17+ Best Streaming Software (For Twitch and YouTube)

17+ Best Streaming Software (For Twitch and YouTube)

If you are streaming on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch, you need the best streaming software you can find.

Whether for entertainment, education, or communication, video streaming has become a crucial part of our lives.

Video streaming technology is improving daily, and people are looking for the most appropriate and proper streaming software that is not expensive or free.

The correct video streaming software would professionally present your video, complete with a bespoke logo, high-resolution streaming, mixed audio, and other features.

While numerous expensive solutions exist, countless free video streaming software options provide significant features and tools for content makers and streamers.

With so much rivalry among software businesses, developers continually strive to create the highest-performing and most user-friendly video streaming software to suit customer requests.

However, with so many options available, selecting the best software for your machine might be difficult.

We analyzed and selected the best streaming software solutions based on their essential features to make your search easier.

Whether you're a novice or an expert, this guide will help you pick the best video streaming software for your needs.

Choosing the Best Streaming Software for YouTube and Twitch

But since there is a lot of streaming software out there, making a decision becomes a bit difficult.

Streaming software is the workhorse of a thriving industry, and it is only getting bigger. In the United States alone, the audience for live video programming is predicted to grow to 164.6 million viewers by 2024.

New live streaming services are constantly appearing — every social network now has one — so sorting through the possibilities and selecting the best streaming software can be difficult.

This post was developed to assist you in choosing the finest live-streaming software by demystifying it.

Good Read: 43 Best Video Editing Software (Edit Videos Quickly)

What is Live Streaming Software?

Live streaming software is a program or app that converts live video input into a digital format suitable for live streaming.

This conversion process is known as encoding, the most fundamental feature every live streaming software should have.

There are two types of streaming software: software you download and install on your computer and browser-based solutions that do not require downloads and function directly from a web browser.

Downloaded software normally necessitates a more powerful computer, whereas browser-based streaming does not necessitate as many resources from your computer.

What Does Live Streaming Software Do?

Most streaming software can do a few things. It is typically used for two purposes: encoding and mixing/production.

Some streaming software is designed for specific purposes, such as simulcasting or chroma keying. Let's take a closer look at these specific types of streaming software.

Encoding

Live broadcasting software uses Video encoding technology to turn your video feed into a digital format suitable for live streaming.

Video cameras generally use recording formats that are not suitable for internet transmission.

Broadcast software is also required for video transcoding or replicating video files of various sizes and quality. It usually makes use of RTMP encoders or the HLS streaming protocol.

Because encoders serve this role, the best HLS-enabled broadcasting software products are frequently referred to as live stream encoding software.

You install and run live encoding software on a desktop computer to use it. A laptop computer can be used for more mobile streaming circumstances.

A PC with a constantly fast internet connection is required to operate live streaming apps efficiently.

Once you've got your computer, you can use capture cards to connect video cameras. The same is true for other specialized gear.

Numerous computers with unique tasks can be used for more complicated streaming scenarios. For example, one technician could work on another computer to develop visuals.

The graphics can then be fed to the main mixing machine via an NDI (network device interface). As a result, your graphics will appear promptly with no lag time for your viewers.

Although it is not ideal, running encoding software on a mobile device is feasible.

Mixing and Production

Live video mixing and editing is the second function of live and pre-recorded streaming software.

The fundamental function of live video mixing software, or live video switching, is to choose and display different sources during a live broadcast.

In a nutshell, mixing is an on-the-fly editing technique utilized by the television industry for many decades.

All the best streaming software we'll review here are streaming tools that can also mix software. These encoders enable you to perform various operations quickly during a live broadcast, which is critical for a successful live stream.

The broadcast overlay program can be used to perform the following:

- Changing between various cams

- Stream live video and audio from several sources.

- During a live broadcast, insert a still image or a pre-recorded video.

- Graphics or titles overlaid on top of the video feed

- Add transitions and video effects like virtual "green screen" sets.

Mixing is critical to producing an entertaining and well-crafted livestream. In some cases, a single-camera feed with no names, pictures, cuts, overlays, or other finishes may suffice.

On the other hand, a single-camera method is rarely professional or feature-rich enough for a high-quality live broadcast.

That is why you require streaming and broadcasting software to provide your audience with a multi-camera or multi-source experience.

Video streaming software includes tools for converting RAW video data to the proper format for web broadcasting.

Video broadcasting software should also include capabilities for mixing and producing.

Other things a live streaming software can do are:

- Capturing. Recording video from your camera and audio from your mic or audio setup. Save your live stream offline so you may manually upload it to multiple platforms afterward.

- Editing. Changing the content in any way, from trimming to adding special effects.

- Broadcasting. Make your work available to the public on a single platform or across multiple platforms.

- Stream Management. Take control of your live stream by switching screens, adding overlays, managing volume, and other similar actions.

- Collaborating. Collaboration with another content creator, such as co-streaming.

- Scheduling. Plan ahead of time to attract more viewers coming in to your streams.

- Analytics. Analyzing your live stream performance in order to optimize future streams.

- Integration. Connecting to other services to expand its capabilities while maintaining stream quality.

It's fantastic to have streaming software with all of those features. Unfortunately, streaming software sometimes has to sacrifice other features to emphasize a good feature or two.

So, with the live streaming market anticipated to reach $2.61 billion by 2026, how can you differentiate yourself from the competition? Choosing the best streaming software is a wonderful place to start.

Benefits of Live Broadcasting Software

All the features and integrations you need to produce high-quality real-time content are built into live broadcasting software. Here's how the best solutions can benefit your company:

Improved Performance: Transcode your video content for optimal performance, regardless of your consumer's location, device, or bandwidth.

Rapid Conversion: Convert live video recordings into video on demand in a matter of seconds.

Control latency: Lower your latency for increased real-time engagement (ideal for live chats and interactivity), or increase it to reduce playback buffering.

APIs and SDKs: Use APIs and SDKs to integrate your video content into a website, iOS app, Android app, smart TV app, or OTT app.

Monetization Options: Determine how you wish to monetize your content, whether through AVOD, SVOD, TVOD, or a novel mix.

Controls for Live Streams: Allow your users to hop in live, start from the beginning, rewind, or pause the stream.

Data Rights Management (DRM): You can protect your content from unauthorized consumption and dissemination using DRM technology and proper practices.

Support: Get competent technical assistance when developing your live streaming solutions.

What Is the Purpose of Live Streaming Software?

Anyone who wishes to launch professional-quality live streams, whether for regular events or 24/7 live broadcasts, should invest in live streaming software. The following industries would benefit the most from it:

- Gamers

- Sports

- Education

- Publishers

- Film and Television

- Fitness

What Factors to Consider When Selecting Streaming Software

Most popular streaming software solutions have a few things in common, such as the ability to attach a camera and microphone, record video, and include video editing features.

But there's a lot that distinguishes different streaming options. If you're determined to get the greatest streaming solution, search for the following key features:

Possible Compatibility Issues

Most live-streaming software is compatible with social networks and streaming websites. You should check for compatibility difficulties if you utilize other video hosting services, such as Vimeo, Panopto, or Dacast.

Advanced Features

There are many levels of complexity and features in live streaming software. Some systems allow you to multi-stream to many platforms at the same time.

While others provide additional storage space to keep recordings of your live videos, examine these features before settling on a single piece of software.

Multiple Inputs

Adding more than one video source is essential for live video streaming. For example, you might want to see your screen and yourself if you're a gamer. During your broadcast, your software encoder should allow you to switch between video inputs easily.

Live Mixing Abilities

If you want the creative freedom to integrate other media (audio or visual) in your stream, look into the live mixing capabilities of the streaming software you're considering. Furthermore, if your live stream is branded, look for software that allows for logo customization, transitions, and other features.

Preview Editor

The Preview Editor will help you quickly look at your video clips. You can also make last-minute changes or create a new clip before publishing it.

Extensive Themes/Templates

Customizable themes can easily create a more personalized and immersive live-streaming experience. For example, adding a welcome screen and interval filler might make your livestream appear more personalized.

Local Recording of Your Stream

You could believe that live streaming is all about the live element. The option to record your broadcast in full HD locally, on the other hand, means you may reuse your content and allow your visitors to repeat the stream!

Ability to Include Guests 

You may want to invite distant guests in your live broadcast depending on the type of content you're live streaming.

Real-Time Analytics

Access to real-time metrics is critical for gauging the success and engagement of your live stream. To make your live stream more user-centric, you can track all analytics, such as the number of viewers, new subscriptions, and engagement, depending on geography and demographics.

API and SDK

A mobile SDK and API architecture for developers allows you to integrate your live stream with services, cloud video applications, and digital media workflows.

Social Media Integration

Extensive social media integration will allow you to live stream on many sites simultaneously, such as YouTube and Twitch.

Supported Platforms

Although most streaming software supports and is compatible with the major streaming platforms, it is best to double-check this.

You should also seek for streaming software that allows you to simultaneously broadcast to multiple platforms (i.e., a multi-streaming platform). This is critical for increasing your reach and delivering your content to a diverse audience.

There are various tiers of premium software versions, each with its own set of features and degrees of complexity.

Some streaming software allows you to transmit to numerous major streaming sites simultaneously, but other live broadcasting software provides you with greater storage space to record your live videos.

It is easy to fall in love with streaming video software just to learn that it does not operate. Check out these features before settling on streaming software for pre-recorded videos.

Pricing

Some streaming software is available for free. In fact, the most popular options are free of charge or like the low-cost streaming app Philo.

However, keep in mind that paying for a live streaming tool to acquire enhancements and other features can occasionally improve the quality of your shows and make them more interesting to viewers.

Desktop program or Browser-based Solution

Some streaming software, such as OBS Studio, requires you to download and install it on your computer. These programs run on your computer's resources.

Other streaming software is browser-based, so you don't have to download anything and may watch a live stream directly from your web browser.

The resources needed to run browser-based streaming software come from the company's servers, not your computer.

If your computer is less powerful and you're not streaming highly graphical images like video games or animation, a browser-based streaming program is definitely a better option.

Live Chat

An excellent option for increasing the engagement of your live stream is live chat. The live chat tool lets you connect with the audience and answer their questions. Most significantly, you can monitor your viewers' reactions in real time.

Examining these qualities will assist you in eliminating streaming solutions that you absolutely cannot employ.

You should not use them if they are out of your pricing range, do not support the platforms you use, or lack critical functionality.

This article reviews the 17 best streaming software with unique features. You can choose anyone that fits your needs.

17+ Best Streaming Software

1. Onestream

Onestream is a great streaming app that lets you stream on more than 40 social media platforms simultaneously.

OneStream is the greatest overall streaming software, capable of broadcasting and recording live and pre-recorded videos and publishing them to over 40 social networking platforms.

Using pre-recorded streaming, you can record and plan your broadcasts on social media platforms up to 60 days in advance.

You can combine OneStream with various streaming solutions for live broadcasting. This application is simple to set up and use. Scheduling pre-recorded films is very simple.

You simply upload your video file, choose a day and time, and choose your streaming destinations, including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Instagram, Periscope, etc.

With Onestream, you can pre-record videos and schedule them for live streaming in any social media app. You can schedule it for up to 90 days.

Key Features

- Live Spaces: This feature enables you to live stream on your customized web page. With Onestream, you can brand and control your live streaming interface. In addition, it allows you to add a call-to-action button on your live streams.

- RTMP Streaming: With this feature, you can multi-screen on multiple platforms and also use tools like Zoom, OBS, and Ecamm.

- Playlist Streaming: This feature allows you to create a playlist of videos that have been pre-recorded for live.

- Cloud Storage Integration: Onestream allows you to import videos from any cloud storage platform. It also allows you to save videos to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Zoom, and more.

- Embed Player: You can also embed your live stream videos into your personal website with Onestream.

- Multiple Upload Options: OneStream gives you different upload options before live streaming. You can choose to capture your screen for live, upload videos from your device, or record yourself live.

- Unified Chats: Onestream provides a centralized platform that enables you to manage all the messages, replies, and comments from different social media platforms.

Other features include Custom RTMP streaming and team management.

Pricing

Onestream offers a free forever version and three paid plans with a 20% discount when you subscribe annually.

The basic plan costs $10/month, the Standard plan costs $39/month, and the Professional plan costs $79.

2. OBS Studio

OBS Studio OBS Studio is a free, open-source, and fully cross-platform software for live streaming and video recording compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac devices. It is one of the best green screen software for your editing needs.

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software Studio) needs no introduction. This excellent streaming program is available for free and provides a wide range of features.

Once installed on your computer, you can begin broadcasting yourself on any platform of your choice, including YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Live. It is available for users of Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Scenes with various sources can be created and switched between using custom transitions. This streaming program also has simple setting choices, making it ideal for beginners.

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