While YouTube is the undisputed king of online video, it’s far from the only show in town.

Vimeo is YouTube’s indie cousin, a place where creators and discerning viewers go for their fix of cat-free clips.

Here are how things look today at Vimeo.

Vision first

Vimeo was launched in November 2004 by Jake Lodwick and Zach Klein.

The name is an amalgam of the words “video” and “me”. It’s also an anagram of the word “movie”.

Avid fans of the platform are known as “Vimeans”.

Movie magic

Over a decade later Vimeo now attracts 170 million monthly viewers, who account for over 715 million monthly views. 

Vimeo has 25 million monthly members, while the average Vimean is male and aged 20 – 35 years old.

Spreading its wings

Vimeo has its sights set on more than web views.

The platform acquired GIF app Echograph in 2013, and video sharing app Cameo last year.

Since 2010 the platform has hosted the Vimeo Awards, a two-day film festival that attracts judges including David Lynch, M.I.A., and Morgan Spurlock.

Box office takings

Vimeo isn’t just for filmmakers and fans. Vimeo Pro accounts are designed for brands and allow up to 50G of storage, advanced analytics and third-party support.

There are also features such as Tip Jar, which gives viewers the option of paying content creators.

In 2006 Vimeo was acquired by IAC, and the platform turned over US$40 million in 2013.