| Document and Entity Information | Apr. 27, 2022 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | BRIGHTCOVE INC |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001313275 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 27, 2022 |
| Entity File Number | 001-35429 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-1579162 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 281 Summer Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Boston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02210 |
| City Area Code | (888) |
| Local Phone Number | 882-1880 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | BCOV |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
