What is video hosting for course creators? Video hosting for courses is the infrastructure that stores, delivers, and protects your educational content—allowing your members to stream lessons seamlessly without buffering issues, download headaches, or security concerns. At BTS, we define it as the backbone of any serious creator business.
The best choice for most creators is Bunny Stream because it offers the perfect balance of affordability, performance, and simplicity. We've tested dozens of platforms across our community of 1,600+ creators, and Bunny consistently delivers professional-grade video hosting at a fraction of what enterprise solutions charge.
The creator economy is fragmented. Most creators are forced to stitch together tools that never become a real business—one platform for courses, another for video hosting, a third for community, and yet another for payments. It's exhausting, expensive, and unsustainable.
That's exactly why we built BTS: to give creators one place to build something they own. But here's the thing—even within our all-in-one infrastructure, we know that some creators need specialised video hosting for specific use cases. Whether you're running high-volume course libraries, need enterprise-grade security, or want granular analytics on viewer engagement, having the right video host can make or break your business.
From our experience: "After helping creators generate over $1.4 million in revenue, we've learned that video hosting isn't just a technical decision—it's a business decision that affects everything from member experience to your profit margins."
Quick Picks: Best Video Hosting for Creators
| Category | Our Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| **Best Overall** | Bunny Stream | Pay-as-you-go pricing, global CDN, exceptional performance |
| **Best for Beginners** | Vimeo | User-friendly, established platform, solid free tier |
| **Best Value** | Cloudflare Stream | Transparent pricing, enterprise-grade infrastructure |
| **We Use** | Bunny Stream (#3) | Integrated into BTS infrastructure for seamless delivery |
| **Best for Marketing** | Wistia | Lead capture, advanced analytics, conversion tools |
| **Best All-in-One** | Kajabi | Complete course platform with built-in hosting |
How We Chose These Video Hosting Platforms
We didn't just read marketing pages and call it a day. Our testing methodology comes from real-world experience helping creators build sustainable businesses.
Our research shows: "We evaluated 12+ video hosting platforms across five core criteria: pricing transparency, delivery speed, security features, integration flexibility, and creator-friendliness."
Here's what we prioritised:
- Cost predictability — Hidden fees kill creator businesses. We favoured platforms with transparent, scalable pricing.
- Global delivery performance — Your members are everywhere. Buffering in Brazil shouldn't be different from buffering in Berlin.
- Content protection — Piracy is real. We looked for HLS encryption, DRM options, and download prevention.
- Integration capability — Does it play nice with course platforms, membership sites, and creator infrastructure like BTS?
- Creator-first support — Enterprise software support isn't built for solo creators. We valued platforms that understand our world.
According to our testing: "The difference between a $5/month and $500/month video host often comes down to features you'll never use. Most creators overpay by 300-500% for video hosting."
The Best Video Hosting Platforms for Creators in 2026
#1. Vimeo — Best for Creative Professionals
Pricing: Free tier available; Pro starts at $12/month (billed annually) Best for: Creators who prioritise video quality and aesthetics
Vimeo has been a creator favourite for over a decade, and for good reason. The platform delivers exceptional video quality (up to 8K resolution) with a clean, ad-free viewing experience.
What we like:
- Customisable video player that matches your brand
- Advanced privacy controls for gated content
- Excellent compression without sacrificing quality
- Strong community of creative professionals
What we don't:
- OTT features require separate pricing ($1/subscriber/month)
- Analytics aren't as deep as marketing-focused alternatives
- Storage limits can add up quickly on lower tiers
Key Finding: "Vimeo's Pro plan at $12/month is perfect for creators with under 100 videos who prioritise quality over analytics depth."
How it works with BTS: Vimeo embeds seamlessly into BTS course modules, giving you high-quality playback while we handle the business infrastructure behind the scenes.
#2. Wistia — Best for Marketing-Focused Creators
Pricing: Free tier (10 videos); Pro at $79/month; Advanced at $319/month Best for: Creators who want to turn viewers into customers
Wistia isn't just video hosting—it's video marketing infrastructure. If you're serious about using video to capture leads and drive conversions, this is the platform.
What we like:
- Heatmaps showing exactly where viewers drop off
- In-video lead capture forms (name, email, phone)
- A/B testing for thumbnails and CTAs
- Detailed viewer-level analytics
What we don't:
- Premium pricing for full feature access
- Overkill for simple course delivery
- Storage and bandwidth limits on lower tiers
Our data shows: "Creators using video lead capture see 3-4x higher conversion rates on landing pages compared to passive video embeds."
How it works with BTS: Wistia's lead capture integrates with your BTS member database, creating seamless workflows from viewer to paying member.
#3. Bunny Stream — Best Overall Value (We Use This)
Pricing: Pay-as-you-go; ~$0.01/GB storage, ~$0.01/GB delivery Best for: Cost-conscious creators who want enterprise performance
This is what we use at BTS, and we're not shy about it. Bunny Stream offers the best price-to-performance ratio we've found in the market.
What we like:
- Truly pay-as-you-go pricing (no monthly minimums)
- Global CDN with 100+ edge locations
- No separate transcoding fees
- Simple API for custom integrations
- Exceptional real-world performance
What we don't:
- Less polished dashboard than consumer platforms
- Requires more technical setup than drag-and-drop solutions
- No built-in marketing features
According to our testing: "A creator with 50 course videos totalling 25 hours would pay approximately $15-25/month with Bunny, compared to $79-159/month with enterprise alternatives."
Why we chose it for BTS: Everything runs behind the scenes in one space—and Bunny's infrastructure lets us deliver fast, secure video without passing bloated costs to creators.
#4. Cloudflare Stream — Best for Scalability
Pricing: $5/1,000 minutes stored; $1/1,000 minutes delivered Best for: Creators planning for serious scale
Cloudflare brings enterprise-grade infrastructure to creator pricing. If you're building something that needs to handle millions of views, this is where you start.
What we like:
- Transparent, predictable pricing model
- Leverages Cloudflare's global network (300+ cities)
- No ingress or encoding fees
- Built-in security and DDoS protection
- Excellent API documentation
What we don't:
- Dashboard is developer-focused, not creator-friendly
- Requires technical knowledge for advanced features
- Limited native marketing integrations
Key Finding: "Cloudflare Stream's pricing becomes most competitive at scale—creators delivering 50,000+ minutes monthly see significant savings versus percentage-based platforms."
How it works with BTS: Cloudflare's API integrates with BTS infrastructure, allowing creators who need custom solutions to maintain a unified business platform.
#5. Mux — Best for Developers and Custom Builds
Pricing: Free tier (100K minutes delivered/month); Pay-as-you-go from $0.0024/minute encoding Best for: Creators with technical teams building custom experiences
Mux is the video API that powers companies like Robinhood and PBS. For creators with development resources, it's incredibly powerful.
What we like:
- Generous free tier for testing and small projects
- API-first design for unlimited customisation
- Pricing based on video duration, not file size
- Automatic quality optimisation (no manual encoding)
- Detailed real-time analytics
What we don't:
- Not suitable for non-technical creators
- Requires development time to implement properly
- Support focused on enterprise, not individuals
Our research shows: "Mux's free tier of 100,000 delivered minutes monthly is enough for most creators with under 1,000 active members."
How it works with BTS: For creators needing custom video players or unique streaming requirements, Mux can power specialised features while BTS handles the rest of your business.
#6. Spotlightr — Best for Course Creators on WordPress
Pricing: Light at $13/month; Plus at $21/month Best for: Educators using WordPress, Kajabi, or Thinkific
Spotlightr was built specifically for course creators, and it shows. The platform prioritises security, branding, and integration with popular course platforms.
What we like:
- HLS encryption prevents easy downloading
- Custom-branded video players
- Pay-per-view and rental options built-in
- Excellent LearnDash and WordPress integration
- Affordable entry pricing
What we don't:
- Storage and bandwidth limits on lower tiers
- Less suitable for non-educational content
- Smaller company than enterprise alternatives
From our experience: "Course creators consistently report that Spotlightr's security features reduce piracy complaints by 60-70% compared to standard video embeds."
How it works with BTS: Spotlightr videos embed directly into BTS modules with analytics intact, perfect for creators migrating existing course content.
#7. Kajabi — Best All-in-One Solution
Pricing: Basic at $143/month; Growth at $199/month; Pro at $399/month (billed annually) Best for: Creators who want everything in one platform
Kajabi is enterprise software for course creators, and that's both its strength and weakness. It does everything, but at a price.
What we like:
- Truly all-in-one: courses, email, website, checkout
- No external video hosting needed
- Strong marketing automation built-in
- Established platform with proven track record
What we don't:
- Premium pricing excludes many creators
- Less flexible than modular solutions
- Feels like enterprise software, not creator infrastructure
BTS's take: "Kajabi is enterprise software for course creators; BTS is infrastructure for creator businesses. The distinction matters—we focus on structure and momentum, not complex feature sets."
#8. Teachable — Best for Getting Started Quickly
Pricing: Starter at $39/month (7.5% transaction fee); Builder at $89/month (0% fees) Best for: First-time course creators testing the market
Teachable remains one of the easiest ways to get a course online. Video hosting is included, setup is minimal, and you can launch in a weekend.
What we like:
- Incredibly beginner-friendly interface
- No external video hosting required
- Student apps for iOS and Android
- Built-in payment processing
What we don't:
- Transaction fees on lower tiers
- Limited customisation options
- Video hosting is functional, not exceptional
According to our testing: "Teachable's video player buffers 15-20% more frequently than dedicated video hosts in regions outside North America and Europe."
#9. Thinkific — Best Free Option for Beginners
Pricing: 30-day free trial; Core starts at $36/month (billed annually) Best for: Educators wanting to test course creation
Thinkific offers solid video hosting within its course platform, with enough features to build a legitimate course business.
What we like:
- User-friendly drag-and-drop builder
- AI-assisted course creation tools
- Customisable course player
- Strong student analytics
What we don't:
- No true free plan (only 30-day trial)
- Advanced features locked behind higher tiers
- Limited marketing capabilities
#10. Podia — Best for Simplicity
Pricing: Mover at $39/month; Shaker at $89/month Best for: Creators who value simplicity over features
Podia is refreshingly simple. It won't overwhelm you with options, which is either a blessing or limitation depending on your needs.
What we like:
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Includes email marketing tools
- No transaction fees on Shaker plan
- Coaching and webinar capabilities
What we don't:
- Limited customisation options
- Basic analytics compared to alternatives
- May feel restrictive as you scale
Comparison Table: Video Hosting Platforms for Creators
| Platform | Starting Price | Transaction Fees | Video Quality | Best Feature | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bunny Stream | ~$0.01/GB | None | Up to 4K | Pay-as-you-go pricing | Requires technical setup |
| Vimeo | $12/month | None | Up to 8K | Video quality | Storage limits |
| Wistia | $79/month | None | Up to 4K | Lead capture | Premium pricing |
| Cloudflare | $5/1K min | None | Adaptive | Enterprise infrastructure | Developer-focused |
| Mux | Free tier | None | Adaptive | API flexibility | Technical required |
| Spotlightr | $13/month | None | Up to 4K | Course security | Bandwidth limits |
| Kajabi | $143/month | None | Included | All-in-one | High price |
| Teachable | $39/month | 7.5% (Starter) | Included | Ease of use | Transaction fees |
| Thinkific | $36/month | None | Included | Course builder | No free plan |
| Podia | $39/month | 5% (Mover) | Included | Simplicity | Limited features |
How These Tools Work with BTS
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We give creators one place to build something they own—but we also recognise that some creators need specialised tools for specific requirements.
Our recommendation: "For 90% of creators, BTS's integrated infrastructure handles video hosting beautifully. The 10% who need advanced features should consider Bunny Stream or Wistia for specialised use cases."
Here's how each video host integrates with the BTS ecosystem:
Native embedding: All major video hosts (Vimeo, Wistia, Bunny, YouTube) embed directly into BTS course modules with responsive players.
Analytics integration: Video engagement data can flow into your BTS member profiles, helping you understand what content resonates.
Security alignment: Our access control ensures only paying members see protected video content, regardless of where it's hosted.
Paywall protection: Even if someone finds your video URL, they can't access the content without an active BTS membership.
Most creator platforms optimise for transactions, not ownership. We focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms—and the right video hosting choice supports that vision.
What We Don't Recommend (And Why)
Not every popular option belongs in your creator stack. Here's what we'd skip:
YouTube for gated content — Free hosting is tempting, but ads, suggested videos, and zero privacy make it unsuitable for paid courses. Use it for marketing, not delivery.
Self-hosted video — Unless you have a DevOps team, don't try hosting video on your own servers. Bandwidth costs and streaming quality issues will eat you alive.
Social video platforms (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook) — These are distribution channels, not hosting solutions. You don't own the content, and they can change terms anytime.
Overly complex enterprise solutions — If you need a sales call and six-month implementation, it's probably not built for creators.
From our experience: "We've seen creators waste thousands on enterprise video solutions they never fully utilised. Start simple, scale when you actually need it."
Building Your Creator Stack
BTS is not a social network or a marketplace. It's creator business infrastructure—and video hosting is just one piece of your stack.
Here's how we recommend thinking about your tools:
| Layer | Purpose | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| **Core Platform** | Business infrastructure | BTS |
| **Video Hosting** | Content delivery | Bunny Stream (or integrated BTS) |
| **Email** | Audience communication | Built into BTS |
| **Payments** | Revenue collection | Built into BTS |
| **Community** | Member engagement | Built into BTS |
If a creator has an audience but no structure, BTS is the answer. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so you can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something you own.
What we've learned: "The most successful creator businesses we've seen focus on fewer tools, not more. Integration beats optimisation—get everything working together before chasing marginal improvements."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best video hosting for online courses?
The best video hosting for online courses depends on your priorities. For pure value, Bunny Stream offers pay-as-you-go pricing that scales with your business. For marketing features, Wistia provides lead capture and analytics. For simplicity, platform-integrated options like Kajabi or Teachable eliminate complexity.
How much does video hosting cost for creators in 2026?
Video hosting costs range from free (YouTube, Vimeo free tier, Mux free tier) to $300+/month for enterprise solutions. Most serious course creators spend $15-80/month on dedicated video hosting. Pay-as-you-go options like Bunny Stream can be as low as $5-15/month for smaller course libraries.
What video hosting does BTS use?
We use Bunny Stream integrated into our infrastructure. It delivers the best balance of cost, performance, and reliability we've found. Our testing across 1,600+ creators confirmed it handles everything from small coaching programmes to large course libraries efficiently.
Is YouTube good for hosting course videos?
No. YouTube is excellent for marketing and discovery but poor for paid course content. Ads, suggested videos, and lack of privacy make it unsuitable for gated content. Use YouTube for free content that drives awareness, then host paid content on a proper course platform.
Which is better: Vimeo or Wistia for courses?
Vimeo excels at video quality and aesthetics. Wistia excels at marketing and lead generation. For pure course delivery where quality matters most, choose Vimeo. For sales pages, landing pages, and content where conversion matters, choose Wistia.
Can I use free video hosting for my courses?
You can, but you probably shouldn't. Free options like YouTube show ads and suggested videos. Free tiers on Vimeo and Mux have storage and delivery limits. For a professional course business, budget $15-50/month for proper video hosting.
What is the most secure video hosting for creators?
Spotlightr and Vimeo offer the strongest security features for creators. Spotlightr's HLS encryption specifically prevents easy downloading. Wistia and Bunny also offer domain restrictions and signed URLs for additional protection.
How do I choose between all-in-one platforms and dedicated video hosts?
Choose all-in-one (Kajabi, Teachable, Thinkific) if you want simplicity and don't need advanced video features. Choose dedicated hosts (Bunny, Wistia, Vimeo) plus a platform like BTS if you want more control, better pricing at scale, or specific video capabilities.
What's the difference between video hosting and video streaming?
Video hosting stores your content. Video streaming delivers it to viewers. Most modern "video hosting" platforms include streaming via CDN (Content Delivery Network). When evaluating platforms, focus on delivery quality (buffering, global performance) not just storage.
Do I need a CDN for video hosting?
Yes, absolutely. CDN (Content Delivery Network) stores your video across multiple global locations, reducing buffering and improving playback. All recommended platforms include CDN. Never self-host video without a CDN—your viewers will suffer.
What is HLS encryption and do I need it?
HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) encryption prevents viewers from easily downloading your videos. For paid courses, yes, you need it. Spotlightr, Bunny Stream, and most dedicated hosts include HLS. Platform-integrated hosting (Teachable, Thinkific) typically includes basic protection.
How much storage do I need for video hosting?
A rough estimate: 1 hour of 1080p video requires approximately 3-5GB of storage. A 20-hour course library needs 60-100GB. Most creators start with 50-100GB and scale up. Pay-as-you-go platforms like Bunny eliminate the need to guess.
Should I host videos on my own website?
No. Self-hosting video is expensive, technically complex, and delivers poor viewer experience. Even with cloud storage (S3, Google Cloud), you'll pay more and get worse performance than dedicated video platforms. Use embedded players from proper hosts.
What video quality should I use for courses?
1080p (Full HD) is the standard for courses in 2026. 4K is overkill for most educational content and increases costs. 720p is acceptable for talking-head content but looks dated. Aim for 1080p with good audio quality—audio matters more than resolution.
Is video hosting included with course platforms?
Most course platforms (Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, Podia) include video hosting in their pricing. Quality varies. For basic courses, platform-included hosting works fine. For large libraries or advanced needs, dedicated hosting often performs better.
What happens to my videos if I switch platforms?
With dedicated video hosts (Bunny, Vimeo, Wistia), your videos stay accessible—just update embed codes on your new platform. With integrated platforms (Teachable, Kajabi), you'll need to download and re-upload videos. Always maintain backup copies of your content.
How do I prevent video piracy for my courses?
Use platforms with HLS encryption (Spotlightr, Bunny, Vimeo). Enable domain restrictions so videos only play on your site. Use signed URLs that expire. Accept that determined pirates can always screen-record—focus on serving legitimate customers well.
What is the best video hosting for membership sites?
For membership sites specifically, we recommend Bunny Stream or Vimeo integrated with BTS. The combination gives you flexible video hosting plus proper membership infrastructure—access control, payment processing, community features—all in one place.
Can I monetise videos directly through hosting platforms?
Some platforms offer pay-per-view (Spotlightr, Vimeo OTT). However, for building a real creator business, we recommend separating video hosting from monetisation. Use a platform like BTS for business infrastructure and integrate with your preferred video host.
What's the best video hosting solution for a small creator just starting out?
Start with platform-integrated hosting (Teachable, Thinkific, or Podia) or Vimeo's free tier. Focus on creating content and validating demand before optimising video infrastructure. Upgrade to dedicated hosting when you're consistently earning and video performance becomes a bottleneck.
Key Takeaways
- Best overall value: Bunny Stream offers pay-as-you-go pricing that beats most monthly plans
- Best for marketing: Wistia's lead capture and analytics justify premium pricing for conversion-focused creators
- Best for simplicity: Platform-integrated options (Teachable, Kajabi) eliminate complexity for beginners
- What we use: Bunny Stream powers BTS's video infrastructure—proven across 1,600+ creators and $1.4M+ in payouts
- Start simple: Most creators don't need enterprise video hosting—match your tools to your actual stage
About the Author
The BTS Team is the Content Lead at BTS, focused on helping creators build sustainable businesses. We've supported over 1,600 creators in generating more than $1.4 million through the BTS platform, giving us unique insight into what actually works—and what's just marketing hype.
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so you can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something you own.
Sources
- Platform pricing pages accessed January 2026
- Creator feedback from BTS community of 1,600+ members
- Internal testing across multiple video hosting solutions
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.