YouTube vs ZLMediaKit
YouTube
youtube.comZLMediaKit
github.comSide by side
| Figure | YouTube | ZLMediaKit |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $1.99/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 2 |
| Spec score · Live TV streaming services | 9.0 (#7) | 8.0 (#79) |
| Spec score · Live Streaming Software | 8.9 (#11) | 7.9 (#77) |
| Spec score · Live streaming software | 8.9 (#11) | 7.9 (#76) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Security | Google says it uses encryption for data in transit and offers security tools including Safe Browsing, Security Checkup, and 2-Step Verification. | The project documents Basic and Digest authentication for RTSP server and client, HTTP file access authentication, and SSL certificate hot loading. |
| Support | YouTube directs users to its Help Center, Help Community, and TeamYouTube for troubleshooting and updates. | The project directs questions to GitHub issues and says paid technical support is available through its knowledge community; the Pro pricing page says contracts under 5000 do not include technical support. |
Plans
YouTube
- Sports + News Plan$49.99 a month
- YouTube TV$59.99 a month
- Sports Plan$64.99 a month
- 4K Plus$9.99 a month
- More premium TV add-ons$1.99 a month
In their own words
YouTube
YouTube is a service for discovering, watching, and sharing videos and other content, as well as a platform for creators and advertisers. People can browse and search without a Google account, though some features require one. Channel owners can upload videos, comment, and make Shorts and playlists; YouTube Studio is the place to post videos and edit a channel. Shorts are vertical videos of 60 seconds or less, alongside longer videos. Recommendations use signals such as viewing behavior, likes, dislikes, subscriptions, and satisfaction feedback. Users can pause, edit, or delete their search and watch history. Developers can use YouTube APIs to embed playback, search and manage content, review analytics, add subscribe buttons, and manage live streams. Eligible Partner Program creators may access multiple revenue streams, subject to regional availability and program criteria. The free service is listed for Android, iOS, and web, with an API. YouTube Premium adds ad-free viewing on millions of videos, offline downloads, background play, and ad-free music in YouTube Music, though some creator and event promotions may remain. Premium plan options include individual, household family, and annually verified student plans.