In the market for a video hosting site that offers more for your business? Whether you want paid or free video hosting, both Vimeo and Wistia fit the bill. But for businesses looking to ratchet up return on investment (ROI), several video hosting platforms offer more than just support for video sharing.
From webinar software to features that support video creation and video marketing, both Vimeo and Wistia catapult video campaigns into the spotlight and drive revenue. But in our humble (and let’s face it somewhat biased opinion), one video hosting platform provides a more complete toolbox to create, edit, and market your video content.
- What is the difference between Vimeo and Wistia?
- Vimeo vs Wistia: A side-by-side comparison of video platforms
- Video hosting comparison
- Live streaming and virtual event software comparison
- Recording comparison
- Video creation and editing comparison
- Video marketing comparison
- Video communications comparison
What is the difference between Vimeo and Wistia?
The Vimeo video platform is a powerhouse for video marketing, driven by a high-quality, customizable video player and an AI-powered video maker and editing tools. Supported by a full suite of video marketing, video communications, and video analytics tools, Vimeo’s ability to help creative teams take video collaboration to the next level makes it a slam dunk as a business video hosting solution.
Wistia’s video platform is geared towards marketers that need to closely monitor the performance of marketing videos with detailed information about viewer engagement. Wistia also has integrations with several marketing tools designed to drive lead generation, but the absence of templates, advanced video editing tools, and a lower number of included videos may leave teams searching for another video software solution to fill the gaps.
Vimeo vs. Wistia: A side-by-side comparison of video hosting platforms
Both Vimeo and Wistia offer comparable video hosting services, a live streaming platform for virtual events, as well as video marketing and video communications tools. Here’s how those features stack up side by side.
| Features | Vimeo | Wistia |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Freemium, $0–$65/mo Enterprise plans vary | Freemium, $0–$319/mo Premium plans vary |
| Video quality | 4K HDR (Up to 8K) | 4K HD |
| Bandwidth | 2 TB/mo Unlimited with Enterprise | 200 GB–1 TB/mo 2 TB+ with Premium |
| Included video storage | Up to 500 videos Unlimited videos with Enterprise | Up to 250 videos 1,000 videos with Premium |
| Video templates | Yes | No |
| In-platform video editor | Yes (Advanced) | Yes (Basic) |
| Screen recording | Yes | Yes |
| Analytics dashboard | Yes | Yes |
| Video Library & teams folders | Yes | Yes |
Video hosting platform comparison: Vimeo vs. Wistia
Putting your best footage forward requires a professional, high-quality video player that’ll embed anywhere. Here’s how Vimeo video hosting services compare to Wistia and which site is a better place to stash your video content.
Vimeo video hosting overview
The Vimeo video hosting platform sports one of the best ad-free, custom video players available, coupled with exceptional sound, security features, and the kind of video maker integrations that make uploading and editing hassle-free.
- Reliable, high-quality video. Vimeo’s HTML5 video player is known for reliable performance and hosts videos in 4K, 8K, HDR, and Dolby Vision.
- Crisp, crystal clear audio. With a constant bitrate of 320 kbps, Vimeo has exceptional sound quality you won’t find on many other video hosting sites.
- No ads. Whether you have enterprise plans or a free trial, Vimeo’s player is always free from ads before, during, and after you click play.
- Customize your video. Vimeo’s fully custom video player means branding elements, from logos to colors to controls, stay in place no matter where you embed videos.
- Frictionless uploads. Cue up your Android, iPhone, Mac, or even Windows, because Vimeo integrates with iMovie, Google Drive, Dropbox and more for easy uploads.
- Reach viewers anywhere. Whether they’re on the mobile app or stumble across your video on desktop, Vimeo attracts viewers no matter where your audience finds you.
Get started with free video hosting from Vimeo →
Wistia video hosting overview
Like Vimeo, Wistia offers an ad-free customizable video player geared towards marketers looking to embed lead-capture and CTAs. Of particular concern for video hosting is Wistia’s limited included storage which could be a dealbreaker for some businesses.
- Ad-free video player. While both platforms offer custom, ad-free players, Wistia’s only supports video up to 4K in contrast to Vimeo’s Dolby Vision and 8K resolution support.
- Limited video storage. The lowest priced Plus plan only includes 20 videos, so Wistia’s limited included storage may be challenging for a creative team working on campaigns with multiple video assets that are on a fixed budget.
- Embedded lead capture and CTAs. Wistia’s custom player supports embedding lead capture and CTAs directly into video content for lead generation and video monetization. Keep in mind, however, that Vimeo Interactive features can also incorporate CTA’s into your video content.
Live streaming, webinar, and virtual event software comparison: Vimeo vs. Wistia
Going beyond prerecorded video to live stream events or host a webinar is a great way to expand your reach and engagement. But to do virtual experiences well, you’ll need video software that supports live streaming and interactive video.
Vimeo live stream and virtual event platform overview
Livestreaming on Vimeo is a breeze thanks to the state-of-the-art Vimeo platform, which includes tools to brand your stream and browser-based multistreams.
- Reliable HD livestreams. Enjoy the superior video quality from Vimeo with 1080p HD live viewing experience even for participants with low bandwidth. Host stunning branded events on Vimeo Venues, our online event platform.
- Engaging virtual events. Vimeo’s webinar software lets you add chat, polls, Q&A, and live links to your livestream, creating opportunities for connection and interaction.
- Multiple streams, stress-free. Vimeo virtual events stream simultaneously to social platforms like YouTube and Facebook or LinkedIn.
- Focus on your audience. Before and after your event, you have the ability to send pre-event and post-event emails. Auto-sync any leads back to your CRM of choice, such as Hubspot, Salesforce, or Marketo, using Vimeo’s CRM integrations.
- Branded streams with Vimeo Studio. Broadcast from the Vimeo Studio mix in audio, logos, brand colors, and even custom graphics to create branded livestreams.
- On demand video assets. Repurpose your webinar or event into downloadable video assets for social media or splice video into content chapters for curriculum or training.
See how livestreaming on Vimeo works →
Wistia live stream and virtual events overview
Wistia Live is a livestream software designed to host corporate video virtual events like webinars and training. It does the busy work of sending out reminders and inviting panelists but does not have as many features to create a custom, interactive livestreaming experience.
- Lead generation. Wistia Live has features for gathering registrant info so you can follow up with participants and use live events for lead generation.
- Limited audience and duration. With Wistia, livestreams are limited according to your plan. Advanced plans have a maximum of 500 attendees and a 2-hour time limit.
- Invite panelists. Wistia Live can invite an unlimited number of panelists, but limits input during the event to four streams.
- Simulcast limits. Wistia live streams can only be cast to 5 locations such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and other platforms.
Screen recording comparison: Vimeo vs. Wistia
From recording your screen for internal communications to generating subtitles through auto caption, the best screen recording software helps capture more than just what’s on the screen. See how the screen recorder from Vimeo stacks up to Wistia’s and which might be a better fit for your needs.
Vimeo screen recorder overview
Perfect for employee communications and training, the Vimeo screen recorder has built-in features that make the effort to record your screen a seamless and stress-free viewing experience.
- Video teleprompter. Vimeo’s built-in teleprompter scrolls script at the bottom of your screen when recording so you don’t need to toggle between windows to find your place.
- Smooth screen recorder. Make debriefs and meetings more dynamic by capturing your screen, your camera feed, or both on mobile or desktop with the Vimeo screen recorder.
- Record screens on the go. Not everything happens at a desk. With Vimeo’s app, you can record your screen on mobile, then upload to Zoom, Dropbox, and more.
- Add CTAs and lead capture. Unlock contact forms for the embedded Vimeo video player as a member of a Basic plan or above. When creating your form, you have the option to add a custom message.
Take Vimeo’s screen recorder for a test drive →
Wistia screen recorder overview
Previously known as Soapbox, Wistia Studio supports creating screen recordings and webcam recordings to share on your site, socials, or sent as direct links for private viewing.
- Dual-stream recording. Wistia’s screen recording capabilities enable simultaneous recording of both screen and webcam for talking head videos, tutorials, and more.
- Add CTAs and lead capture. Paid tiers have access to features that add CTAs and lead captures to enable easier content monetization of screen recordings.
Video creation comparison: Vimeo vs. Wistia
For businesses and brands, having a one-stop video solution is like the holy grail of video content marketing. Here’s how Vimeo and Wistia features compare in terms of AI tools that enable not just video creation, but polished and professional video editing.
Vimeo video maker and editor overview
You’ll find a lot more than video hosting on Vimeo. The Vimeo online video maker includes a suite of AI-driven tools that empower professional-level video recording, editing, and branding.
- Advanced video editing. Vimeo’s timeline editor helps you create polished content with a drag-and-drop interface, advanced audio controls, and custom titles and graphics.
- Templates for the win. Drive team efficiency with hundreds of professionally designed video templates that transform video content into branded visuals.
- AI-powered recording. Let Vimeo AI lend a hand with a script generator and online teleprompter that produces audio captions, subtitles, and downloadable transcripts.
- Integrated branding. Vimeo helps your messaging stay on point with popping custom colors, fonts, graphics, and logos integrated straight from your brand kit.
Check out Vimeo’s video editing tools now →
Wistia video maker overview
Wistia boasts a video creator with some minimalist editing functions like a trimming tool. Wistia also recently launched Fetch, a suite of AI-supported features that adds auto-transcripts and descriptions.
- Video trimming. Whether you’re wrangling a webinar down to the allotted time or clipping a snippet for a tutorial, Wistia’s video trimmer is on standby to assist.
- AI video highlights and descriptions. Wistia’s AI identifies engaging moments from live events or suggests video descriptions based on selected topics.
- Auto transcripts and captions. Wistia’s AI-powered, time-coded auto transcripts and captions claim to drive better SEO and viewer accessibility.
Video marketing capabilities comparison: Vimeo vs. Wistia
Several video hosting platforms have the tools to turn your video content into revenue, but few do it as well as Vimeo and Wistia with a built-in suite of video marketing features and advanced video analytics.
Vimeo video marketing overview
Vimeo empowers influencers, businesses, and brands to create video campaigns that convert clicks into revenue. Workflow tools drive video collaboration while a dialed-in analytics dashboard empowers measuring, reporting, and improving the impact of video content.
- Video templates. Keep the vibe consistent across platforms with Vimeo video templates that allow you to create and customize branded video assets.
- Video analytics. Track return on investment (ROI) and glean valuable insight on video performance with at-a-glance data gathered in Vimeo’s analytics dashboard.
- Share data easily. Export and share video metrics or generate reports for stakeholders from a centralized data hub that keeps video marketing campaigns on track.
- Workflow optimization. Improve team collaboration with built-in tools that support consolidated feedback and time-coded comments that help reduce delays.
- Marketing integrations. Vimeo integrates with CRM platforms (Hubspot, Marketo, Constant Contact, and Salesforce) so you can leverage video for lead generation.
Take your video marketing strategy next level →
Wistia video marketing overview
Wistia is built for video marketers, so the tools for managing campaigns are top-notch. Wistia specifically excels at lead generation, video analytics, marketing integrations, embedded CTAs and A/B testing for video content.
- Advanced analytics. See play rate, video engagement, conversion rates, and even engagement heatmaps from Wistia’s analytics dashboard.
- A/B video testing.Try out different thumbnails, CTAs and optimize your video content with Wistia’s A/B testing features.
- Marketing integrations. Wistia integrates with most CRMs and other software typically found in tech stacks like HubSpot and Google Analytics.
- Lead generation. Forms embedded in the video player let you capture and sync data from videos to a CRM platform.
Video communications comparison: Vimeo vs. Wistia
Gone are the days of fumbling through an outdated pdf and spending hours on hold with tech support. Today, businesses harness the power of video communication to help create a more connected, efficient workplace.
Vimeo video comms overview
Vimeo’s tools transform training and tutorials into workforce communications that build productivity and collaboration. Advanced video security features let you control access to video content and manage a central hub of searchable folders.
- Modernized workplace communication. Vimeo helps pull together screen recordings, virtual events, and prerecorded video into a scalable employee communication strategy.
- Control access. Vimeo video security settings like passwords and admin permissions tweak who can view your video content and monitor access.
- Mind the gaps. Let Vimeo’s auto-generated captions and subtitles help bridge language and accessibility gaps and spark collaboration and conversation.
- Organized video content. Vimeo Central uses searchable folders, which means you can sort and categorize video content and keep your video library from becoming cluttered.
- Virtual meetings reimagined. Vimeo integrates with meeting software like Zoom, offering time-stamped comments and auto-uploaded recordings so important info doesn’t get lost in the noise.
See Vimeo’s video communications tools in action →
Wistia video comms overview
Wistia’s video communications features get the job done with tools for video collaboration, video security features, and a video library for sorting and managing employee communications.
- Time-coded comments. Like Vimeo, Wistia enables time-coded comments to help with collaboration and a more efficient video review process.
- Private video sharing. While Wistia doesn’t have domain-level privacy features, security tools do include private link sharing, passwords, and admin permissions.
- Video library and search. Wistia’s cloud-based approach to video content management adds sections or channels as well as searchable video titles, descriptions, and captions.
Which enterprise video platform is best for you: Vimeo or Wistia?
If you’ve made it all the way to the end you deserve to be rewarded with a straight answer. Vimeo is our choice for a video hosting platform for marketing teams and businesses because it provides a versatile and robust approach to video marketing and internal communications.
Take your video strategy to the next level with Vimeo →
