Choosing the right streaming software is critical to your company’s success. The options, which range from Twitch to YouTube, can be overwhelming, which is why the best streaming software can assist you in achieving your objectives. I ranked and reviewed the 5+ best live streaming software in this guide so you can choose the best one for you.
The video industry is evolving. We’re moving away from static video content and toward interactive live streaming.
Fans want engaging content with interactive elements as their attention spans shorten.
The answer is streaming software. You can use these tools to stream live video, chat with fans, embed interactive content, collect payments, and more.
Understanding streaming software is critical, as up to 79 percent of total mobile use will be spent on live streaming by 2022 (and this figure is expected to rise).
However, there are numerous options available.
To help me bring you the best software, I focused on streaming capabilities, video quality, integrations, video editing capabilities, pricing, support, and more in this ultimate guide.
Let’s get this party started.
How to Set Up Live Streaming Systems
There are several components to a proper live stream setup. Setting up your live streaming will be simple once you know and understand the basics. The broadcast video is the most important aspect of your live stream setup, but there are four major components to consider.
Video and audio sources: The most expensive part of your setup will be high-definition cameras, computers, and any other equipment you deem necessary. Microphones, mixer feeds, and other sound equipment are required for audio production.
Video Encoder: One of the most important pieces of equipment for your live streaming setup is a video encoder.
A live streaming platform is referred to as a streaming destination.
Internet Connection: For live streaming, a strong Internet connection is required.
A specific workflow will be required for live streaming. After that, you’ll need to set up your audio and video components, as well as your connection, plan your livestream, and connect your encoder to your streaming destination.
You’ll be able to start a live stream and have your audience tune in right away once everything is connected. Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need for a successful live stream.
What is the Best Live Streaming Software?
Here’s my list for the best streaming software for YouTube, Twitch, and more.
1. OneStream
With the ability to stream and record live and pre-recorded videos, as well as publish them to over 40 social media platforms, OneStream is the best overall streaming software.
You can record and schedule your broadcasts to social media platforms up to 60 days in advance with pre-recorded streams.
You can use OneStream in conjunction with other streaming tools for live streaming. Set up this tool and begin multicasting:
It’s also simple to schedule pre-recorded videos. You simply upload your video file, choose a date and time, and choose from a variety of streaming platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Instagram, Periscope, and others.
Features:
Publish to more than 40 platforms and schedule posts up to 60 days ahead of time.
Multiple team members can be managed in a single account with team management.
There is no need to install any software.
There are a variety of upload options available, including files, camera, and screen shares.
A server URL and stream key are used to create custom RTMP streaming.
Pricing:
Free – unlimited streaming, no multicasting, a maximum of 5 minutes per stream, one social account, and a maximum file size of 5 GB.
Basic ($10 per month) – unlimited streaming, multi-casting with pre-recorded content, 15 minutes per stream maximum, 5 GB maximum file size
Standard ($39/month/Best Value) – unlimited streaming, pre-recorded and real-time multicasting, one-hour maximum/recorded stream, and unlimited file size
Unlimited streaming, pre-recorded and real-time multicasting, 8 hours max/recorded stream, unlimited file size ($89 per month).
2. OBS Studio
Open Broadcaster Software, or OBS, is an open-source project that provides a powerful live-streaming solution. Because OBS is open source and free to use, it’s a great option for those on a budget. OBS, on the other hand, lacks some of the more advanced features found in other professional paid software options. OBS, on the other hand, comes with a number of live streaming necessities for putting together a fully functional broadcast.
One of the most appealing aspects of OBS Studio is how adaptable it is. The project’s working community is constantly adding new features and plugins. You can truly make a project that works for you and your needs if you are willing to dig into OBS and mess with the customizations. Virtual sets, guest hosting, and multi-streaming will not be available through OBS.
One of the major drawbacks? If you require immediate assistance, there is no central customer support team to assist you. Of course, there is a community that will assist if they can, but other paid products will provide customer support to help you figure out how to use the product. This will not be an issue for more tech-savvy users. There are also numerous guides available on the internet.
Cost: Free
3. XSplit
Although this more advanced encoding software option may necessitate prior knowledge, the clean, intuitive interface makes live streaming affordable and simple. There are two versions of XSplit: XSplit Broadcaster and XSplit Gamecaster. Both of these programmes allow you to live stream, though the Gamecaster is a more basic version with only the essentials. XSplit includes a VCam tool, among other features that make it a great choice (where users can blur, replace, or remove their backgrounds).
XSplit has a free version with limited features, and most people find that using the free version for live streaming is sufficient. Watermarks on streams with a resolution higher than 720p and streams that use any VCam feature are among the restrictions. Watermarks are removed from the paid versions, and multistreaming is available. Furthermore, XSplit provides technical support as well as periodic updates to keep customers happy. There are numerous add-ons available for the programme as well.
One of XSplit’s disadvantages? There are only a few recording formats available (MP4 and FLV only). Casual users may not be bothered, but advanced users may be concerned. Additionally, the programme is only available on Windows.
Price: XSplit offers a free version. The premium versions have a monthly subscription at $4 a month or a one-time purchase of $199. There’s a whole pricing guide on their website.
4. Wirecast
For the hefty price tag, Wirecast is a professional-level live stream option with plenty of features. The studio programme includes features such as guest hosting, animated titles and graphics, unlimited video source encoding, streaming to various servers and platforms, and more. The pro version adds even more functionality, including high-resolution ISO recording, 3D virtual sets, instant replays, and more. Wirecast has a high price tag, but you can try it out for free first (with a watermark).
Wirecast has a well-designed user interface, though it is complex and may appear difficult to use at first. It will, however, be simple to figure out.
Telestream, the company that owns Wirecast, is constantly releasing new features, updates, and improvements. In addition, technical assistance is included with the programme. If you require round-the-clock support, you can purchase premium support for $299 per year.
Price: Wirecast Studio costs $599 and Wirecast Pro is $799. A free, 30-day trial is available.
5. Lightstream
Lightstream is a powerful and easy-to-use browser-based streaming platform that works best if you don’t have access to a powerful computer. They even call themselves “the Google Docs for live video production” on their website. Lightstream Studio is almost entirely cloud-based, but it does all of its compositing and encoding on Lightstream servers. That means your computer will use less of its CPU.
Lightstream is also free, but it comes with a slew of useful features such as guest hosting, remote scene switching, live chat support, and more. Your live stream projects will be saved in the cloud, so you won’t have to start from scratch each time you have a new one. Furthermore, the Lightstream Studio software will choose the best encoding settings on your computer and work with your own to keep your stream stable and strong.
Price: Free
Summary
That was all there was to it when it came to the 5 best streaming software. All of these software options have the same goal of live video streaming. However, each of them has a few distinguishing features. And some of them are even free to download.
If you’re looking for an open-source solution, for example, OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS are great choices. While both tools are free, they include the majority of the features necessary for live streaming as well as extensive integration capabilities.
Larger companies that want to produce live events on a large scale should use Wirecast and vMix.
XSplit Broadcaster, on the other hand, is a good option for gamers who need to live stream effectively on a tight budget.
Before making a final decision, carefully consider your requirements and budget.
Also, please let me know which streaming software you intend to use. Which option do you think would be the best for you, and why? Leave a comment below!