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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →IBM Video Streaming’s US pricing page lists Silver from $154 per month, Gold from $773 per month, and Platinum from $1,550 per month. Those starting prices include 100, 2,000, and 5,000 viewer hours, respectively. A 24/7 stream can cost more when usage exceeds its plan allowance, and IBM’s published information does not establish whether YouTube-only viewers count toward IBM’s viewer-hour billing—or confirm a direct IBM-to-YouTube delivery workflow.
IBM Video Streaming’s published starting prices
The figures below are starting monthly prices on IBM’s US pricing page, accessed in 2026. They are not guaranteed quotes for every location or account. Confirm current pricing and terms with IBM before subscribing.
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Included viewer hours | Channels | Video storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | $154 | 100 | 5 | 1 TB |
| Gold | $773 | 2,000 | 10 | 2 TB |
| Platinum | $1,550 | 5,000 | 20 | 5 TB |
| Custom | Contact IBM | Custom | Custom | Custom |
IBM lists HD transcoding, ticket and chat support, a live monitoring console, embed control, and API access across the named self-service tiers. IBM says the platform supports simultaneous live streams to multiple channels for 24 hours a day or longer; that is a vendor capability statement, not an independent performance test. See IBM Video Streaming pricing.
Why a 24/7 stream may cost more than the starting price
Viewer hours, not simply the fact that a stream runs continuously, drive the overage calculation. One viewer watching for an hour uses one viewer hour; more viewers or longer viewing increase the total. For subscriptions started in or after January 2026, IBM lists monthly overage rates of $0.77 per additional viewer hour on Silver, $0.41 on Gold, and $0.31 on Platinum. Rates differ by subscription start date, and IBM says overages may take up to two billing cycles to appear on an invoice. Check which rate applies to your account before estimating a bill. IBM’s overage information.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Illustration: one continuous viewer on Silver
Assume a 30-day month and one person watching continuously in IBM’s player. That is 720 viewer hours. Silver includes 100, leaving 620 additional hours. At the listed rate for subscriptions started in or after January 2026, 620 × $0.77 equals $477.40 in illustrative overage. Adding the $154 starting price produces $631.40.
This is a scenario, not an IBM invoice estimate. It assumes all 720 hours count as IBM viewer hours; actual billing treatment, subscription terms, taxes, and whether YouTube-side views count are not established by the cited pages. At the same continuous-viewing assumption, each viewer adds 720 hours in a 30-day month, so multiple viewers multiply usage.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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Does IBM Video Streaming send a 24/7 stream directly to YouTube?
Do not assume that the listed IBM price covers a YouTube-only stream. IBM describes Video Streaming as a service for live and on-demand video, including open or password-protected channels and embeds. Its pricing information describes multi-channel, long-duration streaming, but the reviewed IBM pages do not document a direct IBM-to-YouTube delivery setup or clarify whether people watching on YouTube count toward IBM’s viewer-hour usage. Ask IBM to confirm both points—and which platform’s audience is billable—before comparing total costs. IBM Video Streaming documentation.
IBM Video Streaming is distinct from IBM Enterprise Video Streaming, which IBM’s Marketplace overview positions for more controlled internal or sensitive audiences. The plan families cannot be converted into one another, and plan changes remain within the same family. IBM Video Streaming overview.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What YouTube requires from a live-streaming workflow
YouTube’s documented creator workflow uses an encoder that sends video to YouTube with a stream URL and key. YouTube supports software and standalone hardware encoders and recommends RTMPS. Those instructions explain YouTube’s ingest process; they do not demonstrate that IBM Video Streaming can be configured as the encoder or as a direct YouTube destination.
- A channel must be verified and have no recent live-stream restrictions. First-time live streaming may take up to 24 hours to become available.
- YouTube recommends testing before going live, monitoring stream health, and checking upload bandwidth.
- YouTube automatically archives streams shorter than 12 hours. For a stream intended to stay live continuously, plan around that limit and verify the current YouTube guidance.
- Expensive equipment is not required to get started; YouTube recommends professional-grade hardware encoders for higher-production-value events, not as a universal requirement.
See YouTube’s encoder setup instructions and stream settings guidance.
Rank #4
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
IBM’s trial has a public-viewing limitation
IBM advertises a 30-day no-charge trial. Its support article says only the account owner can view trial content, and shared channel-page URLs do not work for other viewers during the trial. Treat the trial as an account-owner evaluation, not a confirmed test of a public YouTube audience. IBM trial information.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is specifically to keep uploaded video live on YouTube around the clock, StreamNeo is a separate option to consider. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, then go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card required. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is for YouTube, and plays uploaded videos rather than broadcasting a camera feed. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
