Viloud review overview, what it is and who it is for
Viloud is a platform for creating your own online TV channel without technical knowledge. You can build a 24/7 linear channel, where everyone sees the same programme at the same time like broadcast TV, or an on-demand (VOD) channel where viewers pick what to watch. Higher plans add FAST channels (free ad-supported TV) for distribution to third-party platforms.
The vendor aims the service at content owners, media brands and broadcasters. In practice I think it suits anyone with a library of video and a reason to keep people watching: local media, churches, schools, sports clubs, training companies and creators with years of back catalogue. Most businesses do not need a TV channel, so this is a niche product, and that is fine.
Key Viloud feature set
Linear and on-demand channels
The program scheduler is the heart of Viloud. You drag and drop pre-recorded videos into a daily or weekly grid to build a continuous schedule, or simply add them as a playlist. On-demand channels give viewers player controls, the ability to jump between videos, and a unique URL for each video that you can share.
Content sources
You can upload videos to Viloud’s cloud, where they are HLS encoded, or add links to your existing video host or CDN. Videos can be tagged and added wherever you need them.
Player and website
The embeddable HTML5 player is responsive, supports adaptive bitrate streaming, and can be customised with your logo, social links and brand colour. Changes you make to a channel show up automatically without replacing the embed code. Each plan also includes a branded website with a custom domain, an SSL certificate and the option to remove the “Powered by” footer. Analytics, social sharing, a TV guide and embedding restrictions are included.
Live streaming
Business and above add live streaming with RTMP input, automatic recording and up to 1080p resolution. You can interrupt a scheduled channel with live content, which is useful for events or breaking news, then the schedule carries on.
Distribution and monetisation
Viloud can generate M3U8 (HLS) links for linear channels so you can stream to a third-party player, mobile app or OTT platform. FAST channels come with SCTE-35 ad markers and an EPG guide for external platforms. For revenue, Viloud supports VAST, VPAID and VMAP ad tags, and the Custom plan adds server-side ad insertion (SSAI).
Viloud pricing
Viloud publishes these prices in US dollars. Every plan has a 14-day free trial without a credit card, and you can upgrade, downgrade or cancel at any time.
| Plan | Monthly | Billed annually | Storage | Minutes viewed a month | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | $29 | $24 a month | 1,000 minutes | 10,000 | 5 |
| Business | $79 | $65 a month | 3,000 minutes | 40,000 | Unlimited |
| Premium | $199 | $159 a month | 10,000 minutes | 120,000 | Unlimited |
| Custom | Contact sales | Contact sales | Custom | Custom | Unlimited |
Extra storage and streaming are charged per minute, extra team members are $20 a seat a month, and extra workspaces are $49 a month on Business and Premium. M3U8 links are an add-on on Business and included on Premium; FAST channels are an add-on on Premium.
Viloud lifetime deal
Viloud has run a stackable lifetime deal on AppSumo at $99 per code, up to 10 codes. The listing showed 1 Code with Business plan features, 2 team members, 5 channels, 300 storage minutes, 10,000 streaming minutes viewed a month, M3U8 links, ads monetisation and one FAST channel. At the time of writing the deal is marked sold out.
Viloud user reviews on ease of use, value for money and support
Customer feedback is a strength. AppSumo showed an average of 4.88 out of 5 from 252 reviews at the time of writing, and Viloud’s homepage quotes a 4.8 average from more than 300 reviews. Public reviews mostly mention ease of use, the scheduling tool, value for money and helpful customer support from the Viloud team. The common complaint is the one you would expect: the entry limits on storage and minutes viewed are tight once a channel finds an audience.
Limits and drawbacks
- Usage-based limits. Minutes stored and minutes viewed are capped by plan, with overage charges. A popular channel will push you up the plans.
- Pro is basic. The entry plan has 5 channels and 200 video links, with no live streaming.
- Distribution add-ons. If getting on to OTT and FAST platforms is the goal, budget for Premium plus the FAST channel add-on.
- You still need content. A 24/7 channel needs enough video to fill a schedule without endless repeats.
Viloud alternatives
- Vimeo is a general video host with a strong player and live streaming, without the 24/7 scheduling focus.
- Castr offers live streaming and pre-recorded scheduled streams for creators and businesses.
- Uscreen is aimed at creators selling video subscriptions, with apps and on-demand libraries.
Verdict
Viloud does something most video platforms do not: it turns a video library into a branded TV channel with a schedule, live interruptions, FAST distribution and ads. The functionality is focused, and customer feedback on ease of use and support is strong.
I would start on the 14-day trial with a week of programming. If it gets traction, Business is where Viloud starts to make sense, and Premium if you want M3U8 distribution and a FAST channel.
