Columbia's iTunes U and YouTube channels offer similar features. Below is a summary of the differences and similarities between these two distribution channels.
| iTunes U | YouTube | |
|---|---|---|
| Hosts and distributes audio files | √ | X |
| Hosts and distributes video files | √ | √ |
| Hosts and distributes HD quality web video | X | √ |
| Provides video embed code | X | √ |
| Uses RSS for syndicating media | √ | √ |
| Files can be organized into Playlists or Collections | √ | √ |
| Provides downloadable media | √ | X |
| Provides streaming media | √ | √ |
| Accessible on mobile and tablet devices | √ | √ |
| Media files can be protected using a Columbia UNI | √ | X |
| Media files can be shared using private links | X | √ |
| Provides student access for media file submissions | √ | X |
| Content is accessible to web searches | X | √ |
| Provides captions or transcriptions | X | √ |
| Provides automatic language translation of captions | X | √ |
| Offers social media and sharing options | X | √ |
| Advertisement-free viewing of content | √ | √ |
