The Best Livestream Alternative Solutions for Your Streaming Needs
Livestream, an early pioneer in the world of online broadcasting, once offered a robust platform for content creators. However, its commercial, pay-to-use model and the rise of more socially integrated, often free alternatives have seen it decline in prominence. While Livestream offered strong mobile support and both desktop and web-browser streaming, many newer solutions have emerged that provide engaging social networking features, helping streamers cultivate and grow an audience. Plus, a significant number of these Livestream alternative options are completely free to use and boast much larger, more active user bases, offering greater potential for audience growth, whether you're aiming for a massive following or a dedicated cult!
Top Livestream Alternatives
Looking to make the switch or simply explore better options for your live broadcasts? Here’s a curated list of the best Livestream alternatives that offer diverse features, pricing, and community engagement to help you find your perfect streaming home.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is an excellent Livestream alternative for serious broadcasters, offering a free and open-source solution for macOS, Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD. It provides features typically found in commercial screen recording apps, boasting an intuitive interface for live broadcasting, game streaming, and screen recording. Key features include Twitch and YouTube integration, custom overlays, low CPU usage, and support for plugins, making it highly customizable and extensible for all your streaming needs.
Twitch
Twitch.tv is arguably the most popular Livestream alternative, especially for gamers, though its scope has expanded significantly. Available on multiple platforms including Web, Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, and various consoles, Twitch is a freemium service primarily focused on game streaming but also hosts live broadcasting for sports and general internet TV. Its robust community features and massive user base make it ideal for cultivating a large audience.
join.me
While not a direct competitor for public broadcasting like Livestream, join.me serves as a powerful Livestream alternative for secure, private screen sharing and video conferencing. This commercial software from LogMeIn is available on Mac, Windows, Android, and iPhone, and focuses on instant screen sharing for meetings and collaborations, supporting up to 250 participants. Its features include secure file sharing, remote desktop capabilities, and user session recording, making it perfect for professional presentations or private group broadcasts.
Periscope
Periscope, a free platform integrated with Twitter, offers a direct Livestream alternative for broadcasting live video to the world. Available on Web, Windows, Android, iPhone, and Apple TV, it excels in ease of use and social integration. Followers are instantly notified of broadcasts, and real-time comments and hearts foster engagement. Features include replay functionality (for 24 hours), HD video support, live chat, and seamless sharing on Twitter, making it great for spontaneous, mobile-first live content.
Mixer
Mixer (formerly Beam) was a prominent interactive Livestream alternative, particularly popular among gamers, before its shutdown. While no longer active, it offered unique features like real-time streaming protocol for sub-250ms stream delay and interactive user levels. It was available on Web, Android, and iPhone, focusing heavily on game streaming and community engagement through chat and reward points (Spark points).
VokoscreenNG
VokoscreenNG serves as a user-friendly and free, open-source Livestream alternative for screen recording, particularly for Windows and Linux users. While not a direct live streaming platform, it’s excellent for creating high-quality video content that can then be uploaded to streaming sites. Features include robust screen recording and audio recording capabilities, making it a solid choice for pre-recorded content creators.
DLive
DLive offers a unique Livestream alternative experience, positioning itself as a blockchain-based, decentralized platform focused on a digital content economy. Available for free on Web, Android, and iPhone, DLive emphasizes rewarding content creators more directly. It supports game streaming and live broadcasting, aiming to elevate the live streaming and video experience beyond traditional models through its decentralized nature.
Picarto.TV
Picarto.TV is a specialized Livestream alternative for artists, offering a worldwide drawing video livestream platform. Available for free on the web, it allows artists to stream their drawing process, covering various styles from anime and manga to concept art. This niche platform provides a dedicated community for sharing creativity, making it an excellent choice for visual artists looking to broadcast their work live.
Piczel.tv
Piczel.tv provides another excellent Livestream alternative for artists and a free livestreaming and art gallery website. This freemium web-based platform offers features like custom emotes, Discord notifications, email announcements, multi-streaming capabilities, private streams, and stream recordings. It's a versatile choice for creators who want to stream their art and engage with a supportive community.
Smashcast
Smashcast is a strong Livestream alternative focused on the gaming and eSports scene. Available for free on Web, Android, and iPhone, it offers live broadcasting and game streaming features designed to support professional streaming needs. With a focus on the content creator, Smashcast aims to provide a dedicated platform for competitive gaming broadcasts and general gaming content, making it a solid choice for those in the esports community.
With such a diverse range of Livestream alternative options available today, choosing the right platform depends entirely on your specific needs, audience, and content type. Whether you're a gamer, artist, professional, or just looking to share your life, there's a live streaming solution out there perfect for you. Explore these alternatives and find the best fit to kickstart or elevate your streaming journey!