A question often asked is whether to use YouTube as the means to host a video on a client's website. There are some pros and cons that businesses have encountered when adopting this approach. Here are some of my thoughts:

Firstly You Tube is free and well established. I recommend that you post your video on this site even it you are going to use alternate hosting. Unless you want your video behind a secure password the opportunity for more visibility for your product or service can't be beaten. It isn't just consumers who use You Tube business buyers will use it for initial purchase evaluations.

Setting up and getting going is simple. You can do it yourself and this is better when you want to make frequent changes.

There are some technical considerations and options. It isn't full HD for example but for most videos this really isn't an issue. Some of the options really depend on how you see the video playing and being interacted with and this will differ depending on requirements.

You will get basic viewing details but not the richer detail that you may require for knowing more about your viewer with alternate hosting options. Don't expect thousands or even millions of views. Hundreds for a business video can be a good result. I have a client who has achieved 1,300 views in two years but he always compares his results with his competitors not with Beyonce's latest video. He thinks it is the best marketing spend he has made.

Biggest drawback for all clients is the ads. Hey they have to make money, after all it is a free service, but sometimes they can get intrusive. I even have had clients who tell me that they have seen competitors ads on their videos.

So there are choices - free with You Tube or paying for hosting. Alternate hosting options are many and better covered by another article.