencement, with students and families from around the world Vimeo Live includes the extended family without requiring travel. Our entire organization has access to use the service and so it sees a variety of uses from studio art demonstrations, lectures, and panel speaking events.
Pros
We use the hardware based Broadcaster which makes for very easy set up. It is so easy we can loan the equipment to smaller events that do not require our on site technical assistance.
Ease of integration and embedding in our Facebook page and website give our followers many options to join the stream.
Real time statistics on viewership and chat provide up to the minute understanding of our viewers needs and issues should they arise.
Cons
The editing features are very basic for an archived event, work for us most of the time but can be clunky.
Likelihood to Recommend
Perfect for the "one to many" steaming scenarios. We sometimes struggle with choosing the right platform when we may need two way communication and establishing if the chat feature is sufficient or if we need to move to a true web conferencing platform. We love the simplicity of the one way stream and really try to make the presenting department justify any move to two way communication. We are so confident in Vimeo Live because we have all the control, if we go to any platform that relies on the far end having equipment of technical expertise the chances of a successful event diminish greatly.
