Dailymotion is a video hosting and sharing platform, not a video editing tool

Dailymotion lets you upload, watch, and share videos online, similar to YouTube. It is a hosting platform — a place to store and distribute finished videos — rather than software you use to edit or create them. If you arrived here looking for editing tools, Dailymotion is what you upload to after you finish editing elsewhere.

The platform is free to use for uploading and watching. Creators can earn money through ads if their videos get enough views, though the payment structure is different from YouTube's. Dailymotion also offers a paid subscription tier called Dailymotion+ that removes ads for viewers, but most people use the free version.

Dailymotion works in a web browser on any device — desktop, tablet, or phone — so you do not need to install software. You create an account, upload a video file, add a title and description, and the platform makes it available to watch when ready or at a scheduled time you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Dailymotion is a video hosting platform where you upload finished videos, not editing software you use to create them.
  • You can upload videos for free and earn money through ads if your content reaches a certain view threshold, though earnings are typically lower than YouTube.
  • The platform accepts most common video formats and handles the streaming automatically once you upload, so viewers can watch on any device.
  • Dailymotion is best for creators who want an alternative to YouTube or a secondary platform to distribute the same video across multiple sites.

How Dailymotion fits into your video workflow

If you edit videos using DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or any other editing software, Dailymotion is one of several places you can send the finished file. You export your edited video from your editing tool, then upload it to Dailymotion's website. The platform stores it and makes it available to viewers.

Many creators upload the same video to multiple platforms — YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo, and their own website — to reach different audiences and reduce dependence on a single platform. Dailymotion works well for this because the upload process is straightforward and the platform does not require exclusivity.

Dailymotion also has a built-in video player that adjusts quality based on the viewer's internet speed, handles subtitles, and tracks basic statistics like view count and watch time. You do not need to set up your own hosting or worry about bandwidth costs.

Video formats and file size limits on Dailymotion

Dailymotion accepts most standard video formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, FLV, and WebM are all supported. The maximum file size is 4 GB per video, which covers most projects unless you are uploading very long or high-resolution content. Upload speed depends on your internet connection — a 1 GB file typically takes 10 to 30 minutes on a standard home connection.

The platform recommends uploading in H.264 video codec with AAC audio for the best compatibility and playback quality. If your editing software exports in a different format, Dailymotion will usually convert it automatically, though this can take longer and may reduce quality slightly. Exporting in the recommended format from your editing tool saves time and ensures the best result.

Dailymotion supports 4K video uploads, but the platform compresses files for streaming, so viewers on slower connections will see lower quality versions automatically. This is normal and expected — all video hosting platforms do this to balance quality with playback reliability.

Earnings and monetization on Dailymotion

Dailymotion shares ad revenue with creators, but the threshold to start earning is lower than YouTube's. You do not need 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours like YouTube requires. Instead, Dailymotion begins showing ads on your videos once they meet a minimum view count, which varies by region and content type but is typically in the hundreds of views.

The actual earnings depend on viewer location, video length, and the type of ads shown. Creators in the United States and Western Europe typically earn more per view than those in other regions. A video with 10,000 views might earn anywhere from $10 to $100 depending on these factors — there is no fixed rate.

Dailymotion also offers a revenue-sharing program for creators who allow the platform to use their content in compilations or on partner sites. This can generate additional income, though you control whether to participate. Payment is usually made monthly via PayPal or bank transfer once you reach a minimum threshold, often around $100.

Privacy and content control on Dailymotion

When you upload a video to Dailymotion, you can choose whether it is public, unlisted, or private. Public videos appear in search results and recommendations. Unlisted videos do not show up in search but anyone with the link can watch. Private videos are only visible to you and people you explicitly share them with.

Dailymotion allows you to disable comments, restrict who can read your video, and set geographic restrictions if you want the video available only in certain countries. You can also add copyright notices and control whether other users can embed your video on their own websites.

The platform has community guidelines that prohibit hate speech, violence, and copyright infringement. Videos that violate these rules can be removed, and repeated violations can result in account suspension. Dailymotion also uses automated systems to detect copyrighted music and video, which may mute audio or block the video in certain regions.

Dailymotion versus YouTube for video creators

YouTube is larger and has more viewers, so videos typically get more exposure there. However, YouTube's algorithm is complex and favors channels with established audiences, making it harder for new creators to gain traction. Dailymotion's algorithm is more straightforward and gives new videos a better chance of being discovered.

YouTube requires more engagement to start earning money, while Dailymotion monetizes sooner. However, YouTube's ads typically pay more per view, so a video with fewer views on YouTube might earn more than the same video on Dailymotion. The choice depends on whether you prioritize quick monetization or larger audience reach.

Many creators use both platforms. They upload to YouTube first for the larger audience, then upload the same video to Dailymotion as a backup and to diversify income. This approach reduces the risk of losing all revenue if one platform changes its policies or reduces ad rates.

Getting started with Dailymotion

Create a free account on Dailymotion's website using an email address or social media login. Verify your email, then go to your creator dashboard. Click the upload button, select your video file from your computer, and wait for it to process. While the video uploads, add a title, description, and tags to help people find it.

Choose whether the video is public, unlisted, or private. Select a thumbnail image — you can use the auto-generated one or upload your own. Add subtitles if you want, then publish. The video will be live when ready or at a scheduled time if you prefer to delay publication.

Once the video is live, you can edit the title, description, and other details anytime. Dailymotion provides basic analytics showing views, watch time, and audience location. Check these regularly to understand what content performs well and adjust your uploads accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit videos directly on Dailymotion?

No. Dailymotion is a hosting platform only. You must edit videos using separate software like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or CapCut, then export the finished file and upload it to Dailymotion. The platform does not include editing tools.

Do I need to pay to upload videos to Dailymotion?

No. Uploading is free. You can upload as many videos as you want without paying. Dailymotion+ is a paid subscription for viewers who want to remove ads, but creators do not need to pay anything to use the platform.

What happens if my video contains copyrighted music?

Dailymotion's automated system detects copyrighted music and may mute the audio, block the video in certain countries, or allow the copyright holder to earn money from your video instead of you. To avoid this, use royalty-free music or music you have permission to use.

Can I read videos other people uploaded to Dailymotion?

Dailymotion does not offer an official read button for most videos. Some creators allow downloads in their settings, but most do not. Downloading without permission violates copyright law and Dailymotion's terms of service.

How long does it take for a video to appear on Dailymotion after I upload it?

Videos are usually live within a few minutes of uploading, though processing can take longer for very large files or during peak traffic times. You can watch your video when ready after upload, but it may take up to an hour to appear in search results and recommendations.