As part of my multi-blog series on video distribution platforms I thought it might be a good idea to review the new Vimeo Plus as an option for video sharing sites for small to mid-sized businesses that are just getting started in video. So here we go:
What is Vimeo Plus?
It’s the commercial arm of basic Vimeo that allows businesses and organizations to host their video content on a high-quality video management platform for $199/year.
What does it come with?
-Commercial hosting option (new!)
-High Definition video (up to 1080p!)
-Advanced Analytics
-Unlimited customizable video Portfolio sites
-Unlimited HD embedding
-Fast, Priority uploading
-Super-customizable and brandable video player (new!)
-HTML5 support with the Vimeo Universal Player
-Full mobile, tablet and connected TV compatibility
-Unlisted video review pages (new!)
-Third Party video player support (new!)
-Optional original file storage
Uploads and Play capacities?
50 GB of upload space per year up to 5GB per upload with the option of buying an additional 50GB for an additional $199/year. Play limits are set to 250, 000 plays with the option of buying 100,000 more plays for an additional $199/year (unused additional plays roll over for two years)
Customized Portfolio?
Involves some default themes (I don’t know how customizable that really is, but you have alternatives to the generic I guess is the point) and the option to use your own domain name.
Video Review Page?
The video review pages are semi-private, unlisted video pages. Pages are unbranded and accept anonymous comments, so even people who don’t have Vimeo accounts can leave feedback.
Things to watch out for?
If you do not renew your Vimeo Pro account all of your vidoes including source files (which they actually encourage you not to upload) will be removed. Eek!
I initially reviewed Vimeo Plus as an option for small businesses of any kind wanting some type of DAM/Distribution platform for a reasonable price, but now having seen the features that are available I feel that the target audience for this platform is only professional artists. Actors, Producers, Writers, Editors, Director of Photographers, Animators etc. Definitely people that I would work with and certainly a great way to showcase what your artistic style and what commercial work you’ve done in the past.
Unfortunately, I don’t see it as a permanent DAM solution or a distribution network that reaches out to the general public (YouTube still seems to be a better option for that). However, as a way to display your creative work in the way it was meant to be viewed in a relatively inexpensive way, I totally think Vimeo Plus fits the bill.
