A guide to secure video streaming services (5 top options reviewed)

What makes a streaming service secure?

Numerous tools are available that promise to enhance streaming security. At a minimum, any service worth using will maintain strict protocols and restrictions to prevent piracy. It will uphold widely-accepted security standards, such as SOC 2 and HIPAA, and ensure that only authorized users can access live-streaming video content.

When evaluating your options, pay attention to:

• Encryption protocols: Encryption scrambles data as it’s streamed, making it accessible only to viewers with the correct key. The best OTT video hosting services stay ahead by using the most up-to-date protocols and algorithms.
• Digital rights management (DRM): This type of system controls access to video content according to specific license and usage restrictions. A secure service will implement DRM on all the content you upload and provide you with the tools needed to restrict access.
• Secure content delivery networks (CDNs): distribute video content to viewers more efficiently and implement security measures as needed. They detect viewers’ locations through IP addresses and activate additional security practices specific to that locale, such as the data consent forms required by GDPR.
• Secure authorizations: Methods such as single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication, and password protection keep unauthorized viewers from playing encrypted video content.

Learn how Vimeo Streaming keeps your content secure →

How to secure your video streaming content

Although quality online video platforms offer plenty of security features, it’s still up to you to configure and manage them correctly. Additionally, every organization has unique needs, so it's essential to select options and settings that align with your content and goals.

Before we look at specific tools, here are four global strategies for staying on top of your video content’s security:

• Implement password protection and DRM from day one: Digital rights management protects your content from piracy, and so does the use of strong, safeguarded passwords. However, these methods only work if you use them proactively. Ensure that you enforce smart password policies from the outset, and enable DRM for every video or live stream before it goes online.
• Use the best encryption methods: If your streaming service exposes customer data, you could be held liable for unauthorized access. Rely on only the most advanced techniques for encrypted content, such as AES, SSL/TLS, and HTTPS protocols.
• Enable geo-blocking: With geographic IP restrictions, you can restrict access to your content in certain regions, which helps you avoid area-specific legal issues.
• Test frequently: Utilize security scanning tools to check your video streaming platform for security vulnerabilities regularly. A proactive approach helps you detect vulnerabilities before bad actors do.

5 top secure video streaming platforms

Even if you know what to look for, the sheer amount of available options can be overwhelming. The process is more straightforward if you have a clear starting point. With that in mind, here are five video streaming platforms that offer secure live streaming, on-demand videos, and broadcasting capabilities. 

1. Vimeo Streaming

Vimeo Streaming offers the best OTT platform protection for both internal and external live video. Its embedding tools, AES-256 encryption, password protections, and advanced privacy options are ideal if you want a secure video player that doesn’t skimp on quality.

Pros:

• Comprehensive security suite including digital rights management, a secure CDN, and several authorization methods such as SSO and multi-factor authentication.
• Multiple video monetization models, such as SVOD, TVOD, and advanced paywalls, allow you to sell on-demand videos or live-streaming access, however your audience prefers.
• Password protection that ensures only authorized users can watch, share, or download your video content.

Cons:

• Some advanced video hosting features, such as SSO, digital rights management, and HIPAA compliance, require an Enterprise plan.
• Bandwidth restrictions limit the amount you can stream to viewers per month (although at 2TB/month, most users will never reach that limit).

Pricing: You can get basic live-streaming features on the Advanced plan, starting at $75 per month when billed annually, or you can talk to the sales team for custom Enterprise pricing.

Try a Vimeo Streaming demo today →

2. Dacast

Dacast is a secure video platform tailored to educational institutions and enterprise organizations. It offers password protection and geo-blocking in all its packages, along with 24/7 customer support. You can also use it to paywall your encrypted on-demand videos or live-streaming content.

Pros:

• Flexible pricing plans allow you to select a level that’s right for your company and choose add-ons that introduce extra functionality, such as paywalls and advertising. 
• There are no limits on the number of streams you can run using Dacast, or the number of viewers who can watch your video content.

Cons:

• You get fewer built-in security features, such as SSO (which you’ll need an additional plugin to get working).
• There’s no built-in editor for touching up content on this video hosting platform. You’ll have to download your videos and edit them with third-party software like Vimeo.

Pricing: Dacast plans start at $39 per month when billed annually.

Compare Vimeo and Dacast →

3. Brightcove

Brightcove is a video streaming platform designed for large organizations that require an encrypted solution for live streaming, broadcasts, and on-demand content. Its marketing integrations and detailed analytics help enterprise clients fine-tune their offerings to maximize engagement and conversions. 

Pros:

• Enterprise-grade security features, such as IP address restrictions and geo-blocking, help organizations restrict unauthorized access to video content.
• Compatibility with multiple marketing platforms, such as Hootsuite and Marketo, enables companies to integrate their tech stacks seamlessly into their video hosting solution.

Cons:

• Pricing is tailored to each organization, so getting the best price involves negotiating with a sales team.
• Reliance on plugins means you’ll need to configure and manage a network of integrations to get the most out of the Brightcove platform.

Pricing: Price options aren’t freely available; you’ll need to contact support for a custom quote.

Compare Vimeo and Brightcove →

4. VPlayed

VPlayed is a white-label platform for setting up your own private video streaming service. It’s fully customizable, and it offers flexible monetization and video hosting options. It’s suitable for brands looking to create an extensive library of video content.

Pros:

• Strong security features like DRM, IP address restrictions, and geo-blocking help you control who watches your content and prevent piracy.
• Custom branding allows you to develop your streaming platform from the ground up and create a customized video player.

Cons:

• Upfront costs are typically high, especially when using the one-time cost option.
• This video hosting platform is complex and has a steep learning curve, with features that exceed the needs of many teams.

Pricing: VPlayed doesn’t offer transparent pricing; you’ll need to contact its support team.

5. Uscreen

Uscreen is a video streaming platform that helps organizations and content creators grow their brands. It offers several features to drive engagement and build communities, including built-in feeds and live-streaming chats. Its video marketing tools, such as personalized push notifications and private chat channels, are designed to generate leads and retain viewers.

Pros:

• A marketing-centric design helps you find and retain viewers more effectively, with automated features for keeping up with your growing audience.
• Flexible monetization models enable creators to monetize videos through subscriptions, on-demand videos, and live streaming.

Cons:

• The limited security features don’t offer native support for DRM or video-specific password protection.
• Pricing plans are expensive and scale up for each subscriber, a cost you’ll likely have to pass on to viewers.

Pricing: The lowest plan is $149 per month, with an extra $1.99 per subscriber fee.

Compare Vimeo and Uscreen →

FAQ

What’s a secure video file?

A secure video file is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. It typically uses AES encryption to scramble the data in the video, and SSL/TLS protocols to verify that the viewer has the proper certificates. Meanwhile, it’s often connected to a DRM service that restricts whether viewers can take screenshots or recordings, as well as the number of times they can watch the same video.

What’s encrypted video streaming?

This type of streaming encrypts, transmits, and decrypts secure video files in real time. Live streaming services like Hulu and Netflix utilize SSL/TLS protocols, DRM, and AES encryption in a similar manner, and the process is executed over the cloud.

Why should you secure your video streaming platform?

There are many reasons to secure your video streaming platform. Most importantly, you’ll do this to prevent piracy. Your video content is a valuable product that becomes significantly less useful when it’s stolen and published elsewhere. Secure videos are also required by privacy regulations, such as the GDPR and HIPAA, especially when they contain personally identifiable information.

Keep your content secure with Vimeo Streaming

Vimeo Streaming is a secure and reliable platform for teams of all sizes, ranging from individual content creators to large-scale enterprises. Its comprehensive security features, such as top-notch encryption and password protection, secure both internal and external video content.

When coupled with detailed Analytics, Vimeo users get a complete video hosting solution. This helps you identify insights about viewer behavior and act on potential security threats sooner.