Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Detailed Review
Video Tools
Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Detailed Review Contents
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Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Product Overview
Introduction to Vid.ly by Encoding.com
Vid.ly, a service offered by Encoding.com, is a universal video URL platform that simplifies the process of video playback across various devices and browsers. Here’s a breakdown of its primary function, target audience, and key features.Primary Function
Vid.ly’s main function is to ingest video in any format and deliver it to any mobile device or browser through a short, universal URL. This service automates the transcoding process, ensuring that the video is optimized for the specific device or browser accessing it, thus ensuring high-quality video playback regardless of the device.Target Audience
The target audience for Vid.ly includes a wide range of users, particularly those involved in video content creation and distribution. This encompasses media and entertainment companies, retailers, lifestyle brands, and advertising agencies. Essentially, any organization or individual looking to streamline their video delivery process to reach a broad audience across different devices and browsers can benefit from Vid.ly.Key Features
Universal Video Playback
Vid.ly transcodes the source video into 24 different formats, ensuring that the video can be played on over 6,000 devices, including feature phones, tablets, smartphones, and various browsers.Device and Browser Detection
The platform uses powerful browser and device detection to deliver the appropriate video format for the best quality viewing experience.HTML5 Video Support
Vid.ly automatically transcodes video into all HTML5 formats (Safari/H.264, Chrome/WebM, Firefox/Ogg, IE/H.264) and detects the browser to deliver the correct format.QR Code Integration
Videos can be embedded into QR codes, making it a powerful direct response tool. The UpdateMedia feature allows for re-publishing videos to existing QR codes.Apple iOS Advanced HLS Streaming
Vid.ly prepares videos for adaptive bitrate streaming on both iPads and iPhones, dynamically serving the bitrate most appropriate to the requesting device’s bandwidth.Future-Proof Video Libraries
As new devices and formats emerge, Vid.ly automatically prepares videos to respond to these new devices, ensuring future compatibility without additional effort from the user. By integrating these features, Vid.ly simplifies the challenges of universal video delivery, allowing content creators and distributors to focus on their content while leaving the technical aspects to the platform. Vid.ly by Encoding.com - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Vid.ly by Encoding.com is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for users to convert and deploy videos across various devices and browsers.Upload and Conversion Process
To start, users can upload their videos from multiple sources such as their hard drive, FTP, HTTP, or Amazon S3. The interface guides you through this process seamlessly, allowing you to monitor the upload and conversion progress in real-time. A progress bar and a log box keep you informed about what is happening during the conversion process.Customization and Control
Once the video is uploaded, Vid.ly automatically encodes it into multiple formats (up to 24 different formats in the Pro version), including MP4, Ogg, WebM, and FLV. Users receive an email with a short URL and embed code once the conversion is complete. The embed code includes JavaScript that detects the user’s browser and device to deliver the appropriate video format, ensuring optimal playback.Player Customization
The Vid.ly player is highly customizable. Users can click the “Customize” button to modify the appearance and controls of the player. This includes downloading and uploading custom CSS templates to match their website’s design. This feature allows for a seamless integration of the video player into any website.Security and Access Control
Vid.ly also offers several security features. Users can protect their videos using tokens, set start and expiration dates, and restrict access to specific IP addresses. This ensures that the video is available only during the desired period and to the intended audience.Embedding and Previewing
The interface provides an easy way to view and customize the embed code. Users can choose to use HTTPS for secure connections and apply custom CSS styling to the player. There is also a “Play” button to preview the video directly from the interface, ensuring everything works as expected before embedding it on a website.Thumbnails and Vanity URLs
Users can upload their own thumbnails or use the automatically generated ones from the video. Additionally, for a small fee, users can customize the URL to better reflect their brand or event, making it more memorable and shareable.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience with Vid.ly is streamlined and efficient. The service eliminates the need for manual video format conversions, making it a significant time-saver. The intuitive interface and automated processes ensure that users can focus on other tasks while the video is being processed. The email notifications and easy embed codes further enhance the user experience, making it simple to integrate videos into any website without technical hassles.Conclusion
In summary, Vid.ly’s user interface is designed for ease of use, providing a straightforward and efficient way to convert, customize, and deploy videos across various platforms. Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Key Features and Functionality
Vid.ly Overview
Vid.ly, a service offered by Encoding.com, is a versatile video tool that simplifies the process of video publishing and delivery across various devices and browsers. Here are the key features and how they work:Video Transcoding and Formatting
Vid.ly converts uploaded videos into multiple formats and bitrates. This process ensures that the video can be played on any browser or mobile device, regardless of the device’s capabilities.Device and Browser Detection
When a user clicks on the provided short URL, Vid.ly detects the user’s device or browser type and delivers the appropriately formatted and optimized video. This ensures a seamless viewing experience across different devices, including feature phones, tablets, and smartphones.Short URL and Embed Code
Vid.ly generates a short URL and an embed code for each video. This makes it easy to publish videos on websites or other platforms without worrying about the technical aspects of video delivery.XML-Based API
The service includes an XML-based API that allows users to integrate Vid.ly into any desktop or mobile application and video workflow. This feature is particularly useful for high-volume video content publishers who need to automate their video processing.Custom Output Formats and Adjustable Bitrates
Vid.ly Pro offers the ability to customize output formats with adjustable bitrates. This flexibility is crucial for content publishers who need specific video settings for their audience.Adaptive Bitrate Streaming
The service supports adaptive bitrate streaming, especially for Apple iOS devices such as iPhones, iPads, and iPods. This ensures that the video quality adjusts dynamically based on the user’s internet connection speed.Unlimited Source Video File Size
Vid.ly Pro does not impose any limits on the size of the source video file, making it convenient for uploading large video files without worrying about size restrictions.Premium CDN Access
Users of Vid.ly Pro have access to premium Content Delivery Network (CDN) services, which enhance the speed and reliability of video delivery across different regions.On-Going Feature Enhancements
Encoding.com continuously updates and enhances the features of Vid.ly Pro, ensuring that the service remains up-to-date with the latest technologies and user needs. Future updates are expected to include analytics and customizable HTML5 video players.AI Integration
While Vid.ly itself does not explicitly integrate AI technologies, its automated processes such as device detection, format conversion, and adaptive bitrate streaming can be seen as leveraging advanced algorithms to ensure optimal video delivery. However, there is no direct AI-driven video editing or generation functionality within Vid.ly.Conclusion
In summary, Vid.ly is a powerful tool for video publishers, offering a range of features that simplify and optimize video delivery across various devices and browsers, but it does not include AI-driven video editing or generation capabilities. Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Vid.ly, as part of Encoding.com, demonstrates strong performance in several areas:Encoding Speed
Encoding Speed: Encoding.com was found to have the fastest performance among the three services tested. It handled encoding tasks efficiently, even when dealing with multiple files and presets.Advanced Features
Advanced Features: The service offers advanced features such as digital rights management (DRM) and closed captions, which are valuable for content protection and accessibility.Twin Turbo Mode
Twin Turbo Mode: While the twin turbo mode was expected to significantly reduce encoding time, the actual reduction was not as dramatic as predicted. The encoding time increased by about 27-30% in normal mode compared to the accelerated mode, which suggests that the benefits of the twin turbo mode may vary depending on the type of encoding job.Accuracy and Quality
Data Rate Consistency
Data Rate Consistency: The service sometimes produced output files with data rates lower than the target rates. For example, some files were 25% to 30% under the target data rate, which may require adjustments to achieve the desired quality.Quality of Encoding
Quality of Encoding: Despite the data rate discrepancies, the overall quality of the encoded videos was very good. The service performed well across different types of files, although it’s important to test multiple files to ensure consistent quality.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Browser Compatibility
Browser Compatibility: There were issues with older browser versions, such as Internet Explorer 6 and Safari 5.1.7, where videos either distorted or failed to play. This highlights the need to test compatibility with various browsers and platforms before widespread use.User Interface
User Interface: The UI was described as clunky, making repetitive tests time-consuming and inconvenient. This could be an area for improvement to enhance user experience.Engagement and Factual Accuracy
Vid.ly’s universal player feature is particularly useful for smaller web producers, allowing them to integrate videos seamlessly into their marketing efforts. Each Vid.ly video also generates a 300 dpi QR code, which can be integrated into marketing campaigns, and videos can be monetized through various integrations. In summary, Vid.ly by Encoding.com offers strong performance and good quality encoding, but users need to be aware of potential discrepancies in data rates and compatibility issues with older browsers. Improvements in the user interface and more consistent data rate management would enhance the overall experience. Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of Vid.ly
The pricing structure of Vid.ly by Encoding.com is based on a usage model that incorporates several key variables and offers different tiers to cater to various needs.
Free Option
Vid.ly provides a free plan with limited capacity. Here are the details:
- Free Vid.ly Capacity: 50GB per month for storage or streaming.
Paid Plans
The paid plans are structured around the number of Vid.ly URLs, storage, and delivery bandwidth.
Business Plan
- Included Vid.ly URLs: 10
- Included Storage or Streaming: 50GB
- This plan is suitable for users who need a moderate amount of video hosting and delivery.
Pro Level Plan
- Included Vid.ly URLs: 50
- Included Storage or Streaming: 200GB
- This plan is geared towards users who require more extensive video hosting and delivery capabilities.
Studio Plan
- Included Vid.ly URLs: 100
- Included Storage or Streaming: 500GB
- This is the highest tier, suitable for users with large-scale video hosting and delivery needs.
Additional Charges
If you exceed the included Vid.ly URLs, storage, or delivery bandwidth, you will be charged additionally based on the usage. The pricing tiers adjust so that the more you use Vid.ly, the lower your per-unit pricing across each variable.
Features Across Plans
While the specific features are not detailed in the pricing tiers, here are some general features available with Vid.ly:
- Choice of Video Players: Options include JWPlayer6, Flowplayer, or Vid.ly’s own player.
- Cloud Storage & Delivery: From Akamai or AWS Cloudfront.
- Cloud Transcoding: From Encoding.com with 24 presets for wide device coverage.
- Realtime Device Detection: Supports over 6000 devices.
- Customization: Ability to customize the appearance and controls of the Vid.ly player.
This structure allows users to choose a plan that aligns with their specific video hosting and delivery needs, with the option to upgrade as their requirements grow.
Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Integration and Compatibility
Vid.ly Overview
Vid.ly, a service provided by Encoding.com, is designed to simplify the process of video sharing and ensure compatibility across a wide range of devices and platforms. Here’s how it integrates with other tools and its compatibility features:Integration with Other Tools
Vid.ly integrates seamlessly with various tools and workflows through several methods:API Integration
Vid.ly offers an XML API that allows users to incorporate the service into their existing workflows. This API enables automated processes for uploading, transcoding, and delivering videos.UI and Watch Folder
Users can also manage their videos through the Encoding.com UI or by using a Watch Folder, which automates the transcoding and delivery process once the source video is uploaded or pointed to.Compatibility Across Devices and Platforms
Vid.ly ensures broad compatibility by:Transcoding
Your source video is automatically converted into 22-24 different video formats to cover over 6,000 devices and browsers. This includes formats like H.264, Ogg, WEBM, and a Flash fallback for older devices.Device Detection
When a user requests the video, Vid.ly uses real-time device detection to deliver the most optimized video format for the specific device or browser being used. This ensures the best viewing experience on feature phones, tablets, smartphones, and other devices.HTML5 and Flash Players
Vid.ly supports both HTML5 and Flash video players, allowing it to work on a wide range of browsers and devices. Users can also choose from multiple video players like JWPlayer6, Flowplayer, or the Vid.ly player itself.Cloud Storage and Delivery
Videos are stored and delivered through reputable CDNs such as Akamai or AWS Cloudfront, ensuring reliable and high-quality video delivery.Sharing and Embedding
Vid.ly makes it easy to share and embed videos:Short URLs and Embed Codes
Once the video is processed, users receive a short URL and an embed code that can be shared across social networks like Facebook and Twitter, or embedded into web pages and mobile applications. Overall, Vid.ly’s integration and compatibility features make it a versatile and user-friendly solution for video producers who need to ensure their videos are accessible on a wide range of devices and platforms. Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Customer Support and Resources
For Customers Using Vid.ly by Encoding.com
Several support options and additional resources are available to ensure a smooth and effective user experience.
Integration with Encoding.com Interface
Vid.ly is now integrated into the Encoding.com interface, making it easier for users to access its features without the need to incorporate an API. This integration allows customers to use Encoding.com’s graphic interface, which is particularly beneficial for small companies and ad agencies that do not have the resources to handle API integration for each project.
Automatic Transcoding and Future-Proofing
Vid.ly automatically transcodes uploaded videos into multiple formats (currently 24 versions) to ensure compatibility with various devices and browsers. Additionally, the service promises to keep videos “future-proof” by automatically transcoding them into new formats as they emerge, ensuring ongoing compatibility without user intervention.
Performance Analytics
Due to customer demand, Vid.ly will soon offer performance analytics, providing users with insights into how their videos are performing across different platforms and devices.
Free and Paid Plans
Vid.ly offers both free and paid plans. The free service allows users to upload videos and have them encoded into multiple formats, with no watermarks, pre- or post-roll ads, and no restrictions on commercial use. The paid plan provides additional features and support for power users.
User-Friendly Interface
The service features an intuitive interface where users can upload videos from their desktop or link to files stored on FTP, HTTP, Amazon S3, or other cloud services. Once uploaded, users receive an email notification when the encoding is complete, along with a link to a Vid.ly player page and HTML code for embedding the video on a webpage.
Cloud Hosting
Videos are hosted using Amazon Web Services, ensuring reliable streaming and storage. This setup also allows for automatic re-encoding of stored videos into new formats as needed.
Customer Support and Resources
While the specific customer support channels (such as email, phone, or live chat) are not detailed in the available resources, the integration with Encoding.com suggests that users can leverage Encoding.com’s support resources. Additionally, the service’s simplicity and automated features are designed to minimize the need for extensive support, making it user-friendly for a wide range of users.
Summary
Vid.ly by Encoding.com provides a comprehensive set of tools and resources to help users easily encode, host, and stream videos across various devices and browsers, with a focus on simplicity and future-proofing.
Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Vid.ly by Encoding.com
Universal Compatibility
Vid.ly offers a significant advantage in terms of universal compatibility. It transcodes your video into 24 different formats, ensuring that your video can be played on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and OTT devices. This is achieved through powerful device detection that delivers the best quality video format for the visiting device.Ease of Use and Integration
The service provides a simple and integrated solution, allowing you to generate a short URL and embed code for your video. This makes it easy to embed videos into HTML pages, and the service automatically delivers the appropriate video format based on the browser or device.Device Detection and Player Options
Vid.ly includes real-time device detection for over 6,000 devices, ensuring optimal video playback. You also have the choice of three video players: JWPlayer6, Flowplayer, or Vid.ly’s own player. This flexibility helps in catering to different user preferences and device capabilities.Security and Monetization
The service allows you to secure your videos by specifying start and end dates, limiting originating IP addresses, or using token-based authentication. Additionally, you can monetize your videos through integration with FreeWheel.Marketing and Embed Options
Each Vid.ly video generates a 300 dpi QR code that you can integrate into your marketing efforts. The service also provides embed codes, making it easy to share your videos across various platforms.Disadvantages of Vid.ly by Encoding.com
Additional Costs
Using Vid.ly comes with extra charges, which are outlined on the Encoding.com website. This could be a drawback for users on a tight budget.Player Limitations
While the Vid.ly player is competent, it is not as easily configurable or as functional as players from other online video platforms like Brightcove or Kaltura. This might limit some advanced features that users could need.Compatibility Issues with Older Browsers
There can be issues with older browser versions. For example, Internet Explorer 6 may distort the video, and Safari 5.1.7 may not play the video at all. This means you should test your videos on older platforms if they are crucial to your target audience.Data Rate Disparities
In some cases, the actual data rate of the encoded files may be lower than the target data rate, which could affect video quality. Users need to check and adjust the data rate settings as necessary. By considering these points, you can make an informed decision about whether Vid.ly meets your video encoding and playback needs. Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Vid.ly by Encoding.com
When comparing Vid.ly by Encoding.com with other video tools, it’s important to note that Vid.ly is not an AI-driven video generation tool, but rather a universal video service focused on transcoding, storage, delivery, and device detection.
Key Features of Vid.ly
- Vid.ly integrates a HTML5 video player, Flash video player, transcoding, storage, and delivery within a single short URL and embed code.
- It automatically transcodes source videos into 24 different formats and creates 5 thumbnails.
- The service uses device detection to deliver the appropriate video format (H.264, Ogg, WEBM, or a Flash fallback) based on the user’s device.
- It supports cloud storage and delivery through CDNs like Akamai or AWS Cloudfront.
Comparison with AI-Driven Video Tools
Canva’s Magic Studio
Canva’s Magic Studio offers AI-generated video editing tools, including text-to-video, auto-visual effects, and AI avatars. Unlike Vid.ly, it focuses on generating and editing video content using AI.
Veed
Veed is an AI video maker that generates complete videos with AI, including voiceovers, music, and footage. It guides users through the process step-by-step, which is different from Vid.ly’s focus on transcoding and delivery.
Sora
Sora, by OpenAI, generates entire scenes from text prompts using a storyboard feature. It is more focused on creating complex, realistic video scenes, whereas Vid.ly is about ensuring video compatibility across various devices.
Pictory, Synthesia, Runway ML, and Animoto
These tools are AI-driven and specialize in different aspects such as automated summarization (Pictory), virtual presenters (Synthesia), advanced generative capabilities (Runway ML), and user-friendly video creation for social media (Animoto). None of these tools match Vid.ly’s primary function of transcoding and adaptive playback.
Potential Alternatives
If you are looking for a service that handles video transcoding, storage, and delivery efficiently across various devices, Vid.ly remains a strong option. However, if your needs lean more towards AI-generated video content, tools like Canva’s Magic Studio, Veed, Sora, Pictory, Synthesia, Runway ML, or Animoto might be more suitable.
Unique Features of Vid.ly
- Universal Compatibility: Vid.ly stands out for its ability to transcode videos into multiple formats and deliver them through a single URL or embed code, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
- Device Detection: It uses powerful device detection to deliver the best quality video format for the user’s device.
- Cloud Transcoding and Storage: Vid.ly integrates with Encoding.com for cloud transcoding and offers storage and delivery through major CDNs.
Conclusion
In summary, while Vid.ly is excellent for ensuring video compatibility and efficient delivery, it does not compete directly with AI-driven video generation tools. If your primary need is transcoding and adaptive playback, Vid.ly is a strong choice; otherwise, you may want to consider one of the AI-driven alternatives.
Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Vid.ly
What is Vid.ly and how does it work?
Vid.ly is a video transcoding service offered by Encoding.com that simplifies the process of enabling video playback on all devices and browsers. When you upload a video to Vid.ly, it is automatically encoded into multiple formats (currently 24 different formats). This ensures that the correct video format is delivered to the user’s device or browser for optimal viewing quality.How do I integrate Vid.ly into my workflow?
Vid.ly is integrated into the Encoding.com platform through a preset within the Web, Watch Folder, and API interfaces. By selecting the Vid.ly preset, your source video will be automatically transcoded into the necessary formats. You can then share a short URL or publish the embed code for the video.What are the key features of Vid.ly?
Key features of Vid.ly include automatic transcoding of videos into multiple formats, browser and device detection to ensure the best viewing quality, and automatic preparation of videos for new formats and devices as they enter the market. This is part of Encoding.com’s Future-Proof Video program.How is the pricing for Vid.ly structured?
The pricing for Vid.ly is based on a usage model that includes three monthly variables: the number of Vid.ly URLs, storage in GB, and delivery in GB. You only pay for what you use, and the more you use Vid.ly, the lower your per-unit pricing across each variable. There are various plans, such as Business, Pro Level, and Studio, each with included Vid.ly URLs and GBs for storage or streaming. Additional usage beyond the included limits is charged accordingly.Are there any limits on the size or number of videos I can upload?
With Vid.ly, you can upload as many videos as you want, and each uploaded file can be up to 1GB in size. There are no limits on the number of videos you can upload, and there are no watermarks or pre- or post-roll ads on the encoded videos.Where are the encoded videos hosted?
The encoded videos are hosted by Encoding.com using Amazon Web Services, which also provides the streaming. The original file is also stored, and when new formats are required for new browsers or devices, Vid.ly will automatically re-encode the stored videos into those new formats.Can I use Vid.ly for commercial purposes?
Yes, you can use Vid.ly for commercial purposes. There are no restrictions against commercial use, and the service does not include any pre- or post-roll ads or watermarks on the encoded videos.How does Vid.ly handle new video formats and devices?
Vid.ly’s Future-Proof Video program ensures that your videos are automatically prepared for new formats and devices as they enter the market. This means that your videos will always be compatible with the latest devices and browsers without any additional effort on your part.Is there an API available for integrating Vid.ly into my applications?
Yes, Vid.ly offers API access that allows businesses and developers to integrate the video transcoding service into their applications. This makes it easier to automate the process of uploading and transcoding videos.Are there any free options or trials available for Vid.ly?
While the primary service is part of paid plans, Vid.ly initially launched with a free service in private beta, allowing users to upload and stream videos without cost, though this may have changed with the introduction of paid plans. It’s best to check the current pricing and plans for any free options or trials. Vid.ly by Encoding.com - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Vid.ly by Encoding.com
Vid.ly, offered by Encoding.com, is a comprehensive video service that integrates multiple essential features for video producers. Here’s a breakdown of what it offers and who would benefit most from using it.Key Features
- Transcoding and Format Support: Vid.ly automatically transcodes your source video into 24 different video formats, ensuring compatibility across various devices and browsers. This includes HTML5, Flash, H.264, Ogg, and WEBM formats.
- Device Detection: The service uses powerful device detection to deliver the best quality video format based on the device accessing the video, whether it’s a feature phone, tablet, or smartphone.
- Storage and Delivery: Vid.ly handles video storage and delivery, providing a single short URL and embed code for easy integration into HTML pages.
- Thumbnails and API Integration: It generates five thumbnails for each video and offers an XML API for seamless integration into the user’s workflow.
Who Would Benefit Most
Vid.ly is particularly beneficial for video producers who need a reliable and versatile solution that goes beyond what platforms like YouTube or Vimeo offer, but without the full cost and complexity of a dedicated online video platform. This includes:- Content Creators: Those producing videos for various platforms and needing to ensure their content is accessible across different devices.
- Businesses: Companies that use video as a key part of their marketing or communication strategy and require a professional, adaptable solution.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities that need to distribute video content to students across different devices and platforms.