Introduction
This era of digitalization has seen the shift of the web towards visual content. Visual content is likely to leave a more impactful image in the minds of the viewers.
One of the most popular forms of visual content on the web is live streaming. The shift of the web towards visual content has also seen a transition from static video content to live streaming.
Live streaming tool enables the fans or viewers of a person to interact with him while watching his videos.
According to research, 80% of people opt for live streams rather than reading web articles. With the rapid growth in the industry, different social media platforms also allow users to stream.
These top platforms include LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc. The type of platform that the users select to live stream their content depends on the type of content.
Let us understand this with an example. If you want to live stream business-related content, then you may prefer using LinkedIn. However, gaming enthusiasts may live stream their gaming-related content on platforms like Twitch.
There are several streaming software options that help users stream their content. The software has different features like live video streaming service, chat and commenting, interactive content, payment structures, etc.
Before knowing the names of different streaming software available that can help you stream your content, let us know the meaning of live streaming platform.
Live Streaming Software
Live streaming software is an application or a tool that helps users broadcast their live events. The users can share their events or content with their audience.
Live streaming software enables users to interact with their audience at the same time. They can comment, chat, and react on the live stream directly with their audience.
Not only this, but most live streaming app also allow the live streamers to share their streams on other social media platforms.
The major component of live streaming software includes a hardware encoder. This hardware encoder helps the users get their videos played on different devices simultaneously.
It performs this function by converting the RAW video input of your content into digital format. Before streaming their content, the users can also modify and customize it according to their preferences.
How to Select the Best Live Streaming Software?
There are many live streaming software programs out there on the web. But choosing the right streaming software will help you in the growth of your business.
Most of the software has a beginner-friendly and intuitive interface. You should also keep several other features in mind. You can look for the following features before selecting any streaming software:
1. Live Chat
The streaming application should always consist of a live chat feature. The live chat element helps the users interact with their audience and, hence, increase engagement on their live stream.
You can always clear the queries and doubts of your audience with the help of this live chat option.
2. Templates and Themes
To provide the best customer experience to your audience, you should choose software that consists of appealing themes. Besides being appealing, the themes and templates of the streaming software should be customizable.
Customizable templates can help you create a layout that represents your brand.
3. Preview Editor
The Preview Editor enables the users to have a look at their video clips. This enables the users to decide whether their video and content are ready to go live or not.
4. Integration Features
The best software for streaming should always let users share their content on other social media sites.
With the help of social media integration, users can easily stream their content on different platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, etc.
5. Real-Time Reports
The element of real-time analytics and reports allows users to assess the performance of their live content. Real-time analytics and statistics help them know the success and performance of their live stream.
Different features of real-time analytics include the number of viewers, new subscribers, and the type of audience they are receiving. The type of audience refers to the geographical location and demographics of your live stream audience.
So, these are some of the factors that you should consider before choosing any streaming platform. Now let us have a look at the different streaming software that you can use to stream your content.
Choose the Best Streaming Software in 2023
1. Riverside
Riverside lets you have the best of both worlds. You can stream your live broadcast on Riverside and other streaming platforms, plus get a high-quality local recording.
It’s easy—just sit down and start broadcasting without needing any extra equipment.
Main Features
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Price
The basic plan is a completely free version, while paid plans start from $15/month.
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Supported Live Stream Platforms
Riverside offers direct integration for platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Twitch, or you can use custom RTMP to stream to any other platform.
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Guests
Riverside is a web browser-based streaming platform that allows you to live stream with up to 7 remote guests.
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Multiple Inputs
Riverside supports multiple inputs, so you can share your screen and camera simultaneously.
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Local Recording
You have the option of enabling local recording, and if there are guests, their video and audio will be separately recorded on another track.
Other Features
- Riverside offers a wide range of features to enhance your live streaming and recording experience.
- Live call-in and live chat allow you to communicate with and engage your audience in real-time.
- Media Board makes it easy to mix video, audio and text for an enhanced viewing experience.
2. OBS studio – ‘Open Broadcaster Software’
OBS is a free and powerful video recording and editing tool. It lets you create videos quickly and easily, and then broadcast them directly on social media.
It has many useful features like an intuitive design, lots of video editing tools, and the ability to make tutorials, presentations, and gameplay videos.
Main Features
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Price
OBS Studio is free and open-source software that allows users to create and stream content with multiple inputs.
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Supported Operating Systems
It offers support for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems, making it accessible to users from all backgrounds.
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Local Recording
OBS Studio provides the ability to record videos locally and on various live streaming platforms.
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Multiple Inputs
This software supports multiple input sources, such as monitors, web cameras, images, text and audio.
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Guests
You can even bring guests onto your stream using call software such as Zoom or Skype.
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Supported Live Stream Platforms
It is easy to use and provides a powerful range of features including multistreaming on all major platforms.
Other Features
- OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a powerful video and audio mixing tool for live streaming and recording videos.
- It offers real-time video and audio mixing, with the ability to include images, text, clips from capture cards and more in your stream.
- OBS Studio has a modular ‘Dock’ UI allowing you to customize and arrange your setup to suit your preferences.
- The intuitive audio mixer provides noise suppression and gain control, so you can get the perfect sound levels.
- The Chroma Key capability enables you to easily create green screen effects in your streams.
- You have the flexibility to add an unlimited number of scenes and custom transitions, giving you creative control over your content
3. Streamlabs OBS/Desktop
Streamlabs OBS is a powerful streaming software program designed to make streaming easier. It has many of the same features as OBS, but with a simpler user interface.
Streamlabs OBS also allows you to stream from the cloud, making it more efficient and convenient.
Main Features
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Price
Streamlabs OBS for Mac is a free and open-source live-streaming software.
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Supported Operating Systems
Available on Mac OS.
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Multiple Inputs
Streamlabs OBS is easy to use and supports multiple inputs.
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Local Recording
The software allows you to record both locally and online.
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Guests
If you need to add guests or collaborate with others, Streamlabs OBS works with video/voice call services such as Skype or Discord
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Supported Live Stream Platforms
For an additional fee, Prime members can access exclusive features such as multistreaming to multiple platforms like Twitch, YouTube and Facebook.
Other Features
- Streamlabs OBS/Desktop is designed to make streaming easier than ever, offering a range of features that can help you customize your UI and recording process.
- The software allows for selective recording and game overlays on single monitors to ensure the best outcome for your stream.
- You can find additional tools and plugins in Streamlabs’ app store, allowing you to tailor your preferred streaming experience.
- Streamlabs OBS/Desktop has aggregated chat when multistreaming, helping you keep track of what’s being said across multiple platforms.
- Monetization options are available, allowing you to promote yourself and monetize your stream.
- Your settings and files are securely backed up to the cloud, ensuring your content remains safe and accessible.
- Customizable overlay and templates let you create unique visuals that will draw in your audience.
4. Twitch Studio
Twitch Studio is a free streaming app that makes starting a live stream easy and accessible for anyone.
It’s specifically designed with new streamers in mind, offering an intuitive set up process to get you up and running on Twitch quickly and easily.
If you’ve ever wanted to try out streaming but were put off by the difficulty of setting it up, Twitch Studio is perfect for you!
Main Features
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Price
Twitch Studio is a free streaming software designed specifically for Twitch users, currently in Beta phase.
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Supported Operating Systems
The software is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems
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Multiple Inputs
Users can use multiple audio sources, with the option to record locally.
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Recording
It includes built-in local recording support for easy archiving of broadcasts.
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Guests
Twitch’s Squad Stream enables up to 4 creators to go live on Twitch simultaneously
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Supported Live Stream Platforms
Twitch Studio allows users to livestream directly to Twitch quickly and easily.
Other Features
- Twitch Studio is a powerful streaming software designed to help streamers of all levels reach their full potential.
- Personalize your stream with custom layouts, overlays and scene transitions for an engaging visual experience.
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to share the screen and show off your favorite apps or games.
- The guided onboarding and easy setup make it simple for beginners to get started and broadcast their first stream.
- Twitch Studio offers advanced features such as built-in alerts, activity feeds and Twitch chat integration to help streamers engage with their audience.
- Take advantage of the customizable options and rich feature set that Twitch Studio provides to create an immersive streaming experience.
5. Wirecast
Wirecast is a user-friendly and cost-effective broadcasting software that enables you to create professional-grade webcasts. You can use multiple live and recorded video sources to mix them together, similar to a television studio.
External devices like cameras and webcams can be connected for video input, though it might cause conflicts on some systems.
Main Features
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Price
Wirecast Studio Plan is priced at $599 and Wirecast Pro Plan costs $799.
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Supported Operating Systems
Wirecast is an all-in-one live video streaming production platform available for both Windows and Mac operating systems.
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Multiple Inputs
With Wirecast, users can have unlimited inputs for their live stream.
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Recording
All recordings are in ISO format so each input can be recorded individually.
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Guests
Guests can join your broadcast with Wirecast Rendevous Conferencing, 2 participants with the Studio Plan and 7 participants with the Pro Plan.
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Supported Live Stream Platforms
The Wirecast platform allows users to stream to unlimited destinations and use multistreaming capabilities.
Other Features
- Wirecast is a powerful and popular streaming software that allows you to broadcast from your device in real time.
- It comes with plenty of features, such as the ability to include pre-recorded content or media from their stock library.
- The Pro Plan is also available and offers additional features such as Replay, Scoreboards, clocks & timers, and more.
- Download the free wireless camera app so you can transform any iOS device into a video source for live streaming.
- Wirecast also integrates with Facebook Live and Twitter to display comments, polls and viewer counts on your live stream.
- Wirecast is user friendly and includes a flexible UI with Chroma Key compatible graphics, as well as high-quality encoding for maximum quality.
6. Lightstream Studio
Lightstream is a free, no-hassle solution for sharing live video from your browser or local device. You can get started quickly and easily – just create an account and begin streaming from any device, whenever you want!
Main Features
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Price
Lightstream Studio offers plans starting at $7/month, with two options – Gamer or Creator, allowing you to choose the plan that best suits your needs.
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Multiple Inputs
The software is browser-based and allows for unlimited inputs, so you can create beautiful multi-camera streams with ease.
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Recording
Lightstream Studio also supports recording, with the ability to individually record each input in its own file (ISO recording).
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Guests
Creator plan users get access to up to 7 remote guests in their productions, for added collaboration and engagement.
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Supported Live Stream Platforms
Supported streaming platforms include all major networks as well as custom RTMP destination.
Other Features
- Lightstream Studio is the perfect platform for creating a professional and interactive streaming experience.
- Lightstream Studio can be used to create high-quality, branded streams with custom overlays, widgets and alerts.
- The easy-to-use interface provides users with great flexibility for creating an organized stream layout that’s intuitive for viewers.
- Alerts and interactive widgets can help engage viewers in real-time and make your stream more engaging.
- Lightstream Studio also allows users to easily add multiple webcams, audio sources and other graphics to enhance their stream production.
- Finally, Lightstream Studio has powerful back-end tools to help monitor user performance, optimize the stream quality and manage data more efficiently.
7. vMix
vMix is a powerful video mixing software designed for the Windows platform by StudioCoast PTY LTD. It enables users to mix up to 4K input sources such as cameras, videos, audio, and more live or recorded in real-time.
Additionally, users can switch between inputs, adjust audio volumes, and stream their content directly for all audiences.
Main Features
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Price
vMix offers three pricing plans; a Lifetime license Basic HD ($60), a Pro License ($1200) and a subscription license, which costs $50 per month
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Supported Operating Systems
vMix is a live streaming and video production software solution for Windows users.
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Multiple Inputs
It provides multiple inputs up to 4 inputs with the BasicHD plan and up to 1000 inputs with their Pro plan.
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Recording
The software can record remotely but not locally .
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Guests
Vmix supports guests through their Vmix Call add on.
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Supported Live Stream Platforms
With their multiple streaming platforms, users can livestream to up to 3 streaming services at once for maximum reach and engagement.
Other Features
- vMix is a professional live video production and streaming software package.
- vMix offers instant replay and slow motion capabilities, allowing users to create dynamic presentations.
- The software can also display content from social media services like Twitter and Instagram directly in the live stream.
- vMix Chroma Key allows broadcasters to easily integrate virtual backgrounds into their productions.
- The software supports up to 4K resolution, giving you full control over image quality.
8. X-Split Broadcaster
XSplit Broadcaster is a powerful video streaming and production application that makes it easy to live stream to services like Twitch and produce videos for platforms such as YouTube.
It is free to use under a limited license and can be used in combination with other apps to add features such as alerts. This versatile and user-friendly software is very popular among video game streamers.
Main Features
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Price
The program is priced at $60 per year and only available for Windows.
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Multiple Inputs
X-Split Broadcaster supports multiple inputs, so you can mix footage from various sources together.
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Recording
Recording and multitrack audio is supported with local recordings.
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Guests
Guests can join the stream as long as they use an external video/audio call software like Discord.
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Supported Live Stream Platforms
You can multistream to major platforms such as YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch and more simultaneously.
Other Features
- X-Split Broadcaster is a feature-rich online streaming and recording software.
- It enables you to stream and record in 4K at high quality with no lag.
- It provides integration with popular social media channels such as Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube.
- The software includes branded transitions and elements to spice up your streams.
- You can even use live illustration features while streaming.
- The interface of X-Split Broadcaster is completely customizable for an optimized user experience.
- You can create personalized scene presets with different sources and settings that can be accessed quickly.
- Moreover, automated noise suppression helps ensure clear audio when streaming or recording.
Comparison
| Price | Supported Operating Platforms/Browsers | Multiple Inputs | Local Recording | Supported Live Stream Platforms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside | Free and Paid Plans | Google Chrome and the Microsoft Edge | Yes | Yes | LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Twitch and Custom RTMP |
| OBS Studio | Free | Windows, Mac and Linux | Yes | Yes | All Major Platforms |
| Streamlabs OBS/Desktop | Free | Mac Os | Yes | Yes | Twitch, YouTube and Facebook (Prime Members) |
| Twitch Studio | Free (Twitch users) | Windows and Mac | Yes | Yes | Twitch |
| Wirecast | Paid Plans | Windows and Mac | Unlimited Inputs | Yes | Unlimited Destinations |
| Lightstream Studio | Paid Plans | All Browsers | Unlimited Inputs | Yes | All Major Platforms and Custom RTMP |
| vMix | Paid Plans | Windows | According to Plan | Remotely Not Locally | Major Platforms |
| X-Split Broadcaster | Paid Plan | Windows | Yes | Yes | Major Platforms |
Wrapping Up!
So, these are 8 best streaming software for 2023 that out there on the web. Though all the software provides basic live streaming facilities, they have unique USPs.
The software also has different pricing options and facilities. You can choose any software according to the requirements of your live streaming content.
