Introduction
Microsoft Stream is a secure video service that allows you to share recordings of classes, meetings, presentations, training sessions and related videos. It also works well with other Microsoft 365 apps like Teams, SharePoint, OneNote and Forms. With Stream, users can access their videos on multiple devices from any location and deliver both live and on-demand videos to curated audiences.
Currently, Microsoft is transitioning to a newer, more integrated version of Stream. The earlier version of Stream will now be known as Microsoft Stream (Classic), and the new version will be known as Microsoft Stream (built on SharePoint) or Stream (on SharePoint). The main difference is that the new Stream (on SharePoint) will leverage the power of SharePoint and OneDrive to improve video management regarding permissions, sharing, and governance.
Table comparing how Stream (Classic) and Stream (on SharePoint) fit into Microsoft 365
| Stream (Classic) | Stream (on SharePoint) | |
|---|---|---|
| Do more with files | ||
| File creation and get back to your files | ||
| Storage and files |
As the table illustrates, there will be increased integration of Stream into Microsoft 365 in the newer version.
Table comparing features of Stream (Classic) and Stream (on SharePoint)
| Features | Stream (Classic) | Stream (on SharePoint) |
| File storage | Video and audio files are stored on Stream (Classic). |
Video and audio files are stored on SharePoint files platform (OneDrive and SharePoint) within Microsoft 365. Videos across Microsoft 365 (in SharePoint, OneDrive, Yammer, and Teams) will be considered Stream videos. They will consume the existing file quota from OneDrive and SharePoint. |
| Organization | Videos can be organized into channels or associated with groups. |
Videos recorded in a Teams Channel meeting will be stored in the Files tab of the Team. |
| Web app | The web application can be found at https://web.microsoftstream.com |
The web application can be found at https://stream.office.com/ |
| Start page - where you find your videos and videos shared with you. |
You can customize page, site and portal experiences for videos to create destinations for SharePoint and Teams to feature your videos. |
|
| Sharing to external users | This feature is not available. Users must belong to the organization and be authenticated to view the video. |
Videos can be shared with external users or the public using “Anyone with the link” sharing. |
| Playback speed | Playback speeds are available at 2x, 1.8x, 1.5x, 1x, and 0.5x speeds. |
This feature is not yet available. |
Many additional capabilities have become available if you upload videos to SharePoint, Teams, Yammer, or OneDrive, for Stream (on SharePoint), including the ability to:
- Search for videos and meeting recordings in Microsoft Search based on metadata and transcript of the video
- Utilize video enhancements
- Add chapters in videos
- Add/edit captions and transcripts in a video
- Allow comments
- Add a video description with rich text and hyperlinks
- Set a custom thumbnail
- View video analytics
You can view the full list of rolled-out features of Stream (on SharePoint) here.
Transition Process
The transition between the earlier and newer version of Stream will be a gradual process. You can view the roadmap here.
For the time being, Stream (Classic) and Stream (on SharePoint) will coexist. The retirement date for Stream (Classic) has not been set. It will occur after all the designated features from Stream (Classic) are available in Stream (on SharePoint). Microsoft is in the process of building a migration tool to assist in moving content from Stream (Classic) to Stream (on SharePoint). It is important to note that Stream (Classic) URLs and embed links will keep working post-migration. They will redirect to and play from the migrated destination locations.
Knowledge Base Articles
Stream (Classic)
Uploading Teams recordings to Stream
Stream video did not auto-caption