Want to engage your audience in a lively conversation? Here’s your luck. The vast majority of streamers rely on a suite of apps to facilitate their broadcasts.
Some are required for the day-to-day operations of your channel and the tracking of your viewers, while others are helpful for expanding your audience and enhancing the quality of your broadcasts.
No matter what you’re looking for, there’s an app out there that can help you level up your streaming game, Read on to find the best apps for streamers.
What Are Live Streaming Apps?
Live streaming apps are platforms that help streamers to create and share public videos in real-time. Unlike pre-recorded videos, which may be modified as needed, live streams cannot be changed.
The video-sharing website acts as a bridge between the filmmaker and the viewing public. And ultimately, businesses can benefit from this method of expanding their customer base and potential leads beyond their local areas.
According to research conducted by Grand View, the global video marketing market will be worth USD 22.85 billion come 2028. The Covid-19 pandemic has also positively affected the video streaming industry by increasing demand for content that can be consumed in real-time.
Benefits of Live Streaming Apps
Live streaming is the latest fad in interactive communication and can do wonders for your business and personal profile. No doubt, the first brands to utilize this technology will have a leg up on the competition.
Below are some of the positive outcomes that live streaming can bring to a company:
- Live streaming services can significantly facilitate the acquisition of one’s intended demographic.
- More people can see your business regardless of where they are, and you may expect higher conversion rates.
- Live streaming and recording events allow you to make money in the future by using the recorded content in advertisements or marketing.
Periscope
Overall Best App for Streamers
Periscope is one streamers’ app that has seen a lot of use in previous years–but that’s no longer the case. The switch to Facebook by many users, which had reduced the traction generated by Twitter, has also affected Periscope. But if expanding your Twitter presence is a priority, you may have to stick with Periscope.
With Twitter’s recent shift toward a more Facebook-like algorithmic feed, in which updates are no longer time-limited but highlights are displayed for extended periods of time, you now have the chance to show off your stream recording for even longer.
Features
- An interactive map option allows you to view videos from across the world as they are being broadcast
- Videos shared on Periscope are automatically recorded and can be viewed for up to a day after the original broadcast
- When you’re done with your Periscope broadcast, you can save the video to your camera roll to keep a copy even after the broadcast has ended
- Since Twitter now owns Periscope, it comes as no surprise that the software works seamlessly with Twitter. This feature makes it simple to connect with your Twitter followers and alert them of your live Periscope broadcasts.
Pricing
Free
Pros
- Periscope provides all the same virality advantages that Twitter service does—thanks to its tight integration.
- The analytics offered by Periscope is simple but effective, allowing you to gain insight into your stream’s success in no time.
- For individuals that require more sophisticated live streaming solutions, this is a huge bonus when using external broadcasting technologies.
Cons
- Periscope isn’t the best option when it comes to adding specific effects for an event. This version is optimized for users working independently
- Money-making options, advertisements, closed captioning, and similar enhancements are not currently available on Periscope. Streaming-wise, it’s pretty standard fare for a free service.
Facebook Live
Best for Easy Integration
Most of us have used Facebook Live because it has made live streaming accessible and widespread; with it, live broadcast is just as easy as pie. It offers a straightforward interface that can be easily navigated and is available on all devices (including mobile and desktop devices).
Facebook Live integrates well with a lot of other platforms. If you’re using devices that enable live streaming, then they’ll most certainly work with this app.
Features
- App allows you to record and distribute your video.
- New video uploads can be broadcast directly to your page’s existing followers.
- Viewers can engage freely via the comments section.
Pricing
Free
Pros
- Amazing compatibility with every program and service on the market
- A high probability of spreading to others. Facebook Live is a great tool for boosting your organic reach on Facebook.
- Incredibly user-friendly and straightforward on a mobile device; perfect for coordinating with a team of event workers amid the action on the trade show floor.
Cons
- You can only access it from the Facebook app, which can be annoying. It’s inconvenient to utilize third-party software to handle your Facebook live stream because you must log in every time you want to start broadcasting
- There is a severe lack of tools for organizing events.
Twitch
Best for Gamers
Now that a dedicated esports venue has opened in Sin City, esports competitions should expect even bigger budgets and crowds than before. Among all the online platforms, Twitch is supreme. It deserves the credit for popularizing a novel idea.
It provides a wealth of useful applications, services, and integrations, and it introduces novel ideas like peer-to-peer payment. Accepting donations as a creator is usual practice, though Youtube and similar platforms have been slow to catch up.
Twitch is the app to use if you wish to broadcast your gaming content to the world.
But if you’re looking to broaden your horizons outside the gaming space, Twitch also hosts channels for music, art, and lifestyle content.
Features
- If the streamer has enabled live chat, viewers can communicate with them at any moment while they are broadcasting
- Twitch’s many extensions and plugins allow for extensive personalization
- Channels can be quickly navigated thanks to the categorization system
- If a user follows a channel, they will be notified immediately whenever the streamer goes online.
Pricing
Free
Pros
- A perfect option for gaming events
- Comes with a staggering number of add-ons and functionality
- Widespread software compatibility with broadcasting programs.
Cons
- The portal caters to a specific audience
- For a first-time user, it may seem complicated and confusing. Adjusting to this new environment may take a while.
Younow
Best for Solo Broadcasters
Younow ushers in the era of standalone media streaming software. Unlike the Instagram and Facebook, these programs are made with the solo broadcaster in mind. They are a viable option for the event’s live streaming needs, both for guests and for the team.
Younow is a major player in the younger demographics’ watch together live streaming apps for enjoyment with friends. There’s a lot of potential for it to go viral, even if it appears tailored more at YouTubers than actual events.
The platform’s user-friendliness allows for speedy implementation.
Features
- Comes with commercialization options
- Strict regulations to ensure privacy and security
- Constant vigilance over content
- Quick and simple sign-in using your Google, Apple, or Instagram account.
Pricing
Free
Pros
- Potential for widespread popularity; highlighted streams tend to attract many viewers
- Connecting with people online and working with the most popular social networks is easy
- Includes a built-in incentive system that encourages substantial user participation.
Cons
- Very few customization options and few features overall
- Designed more for the general public than for professional organizers.
Instagram Live
Best for Instant Broadcasting
IG Live is a relatively new project, especially compared to YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook, But it has tremendous potential for widespread adoption.
It’s a live-streaming program that anyone may use. There are no high-end add-ons or features for organizing events. Still, given the popularity of Instagram, incorporating a real-time feed from the venue’s backstage or the event itself might have a major impact on attendance.
Although two-person streaming is a recent addition, the platform’s features are still somewhat restricted. Again, this proves that Instagram is succeeding with its long-tail strategy. Regardless, Facebook is better suited to handling variations on more involved events.
Features
- Active users will be notified when you start streaming
- Live videos will be archived at the top of the Stories feed for users unable to watch a live broadcast
- You can start broadcasting instantly on Instagram.
Pricing
Free
Pros
- Multiple reports corroborate the algorithm’s preference for live streamers hence your brand will naturally reach more people
- The platform’s ease of use and accessibility make it a viable replacement for existing social media tools event staff use.
Cons
- When it comes to functionality, Instagram Live is minimal
- Due to a lack of available integrations, it cannot be used with existing broadcasting programs, encoders, etc.
Streamshark
Best for HD Video Streaming
Streamshark is a worldwide Content Delivery Network (CDN) that ensures that your live stream is delivered at its optimal quality. In addition to handy add-ons like Facebook Live and Google Analytics, you also get access to handy monetization tools and security configurations.
For corporate events that need to broadcast to password-protected websites, these are invaluable. The 360-degree video player, which allows users to watch live streams in an immersive format, is one of the site’s coolest features.
Features
- Using Real-time polling to monetize video content
- HD video streaming from several cameras
- Event scheduling
- Audience participation.
Pricing
- 7-day free trial
- LITE: 50 US Dollars per month
- PRO 100 US Dollars per month.
Pros
- A reliable system at a reasonable cost
- It has a wide variety of tools, including those that are more advanced
- Strong VOD capabilities and monetization framework.
Cons
- An average user may struggle to estimate and comprehend bandwidth price.
Vimeo Livestream
Best for Larger Broadcasts
Vimeo Livestream was one of the earliest platforms that emerged to fill the void left by most streaming platforms. It is, in fact, a premium paid service that necessitates a larger outlay of resources.
If you’re organizing events with more complicated requirements, this might not be a major concern, but if you’re just a solo streamer, you’re out of luck.
Livestream also provides a no-cost software option that works with Periscope, Facebook Live, and other streaming services. The functionality is highly sophisticated and event-friendly.
Features
- You can send your live video to several platforms at once
- Streaming can be accessed from any computer or mobile device.
Pricing
- 30-day free trial
- Basic: 42 US Dollars per month (when paid annually); 99 US Dollars per month (when paid monthly)
- Premiujm: 49 US Dollars per month (if paid monthly); 199 US Dollars per month (if paid annually).
Pros
- It has the MeVo camera, which can be used on its own for smaller events, and the Broadcaster pro, which can be attached to any camera to make it broadcast-ready
- Live broadcasts can be hosted on your website or shared via social media.
Cons
- High-end extras can sometimes be too pricey.
What to Look For When Choosing an App for Streamers
Below are some of the important factors to consider when choosing what app to use as a streamer:
Purpose
Apps for streamers can help with a variety of tasks, from managing your channel to finding new ways to interact with your audience. When choosing an app, it’s important to consider what you need the app to do for you.
Features
Not all apps for streamers are created equal – some have more features than others. When choosing, ensure the app has the features you need to streamline your workflow and make your life easier.
Ease of Use
You don’t want to spend hours figuring out how to use an app. So look for something that is easy to use and navigate.
Compatibility
Before choosing an app, check to see if it is compatible with your devices and software. You don’t want to end up with an app that doesn’t work with your setup.
Price
Apps for streamers can range in price from free to several hundred dollars. When making a choice, consider how much you are willing to spend and whether the app’s features are worth the price tag (if any).
Support
If you run into any problems with an app, you’ll want to be able to get help from the app’s support team. Before settling for an app, look for one that offers good customer support in case you need it.
Here are other things to keep in view when picking a live streaming app:
- Consider whether it provides a satisfying experience for your target demographic. So, will your live stream function properly for mobile users who may not have the best internet connection, if that’s where the majority of your viewers come from? Is there a risk of excessive buffering?
- Make sure you can make the necessary adjustments: A layout that conveys professionalism, for instance, is appropriate for a business-related live stream. Also, if you need to engage your audience, you should use an app that displays the comments on the screen so you wouldn’t have to switch tabs to see them.
Conclusion
Live streaming is ideal for broadcasting events and delivering engaging content to an audience in real-time. If you’re a streamer looking for an app that has all the features you need, is easy to use, and provides good customer support, check out some of the apps we’ve listed above.
From Periscope, which comes with an interactive map feature that allows you view videos from all over the world, to Facebook Live, which is super easy and straightforward to use, down to Livestream, which allows you to stream to multiple platforms at once, to Twitch which caters to your gaming needs, there’s definitely something to suit your needs.
We hope this article has helped you narrow down your search and find the perfect app for your needs. Happy streaming!