Hello there Sea Changers. Welcome back to my series of program lists to assist those of you looking to work with the online world with my 10 best live streaming software programs to tell your story with this year. And of course, as with anything to do with software, there are a lot of options to choose from.
Hence, choosing which one is the best for your needs can be quite a daunting process. So to assist you here is a list of the 10 best video editing software program options that I have found. Let's check them out.
- YouTube
- Twitch
- OBS Studio
- Wirecast
- vMix
- Streamlabs
- Dacast
- Restream
- OneStream
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10 best live streaming platforms
Ok, so keeping the above in mind, let's now have a look at my list of live streaming software programs I have found and run through them by looking at:
- What they offer
- Features
- Pricing
And for those of you working within the affiliate marketing space I will highlight program details too.
1. YouTube

To get started, let's discuss the platform that many of the programs below will be allowing you to stream into which is YouTube. YouTube is not only the second largest search engine in the world that just happens to show videos, but also a really easy way to stream your content live online as well.
And best of all, you only need a webcam and a mic – the ones inbuilt into your PC will do just fine as well – and you are ready to present to the world. Streams can be shown in real time or scheduled for a later date.

Pricing
YouTube is a predominately free service – especially from a live stream point of view – however if you are looking for ad free viewing, offline downloads and access to premium music, then you can go premium if you choose as well.

Affiliate program
YouTube does not offer an affiliate program however if you are able to build a following, then they will pay you to put ads on your videos instead.
2. FaceBook

FaceBook is another platform that need no real introduction however for those with an account, it allows you to undertake live streaming again straight from the webcam and microphone within your device. Streams can be undertaken live or scheduled as per YouTube above and are a great way to get to your messages out to your followers at any time from any location as well.
Other live features include:
- Integration to external webcams, microphones etc.
- Automatic connection to other external live stream platforms
- Auto generated captioning
- In-video messaging

Pricing
FaceBook is a free service.
Affiliate program
N/A
3. Twitch

Twitch describes itself as “an interactive live streaming service for content spanning gaming, entertainment, sports, music, and more”. In laymans terms, it is a site where people come to live stream. And whilst it is predominately for gamers to demonstrate their play, streamers on Twitch can livestream just about anything – and I mean anything.
I mean whilst researching for this post I watched a 3-minute video of a guy demonstrating how to pour maple syrup onto pancakes.

Live streaming takes place via their Creator Dashboard which offers:
- Access to external cameras and microphones
- Editing Suite
- Analytics etc.
- Integration to external streaming platforms
- Extensions
- And heaps more.
Pricing
Twitch is free to use however streamers can earn money via ‘Bits', which are purchased by viewers to access Twitch chat.

Affiliate program
The Twitch affiliate program offers various commission based on the sale of ads, bits and subscriptions. Application if via the website for those who have:
- At least 500 total minutes broadcast in the last 30 days
- At least 7 unique broadcast days in the last 30 days
- An average of 3 concurrent viewers or more over the last 30 days
- At least 50 Followers
4. OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a “free and open source software for video recording and live streaming” platform that allows users to stream live into platforms such as YouTube, FaceBook and Twitch with functionality including:
- High performance real time video/audio capturing and mixing.
- Intuitive audio mixer with per-source filters such as noise gate, noise suppression, and gain.
- Streamlined Settings panel.
- Powerful and easy to use configuration options.
- Scene preview.
All in all, this is a great option for those who want a little more streaming functionality than on offer by the native platforms above all the whilst still not having to spend any cash.

Pricing
Free and open source
Affiliate program
N/A
5. Wirecast

Our next site, Wirecast, is a feature rich streaming program that “lets you share your passions with the world – live”. It powerful capabilities allow for streaming on a massive scale with functionality including:
- Unlimited inputs
- 2 remote guests via Wirecast Rendezvous conferencing
- 4096 x 3072 maximum project and encoding resolution
- 5 Main Mixing layers
- Built-in, animated lower thirds title library
- Integrated text, Chroma Key and built-in transitions
- Custom transitions, playlists
- Advanced audio mixer
- Social media integration
- Integrated Stock Media Library
- Unlimited output destinations + multiple simultaneous record-to-disks
- Virtual camera and microphone output
- 1-4 slot multi-viewer output
It will also integrate with all native social media platforms as required with multi screen capabilities for those looking to work it as a webinar as well.

Pricing
After a 14-Day free trial, Wirecast offers a base Studio option starting at $599.

There is also the ability to set up bundle offers with other products as well.
Affiliate Program
The Wirecast affiliate program is offered as part of the overall Telestream company with commissions starting at 15%. Application is via Impact Radius.
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6. vMix

vMix is a “live streaming and production software that allows you to create professional quality productions on your own computer”. It maintains the capability to manage single user or multi-camera events alike with all of the editorial inputs expected from a platform such as this. Features include:
- Open dashboard to manage all inputs in the one spot
- Simultaneous streaming, recording and output
- Transition effects
- HD production
- High performance graphics
- HD virtual sets
- Instant replay
- Audio mixer and live video effects

This list really doesn't do them justice with so much more available as well. And, as is common with many of these platforms from these larger software houses, there is also the opportunity to integrate with other parallel platforms such as:
- vMix Social
- vMix Call
Pricing
After a 60-day free trial that gives full access to all of the features, vMix offers the following pricing options:

Affiliate Program
From what I can find, vMix does not offer an affiliate program.
7. Streamlabs

Streamlabs is another well-known live streaming platform that allows users to “live stream within minutes”. The base option is free and open source with plenty of functionality for those looking to stream onto social media platforms including:
- Stream Overlays
- Alert Box Themes
- Alert Box Sounds
- Custom Tip Page
- Logo Maker
- Intro Maker
- Twitch Panel Maker
- YouTube Thumbnail Maker
- Social Reminder Animations
- Video Highlighter

For those looking for a little more however, they also offer their Streamlabs Prime version with added features such as:
- Custom overlays
- Unique alerts
- Access to all Streamlabs apps
- Ability to multi-stream
- Pro themes
- Paid sponsorship opportunities
- Extra file storage
Pricing
As above, Streamlabs offers a great free version that will do most of what general live streamers will need. Their Prime option however comes at a cost of $149 per year or $19 a month.
Affiliate Program
The Streamlabs affiliate program pays $10 to $20 per subscription dependent upon payment option chosen. Application if via their website.
8. Dacast

Dacast is another very popular and well-known live streaming platform that assists users in hosting, monetizing and broadcasting their videos with a full end-to-end live streaming solution. It outlines its suitability for those looking to livestream anything from sports to religion to events and agencies as well.

This is a great option for anyone looking to establish and monetize their live streaming options all in the one spot.
Pricing
After a free 14-day trial, pricing is as follows:

Affiliate Program
From what I can tell, Dacast does not offer an affiliate program.
9. Restream

For those looking to stream to multiple channels, Restream offers a product portfolio to “empower content creators to reach wider audiences, and brands to spread their messages throughout a massive network of streamers”. They offer a number of pricing options (see below) however for free, users can:
- Connect OBS, Zoom, etc. or use Restream Studio
- Multistream 2 channels
- Use Multi-channel chat
- Include up to 6 on-screen participants
- Incorporate Restream branding in streams
Higher pricing options also provide access to such features as extra multi-stream channels, logos and branding, extra team seats and full HD options as well.

Pricing
As above, Restream offers a decent free version however for full functionality needs, their pricing is as follows:

Affiliate Program
Restream run a referral program offer free upgrades to paid plans and cash payments of $10 when a referral upgrades using their $10 credit.
10. OneStream

And finally we finish up with OneStream. This site allows users to stream live and recorded videos to up to 40+ social media platforms at once. As with many of the above options, OneStream offers a limited free version which will work well for those starting out or streaming to a single source. Full features however include:

All in all, this is a great option for those who are looking to hit a good number of social media platforms at once.
Pricing
Pricing for the OneStream platform is as follows:

Affiliate Program
OneStream's affiliate program pays a 55% commission for each plan sold. Application is via the website.
What is live streaming software?
Live streaming software is a program that allows you to broadcast live video and audio content in real-time. It can be used for a variety of purposes such as:
- Webcasting
- Online gaming
- Demostrations
- Video conferencing
- Sales and marketing
- Dancing and singing
In fact if there is something that you want to do in front of a camera and let others watch live whilst you do it – then these are the programs you need.
There are a number of different live streaming software programs available on the market, each with its own unique features and capabilities. When choosing a live streaming software program, it's important to consider your specific needs and requirements. Some programs may be better suited for certain types of content or platforms than others.
We will discuss this below as we run through each program however in general, you will want a program that can…
- Simultaneously stream, record and output
- Integration to social media
- Transition effects
- HD production
- High performance graphics and transitions
- Virtual sets
- Audio mixer and live video effects
- And so on…
So, we are generally discussing programs here that allow you to quickly get online and stream video content live rather than those that simply allow you to edit video content. And whilst many of them can do this, if you are looking for a more targeted approach via webinars, you may want to check out my 10 best webinar platforms as well.
FAQ
What is live streaming software?
Live streaming software is a program that allows you to broadcast live video and audio content in real-time. It can be used for a variety of purposes such as webcasting, online gaming, demonstrations and video conferencing. In fact if there is something that you want to do in front of a camera and let others watch live whilst you do it – then these are the programs you need.
Conclusion
So… There are 10 best streaming software programs to tell your story with this year. I hope it has been helpful for you and as usual, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, need some advice or have any experiences to share. Oh, and especially comment if you have any experience with these, or any other platforms as well.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
Note: If you make a purchase from this page, there is a very good chance that I make a commission from it – these commissions do not increase your sale price. This may include sales made via wealthy affiliate or any of the live streaming programs listed above.
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