16 Best Live Streaming Apps in 2024
Live streaming has become the heartbeat of online interaction. Content creators, musicians, and entrepreneurs use these platforms to share their expertise, host interactive events, and build a loyal following.
However, picking the perfect platform isn't easy, with a vast array of live streaming apps vying for your attention. We've compiled a list of the 16 best live streaming apps to help you decide which is best. These apps are reliable and secure and offer a range of features that will help make your live-streaming experience successful. Read on to find the right one for you!
What Is a Live Streaming App?
A live streaming app allows users to broadcast live video content online in real time. These apps allow individuals, artists, and businesses to share live events, performances, tutorials, and other content with their audience. The streamer and users can interact using live chat, comments, and reactions, which makes the experience more interactive and engaging. An array of content is available through live streaming apps. Streams feature video games, musical performances, educational lectures, cooking demonstrations, live travelogues, and more.
8 Best Live Streaming Apps on Social Media
Live streaming is now available on all top social media apps, enabling creators to connect with their audience in real time. We have reviewed the top live streaming apps on social media to ensure you experience the best application for your casual and professional needs. Here are our recommendations:
1YouTube Live
YouTube is a powerhouse for creating video content. Notably, YouTube Live offers a platform for users to go live and broadcast their videos in real time. YouTube Live delivers excellent quality, particularly for videos featuring intricate visual details. It provides comprehensive analytics tools to help you understand your audience demographics and engagement patterns, enabling you to refine your approach.
Moreover, monetization features like Super Chat and Channel Memberships allow you to generate revenue from your streams. The platform best suits creators who are comfortable with longer broadcasts, as viewer attention spans tend to favour extended viewing experiences.
Pros:
● Real-time interaction with viewers through live chat
● Access to analytics and viewer demographics
● Monetization options for content creators
● Creators can repurpose live videos
Cons:
● Minimum subscriber requirement
● New users may not reach a vast audience
Use Cases:
● Live events
● Q&A sessions
● Gaming streams
2TikTok Live
TikTok Live has taken the live streams to the next level with extensive monetization opportunities. Features like interactive filters, multi-guest hosting, and virtual gifts add another layer of engagement, allowing viewers to express their appreciation in real time.
TikTok's Live feature enables creators to interact with their fans and show off their talents and creativity in an engaging way. Live streams are also a great way to promote a product or brand, as creators can easily share their product with followers. Creators can also earn money from tips, virtual gifts, and sponsorships.
Pros:
● Virtual gifts and challenges keep viewers engaged
● Content can spread rapidly and gain massive exposure
● Minimum age requirements to keep the platform safe for everyone
● Highly engaged user base
Cons:
● Not available worldwide
Use Cases:
● Content creators use TikTok Live to host interactive challenges, quizzes, and game shows.
● Showcase products & services
● People can use TikTok Live to share recipes, cooking tips, and creative projects with viewers.
3Facebook Live
Facebook Live is a widely used platform among users who desire to go live with their friends, relatives, or followers. Facebook Live allows for a deeper and more engaging connection with your audience through features like live reactions and the ability to view who is watching. It also allows users to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. Facebook Live is a convenient way to create an interactive experience between content creators and their audiences.
Pros:
● Facebook Live is an efficient tool for teaching or providing support
● Facebook Live is completely free to use
● Record your live streams for later use as on-demand content or repurpose snippets
Cons:
● Facebook's algorithm might not always prioritize live streams in user feeds
● Video quality may vary due to several factors
Use Cases:
● Host interactive Q&A sessions to Answer questions about your business, hobbies, expertise, or upcoming projects.
● Offer viewers a glimpse into your world through exclusive live streams. Take them on a virtual tour of your workspace, showcase your creative process, or document interesting aspects of your day-to-day life.
● Livestream special events, workshops, conferences, or product launches to expand your reach beyond physical limitations.
4Instagram Live
Instagram belongs to Facebook's parent company (META), making it another widely used, reliable, and secure live-streaming app. Instagram Live is all about personal engagement and casual interaction with your followers. Using the platform, you can host a live session directly from your kitchen or showcase a sneak peek at your latest artwork in real-time.
In addition, Instagram creators can collaborate with another artist or friend on a joint live stream. This platform is perfect for fostering a close-knit community and building a personal connection with your audience.
Pros:
● Instantly connect with your audience
● View and reply to their messages
● Promote your live stream beforehand to maximize reach
Cons:
● Not ideal for in-depth discussions
● Spam messages during live stream
Use Cases:
● Instagram Live is top priority to host Q&A sessions.
● The best platform for influencers and brands to interact and engage in fun and professional ways.
● Engage viewers with product demonstrations, answer questions in real-time, and even offer exclusive discounts during your live stream.
5LinkedIn Live
LinkedIn Live is a game-changer for professionals and businesses seeking to establish thought leadership and connect with a targeted audience. The platform lets you host interactive sessions with industry peers, conduct real-time product demos, and deliver engaging presentations to a global audience.
LinkedIn Live serves as a professional space for knowledge sharing and establishing your authority within your industry. It is the ultimate platform to attract top talent by showcasing the company culture, job opportunities, and recruitment events.
Pros:
● Reach a professional network of potential clients
● Establish yourself as a thought leader in your field by sharing your knowledge
● Enhanced brand awareness
● Lead generation and networking opportunities
Cons:
● Your reach might be limited compared to general social media platforms
● Competitive nature
Use Cases:
● Host live discussions or interviews with industry experts, thought leaders, or potential collaborators.
● If your business is launching a new product or service, consider a LinkedIn Live event to showcase its features and benefits to a targeted audience.
● Skill-sharing workshops and tutorials
6Twitch
If the world of gaming appeals to you, Twitch reigns supreme as the leading streaming platform. Twitch caters to live streaming gameplay, esports competitions, and discussions around the video game industry. Whether you're a seasoned pro showcasing your skills, a casual gamer, or an industry expert, Twitch offers a dedicated community as passionate as you. Moreover, it has expanded to include other content categories such as music, art, food, and lifestyle.
Pros:
● Join millions of gamers who share your passion
● Experience live esports tournaments and competitions
● Interactive Features to engage directly with viewers
Cons:
● High competition and saturation
Use Cases:
● Twitch lets artists, designers, and other creative professionals livestream their creative process.
● Software developers can leverage Twitch for live coding sessions.
● The interactive nature of Twitch makes it suitable for talk shows and interview streams.
7Discord
Are you seeking a dedicated space to connect with your viewers beyond live broadcasts and build lasting relationships? Discord, a free voice, video, and text chat app, offers precisely that. Users can easily organize and join communities through private and public channels. Discord includes top-notch video and communication features, making it an ideal live-stream platform.
Pros:
● Discord is completely free to use and offers a robust feature set
● Community-driven platform
● User-friendly interface
Cons:
● Complex for beginners
● Rely on text-based communication
Use Cases:
● Discord offers to Actively participate in discussions, answer questions, and show appreciation for your community.
● Freelance teams and remote workforces can leverage Discord for efficient communication.
● Share work-in-progress pieces for feedback, collaborate on creative projects in real-time, or host discussions about techniques and inspiration.
8Kick
Kick is a rising live-streaming platform gaining popularity among gamers. Kick is revolutionizing how gamers connect, interact, and share their passion for gaming with the world. From epic gameplay moments to hilarious fails, Kick offers a unique and engaging platform where gamers can showcase their skills, build communities, and forge lasting friendships.
Pros:
● Kick offers a creator-friendly revenue split
● Focus on community building
● More flexible content guidelines
Cons:
● Smaller user base
Use Cases:
● Live roleplaying and collaborative storytelling
● Esports and competitive gaming for Less popular titles
● Educational content in specific fields
Top 8 Third-party Live Streaming Apps
Apart from social media apps, third-party live streaming apps empower users to create professional-quality live streams by providing a variety of features and functionalities. These apps, developed by independent companies, provide innovative tools for content creators, businesses, and individuals looking to engage with their audience in real time. We've listed the top 8 third-party live streaming Apps for your consideration.
1Bigo Live
Bigo Live is a vibrant platform that enables users to share their lives and talents to connect with a diverse global audience. Bigo Live offers a platform for millions of content creators, influencers, performers, and even beginners to showcase their talents and connect with a global audience.
The app allows users to go live from their smartphones or tablets, sharing moments and experiences with their audience in real time. Lastly, the platform prioritizes safety and moderation, with strict guidelines and tools to report inappropriate behaviour.
Pros:
● Earn money through virtual gifts from viewers
● Showcase talents, skills, or hobbies
● Enjoy live streams of gaming, singing, educational content and more
● Read and reply to conversations in real time
Cons:
● Users can't change the video quality
● Low content moderation in some regions
Use Cases:
● Showcase your musical talents
● Take viewers on a virtual adventure by live streaming your travels
● Host live educational streams on various topics
● Be recognized for your contributions to the platform
Pricing:
● Bigo Live is free to use. However, In-app purchases are available for users to buy within the app.
2Streamlabs
With Streamlabs, content creators can enhance their live streaming experience and meet their diverse needs with a comprehensive set of tools. Imagine customizing your stream layout with graphics and overlays, interacting with viewers through chat functionalities, and even managing donations and subscriptions – all from a single platform.
It offers a variety of customization options, including overlays, alerts, and widgets, so creators can customize their streams and engage their audiences.
Pros:
● Stream to multiple platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live
● Gain valuable insights into viewer engagement
● Control and monitor your stream on the go with top notch features
● Large user community
Cons:
● Certain advanced functionalities are locked for new users
Use Cases:
● Use Streamlabs to go live on multiple platforms to expand your reach
● Record and repurpose your streams to reuse content on Instagram and Facebook
● Host collaborative streams with other creators using Streamlabs' multi-source functionality
● Monitor donations, customize on-screen alerts for incoming funds, and instantly express gratitude to your supporters
Pricing:
● Streamlabs is free; however, the premium version, "Ultra," is $19/month.
3Vimeo
Vimeo has an AI-powered editor and positions itself as a professional alternative to other live streaming platforms. Enjoy hosting high-quality live events, webinars, or product launches with a sleek and polished presentation. Vimeo caters to businesses and creators who prioritize a premium streaming experience. In addition, the application offers extensive content customization options for users.
Pros:
● Easy, efficient, and simple production
● Dependable and top-quality streaming
● High-quality streaming
● Stream without glitches, focus on what matters
Cons:
● Stream without glitches, focus on what matters
● Limited monetization options
Use Cases:
● Offer exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into your creative process, studio tours, or project development stages
● Create and share professional-looking fitness classes like yoga, dance, or HIIT workouts
● Craft polished product demonstration videos or explainer videos that showcase your offerings in detail
Pricing:
● Vimeo is free to use. The advanced version costs $65 per seat/month. Additionally, there's an Enterprise plan with a more extensive solution. You need to connect with a representative to get the price.
4Switcher Studio
Switcher Studio is a powerful live streaming app that empowers creators and businesses to produce professional-quality live streams and earn revenue without any hassle. It features intuitive interfaces and the ability to create multi-camera productions, shoppable videos, overlays, and recordings so users can view them later on multiple platforms.
Switcher Studio provides a seamless, customizable experience for live streaming events, interviews, online shopping, tutorials, and more. Its integration with popular platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch makes it easy to reach a wide audience and engage with viewers in real time.
Pros:
● Ability to monetize your content the way you prefer
● Get livestreams to your website
● Record, go live, or multistream HD video
● Enjoy free trial
Cons:
● Limited audio control
Use Cases:
● Build a loyal community around your niche and earn directly from your followers without relying on external platforms
● Ultimate choice for e-commerce streams
● Switcher Studio empowers creators to take streaming sessions to the next level by creating a premium membership community hosted directly on their website.
Pricing:
● Switcher Studio offers different pricing plans starting from $79/mo.
5LiveMe
LiveMe goes beyond simply broadcasting by fostering genuine connections between streamers and viewers. The platform enables you to host interactive live chats to engage directly with your audience in real-time. Users can discover and follow their favourite streamers, participate in live events and challenges, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Viewers can show their appreciation by sending virtual gifts that can be converted into real-world income. Most importantly, LiveMe allows for co-hosting live streams with other creators to expand your reach and engagement.
Pros:
● Showcase your talent and get recognition
● Monetization opportunities
● Filters and beauty effects
● Diverse users
Cons:
● The live format often attracts trolls or negative comments
Use Cases:
● Showcase your talents and hobbies through live streams
● Use LiveMe to connect play games with friends or followers in a more relaxed setting
● Host a live Q&A session to connect with your audience
Pricing:
● LiveMe is free to use.
6Larix Broadcaster
Larix Broadcaster is a versatile live streaming app that allows users to stream audio and video content from their mobile devices to various streaming platforms and servers. Larix Broadcaster caters to tech-savvy content creators seeking complete control over their live broadcasts.
They can customize every aspect of the stream, from encoding settings to advanced filters and transitions, all with an open-source platform offering maximum flexibility. The application is compatible with a wide range of streaming services and platforms, making it a flexible and reliable solution for professional live streaming.
Pros:
● Seamlessly integrates with NDI-enabled production software
● Minimizes glitches and delays between your phone's camera and the receiving software
● Multi-device compatibility
Cons:
● Limited platform support in some regions
Use Cases:
● Use your smartphone with Larix Broadcaster to remotely connect to a live stream for interviews, discussions, or panel appearances
● Showcase products or experiences directly from your phone using Larix Broadcaster
● Stream your mobile gameplay directly through Larix Broadcaster with minimal latency
Pricing:
● There is a fee of $9.99/mo for Larix Premium.
7YouNow
YouNow's live streaming platform connects creators, allowing them to chat, go live and earn money from their fans. It offers a range of features to enhance the live streaming experience, including interactive chat, virtual gifts, and the ability to guest broadcast with other users.
YouNow is popular among young creators and influencers, offering a platform to showcase their talents, connect with fans, and build a following. With its emphasis on community and engagement, YouNow provides a dynamic and interactive environment for users to share their stories, talents, and experiences with a global audience.
Pros:
● Express your creative talent
● Extensive monetization options
● Browse live streams according to your preferences
Cons:
● Potentially expensive virtual gifts
● Risk of encountering individuals who target vulnerable users
Use Cases:
● Artists, musicians, or creators can host live Q&A sessions on YouNow to connect directly with their fans
● Stream your gameplay live on YouNow and interact with viewers in real-time
● Create content without running out of ideas by watching diverse content available 24/7
Pricing:
● YouNow is free to download and use with in-app purchases.
8Dacast
Dacast is a live streaming platform that caters to businesses, broadcasters, and celebs looking for a professional-grade streaming solution. It offers a range of features, including high-quality video encoding, customizable player options, and extensive monetization tools.
Dacast is ideal for a variety of live streaming applications, including corporate events, conferences, sports broadcasting, and more. With its robust features and reliable infrastructure, Dacast provides a comprehensive solution for users looking to deliver high-quality live streams to their audience.
Pros:
● Analytics and reporting
● Scalability and reliability
● Monetization features
Cons:
● May require technical knowledge to use
Use Cases:
● Host professional-looking live streams for company meetings, product launches, training sessions
● Offer exclusive educational content like online courses, workshops, or live coaching sessions through Dacast's pay-per-view or subscription features
● Reach a wider audience by streaming your marketing campaigns, like product demonstrations or influencer collaborations, to multiple platforms
Pricing:
● Dacast offers different pricing plans starting from $39/month.
How to Choose Live Streaming Apps?
There are many options available in the live streaming landscape! There are hundreds of social media apps out there that include live streams, dedicated platforms, and feature-rich software available, making it difficult to select the perfect one for your needs. But worry not, aspiring streamer! This guide equips you with the knowledge to choose the best one for your needs.
Platform Compatibility: Consider which platforms you want to stream to, such as Facebook, YouTube, or Twitch. Choose an app that supports the platforms you intend to use.
Features: Look for features that meet your streaming needs, such as multi-camera support, screen sharing, and interactive elements like chat and polls. Consider whether the app offers customization options for branding and graphics. Most importantly, If you plan to monetize your streams, look for apps that offer monetization options such as ads, subscriptions, or donations.
Ease of Use: Choose an app with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set up and start streaming. Look for apps that offer tutorials and support resources.
Quality and Reliability: Look for apps that offer high-quality streaming and reliable performance with minimal lag or buffering. Consider the app's reputation and user reviews.
Audience Engagement: Consider how the app enables audience engagement, such as through live chat, virtual gifts, and audience interaction features.
Cost: Evaluate the cost of the app, including any subscription fees or additional charges for.
Bonus: Ensure Your Kids' Online Safety
- AirDroid Parental Control
- Effectively block harmful websites and remotely monitor browsing history.
- Set up keywords to detect harmful content on social media.
- One-click to block or restrict specific inappropriate apps and new apps.
- Set screen control timers to automatically disable apps.
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