Live streaming software is an encoding program that converts the pre-recorded and live-streaming video input into an acceptable digital format that can be delivered to multiple devices.

Introduction

Most often, when a live stream is orchestrated, the concerns of a streamer or content creator are regarding the pricing, features, and user experience. But on the bright side, the primary focus should be the live-streaming software and its functionalities that are used in the platform.

Let’s dig deeper in this article to understand the purpose and the factors that make a good living streaming platform.

Purpose Of Live Streaming Software:

More often, live streaming platforms play a crucial role in streaming live videos. It may be accurate, but live streaming software decides the quality of the stream. Live streaming software allows users to stream the live input.

But only with the proper hardware wired with the devices, software can convert the live video from the camera feed into digital format. The conversion of video is the prime purpose of a live streaming software.

Live streaming software is available in both web browsers and software-based programs.

Factors to consider when choosing the best live streaming software:

Choosing the right live streaming software is tough when you are unaware of the factors that make excellent live streaming software,

To pick the right software, make sure you consider these factors

1. Software encoder
2. Live streaming components
3. Web or application-based software
4. Pricing

1.Software encoder: A software encoder is an encoding program that encodes and converts a video in the live stream to the most suitable digital format. It is necessary to understand the type of software encoder used in the streaming software.

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2.Live streaming components: Most live streaming platforms don’t offer additional features like recording, editing, storage, and layout addition. Look for these elements when you choose a live-streaming platform.

3.Web or application-based software: Live streaming software comes in two ways: application-based and web-based. Web-based are easy to use, simplistic approach, and avoid unwanted installation by saving the pc from load shedding. Application-based software involves external download and installation of tools like OBS studio. Sometimes a smooth live streaming experience is based on choosing the right audio, video capturing, and mixing equipment that goes well with the software.

4.Pricing: It all comes down to the pricing and affordability of the software. If you have a very minimal budget.

What are the top 7 live streaming platforms?

Choosing from the best will help creators go for necessity rather than choosing the wrong one, so let’s have a look at the lists of the top 8 live streaming platforms. The last one is something to look forward to,

1.OnTheFly

OnTheFly is one of the promising and futuristic multi streaming platforms that comes with high-end live-streaming software.

It is a web-based software with a vast range of branding overlays and studi0-grade recording and editing tools.

Features: Simulcasting to different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn Studio-grade recording feature that supports various audio formats Overlays that build brand identity with the banner and logo add-on feature. Storage capacity. RTMP stream.

Pricing: Contact the support team to know the pricing details; connect here.

2. Wirecast

Wirecast is a potential live streaming software with classy features that supports multistreaming to the finest. It has a recording feature; it is available for Mac and Windows with desktop presenter and encoding supported by Nvidia NVENC and Intel Quick Sync Video.

Features: Invite up to 7 guests for video meets It supports 8 track audio output Wide range of device support Offers multitrack audio tracking.

Pricing: Wirecast has a free trial, and a lifetime license costs around $799 or $28 as a monthly fare.

3.Restream:

Restream the popular and highly functional streaming platform with qualitative features that helps content creators process the videos most efficiently. Restream comes with both desktop and web-based software to run the live streaming.

Features: Stream across multiple platforms It comes with cross-platform chat communications Exclusive streaming to guests A Recording feature that supports streaming without going live Custom RTMP streaming Accessibility to co-administrators to run the show

Pricing: Monthly plans start at 16$, and free trial plans are available to experience the streaming performance.

4.vMix

The go-to space for professional streamers with a wide range of inputs is Vmix, and it covers DVDs, camera inputs, playlists, photos, and presentations as inputs. The basic plan supports four inputs; their pro plans come with a whopping 1000 inputs.

Features: 4K resolution Chroma key support A quick dashboard that facilitates replay, slow motion, and scoreboard functionalities. NDI support

Pricing: Vmix has a 60-day trial period, costing around 60$ for a monthly subscription.

5.OBS Studio

If you are a beginner, OBS Studio is one of the best choices in the live-streaming market. It is free and has an open-source live streaming software package that supports multiple broadcasting. You can multi-stream OBS with the Restream integration, which is compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows.

Features: Screen recording Audio mixing Multistreaming and recording Compatible with Linux, mac, and windows.

Pricing: It’s a free software

6.XSplit Broadcaster

If you are looking for a simplistic multistreaming approach, go for Xsplit Broadcaster. The additional features like background remover, recording studio, and 24/7 support help you to explore various streaming possibilities.

Features :
Video streaming with the projector mode In-built green screen to project animated background Preview Editor Vcam support Video Broadcasting Integrated green screen Projector mode Scene preview editor Stream delay for broadcasting later Audio enabler and adjustment tool You can add third-party plug-ins as well.

Xsplit broadcaster can be used in many cases, but the premium plans are a bit pricey.

Pricing: This live-streaming software has three pricing plans, monthly, yearly, and lifetime purchases. Monthly is priced at $7.5. Annually is around $30, and lifetime purchase is about $115.

7.Lightstream

It’s a cloud-based streaming software that functions with the web browser. This no-application software has fine features supporting switching between scenes, social media displays, alerts, and motion graphics.

Features: No installation required Private chat functionality for guests Audio mixer Different overlay and widget support Invite up to 7 guests

Pricing: The fee structure varies with the resolution opted by the streamer. Monthly subscriptions are charged around $7 for 720p(30 FPS) and 14$ for 1080 (30 FPS), and there is an advanced creator plan that comes to $20 per month for 720p (30 FPS) and $40 per month for 1080p (30 FPS)

Wrapping up:

As a streamer, you should be able to identify the features that improve the performance of your stream and videos. In addition to that, the extra tools that the platforms offer should be of enormous concern.

To kick-start your streaming journey, OnTheFly provides the right solutions and features that bring a harmonious experience to the viewer and the streamer; connect with us for further updates on the platform.