In recent years, video has become an increasingly popular medium for businesses to engage with their audience and promote their products and services. Many businesses have turned to YouTube as a platform to host their videos, as it is free, widely used, and has a large user base. However, while YouTube may seem like an attractive option for hosting business videos, there are hidden costs and drawbacks that businesses need to be aware of. This blog post will explore the hidden costs of using YouTube for videos on a business website, including YouTube branding, slow loading times, and the importance of using a non-branded video host.
YouTube Branding
One of the most obvious drawbacks of using YouTube to host business videos is the presence of YouTube branding. When businesses embed YouTube videos on their website, viewers will see the YouTube logo, player, and other branding elements. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can significantly impact how viewers perceive your business.
For one, the presence of YouTube branding can make your videos look less professional. YouTube is primarily associated with amateur content, such as vlogs, gaming videos, and music covers. Using YouTube to host your business videos risks associating your brand with this type of content, which can undermine your credibility.
Moreover, YouTube branding can distract viewers from your message. When viewers see the YouTube logo and player, they may be tempted to click away from your video and explore other content on YouTube. This can result in lower engagement rates and fewer conversions for your business.
Slow Loading Times
Another hidden cost of using YouTube for videos on a business website is slow loading times. YouTube is notorious for its slow loading times, especially for videos longer than a few minutes. This can be a major issue for businesses, as slow loading times can frustrate viewers and cause them to abandon your website.
Moreover, slow loading times can hurt your search engine rankings. Google and other search engines consider loading times when ranking websites, and slow loading times can result in lower rankings and less traffic to your site.
The Importance of Using a Non-Branded Video Host
Given the drawbacks of using YouTube for business videos, it’s clear that businesses need to consider alternative video hosting solutions. One of the most important factors is using a non-branded video host.
A non-branded video host is a video hosting service that does not display branding or logos on your videos. This means viewers will see only your content without distractions or branding from the hosting service. This can help enhance your videos’ professional look and feel and reinforce your brand identity.
Moreover, a non-branded video host can offer faster loading times and better reliability than YouTube. This is because non-branded video hosts are typically designed for businesses and offer dedicated hosting services optimized for video content. This can result in faster loading times, smoother playback, and fewer technical issues.
Some popular non-branded video hosting services for businesses include Vimeo, Wistia, and Vidyard. These services offer a range of features and pricing options, making it easy for businesses to find a solution that meets their needs and budget.
Conclusion
While YouTube may seem attractive for hosting business videos, businesses must know the hidden costs and drawbacks. YouTube branding can make your videos look less professional and distract viewers from your message. Slow loading times can frustrate viewers and negatively impact your search engine rankings. By using a non-branded video host, businesses can enhance their videos’ professional look and feel, offer faster loading times, and have better reliability. Overall, it’s important for businesses to carefully consider their video hosting options and choose a solution that meets their needs and supports their brand identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a non-branded video host?
A non-branded video host is a platform that allows businesses to upload and host their videos without the branding and distractions of a third-party platform like YouTube.
What are the benefits of using a non-branded video host?
Using a non-branded video host can provide a more professional appearance for business videos, reduce distractions, increase control over video content, and improve SEO for the business website.
What are the hidden pitfalls of hosting business videos on YouTube?
Hosting business videos on YouTube can result in branding conflicts, loss of control over video content, and the possibility of ads or related videos displaying alongside business content.
How can a non-branded video host improve SEO for a business website?
Hosting videos on a non-branded video host can improve SEO for a business website by keeping viewers on the website longer, increasing engagement, and reducing bounce rates.
Are non-branded video hosts easy to use?
Yes, non-branded video hosts are designed to be user-friendly and easy to use, with many offering a range of features and integrations for businesses.
How much does it cost to use a non-branded video host?
The cost of using a non-branded video host can vary depending on the platform and the features needed, with many offering a range of pricing plans to suit different business sizes and needs.
