MediaCMS vs Opencast
MediaCMS
mediacms.io
Opencast
opencast.orgSide by side
| Figure | MediaCMS | Opencast |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $2,000/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 2 |
| Spec score · Video CMS Software | 8.5 (#4) | 8.7 (#2) |
| Spec score · Video Hosting Platforms | 8.3 (#27) | 8.7 (#4) |
| Deployment | The project describes Docker Compose or a server automation script as installation options. | The Opencast 12 Administration Guide says the system can run on one Linux server or scale across multiple distributed Linux servers. |
| License | The project is released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0. | The main Opencast repository is released under the Educational Community License 2.0. |
| Transcription | Automatic transcription is provided through Whisper running locally. | Local transcription can use Whisper-ctranslate2 or WhisperC++, with additional third-party transcription services supported. |
Plans
MediaCMS
- MediaCMS open-source softwareFree
- Deployment & Training$2,000, paid once
- Managed Services$2,000 a month
- Custom DevelopmentPriced on request
In their own words
Opencast
Opencast is a free, open-source video management system for academic institutions, designed to capture and distribute video at scale. Administrators can schedule recordings and live streams, with classroom recording also possible depending on hardware. Opencast Studio captures video in a browser without requiring an Opencast installation. Configurable workflows can generate captions, add branding and thumbnails, and deliver media at chosen resolutions and bitrates. The integrated editor handles multiple streams, subtitles, and cover thumbnails. Fine-grained permissions control viewing and editing; learning platform integrations can provide single sign-on and video delivery. Opencast uses the Paella Player by default, while the separate Tobira portal can keep videos online during Opencast maintenance. Integrations include Brightspace, Canvas, ILIAS, Moodle, Sakai, Stud.IP, BigBlueButton, Zoom recording, Matomo, WordPress, Whisper, and YouTube. It runs on one Linux server or can scale across distributed Linux servers. Demo instances are available to explore the administrative interface and portal.