Pros and Cons of Cloud Video Platforms: How to Make the Right Choice?

Today’s business landscape constantly persuades companies to grapple with managing the best video content for training, communication, and compliance. Traditional storage and management solutions often fall short when handling massive volumes of video. 

That is where a cloud video platform steps in—but with its own questions and concerns. IT managers worry about security, corporate communicators wonder if it will truly enhance accessibility, and training teams question whether the cloud can handle the sheer volume of content they manage.

So, does the cloud hold the key, or will it bring more headaches than solutions?

This article will explore the benefits and limitations of cloud-based enterprise video platforms, helping you make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs. 

The Pros of Cloud Video Platforms

Adopting a cloud-based enterprise video platform can transform how organizations manage and distribute video content. It will make it far easier to support a global workforce, streamline communications, and scale without heavy investments in infrastructure. 

In addition, according to a survey by PwC, 72% of their business leaders’ respondents said they have “All-in Cloud Adoption.”  

Businesses aim to optimize their video strategy by enhancing video content delivery speed, improving storage and security, enabling advanced analytics for viewer engagement, or ensuring seamless integration with other enterprise tools.

The cloud offers several compelling benefits that address key operational needs while providing flexibility and efficiency.

Let us explore the specific advantages and how they can impact your organization. 

Scalability to Meet Growing Video Demands

Cloud-based video platforms allow companies to expand their video storage and streaming capabilities without investing in new physical infrastructure.

With more organizations producing large amounts of content, especially for training and compliance, having the flexibility to scale up or down based on current needs can be a significant advantage.

For instance, a centralized cloud system enables quick access to videos across departments and geographic locations, which is vital for businesses experiencing rapid growth or seasonal fluctuations in video demand.

Suitability with AI

Cloud video platforms are highly compatible with AI technologies, enabling features like automated video analysis, facial recognition, speech-to-text transcription, and advanced AI search.

They support real-time AI processing for live captioning, object detection, and sentiment analysis, making them ideal for many sectors.

With scalable resources and continuous updates, cloud platforms allow easy integration of advanced AI tools without the need for complex on-premises setups.

Enhanced Accessibility and Collaboration

For remote and hybrid teams, the video cloud platform makes accessing video content from any location easier, bridging the gap between on-site and remote employees.

Moreover, employees can seamlessly access training, compliance, and corporate communications videos without requiring complex access protocols. 

A cloud platform also enables real-time collaboration, which is ideal for teams that need to edit or approve video content before distribution.

From a business continuity standpoint, cloud-based systems reduce the risk of file loss, enabling companies to maintain a robust corporate video library for efficient content management. 

Advanced Security and Compliance Features

Many cloud providers prioritize security and offer data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and detailed access controls.

This level of protection often surpasses on-premises capabilities, particularly in businesses with limited IT resources.

Many cloud storage providers offer compliance with regulatory standards, helping organizations ensure their video content adheres to relevant legal requirements.

For instance, Microsoft Azure complies with more than 100 regional and global compliances, including GDPR, HIPAA, and GLBA.

Moreover, compliance officers can rest assured that video data will meet industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or other regional mandates, making a cloud video strategy an essential consideration for global organizations.

Cost-Effectiveness and Flexibility

By leveraging the cloud, companies can eliminate the need for large upfront investments in infrastructure and instead pay only for the resources they use.

An IBM study highlights that migrating to the cloud lowers overall IT costs, enhances IT services, and boosts operational efficiency.

This “pay-as-you-go” model appeals to budget-conscious organizations seeking a flexible video storage and content management solution. Beyond direct cost savings, cloud-based solutions reduce the need for regular hardware maintenance, resulting in cost and time efficiencies.

Reduced IT Workload 

By outsourcing video hosting and management to a cloud provider, IT departments can focus on core projects instead of constantly monitoring video storage and security.

The reduced burden on internal resources frees up IT teams to work on higher-priority initiatives, which is especially beneficial in organizations with limited IT resources.

The Cons of Cloud-Based Enterprise Video Platforms

While cloud-based enterprise video platforms offer numerous benefits, they are not without their drawbacks. For some organizations, these limitations can impact everything from daily operations to long-term video strategy.  

Examining the potential downsides is crucial to making an informed decision that aligns with your business’s unique requirements. Below, we list some of the most significant challenges companies may encounter.

Dependency on Internet Connectivity

While cloud-based video platforms offer significant advantages, their performance depends on a reliable internet connection.

For companies in areas with limited or unreliable connectivity, this reliance on the internet can become a serious bottleneck, particularly for large video files or live-streaming events. 

An unreliable connection for training and onboarding programs could result in delayed or interrupted access to essential video content, impacting employee engagement and productivity.

Concerns Over Data Security and Privacy 

Despite robust security measures, some businesses remain apprehensive about hosting sensitive video content in the cloud, fearing unauthorized access or potential data breaches.  

According to a report, 80% of businesses have experienced at least one cloud security incident in a year. 

Certain industries, especially those handling sensitive information like healthcare or finance, may have concerns about storing videos on third-party servers. 

However, organizations with stringent security requirements can explore deployment models that allow for private or hybrid cloud configurations, balancing cloud convenience with enhanced security. 

Ongoing Operational Costs

Cloud video platforms remove the burden of large upfront costs but require ongoing, recurring investments. Reports indicate that 94% of IT professionals have observed rising cloud storage costs, which are increasing faster than overall cloud expenses.

For some companies, these monthly or annual expenses may add up over time, potentially offsetting the initial savings gained by avoiding on-premises infrastructure.

Businesses should carefully assess their long-term budget to determine if a cloud-based solution aligns with their financial goals.

Limited Customization and Control 

With cloud platforms, the provider manages the backend infrastructure, which can limit customization options.

Companies that require unique configurations or highly specialized video workflows might find that a cloud platform does not offer the flexibility they need.

Customization restrictions can also impact the ability to integrate seamlessly with other enterprise applications or workflows, potentially hindering productivity and efficiency.  

However, advanced cloud video platforms have addressed these issues and allow organizations with third-party integrations.

Weighing Your Options: Is a Cloud-Based Video Platform Right for Your Enterprise? 

For organizations considering a cloud-based enterprise video platform, weighing the advantages and disadvantages in the context of business needs is crucial.

Both cloud-based and on-premises solutions offer distinct benefits, and the right choice depends on a company's priorities and resources.

Cloud video platforms offer scalability and flexibility, enabling businesses to adapt quickly to evolving demands without the need for extensive on-premises infrastructure.

IT managers can leverage security features provided by leading cloud providers, though some industries with strict compliance requirements may still prefer the control of on-hybrid solutions.

HR and training departments benefit from cloud platforms' accessibility, as employees can access video content from anywhere, on any device. This supports remote work and enhances learning programs.

Every company has a unique mix of requirements that will influence the decision to adopt a cloud-based platform or explore alternative solutions.

By evaluating factors such as security, scalability, accessibility, and cost, organizations can make an informed decision that aligns with their strategic goals and operational needs.

EnterpriseTube - Cloud Video Platform

EnterpriseTube is a cloud video platform designed for commercial enterprises and government agencies. It offers secure, scalable solutions with flexible deployment options, including hybrid setups, private clouds, and shared clouds.

With many integrations, EnterpriseTube seamlessly connects with video conferencing tools, content management systems, and identity management platforms.

AI-powered EnterpriseTube enhances video management with features like in-video search, automatic transcription, facial/object recognition, and more.

Is your current video platform struggling to scale with your growth? Experience a truly scalable solution—start your free trial of EnterpriseTube.

Final Thoughts – Cloud Video Platforms

Cloud video platforms balance accessibility, scalability, and security. The cloud can be a significant benefit for organizations looking to streamline video content delivery, reduce infrastructure costs, and support remote teams.

Its flexibility, ease of access, and security make it ideal for businesses that want to elevate training, communications, and compliance efforts. 

By weighing the pros and cons in light of your organization’s goals and resources, you can make a confident, strategic decision on whether a cloud-based video platform is the right path forward.

Ultimately, it is about aligning your video strategy with your broader business needs for long-term success and resilience.

People Also Ask 

Which cloud video platform is the best?

EnterpriseTube is a top choice for its strong security, scalability, and user-friendly features, making it ideal for enterprise video needs.

What is cloud-based video streaming?

Cloud-based video streaming delivers video content over the internet using remote servers, allowing users to access videos anytime, anywhere, without local storage.

Are cloud-based video platforms secure? 

Most reputable providers implement advanced security measures like encryption and multi-factor authentication. However, companies must choose a platform that complies with industry-specific regulations. 

Do cloud-based platforms offer live streaming options? 

Many cloud-based platforms support live streaming and video on demand (VOD), allowing organizations to broadcast live events or provide pre-recorded content as needed. 

What is cloud-based video conferencing?

Cloud-based video conferencing allows users to hold virtual meetings over the Internet using remote servers, enabling real-time communication without on-site hardware.