23 Best live streaming software and platforms!
With the increased demand for interactive content, knowing how to live stream is essential to achieve greater audience engagement. And to facilitate this experience for the content producer, there are a variety of live streaming software and platforms.
Among the best platforms we’ve tested, we can recommend these four:
- Restream (the most used)
- BeLive (the most intuitive)
- OneStream (the cheapest)
- StreamYard (the easiest to use)
In this article, we will explain how each of these four platforms works, in addition to presenting other tools for live broadcasts. Read on to discover the top live streaming software and platforms, so you can decide which one best suits your needs.
What software do streamers use?
Streamers use different programs to carry out their live broadcasts, but the most used tool is undoubtedly Restream, which, in addition to being very professional and reliable, also allows you to use external software, such as Zoom and OBS Studio so that they can carry out their streams.
However, there are several equally recommended platforms where you can stream in high quality, such as BeLive, OneStream, and Streamyard. By using any of these platforms you will have powerful tools, with advanced features that are easy to use.
You can also use social networks to broadcast live, and you can even do live streaming on Facebook and Instagram at the same time.
Without further ado, get to know the best live software and platforms now.
The best platforms to live stream
1. Restream
Starting our selection of the best software and platforms for live streaming, we have Restream, a versatile streaming platform that makes it much easier for anyone to live stream and distribute content. The platform offers very reliable cloud storage and makes the work process more convenient for content creators. With this tool, it is possible to broadcast gameplays, webinars, classes, and workshops.
A strength of Restream is the possibility of scheduling videos for future release, which helps in organizing your content calendar after live transmissions. Restream offers compatibility with external software such as Zoom and OBS Studio, allowing greater flexibility in streaming live.
In addition, the platform has an integrated chat that provides greater interaction with the public during live streaming. With Restream, you can also highlight messages from your viewers across all your channels, which helps with the interactivity and engagement of your live stream.
Restream also provides performance analysis features, allowing you to assess public receptivity to the content presented and identify the social networks with the highest audience during lives streaming. This characteristic makes the platform especially interesting for professionals who work with YouTube Gaming.
The platform offers a free option, in addition to two paid plans with extra features and several other advantages.
Main features
- You can stream using Zoom or OBS but also use the Restream app
- Change the background, logo, and visual elements in the live streaming;
- A good system for scheduling lives;
- Compatibility with Zoom and OBS Studio;
- Performance analysis reports:
- Creating filters for banned words in chat;
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2. Be.Live
Be.Live is a streaming platform that can be accessed directly from your browser. The platform, which is compatible with several social networks, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch, allows you to broadcast live in an environment full of resources and tools to optimize your live streaming.
With Be.Live, you can schedule live streams and even customize the look of your live broadcast according to your brand’s visual identity. In addition, the platform allows you to capture or record the screen for future transmissions, further expanding the possibilities for content creators.
To make live streaming more interactive, the platform has an artificial intelligence that automatically displays the best comments on the screen. With this feature, it is possible to increase engagement during the broadcast, as viewers will feel encouraged to comment with the expectation of having their messages highlighted.
Be.Live also offers tools to optimize post-stream reach, providing a video editor to cut important excerpts from transmissions, which can be used in cut channels calling attention to the full content or promoting through sharing on social networks.
The company offers a free trial period of 14 days without the need to register a credit card. During this period, it will be possible to test all the functionalities of the platform, being able to make up to three videos. After this period, you must opt for one of the paid plans.
Main features
- Allows download of videos already recorded in high definition;
- Allows screen capture or recording;
- Chat with artificial intelligence;
- Video editor to make “cuts”.
Visit the Be.Live website and see how easy this platform is to use!
3. OneStream
OneStream is a platform where you can broadcast live on up to 40 social networks at the same time, including Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. The platform also allows you to schedule pre-recorded videos for live broadcast on social networks, which can be scheduled up to 60 days in advance.
With OneStream, you can broadcast live using any third-party tool like OBS, Zoom, Ecamm, and Wirecast and rebroadcast to your social media accounts in real-time. Another key feature of OneStream is that it allows the placement of subtitles in your lives, which further expands the reach of your content.
The platform also offers a feature called Live Spaces, where you can create professional live streams to display on your personal website if it’s hosted by OneStream. Live Spaces offers several website templates that will amaze your audience and make your page more professional.
Another point worth mentioning is the possibility of creating a clickable phrase that can be added to your live broadcasts. With it, you can drive traffic to your social media, e-commerce, product landing page, etc.
You can try the platform for free, but it also has paid plans for its broadcasts.
Main features
- Supports up to 40 simultaneous social networks;
- Scheduling 60 days in advance;
- Compatibility with third-party tools;
- Various website templates;
- A clickable phrase in live streams.
Visit the official OneStream website!
4. Streamyard
StreamYard is a very popular platform in the live broadcast segment, considered the most complete, simple, and intuitive to use. One of its main attractions is the ability to simultaneously broadcast to up to 8 social networks, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
With StreamYard,w it is possible to include up to 10 guests in your live streaming, interacting with each other in real-time during the event. The platform also provides chats, screen sharing, and full HD recordings, in addition to being able to customize the background with overlays, banners, and logos.
There is no need to download StreamYard as the platform works directly in the browser, which makes it lighter and easier to use for both the host and guests. Additionally, StreamYard is mobile-friendly, allowing you to stream live directly from your mobile browser.
For those who intend to use StreamYard to teach classes in e-learning format, the platform offers some additional features, such as screen recording even without transmitting. For this reason, StreamYard is one of the best options on the market for recording classes.
The platform offers both a free and a paid version. In the free version, you can invite up to five people to share the screen, but the StreamYard logo cannot be removed and there is a limit of 20 hours of live streaming per month. In the paid version, you can invite up to nine people and customize the broadcast logo.
Main features
- Simultaneous live streaming on 8 social networks;
- Up to 10 guests can participate in the live stream;
- Advanced functions and features;
- Highly recommended for video lessons.
Other Software and platforms for live streaming
5. Xsplit
XSplit is yet another platform option for live streaming and video recording, consisting of two main applications: XSplit Broadcaster and XSplit Gamecaster.
Broadcaster lets you stream live content across multiple platforms, while Gamecaster is geared toward game streamers, making it easy to stream gameplay. Both have free and paid options and are recognized for their professional quality.
If you’re interested in the XSplit Gamecaster, you’ll also want to check out the best wired headphones to buy.
6. Uscreen
Continuing with our list of the best live software and platforms, we present Uscreen, an unique streaming platform aimed at content creators and game streamers, allowing them to independently produce, host, and distribute videos.
Its key strength is the creation of a complete website for subscriptions and video consumption, similar to Netflix, providing an excellent user experience. In addition, it facilitates connection with the online community and communication between participants.
7. Vimeo Live
Vimeo Live is an alternative to do ad-free live streaming, broadcasting directly from your computer on various social networks. With analytics tools and features to embed graphics and animations, Vimeo Live helps you engage and connect with your audience.
The platform offers videos in several quality ranges, including high definition, with support for 1080p and 4K, and has free and paid plan options.
New to the world of live streaming? So check out these tips for beginners on how to do successful live streaming.
8. FFSplit
FFsplit is a free, lightweight software that lets you capture video from multiple sources and compose it into a video feed, which can then be streamed live or recorded locally using the FFmpeg tool.
Although it is a free and professional solution, the disadvantage of FFsplit is the need to have .NET Framework 4.5 or higher and DirectX Runtime installed on the operating system.
9. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free and open-source software for live streaming and screen recording, compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Popular with content creators and professionals from different areas, it offers a variety of features, such as transitions and unique filters.
The program supports multiple streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook and is constantly updated by its developer community.
10. Loola TV
Loola TV is a live-streaming platform that offers a professional and user-friendly experience. No downloads are required, just log in to Loola TV to get started. The platform focuses on the audience experience, offering real-time video editing and support for remote guests.
The platform allows performance analysis, adding branding and effects to broadcasts, and integration with external software. Loola TV has a free plan and two paid plans.
11. Streamlabs
Streamlabs is a live streaming software that allows content creators to stream live games anywhere. Guests can access the live stream on platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook through a shared link.
The free version offers overlays and transmissions of up to 30 minutes but with the software logo. In the paid version, it is possible to customize the logo, perform broadcasts of up to one hour, and access all the platform’s resources, including detailed analysis.
12. Livestream Studio
Continuing with our compilation of the best software and platforms for live streaming, we have Livestream Studio, yet another alternative for grat option fi you want to broadcast live. It lets you connect wired cameras, offers live compositing in up to 4K, and has features like screen capture and Skype integration.
The platform makes it possible to add layers of text and images, edit and adjust colors, creating professional broadcasts even for beginners in live streaming. In addition, it is lightweight and suitable for notebooks with NVIDIA graphics cards. Using the platform requires a subscription to a paid plan.
13. Lightstream
Lightstream is an interesting option for anyone who streams live gameplay content, as it allows customizing streams from Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile devices to Twitch without requiring a lot of resources.
Lightstream is supported on any device running Chrome version 57 or higher. In addition to Twitch, the platform supports live streams on Facebook Live and YouTube.
14. Wirecast
Wirecast is one of the platforms for live streaming that offers varied functionalities, from graphics adjustments to exclusive replay features. It allows you to adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation in videos and graphics, as well as include 3D animations with Titler Live Express.
While it’s not free, it’s an interesting option for creators looking for a one-time investment in a lifetime license. And by investing in one of the best webcams for live streaming, your streams will be much more successful.
15. CameraFi Live
CameraFi Live is an excellent alternative for content creators who don’t have a computer, allowing live streaming from their Android phones. With it, it is possible to live stream on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch without a time limit, with the inclusion of images, texts, filters, videos, and audio.
The application offers a complete platform, dispensing with the use of external software or hardware for game broadcasts. There is a seven-day free trial and two paid plans later on.
16. Ecamm Live
Ecamm Live is a platform to create live streams compatible with several social networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Amazon Live. It supports multiple cameras and screen sharing, making broadcasts more dynamic.
Focused on Apple users, Ecamm Live allows you to connect your iPhone or iPad to share your screen or use it as a camera. The platform offers effects such as green screen and video inclusion. There is a 14-day free trial, followed by paid plans for pros.
17. JW Player
JW Player is a video hosting platform aimed at broadcasters and companies in the industry. It allows continuous live streaming, 24/7, on all devices and integrates with advertising networks for monetization.
The platform offers content subscriptions, seamless transcoding during viewing, and guarantees 99.99% uptime, providing an uninterrupted viewing experience.
18. Nvidia Shadowplay
Nvidia Shadowplay is a tool aimed at GeForce graphics card users that promises minimal impact on system performance when streaming live. The GeForce Experience software lets you stream live to platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.
Its “Instant Replay” feature saves the last few minutes of gameplay automatically so you can replay. However, its compatibility is limited only to equipment with Nvidia cards.
19. Cross Host
Cross Host is a pioneer company in the streaming segment that works with servers located in the North American Softlayer data center, which is considered one of the best in the world. The platform serves from the transmission of live events to the distribution of content via streaming.
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20. YouTube Live
YouTube Live, a tool focused on live streaming on YouTube, offers customization features, such as adding titles, descriptions, and hashtags to lives. The platform has monetization options, allowing viewers to make donations and enabling the creation of ads.
In addition, YouTube Live allows you to analyze the performance of videos to attract a larger audience. All YouTube Live features are free.
21. Melon
The Melon platform is a very simple and intuitive streaming service, aimed at content creators who are starting in the universe of streaming. However, with the platform it is possible to offer paid subscription options with additional features.
Melon makes it possible to simultaneously record and stream, access files later, or choose to record even without a live stream.
22. DataCast
Datacast is a popular streaming platform with many features, including an HTML5 video player compatible with any browser, system, or device.
The platform allows you to embed videos on websites, configure pay-per-view streaming prices, manage follower subscriptions and customize the player with your company’s logo, choosing specific colors.
23. Livestorm
Rounding off our selection of the best live streaming software and platforms is Livestorm, a platform designed to help companies and teams hold meetings, product demos, training, online events, and webinars.
On the platform, it is possible to organize live and recorded events, in addition to offering interaction resources with participants, such as chats and polls. Livestorm also offers data analytics and integration with marketing and CRM tools.
What is the best platform for live streaming?
Among all the platforms listed in our selection of the best software and platforms for live streaming, there are 4 that are considered the best in the segment:
Now all you have to do is choose one of these four live streaming software and platforms, and start making your streams professional!
If you’re looking to make your live streams more professional, we recommend that you read our recommendations for the best video hosting websites and tools (2023), the best headphones for streamers, and also our tips for choosing a good headset.
