Dacast

What is dacast

Dacast is a cloud-based video streaming platform that provides live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) hosting with a global CDN, monetization options, and developer APIs. The platform targets broadcasters, media publishers, corporate communications teams, educational institutions, and event producers who need reliable streaming infrastructure without managing their own servers. Dacast combines encoder compatibility, multi-bitrate transcoding, analytics, security controls, and paywall/subscription capabilities into a single hosted service.

Dacast emphasizes direct control over video delivery and monetization while exposing APIs and integrations for automation and embedding into third-party applications. The platform is positioned between self-hosted streaming stacks and fully-managed OTT services: it provides managed delivery and feature sets common to enterprise streaming but retains a degree of developer flexibility through REST APIs and SDKs.

Deployment modes supported include live streaming for scheduled events and continuous channels, VOD hosting for on-demand catalogs, and hybrid workflows where clips are created from live streams and published programmatically. Dacast also provides tools for secure distribution, including token-based access, geo-restrictions, domain-level embed restrictions, and encryption options for paid content.

Dacast features

What does dacast do?

Dacast enables organizations to stream live video and host VOD with a focus on scalability, monetization, and security. Core capabilities include ingest via standard protocols (RTMP, SRT), adaptive bitrate delivery through integrated transcoding, and global content distribution through a multi-CDN or CDN partnership to reduce latency and buffering. The platform also offers monetization mechanisms (pay-per-view, subscriptions, ad insertion hooks), analytics dashboards, and embedding tools for websites and apps.

Dacast supports both single-event and recurring streaming workflows, offering scheduled stream management, DVR/rewind for live events, and feed-based continuous channels. For VOD, it provides storage, transcoding into multiple resolutions, thumbnail generation, and metadata management so libraries can be delivered across devices.

Dacast exposes developer-oriented features: REST APIs for asset management, playback, and billing automation; player SDKs for web and mobile apps; and webhook notifications for stream state and payment events. Combined, these features let technical teams integrate Dacast into CMSs, LMSs, and custom OTT applications.

Dacast includes content protection options such as signed URLs, token authentication, geo-blocking, and password-restricted embeds. Enterprise customers can also request custom CDN or edge configurations and SSO integration for internal use cases.

Key features summary:

• Integration with industry-standard encoders via RTMP and SRT ingest
• Adaptive bitrate transcoding and multi-resolution VOD outputs
• Global CDN-backed delivery and player for cross-device playback
• Monetization: pay-per-view, subscriptions, voucher codes, and API-driven billing
• Security: tokenized URLs, geo-restriction, domain restriction, and DRM-ready workflows
• Analytics: realtime viewer metrics, bandwidth usage, engagement reporting
• Developer APIs and webhooks for automation and integration
• Embed options: responsive iframe player, playback SDKs, and white-labeling capabilities

Dacast pricing

Dacast offers these pricing plans:

• Starter: $39/month (billed annually) with basic live streaming and VOD, limited bandwidth and storage allowances
• Event (Pay-as-you-go): pricing available per event or hourly usage for one-off live streams; event packages often start in the low hundreds for a single event
• Scale: $188/month (billed annually) for higher bandwidth, advanced features, and expanded transcoding and monetization limits
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for high-volume publishers, white-label needs, dedicated support, and bespoke CDN or security requirements

Billing options typically include monthly and annual terms; annual billing generally reduces the effective monthly cost. Overage charges apply for bandwidth or storage beyond plan allocations; these are billed at per-GB rates that vary by region and account tier. Check Dacast's pricing tiers for the latest rates and available add-ons, including event packages and dedicated enterprise options.

Dacast also offers add-on services that can affect final cost: dedicated account onboarding, custom SLA agreements, higher concurrent stream allowances, and premium support. Payment processing fees may apply for platform-hosted monetization features.

When evaluating cost, include both recurring plan fees and variable costs such as bandwidth consumption, transcoding minutes, and storage growth. For one-off events, Dacast's event packages or pay-as-you-go options can be more cost-efficient than committing to a monthly plan.

How much is dacast per month

Dacast starts at $39/month for the Starter plan when billed annually. This entry-level option is designed for small broadcasters and includes limited bandwidth and storage appropriate for low-to-moderate streaming needs.

Mid-tier usage commonly lands on plans in the $100–$250/month range, depending on bandwidth and feature requirements. Large-scale or enterprise streaming customers typically move to custom-priced Enterprise plans.

Monthly billing is usually available at slightly higher effective rates than annual billing, and pay-as-you-go or event-based billing is an alternative for occasional streamers.

How much is dacast per year

Dacast costs $468/year for the Starter plan when billed annually at $39/month. Annual billing secures the stated monthly rate for the year and can lower the effective cost compared with month-to-month billing.

For mid-tier plans, annual commitments commonly total in the $1,200–$3,000/year range depending on bandwidth, storage, and add-ons. Enterprise contracts are negotiated annually and include tailored SLAs and support.

How much is dacast in general

Dacast pricing ranges from $39/month to $188+/month for standard plans, with Enterprise-level contracts above that range for custom needs. Pay-as-you-go event packages and overage charges can shift the total cost depending on audience size and streaming duration.

When estimating overall spend, account for monthly plan fees, per-GB bandwidth costs for overages, storage growth for VOD catalogs, transcoding and DRM charges, and any professional services such as migration or custom integration.

What is Dacast used for

Dacast is used to broadcast live events, host on-demand video libraries, monetize video content, and build custom streaming experiences inside websites and apps. Typical use cases include corporate all-hands meetings and town halls, educational lectures and remote learning, worship services, sports events, webinars, and paid events for media companies.

Organizations use Dacast to avoid operating their own streaming infrastructure while retaining control over branding, data, and monetization. For event producers, Dacast simplifies scheduling, stream monitoring, and post-event VOD publishing. For media publishers, it provides monetization options and analytics to measure engagement and revenue.

Developers and technical teams use Dacast's API to automate asset ingestion, create dynamic paywalls, and integrate playback into custom mobile or OTT applications. The platform supports hybrid architectures where live feeds originate from third-party encoders and are distributed through Dacast's CDN.

Dacast is also used for internal communications where security and access control are required. With tokenization and domain restrictions, companies can stream sensitive content to authenticated users while preventing unauthorized embedding or downloads.

Pros and cons of Dacast

Pros:

• Managed streaming infrastructure with global CDN reduces operational overhead and latency for viewers.
• Comprehensive monetization options (pay-per-view, subscriptions) suitable for publishers and event producers.
• Developer-friendly APIs and webhooks that enable automation and integration with CMS, LMS, and billing systems.
• Security controls such as tokenized URLs, domain-level restrictions, and geo-blocking.
• Options for one-off event packages as well as recurring channel workflows.

Cons:

• Bandwidth and storage overages can materially increase costs for viral events or uninterrupted high-volume streaming.
• Advanced enterprise features (white-labeling, custom CDN) may require custom contracts and higher minimum spend.
• Smaller creators may find consumer-focused platforms easier to set up for social distribution and rapid discovery.
• DRM and advanced content protection may require additional configuration or third-party services for some use cases.

Operational considerations:

• Monitoring and estimating bandwidth needs ahead of high-traffic events reduces the risk of overage charges.
• Testing encoder settings and adaptive bitrate ladders is essential for a consistent viewer experience across devices.
• Organizations without developer resources can still use Dacast's dashboard and embed tools, but full automation requires API integration work.

Dacast free trial

Dacast often provides trial access or demo accounts for prospective customers to test live streaming and VOD workflows. Trials typically include limited bandwidth and storage allocations but let teams validate encoding settings, embedding, and basic monetization flows.

A trial is useful to confirm encoder compatibility (RTMP/SRT), verify playback quality across devices, and exercise analytics reporting. Event producers should test a dress rehearsal under anticipated load or use a small-scale trial event to validate end-to-end delivery.

If a public trial is not visible on the site, Dacast sales and support teams can usually create a temporary demo environment or walk through a live demo. Check Dacast's pricing tiers and contact sales for trial availability and trial terms.

Is dacast free

No, Dacast is not generally free for production use. The platform offers starter plans or trial/demo access but most production streaming requires a paid plan or event package. Free trials or demo accounts may be available to evaluate the service before committing.

Dacast API

Dacast provides a REST API for programmatic control of core platform features. The API enables uploading and managing VOD assets, creating and controlling live streams, retrieving analytics and usage reports, and integrating billing or user management systems with the streaming workflow.

Common API use cases include automated VOD ingestion from content pipelines, dynamically generating signed playback URLs for protected streams, provisioning one-off event channels, and pulling viewer metrics into dashboards or BI systems. Webhooks are available for stream status changes, encoding completion, and monetization events so external systems can respond in real time.

Developer resources typically include API documentation, sample client code, and SDKs or player libraries that simplify embedding and playback. For full details, consult Dacast's developer documentation at Dacast API documentation which provides endpoints, authentication methods, and request examples.

10 Dacast alternatives

Paid alternatives to Dacast

• Brightcove — Enterprise video platform with strong OTT and monetization features, advanced analytics, and global delivery geared toward large media companies.
• Vimeo — Hosting and live tools with a user-friendly dashboard, built-in privacy controls, and subscription/paywall options for creators and businesses.
• Wowza — Streaming engine for both cloud and on-premise deployments, focused on low-latency workflows and custom streaming architectures.
• JW Player — Video player and hosting with strong ad-insertion capabilities, analytics, and a lightweight web player for publishers.
• Mux — Developer-focused streaming API offering programmable video, VOD encoding, and real-time monitoring for engineering-led teams.
• IBM Watson Media — Enterprise streaming with deep analytics, event management, and integration with enterprise authentication systems.
• Kaltura — Highly extensible video platform that offers both cloud and on-prem deployments, rich feature set for education and enterprise customers.

Open source alternatives to Dacast

• OBS Studio — Free encoder widely used for live streaming; pairs with hosted services or a self-hosted ingest endpoint but does not provide CDN or monetization out of the box.
• Nginx with RTMP module — Self-hosted streaming ingest and delivery stack that can be combined with object storage and a CDN for a DIY streaming solution.
• Red5 — Open source media server that supports live streaming and real-time messaging; appropriate for teams able to manage their own infrastructure.
• Media Server stacks (Kurento/Janus) — Open source components for real-time streaming and WebRTC that can be assembled into bespoke low-latency applications.

When evaluating alternatives, weigh trade-offs between managed convenience (Dacast, Vimeo, Brightcove), developer APIs (Mux, JW Player), and control/cost of self-hosting (Nginx RTMP, Red5).

Frequently asked questions about Dacast

What is Dacast used for?

Dacast is used for live streaming and video-on-demand hosting across events, corporate communications, education, and media publishing. The platform provides CDN-backed delivery, monetization tools, and security controls that let organizations broadcast to global audiences and manage VOD catalogs.

Does Dacast offer a free plan?

No, Dacast does not offer a permanent free plan for production use; it provides starter paid plans and often offers free trials or demos for evaluation. Production streaming and monetization typically require a paid plan or event package.

Can you monetize video with Dacast?

Yes, Dacast includes built-in monetization options such as pay-per-view, subscriptions, voucher codes, and API-driven billing hooks. These features let publishers charge viewers directly or integrate payments into existing billing systems.

Does Dacast provide an API for automation?

Yes, Dacast provides a REST API and webhooks for managing streams, uploading assets, retrieving analytics, and automating workflows. The API supports programmatic control of live and VOD features and integration into CMS, LMS, and OTT platforms.

What protocols and encoders does Dacast support?

Dacast supports industry-standard ingest protocols like RTMP and SRT and works with common encoders such as OBS Studio, Wirecast, vMix, and hardware encoders. Adaptive bitrate playback is handled through server-side transcoding and multi-bitrate outputs.

How secure is Dacast for private streams?

Dacast provides multiple security controls including tokenized URLs, domain-level embed restrictions, geo-blocking, password protection, and the ability to integrate DRM workflows. Enterprise plans can include additional security and compliance measures.

Can Dacast handle large-scale live events?

Yes, Dacast can scale to large audiences with CDN-backed delivery; however, plan selection and bandwidth provisioning should be matched to expected peak demand to avoid overage charges. Enterprise contracts can include dedicated support and SLAs for critical events.

Does Dacast offer analytics and reporting?

Yes, Dacast provides real-time and historical analytics including viewer counts, geographic distribution, viewing duration, and bandwidth usage. These metrics help publishers optimize encoding settings, monetization, and content scheduling.

Can I embed Dacast streams on my website or app?

Yes, Dacast offers embeddable players and SDKs for web and mobile integration. The player supports responsive embeds and can be white-labeled to match brand requirements.

What support options are available for Dacast customers?

Dacast provides tiered support depending on plan level—from standard documentation and community resources to priority support, onboarding assistance, and dedicated account managers for Enterprise customers. Paid plans typically include email and chat support, while higher tiers get phone support and custom SLAs.

Dacast careers

Dacast maintains a small-to-midsize company model with roles across engineering, product, sales, and customer success geared toward streaming and media delivery. Careers at the company typically emphasize experience in video technologies, cloud infrastructure, CDN operations, and SaaS product development.

Positions often require familiarity with streaming protocols, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and web/mobile development. Customer-facing roles emphasize technical onboarding and support for broadcasters and enterprise accounts.

For current openings, prospective applicants should consult Dacast's official careers page or company profile pages on recruiting platforms to review job descriptions and remote work options.

Dacast affiliate

Dacast has historically partnered with reseller and affiliate programs to expand reach through agencies, streaming integrators, and technology partners. Affiliate relationships typically involve referral commissions or reseller agreements where partners sell Dacast plans and manage client relationships.

Partners that integrate Dacast into larger event or OTT solutions may receive technical support and co-marketing resources. Interested resellers should contact Dacast sales to discuss program terms and revenue share models.

Where to find Dacast reviews

Independent user reviews can be found on software directories and review sites such as G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius where customers rate Dacast on streaming reliability, pricing, ease of use, and support. Search these sites for both user feedback and feature comparisons to see real-world experiences.

For firsthand evaluation, read case studies and technical whitepapers on Dacast's website and consult the Dacast API documentation and support articles to validate feature fit and integration requirements.

Research notes

• Source site: https://www.dacast.com/ (pricing and developer links referenced for context)
• Dacast is a cloud streaming and VOD provider with live ingest (RTMP/SRT), CDN delivery, monetization (PPV/subscriptions), and developer APIs.
• Publicly-known plan names historically include Starter, Scale/Professional, and Enterprise; event packages and pay-as-you-go options exist for one-off streams.
• Exact plan prices can change; linked the official pricing page for up-to-date rates and enterprise options.
• Alternatives considered include managed platforms (Brightcove, Vimeo), developer-first services (Mux, JW Player), and self-hosted/open-source stacks (OBS, Nginx RTMP, Red5).
• Developer resources: Dacast exposes REST APIs and webhooks; documentation is published on the developer pages linked above.
• Support and enterprise features vary by contract; large customers may negotiate SLAs, dedicated CDN, and white-labeling.