There are two things that should top your priority list when you set out to start your own streaming platform: one, an excellent technology framework and two, an effective content delivery network (CDN). As far as streaming frameworks go, the kind of technology you choose largely pivots on the kind of streaming you plan to host on your website. For instance, if you plan on starting live streaming services, StreamNow is a fantastic framework. For over-the-counter entertainment, StreamView is your answer. And if you plan to start a video sharing service like YouTube, think of StreamTube. Each of these technologies is brilliantly coded and offers customized skins to make your service exclusive. Once you’ve picked your underlying technology, complete the circle by opting for a superior CDN service.

What Factors Should I Consider While Selecting a CDN Service?

Almost all CDN service providers are equipped to support video streaming. That said, each service has its own unique merits and demerits. Here are some factors you should consider before picking a CDN service.

Geographical Distribution:

The degree to which your viewers are geographically fragmented will play a role in how well your CDN service will work. Some of the more established video streaming CDNs are sparsely spread in certain regions; particularly in Asia. Regional CDN services are sometimes better suited to handle local needs.

The size of Event:

This is key. A large-scale event would need a special kind of CDN service to see it through. There is currently only a selection of video streaming CDNs that can support such events.

Monetary Investment:

Your financial commitment may be enough of a differentiator to filter out some CDN services. If you’re bootstrapped and prefer a piecemeal pricing model, pick a CDN service that fits your budget. Some video streaming CDNs ask for a large upfront investment.

What Are the Top 5 Video Streaming CDNs?

With your main considerations listed, browse through the five best CDN providers to take your pick.

1. MaxCDN:

MaxCDN has an international server footprint, rich with SSD-loaded servers. This web of servers augments the speed and performance of your website and allows you to create custom commands to control the functioning of your CDN service.

Key Features:

MaxCDN has a global reach and is spread across 90 countries. It has the ability to scale its load and also offers secure tokens, giving you the option to safeguard your content. REST APIs allow the integration of a variety of users, applications, and resources into your website. MaxCDN works seamlessly with auxiliary marketing platforms, such as WordPress and Magento, by offering superior plugins. The control console also gives you access to your domain with an added layer of security, created by SSL. The platform is adaptive and squares off fluctuations in speed and performance, giving users an optimal experience.

Monetary Investment – Free Trial + Price on request

2. CloudFlare:

CloudFlare is a veritable haven for broadcasters. It serves as a protective shield for your content and improves the speed of your website by keeping bots, crawlers, and threats at bay.

Key Features:

Once you have registered for its CDN service, you are instantly inducted into a global community, whose pathways are used to transmit your content. While you may think that setting up a CDN service may be bothersome and even overwhelming, you should know that CloudFlare will prove you wrong. With a setup process that will ease you through, you’ll find that you don’t need any hardware or software interventions to get your CDN going. Only a simple settings change in your DNS is required. CloudFlare offers a suite of analytics tools to let you delve into your user patterns.

Monetary Investment – Free Trial + $200/Month

3. Incapsula:

Incapsula is an incredible web of advanced networking, dynamic caching and content optimisation measures. It protects your website from threats such as DDos and effectively distributes data loads.

Key Features:

Incapsula’s notification system is equipped to report in real-time. Its CDN service operates by directing users to your website and then building a wall to block out threats. Video streams are then transmitted at speeds of up to 150% with a 60% lower-than-normal bandwidth consumption. Easy to install and activate, this CDN service comes with no additional hardware or software. It’s as easy as that.

Monetary Investment – Free Trial + $299/Month

4. Edgecast:

Edgecast is a video streaming CDN that is supported by a vast mosaic of servers spread across various geographies.

Key Features:

Edgecast is one of the only CDN services to offer live streaming support and handles fluctuations in web traffic effortlessly. Unlike most other CDN providers, Edgecast provides CDN services for dynamic as well as static content, enabling users to source streams as quickly as possible. Plus, with its analytics tool, you’ll be armed with regular updates and server reports. Tailored specially for rich media, it pairs well with Flash, Silverlight, and HTTP.

Monetary Investment – Price on request

5. Cachefly:

If your sole focus is speed, Cachefly’s a great bet.

Key Features:

Cachefly’s CDN service routes static content from your website to users up to ten times faster courtesy its network of 30 global points of presence (PoP). The locations of these PoPs lets content creators share rich content from one end of the world to the other at breakneck speeds. Specifically created as an on-demand CDN service, Cachefly upholds website performance and works to reduce timeouts and dips in performance quality.

Monetary Investment – $99 to $409/Month

Picking a CDN that’s right for you is as important as picking a pair of shoes that fit. Consider your purpose, your requirement and the kind of streaming services you plan to offer. Think of StreamNow, StreamView and StreamTube to breathe life into your brand. And select a CDN service that makes your platform stand out. It’s never been easier than now.