As opposed to capturing and publishing a video, a live-streaming platform enables you to do so in real-time. Any tool or software that enables live broadcasting to a video platform is referred to as a live video streaming tool. The greatest live streaming tool can improve and look a lot more professional in your live videos with its capabilities.
You can stream content using either downloadable software that you install on your computer or a web browser-based option that bypasses the need for any downloads. The computer power required to run downloadable software is typically more than that required for browser-based streaming.
Let's take a look at the top tools for live streaming in this list.
1. Restream
Live streaming is made easy with Restream, a cloud-based application that allows you to simultaneously broadcast to several social media sites. and even schedule recorded movies to play at a later time.
Key Features:
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You can personalize your stream with a logo and branded images and overlays, and have as many as nine people watch along with you.
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Live streams can be recorded and saved for later viewing, and films can be uploaded and stored in the cloud.
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Put up a video from your own area.
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Capture a broadcast without broadcasting live
Cost:
It has a basic free plan, the paid ones include:
Standard: $16/month
Professional: $41/month
2. Streamlabs
Streamlabs is a live streaming program that is based on OBS but has a friendlier interface. It has more options than OBS, which can be useful if you're just getting started in the streaming industry. Streamlabs' features do simplify things for newcomers, but all those extras can make your PC run slower. Get used to the idea that you might have to bug out occasionally.
Key Features:
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It includes pre-made overlays for streaming content
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The system consists of a quick setup process
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There are adjustable notifications in streams
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It has a helpful customer service department and is designed with gamers in mind.
Cost:
Contact the sales team for pricing details.
3. vMix
vMix is a solid choice for serious streamers. Webcams, cameras, capture cards, playlists, DVDs, slideshows, and pictures are just some of the inputs that can be used. It has a flexible pricing structure, a wide range of premium features, and excellent customer service to suit any budget. Joining forces between vMix and Restream allows simultaneous live streaming to many sites including Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube.
Key Features:
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Support for multiple-bit rates for 4K video streaming
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It has the ability to rewind and playback events at a slower pace
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The tool consists of multiple options for streaming in real-time
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60-day free trial and lifetime updates are included in the price.
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Adaptable to various inputs
Cost:
Basic HD: $60 USD/ per annum
HD:$350 USD/ per annum
4K: $700 USD/ per annum
PRO: $1200 USD/ per annum
Max: $50 USD/per month
4. OBS Studio
If you're new to live broadcasting, Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) Studio is like a portal. It's free to use and works on a number of different systems, including Mac, Windows, and Linux. Also, OBS is very modifiable to suit your needs. It is easy to use, free, and flexible, OBS is a popular choice among both amateur and professional streamers.
Key Features:
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Additionally, OBS can be used in tandem with Restream to simultaneously broadcast to various platforms.
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It allows limitless live video scene creation
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It is compatible with a wide variety of streaming services
Cost:
Contact the sales team for pricing details.
5. XSplit Broadcaster
XSplit Broadcaster is often the next step when upgrading to more advanced and professional live-streaming software. It has a low learning curve, and is available in free and paid tiers with helpful customer service and regular feature updates.
Key Features:
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It's compatible with a wide variety of add-ons and additional software.
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Although XSplit is simple to operate, you will still need to be familiar with encoding in order to make the most of it, as it does not include any default settings. Additionally, it's a Windows-only app.
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The tool has a helpful technical support
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It has numerous optional extras for personalization
Cost:
Contact the sales team for pricing details.
6. Wirecast
Wirecast is an extremely effective encoding program for professional video editing. Due to its support for an infinite number of camera feeds, it is well-suited for online and live-streamed events. It is compatible with a wide range of capture cards and devices, and it also provides high-quality live video editing features.
Key Features:
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It allows collaboration via shared screens and live-feeds
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It has a built-in visualization equipment
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Live-stream to any server that supports the RTMP protocol
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It allows streaming at multiple-bit rates
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You can easily post and reply to comments from Facebook and Twitter live on screen
Cost:
It consists of two different plans:
Wirecast Studio: $599
Wirecast Pro: $799
7. Lightstream
Lightstream is an online encoder for live video that can be viewed in any web browser. It enables users to produce an endless number of projects that may be broadcasted on popular RTMP destinations or their own bespoke implementations. In addition to being user-friendly and resource-efficient, it allows for visitors and a green screen.
Key Features:
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It's possible to create an infinite number of scenarios, layouts, and projects
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Data collection methods include text, photos, cameras, and videos.
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Receive graphics and streaming alerts from third-party apps.
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The Lightstream mobile app allows you to easily manage your streams.
Cost:
Gamer: $7/ per month
Creator: $20/ per month
8. OneStream
OneStream, a cloud-based streaming service, enables users to simultaneously stream live across numerous devices and broadcast previously produced films at any time, from any location. Through OneStream's Live Spaces, you can create a website on which to broadcast your live videos.
Key Features:
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Get a cross-platform communication unified
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It has a professional HD video production facility in the cloud
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The platform supports a wide range of encoders
Cost:
Contact the sales team for pricing queries.
9. Switchboard Live
Stream to an unlimited number of destinations and partner channels with Switchboard Live, a simulcasting program. Switchboard Live's main drawback is that it doesn't have as many live editing tools as the other programs.
Key Features:
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You can transmit the live videos to followers and friends
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It includes a real-time video on a web page
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It allows your viewers to quickly promote your broadcast on their social media accounts.
Cost:
The different pricing options of the tool includes:
Indie Unleashed: $60 per month
Pro Unleashed: $120 per month
Biz Unleashed:$ 200 per month
10. LiveStream Vimeo
The Livestream by Vimeo platform provides a live streaming option for companies and groups that put on live events. Ad-free high-definition video streaming and e-commerce capabilities are also available. It also supports the creation of private and password-protected live streams.
Key Features:
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Closed captioning that closes on its own
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It allows you to send content from any device, computer, or API
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Keeping tabs on streams in real time is made easy with this tool.
Cost:
Starter: $9 per seat/month
Standard:$25 per seat/month
Advanced:$65 per seat/month
11. Ecamm Live
Ecamm Live is a Mac-based video editing and streaming studio. Inputs can be combined in a number of ways, and it has robust editing and overlay capabilities. Stream to popular websites like Twitch, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube with Ecamm Live.
Key Features:
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It has add-ons such as tickers, countdown clocks, and camera effects
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A DSLR camera's USB input, an HDMI output, screen capture, audio capture, NDI, and iOS's custom RTMP streaming are just some of the inputs that are supported.
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If you want your live video to be seen on even more sites, you may integrate it using a multistreaming service like Restream.
Cost:
It has a free 14-Days trial plan
Standard plan: $16 per month
Pro: $32 per month
12. Muvi
Muvi is yet another over-the-top (OTT) media live-streaming platform. You may launch your own music and video streaming network, complete with your own custom branding, with their aid.
There's no need to learn how to code in order to take advantage of their on-demand video library, monetization tools, live broadcasting, audio/music streaming, and streaming services.
Key Features:
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You can watch with a little buffering time.
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It allows streaming at various bitrates.
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In addition to producing public events, Muvi allows you to create private events for members only and charge a fee to non-members who wish to watch the stream.
Cost:
Contact the sales team for pricing queries.
13. Streamyard
When you use StreamYard, your web browser becomes a professional live-streaming studio. You can conduct in-depth interviews with guests, create memorable soundbites, and much more. Use your show's logo, colours, and overlays to set it apart from others. You can add media such as photos and animated GIFs.
Key Features:
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Allows you to maintain a constant, high-quality stream that is consistent with your brand.
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Just a few clicks in your browser will get you ready to go live with your guests.
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Integrates flawlessly with a wide variety of social media platforms.
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Share your broadcasts instantly on social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Cost:
It has a free plan and the paid ones include:
Basic: $20 per month
Professional: $39 per month
14. YouNow
YouNow is a platform for real-time content sharing via mobile devices or computer webcams. It's a social media site where users may chat with one another while taking in global live broadcasts. During live broadcasts, it allows you to share your screen
Key Features:
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You can easily chat with others and promote your content with their many handy features, such as audio-only broadcasting, inviting viewers to join your live, and rewarding them with Props for their support.
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Get video and audio of past streams to watch offline.
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It allows you to make quick movies of your streams that are just 25 seconds long and distribute them to your followers.
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Create online contests amongst streams to increase viewer participation.
Cost:
Contact the sales team for pricing details.
15. Uscreen
Uscreen is an all-encompassing video monetization platform where producers and streamers can find steady income and greater creative freedom. It features Interactive and real-time live broadcasts including comments from viewers.
Key Features:
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Create suspense for your live broadcast with countdowns.
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The recording will be saved automatically so that anyone who needs to watch it later can do so at their convenience.
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Powered by the best CDNs in the world, you can have as many users as you want and never worry about running out of bandwidth.
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Sending out a follow-up email to all of the registered participants is a breeze with the help of the downloaded CSV file.
Cost:
Basic: $79/ per month
Growth: $159/ per month
16. Bambuser
Live video shopping technology is available on the Bambuser platform, making it possible for users to watch a live fashion show and make purchases in real-time. They supply everything required to go live, from the streaming technology to the hosting app to the data and beyond.
Key Features:
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You can easily adjust the look and feel of a blank slate platform.
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It allows connecting to any online storefront system.
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Experience the stream in two windows at once.
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It provides Real Time Messaging Protocol.
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A live broadcast can be recorded, downloaded, edited, and reused.
Cost:
Contact the support team for pricing details.
17. Resi
The Resi platform is a dependable live-streaming platform and media management system. You won't be limited by poor Internet connections when streaming. As an added bonus, you can stream to other platforms at once, such as YouTube, Facebook, and over-the-top (OTT) apps.
Key Features:
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Put on auto-play your regularly scheduled events.
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DVR-quality playback is available for all streams across all devices.
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It features cloud-based transcoding and variable bitrate streaming.
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Allows you to listen to translated audio while streaming several languages.
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Help with proactive monitoring.
Cost:
Contact the support team for pricing details.
18. Brightcove
Brightcove is a business-level solution that collaborates with international companies like the BBC and Adobe. They provide live feeds to audiences across the world and cover solutions for marketers, broadcasters, entertainment, and internal communications. If your business employs many software engineers, they will be delighted to learn that Brightcove offers an API as well.
Key Features:
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You can commercialize your content via server-side ad insertion (SSAI).
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It has options for integrating your stream with your social media platforms.
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It features the capacity to geo-restrict material and get around ad blockers.
Cost:
Contact the support team for pricing details.
Things To Consider Before Buying Top Live Streaming Tools
Common capabilities shared by the most widely used streaming software include the ability to capture video, edit footage, and attach a camera and microphone. However, there are significant differences across available streaming options. If you're set on discovering the top streaming service, make sure it has these features:
Compatibility: There may be problems with compatibility. The most live streaming software is compatible with streaming sites and social media platforms. You may need to ensure compatibility if you utilize a different video hosting service, such as Vimeo, Panopto, or more.
Superior technology: Depending on the level of sophistication and functionality desired, live streaming software can be found in a variety of packages. Some services provide extra space to record your live broadcasts, while others let you simultaneously multistream to multiple platforms. Explore these options before settling on a single tool.
Pricing: The software you need to start streaming may be downloaded for nothing. The most often used solutions actually don't cost anything. To increase the quality of your streams and make them more interesting to viewers, you may want to consider paying for a live streaming tool to gain improvements and new features.
Computer application or web-based service: Some streaming applications, such as OBS Studio, are downloadable programs that must be installed on your computer before they can be used. The processing power of your computer is utilized by these applications. Some streaming applications, such as Restream Studio, can be used directly in a web browser without the need for any further software downloads or installations. To function, browser-based streaming software doesn't rely on your computer's hardware or software, but rather on the company's servers. You should use browser-based streaming software if your computer isn't particularly powerful and you won't be streaming highly graphic graphics, such as video games or animation.
With a review of these four features, you can find out the streaming services that are suitable for you. It's not worth it to utilize a tool if it's too expensive, doesn't work with your preferred platforms, or is missing key functionality.
Conclusion
One of the first steps on the road to becoming a live streamer is deciding which streaming tool is going to be the most suitable for your needs. Choose your first tool wisely so you can get off to a good start, even if you anticipate switching your software of preference in the future. The success of your streaming endeavour depends on your familiarity with not only the software itself but also the entire streaming infrastructure and the methods by which you can increase the software's capabilities.
FAQs
What are the different types of live streams?
If you have been thinking that just a single type of live stream exists then you are mistaken. There are three different types of live streams mentioned below.
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In-person- This live stream occurs in a physical space, have hosts, speakers, and presenters all on a stage, and interact with a global audience of potential viewers. Participants in the stream may appear on stage in person or may connect via video call so they can speak with the event host or give their own presentation.
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Hybrid- It is held in a physical venue, but also includes a live audience. It would then need to take into account adding additional audio and visual requirements for something like this, such as loudspeakers and additional screens for the audience in the room.
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Virtual- In this type, one can webcast their virtual event from headquarters without having to be there in person. They can run all speakers', presenters', and hosts' video calls via the software and then broadcast them again over a virtual stage.
How is streaming different from live streaming?
Streaming is considered content that has been created, edited, and modified for the client and does can be provided to them as per their request. Whereas Live Streaming is the phenomenon wherein the content is viewed by the server and sent right away to clients connected to that server without any editing procedure.
What is the cost of setting up a live streaming?
It mainly relies on your financial situation, the level of audiovisual quality you desire, and the importance you have to your game streaming. If you already own a gaming computer, it can cost as little as $500 or as much as $1,500 for high-end equipment.
Is it safe to use illegal streaming?
No. Identity theft, bloatware, spyware, intrusive advertisements, phishing scams, and other threats are just a few of the ways that illegal streaming sites can put users' security and safety at risk. Additionally, accessing an unlawful streaming website could result in legal action.
What are the equipments required to stream?
For newbies, setting up a streaming setup is fairly easy. A camera, microphone, lights, and a strong internet connection are required. Additionally, you'll need to acquire a live streaming tool.
