10 Best Live Streaming Software for YouTube, Facebook & Twitter in 2024

Social media integration with live streaming software and open broadcaster software has boosted the reach of high-quality video content to a more global audience. Not just that! Live streaming tool helps customize your broadcast too. Moreover, you can use YouTube live streaming software and as many cameras as required and broadcast a wider background.

An Introduction to Live Streaming Software

Live video streaming software is a popular broadcast tool in the digital world. In fact, professional video content creators and hobbyists alike use live video software to reach out to the target audience and fellow supporters by live streaming all types of content.

Moreover, live video streaming tools are used by businesses and event organizers for HD video recording, capturing, and broadcasting. The audience popularly uses live streaming platforms for live sharing, commenting, interacting and tagging.

By using a software for streaming their content, influencers can connect and interact with their dedicated fan following.

What Does Live Streaming Software Do?

Best live streaming apps is the new fad and everybody wants a piece of the cake. Also, live video software is an awesome way to connect with people and has tremendous potential from business point of view. Before you also make your mind to ‘go live’, here’s a 101 on what exactly a YouTube streaming software do?

1. Encoding- A live video software is actually an encoding program. It converts raw footage into digital format so that playback becomes possible across multiple devices.
2. Mixing- Mixing, also known as switching, is the process by which a broadcaster software switches between several cameras and audio sources. This is why the best software for YouTube live streaming is gaining traction.
3. Production- This process goes on simultaneously along with mixing using the best live streaming software. Additionally, this process involves title addition, use pre-recorded stuff for continuity and removal of green scene from VFX scenes.

How We Choose the Best Streaming Software for YouTube, Facebook & Twitter?

When it comes to streaming software for YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, the process of choosing the best one can be quite challenging. As someone who has been in the digital content creation industry for years, I understand how crucial it is to find the right tools to ensure a seamless streaming experience.

• Compatibility: Firstly, I consider the compatibility of streaming software with different platforms. Since I stream on multiple platforms simultaneously, it is essential for me to find software that supports all three platforms – YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. This allows me to reach a wider audience without any hassle.
• Ease of use: In addition to platform compatibility, another crucial factor is ease of use. As a content creator, I don’t want to waste my time struggling with complicated software interfaces or dealing with technical issues during live streams. Therefore, I prioritize user-friendly software that ensures a simple setup and intuitive controls.
• Output and quality: Moreover, I take into account the quality of video and audio output provided by the streaming software. It is essential for my viewers to have a pleasant viewing experience without any interruptions or lagging. So, I prefer software that offers high-definition video quality and reliable audio output.
• Advanced Features: Furthermore, features like screen sharing and overlays play an important role in enhancing the overall production value of our livestreams. Being able to share my screen while interacting with viewers or adding overlays such as logos and graphics helps create engaging content. Therefore, considering these additional features is crucial when choosing the best streaming software.
• Customer Support: Another significant aspect that influences my decision-making process is customer support and reliability. In a world where live streaming has become increasingly popular, technical issues are bound to arise at some point. To ensure smooth operations during critical moments, it is vital to have access to reliable customer support that can assist with troubleshooting, whenever necessary.
• Cost: Lastly, cost plays an important role in deciding which streaming software suits me the best. While there are many free options available in the market, they often come with limitations. Paid software, on the other hand, offers more advanced features and better technical support. Therefore, I carefully evaluate the cost-to-benefit ratio to determine whether investing in premium streaming software is worth it for my specific needs.

How the Encoder Works in Best Streaming Software?

In a live video streaming software, Encoders help convert videos into different digital formats to stream them live. In fact, in more technical terms, these encoders within paid and free live streaming software transform video content into streamable digital content.

Also, this transformation is carried on by codecs support that in turn uses compression and decompression techniques. Moreover, these tools can operate easily on any computing device. 

Additionally, you may want to know the difference between software and hardware encoders present in broadcaster software and video streaming software. While we discussed about software encoders above, which are relatively cheap, hardware encoders are dedicated processors depending on designed algorithms for encoding video data content into streamable forms.

Also, hardware encoders present in live streaming and open broadcaster software are used by professional video broadcasters and makers.

Best YouTube Live Streaming and Open Broadcaster Software for Windows PC & Mac

After testing many software solutions, here’s a comparison table of the four live streaming software options I searched: Wirecast Play, OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and LightStream:

Features	Wirecast Play	OBS Studio	Streamlabs	Lightstream
OS Support	Windows and Mac	Windows, Mac and Linux	Mac OS and Windows	Web-based
Live Streaming PLatforms supported	YouTube, Facebook	YouTube, Facebook	YouTube, Twitch, Mixer, Facebook	YouTube
Interface type	Drag and drop	Learning curve	User-friendly	Easy to use
Video and audio watermarks	Yes	No	No	No
Free version availability	Yes	Yes	Yes	1-week free trial
Premium Version Availability	Yes (Authorized dealers)	Free and open source	Prime premium toolkit (monthly subscription)	Yes, paid (monthly)

Broadcast all video and audio content live to an audience with the best streaming solutions and streaming video software mentioned below.

Moreover, these live encoding tools let the video creators reach large groups of audiences around the world and interact with them live. Also, here are some of the best YouTube live streaming software.

• Wirecast Play Live Streaming Software (Windows & Mac OS)

Wirecast’s live YouTube streaming software can be used at a place of your choice and comfort for sharing videos live with everyone. Moreover, with streaming support offered by this best live streaming software, you can create webcasts with this streaming software and attach sliding transitions in between different feeds. Also, other highlights of this Facebook and YouTube live streaming software are flash streaming support, auto connect technicality and security with Wirecast’s robust encoding. This free streaming software offers several advanced audio and video controls.

Wirecast Best Streaming Software Play Features:

1. Video and audio watermarks
2. Flexible UI
3. Live encoding
4. Unlimited inputs
5. Five master mixing layers
6. Advanced audio mixer
7. Integrated stock media library
8. Unlimited output destinations
9. PTZ camera control
10. Multi viewer output
11. Virtual sets/background
12. 1-17 slot multi-format output

Best Live streaming app for: iOS

Free version of live broadcast software: Available

Premium version of Wirecast, the best streaming software for YouTube: Available with authorized dealers, distributors and resellers.

Pros	Cons
✔️ The video broadcast software supports switching between cameras and files ✔️ It offers a drag and drop interface	❌ If the software crashes, you have to work on your document from scratch.

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• OBS Studio Live Streaming Software (MacOS, Windows & Linux)

Finish all your video recordings in high quality and stream it live with this video streaming tool for YouTube. Additionally, you can add audio mixes through this YouTube live streaming software to capture videos and configure the same by altering their properties of this live video software.

Also, in this open broadcaster software, you can add or duplicate new sources to captured video files. End users can take advantage of hot keys by using this software for streaming for every step involved in video capturing processes such as muting, stopping, restarting, starting, streaming as well as recording.

Features of OBS Studio Live Video Software:

1. Noise gate/suppression
2. VST plugin support
3. Modular dock
4. Custom transitions
5. Unlimited number of scenes

Live streaming app for: App not available. However, you can download OBS Studio YouTube live streaming software free for Linux, macOS 10.13+ and Windows.

Free version of OBS, one of the best YouTube Streaming Software: Available 

Premium version of OBS, the best software for live streaming on Facebook: Free and open source live streaming software.

Pros	Cons
✔️The software help create professional videos for YouTube ✔️ The software works well with third party apps	❌ It is not a suitable platform for beginners as it has a steep learning curve

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• Streamlabs Open Source Live Streaming Software (Mac OS, Windows)

Fulfill all your dreams of live streaming on YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms with Streamlabs video streaming software.

Moreover, the free live streaming software is used for distributing content over multiple social media platforms aside from providing open broadcaster services. Thus, you can depend on this video streaming software for managing onscreen visuals, chats and all interactions with the viewers. 

Streamlabs Best Live Streaming Software Features:

1. Limited stream overlays
2. Stream to YouTube, Twich, Mixer and Facebook
3. Cloud backup
4. Add emoticons to alerts, etc.
5. Site themes
6. Customisable overlay
7. Custom domain and website

One of the Best Live Streaming Apps for: OBS app store provides access to 40 plus apps to Prime subscribers.

Free version of Streamlabs Best Streaming Software: It’s a free and open source YouTube broadcast software.

Premium version of Streamlabs Live Video Streaming Software: Streamlabs premium version is called Streamlabs Ultra, and it costs $19 per month.

Pros	Cons
✔️ The video streaming software is easy to setup ✔️ Chat and event list is integrated into one window, helping you to keep a track of everything	❌ Software updates can cause the frame rate to drop

• Lightstream Live Broadcast Software

Lightstream is a cloud-based video broadcast software and you can go live through your browser only. Moreover, this video broadcast software using which you can go live through your browser only. Moreover, this video broadcast software lets you start live streaming in a matter of minutes.

Lightstream YouTube live streaming software free makes use of a drag and drop interface and offers quality integration with third party applications for advanced features such as mid-stream notifications and options of screen sharing.

Features of Lightstream Live Streaming Software for PC

1. Engaging widgets and branded overlays.
2. Also, suitable for streaming games, interviews, podcasts etc.
3. You can change the software’s layout as per your need.
4. Moreover, you can access your live stream videos from different devices
5. The live video software is compatible with Xbox and PS4 controllers.

Best Live Streaming App for: Web based

Free Trial of YouTube Live Software for Streaming: Free trial for 1 week.

Premium version of Lightstream, the best live streaming software: Lightstream best streaming software costs $8 per month.

Pros	Cons
✔️ The live video streaming software is easy to use and requires minimum support ✔️ It offers live chat support	❌ The software might be a little pricey for casual streamers and beginners.

Top Facebook Live Streaming & Open Broadcaster Software

Features	XSplit	vMix	VidBlasterX
Multi-streaming	Yes	Yes	Yes
Local streaming	Yes	Yes	Yes
Additional scene support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Whiteboarding and annotation tools	Yes	No	Yes
Video monetization tools	Yes	No	No
Custom Branding	Yes	Yes	Yes
Free Trial	No	60 Days	No

• XSplit Live Steaming Software (Windows)

Multi-streaming, local streaming or adding additional scenes to the content captured, all can be done effectively with XSplit video streaming software. Moreover, this open broadcaster software is one of the best for pursuing video streaming recordings and displaying those on multiple screens through the projector mode.

XSplit streaming video software is also considered to be the best Facebook live streaming software because you can use white boarding and annotation tools for illustrations, live events and live analysis. 

XSplit Live Video Software Features:

1. Video monetisation tools
2. Session recording
3. Customisable branding
4. Machine learning
5. Automatic stream settings
6. Also, supports webcam and capture card
7. Screen preview editor

Live streaming app for: Not available

Free trial of Live Broadcast Software: No

Premium plan of Best Streaming Software for YouTube: Get a three-month license at around $25, which includes all apps.

Pros	Cons
✔️The software is easy to install and use ✔️ It supports streaming on system having low processing speed	❌ Xsplit lacks customization

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• vMix Live Streaming Software for PC (Windows)

vMix Facebook live streaming software, which integrates well with social media tools, is used for live streaming in high-definition mode and live video/audio mixing. Additionally, you can use this live video streaming software for Facebook and other social media platforms and stream live HD, SD, DVDs, PowerPoint, images and video files. Hence it is also categorised among the best YouTube live software for streaming.

vMix YouTube live streaming software free plan:

1. Up to three live streams
2. External and full screen output
3. Professional colour correction
4. SRT outputs

Key Features of Basic and Advanced Paid Plans of vMix Live Video Software:

1. Video list
2. vMix call

Premium Paid Plan Features of vMix, one of the best YouTube Streaming Software for PC:

1. Custom animated titles
2. Import PSD’s
3. Instant replay
4. Multicorder
5. Scripting
6. PTZ control

Live streaming app for: App not available. You can get this live video streaming software for Windows 7/8/10

Free version: Trial version for sixty days

Premium version of vMix best live streaming software: vMix offers 2 plans: Lifetime Access and Subscription Plans. Pricing starts at:

• Lifetime Access: Starts at $60 per annum
• Subscription Plan: Starts at $50 per month

Pros	Cons
✔️ First time users can easily learn how to create content using this software ✔️ The software has a dedicated community offering support services	❌  To use vMix at its best, you need a CPU with high processing speed

• VidBlasterX Video Streaming Software

VidBlasterX is one of the best software for live streaming on Facebook because it makes use of the CPU’s memory and does not depend on the GPU. Moreover, this means that you can stream even on cloud environments such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS. The live video streaming software has several in-built video effects such as chroma key feature for effective color correction and overlays.

VidBlaster Streaming Video Features

1. Live streaming of videos in 4k format.
2. Suitable for streaming across multiple social media channels including YouTube.
3. The best live streaming software can also be used for streaming TV shows and sporting events.
4. You have the option of streaming your content to a different monitor or to a location different than your current location.

Best Live Streaming Apps for: Windows

Free version of VidBlaster X Software for Streaming: Not Available

Premium version of VidBlaster X live video software: The premium version of this video broadcast software costs $999 a year.

Pros	Cons
✔️ The software has a customizable interface ✔️ Supports streaming of videos in 4k resolution	❌  The software has a steep learning curve for beginners

Best Live Streaming Software for Twitter

Features	Periscope	YouNow	Nvidia Shadowplay
Supported Platforms	iOS & Android	iPhone & Android	Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
User Interaction	Yes	Yes	No
Advanced Features	Map View, Temporary Content	Media Library, Tagging	4K/8K Gameplay Recording,
Free Trial	Yes	Yes	Yes

• Periscope Live Streaming Software (iOS & Android)

Video developers use Periscope open broadcaster software for multiple purposes such as hardware encoding, professional cameras and streaming. One critical advantage of using this streaming software is that you can add your own comments to the broadcasts aside from streaming HD quality live videos that can be later on viewed as high quality video playbacks by the target group. 

Features of Periscope Live Streaming Tool for Twitter:

1. Map view
2. Temporary content
3. Twitter integration
4. User interaction
5. Save Periscope broadcast
6. Hide or delete broadcast on Periscope
7. Go live together
8. Create groups for broadcasts & follow people

Live streaming app for: Web, iOS and Android

Free version of video streaming software: Available

Premium version of Periscope streaming video software: Available with monthly subscriptions plans.

Pros	Cons
✔️ It allows you to engage with your followers while streaming ✔️ You can notify your followers about live stream in advance	❌ Not more than one user can livestream at once

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• YouNow Live Streaming Software (iPhone & Android)

Showcase your creative talent with YouNow live streaming tool for Twitter. Moreover, you can broadcast your content live with this open broadcaster software and engage in real time chatting with the audience quite fast with these free streaming software examples.

Even businesses such as small enterprises and startups deploy this live video software for advertising their products and services. YouNow best streaming software for YouTube is being used widely for updating regular viewers of the status of the content shared, checking in for new updates and of course, connecting live with the audience.

Features of YouNow Live Broadcast Software:

1. Media library
2. Tagging in social media support
3. Newsfeed
4. Video conferencing Tool

Live streaming app for: Android, iPhone, Windows and web app

Free version of YouNow video broadcast software: Available

Premium version of YouNow YouTube live streaming software  : It’s free live streaming software.

Pros	Cons
✔️ You can stream your content for 1 people all over the globe ✔️ You can easily chat and stream at the same time	❌ A little drop in network and the software ends your entire stream

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• Nvidia Shadowplay

Nvidia Shadowplay software for streaming is the perfect solution for gamers looking to showcase their skills on livestream. Also, the live video software has an instant replay feature using which you can store 30-seconds long videos of your game and share them across social media channels.

Nvidia, one of the best YouTube streaming software for PC, is hardware accelerated which means that you can easily run the software in the background while you focus on playing the game in the foreground.

Nvidia Shadowplay Best Live Streaming Software Features

1. Gameplay recording in 4k and 8k.
2. Quality broadcast to Facebook and YouTube live with just a few clicks.
3. Also, provides adequate support for graphic overlays for a personalized livestream experience.
4. Easy creation of GIF and screenshot with text.
5. Also, it provides automatic notification and updates of game ready drivers.

Best Live Streaming app for: Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10

Free version of Nvidia live video streaming software: Available

Premium version of Nvidia video streaming software: It is a free streaming software.

Pros	Cons
✔️ The streaming video software works even on systems with lower specs ✔️ Easy to record gameplay using keyboard shortcuts	❌ Not suitable for systems without a Nvidia graphics card.

 

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How to Choose the Best Streaming Software for Twitch and YouTube?

Your choice of streaming software can significantly impact the quality of your streams, your interaction with viewers, and your overall streaming experience. To help you make an informed decision, I’ve put together this guide on how to choose the best streaming software for Twitch and YouTube.

1. Determine Your Needs and Goals

Before comparing different streaming software options, it’s essential to define your specific needs and goals.

• Streaming Platform: Are you exclusively streaming on Twitch, YouTube, or both? Some software may offer better integration with one platform over the other.
• Content Type: What kind of content will you be streaming? Gaming, creative arts, or educational content may require different features.
• Budget: Decide whether you’re willing to invest in paid software or if you prefer free options. Paid software often provides advanced features and better support.

2. Compatibility

Ensure that the streaming software you choose is compatible with your computer’s operating system. There are many YouTube live streaming software for windows 7, macOS, and even Linux, but it’s crucial to check for compatibility before installation.

3. Features and Functionality

Different streaming software comes with various features and functionalities. Here are some key features to consider:

• Ease of Use: Is the software user-friendly with an intuitive interface? Complex software modules may require a steeper learning curve.
• Streaming Quality: Look for software that supports high-quality video and audio streaming. 720p, 1080p, and even 4K options are available in some software.
• Customization: Check if you can personalize your stream with overlays, alerts, and widgets. Customization enhances the visual appeal of your stream.
• Encoding Options: Ensure that the software offers reliable video encoding options, as this affects the stream’s performance.
• Scene Management: Effective scene management allows you to switch between different layouts and scenes seamlessly during your stream.

4. Integration with Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and other platforms:

For streamers, it’s essential that the software integrates seamlessly with Twitch and YouTube. Look for features like chat integration, alerts, and easy access to streaming settings for these platforms.

5. Hardware Usage

Consider your computer’s hardware capabilities. Some streaming software may be resource-intensive and demand more CPU and GPU power. Opt for software that suits your system’s capabilities to avoid lags and performance issues during streams.

6. Customer Support

Check if the streaming software provider offers good customer support. Live streaming can sometimes be challenging, and having access to prompt support can be a lifesaver when technical issues arise.

7. Trial Versions

Whenever possible, try out the streaming software with a trial version before committing to a purchase. This allows you to assess if it meets your needs and preferences.

Conclusion

With that said, live streaming has become an integral part of our social media experience, allowing us to connect with audiences in real-time and share moments as they happen. With the wide range of live streaming software available, it is now easier than ever to go live on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Whether you’re a content creator, marketer, or an individual looking to engage with your followers, these 10 best live streaming software options offer powerful features and user-friendly interfaces. From OBS Studio to Streamlabs OBS and XSplit Broadcaster, there is something for everyone.

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