15 Best Live Streaming Apps for Events – Ranked

April 24th, 2018 at 8:00 AM EDT

Live streaming is a huge opportunity to make more money for your event.

I personally tested and reviewed 15 free and paid tools.

If you want the short story, here are the top 10 live streaming apps:

 

      1. Livestream

    1. Facebook Live
    2. Youtube Live
    3. Twitch
    4. Wowza
    5. Dacast
    6. Streamshark
    7. Zype
    8. JW Live
    9. IBM Video

     

    The categories I looked at are extremely wide. It is like comparing oranges with apples in some cases. Comparing a get together with friends and a 20,000 attendee convention is the same exercise, yet they are both events. I highlighted only the features that matter to make a quick decision if you are unsure about what to pick for live streaming events.

    I spent as much time as possible on all of them. In some cases, I used free trials, when not possible I’ve seen online demos and/or attended them in person. The following analysis is personal and represents my opinion. By no means it is indicative of the value of the app.

    Here are the scoring criteria for each tool:

    Platform Compatibility. Is the live streaming app available on Desktop and Mobile? Mac, PC, Android and iOS?

    Event Tool. What features of the live streaming app are appealing to event professionals? Does it have purpose-built tools for live streaming events specifically?

    Advanced Features. How complex is the platform? Does it offer video uploading, monetization, video on demand, pay per view, multiple bitrate handling, etc? This is where to best quality live broadcasting apps come to the fore.

    Integration. Does the live streaming app offer integration with popular broadcasting software or popular social networks?

    Virality. Social media friendly live streaming apps offer the biggest chance to go viral. How is the streaming app likely to create a viral opportunity for your content to spread? Is it a closed or open environment?

    Usability. How easy is the platform to use? Is the user experience pleasant? Does it walk you through how to live stream?

    Editorial Rating. My personal opinion on the potential of the platform and actual potential for events. Not as a standalone app.

    Overall Rating. The average from all of the scoring criteria combined to rank the best live video streaming apps – overall.

    In the following section the top five live streaming apps according to different categories.

     

    The top five best Free live stream apps

    1. Facebook Live
    2. Youtube Live
    3. Twitch
    4. Periscope
    5. Instagram Live

     

    The top five live streaming apps for Virality

    1. Facebook Live
    2. Youtube Live
    3. Instagram Live
    4. Periscope
    5. Twitch

     

    The top five live streaming apps for Integration

    1. Facebook Live
    2. Livestream
    3. Youtube Live
    4. Dacast
    5. Zype

     

    The top five live streaming apps for Usability

    1. Facebook Live
    2. Youtube Live
    3. Streamago
    4. Younow
    5. Twitch

     

    The top 5 live streaming apps for Advanced Features

    1. Livestream
    2. Wowza
    3. Dacast
    4. Streamshark
    5. JW Live

     

    The top five best live streaming apps for iPhone (iOS)

    1. Periscope
    2. Facebook
    3. Livestream
    4. Twitch
    5. Ustream

     

    The top five best live streaming apps for Android

    1. Periscope
    2. Twitch
    3. Facebook
    4. Ustream
    5. Live.ly

     

    An In-Depth Review of Live Streaming Apps for Events

    This section offers an individual analysis of all the apps I reviewed.

    I’ve broken down the apps into four macro categories of live streaming apps:

    Mainstream Live Streaming apps

    These are apps tied to major social networks. They are part of companies that are household names such as Google, Facebook or Twitter. These apps represent an entry point for the individual user but are also part of the social media mix of large events. They offer more sophisticated event tools in some instances and they are largely offered as completely free live streaming apps.

    -> They are great for smaller events or events with strong social media presence

     

    Mid-market Live Streaming Apps

    These apps are in between the social networks platforms and the more advanced live stream apps. They offer entry-level tiers of pricing and they are rarely free. They offer in most cases they have the ability to stream on your website without having to connect to social networks. They can offer quite sophisticated and enterprise tools.

    -> These apps are better for small to medium-sized events that invest more seriously in video and sell virtual tickets or video on-demand.

     

    Advanced Live Streaming Apps

    These are video management platforms that offer very advanced tools such as server broadcasting, live streaming deployment for your event app, advanced monetization via Google DFP and incredibly advanced technical features.

    -> These advanced live streaming apps are ideal for large event organizations that have complex streaming requirements and rely extensively on virtual attendance.

    New Live Streaming Apps

    A bit out of the game but growing in popularity, these are the apps of the future. These are the ones that are tied to younger demographics or to niche event sectors. They become extremely relevant when your attendees are on target as they have an incredible promotional value.

    -> These apps are great for events that engage with younger demographics

     

    Mainstream Apps

    Facebook Live

    Facebook Live is the tool that most of us have used and that has democratized live streaming, making it accessible and popular. Facebook Live makes live streaming easy. It has a super simple platform that is easy to use whether you are on mobile or desktop.

    It is one of the most integrated with platforms you will find. If you are using live streaming enabled devices or live broadcasting software, they almost certainly integrate with Facebook Live.

    Pros:

    • An incredible array of integration with all software and platforms out there
    • A good virality potential. Facebook is investing in live. If you struggle with the organic reach of your Facebook Page, using Facebook Live will help
    • Easy to use and extremely simple if you are on mobile – great if you have your event team on the show floor

    Cons

    • Very annoying launch from the Facebook application only. You always have to log into your Facebook page to launch the live stream, this is bothersome when you use external software to manage your stream.
    • There are very limited event planning features. This is an app geared towards the long tail of users rather than event planners. It can be used and it is used by planners but it is not made for events.

    Compatibility: Mobile from iPhone and Android. Desktop from PC or Mac.
    Cost Structure: Free
    Price: Free
    Event Tool: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★★★★☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★★★★☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ (6.83/10)
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/live/create

    Youtube Live

    Youtube was one of the first to add live streaming features to their platform, yet it has had a tumultuous evolution with a change of policy, tools and features. The platform now offers tools that are useful whether you are a lone live streamer or you are planning fully fledged events with features such as monetization and ads.

    The platform has quite advanced features and it offers one feature no other platform offers, the search potential of being on Youtube, powered by Google.

    Pros:

    • Immense search potential. Listing your live event on Youtube has no rivals. You also get the benefit of adding the stream as a standalone video once it is over.
    • Quite advanced and event specific features such as broadcast delay, live chat and automatic recording.
    • Caters for individual streamers as well as more advanced events requirements (Youtube Stream Now vs Youtube Events).

    Cons:

    • Lacks critical mass and hence the potential virality for the live product that Facebook has.
    • You have to wait for 24 hours before getting approved to stream
    • No advanced event features such as guest list management, paywalls and lead generation.

    Compatibility: Mobile from iPhone and Android. Desktop from PC or Mac.
    Cost Structure: Free
    Price: Free
    Event Tool: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6.67)
    Website: https://www.youtube.com/live_dashboard_splash

    Instagram Live

    Instagram Live is a much younger initiative compared to Facebook, Youtube and Twitter, yet it is one with high potential for virality. We are talking about a user based live streaming app. There is no presence whatsoever of advanced tools or event planning features. Yet, as many attendees engage with Instagram pages, having a live component from the backstage of your event or your actual event can have a quite significant potential.

    The features are very limited with two-person streaming just being introduced to the platform. Once again this confirms the long tail strategy of Instagram, with Facebook serving more complex event iterations.

    Pros:

    • If Instagram is important in your social media mix, look no further, the potential is huge.
    • You will get more organic exposure. There are multiple reports that confirm the algorithm favoring live streamers.
    • The platform is very simple and usable making a great alternative for social media staff at events to use.

    Cons:

    • Too basic and limited. Instagram Live is a simple tool with simple features.
    • Non-existing integrations making it impossible to use with broadcasting software, encoders, etc.
    • No analytics! Really?

    Compatibility: Mobile only – from iPhone and Android.
    Cost Structure: Free
    Price: Free
    Event Tool: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6.67)
    Website: Via the app.

    https://www.instagram.com/

    Periscope

    Periscope has been among the most used streaming platforms in past years. The platform suffers from the lack of traction Twitter is having in general, with Facebook being the more successful alternative users prefer. Having said that, if Twitter is an important component of your social media strategy, then Periscope definitely helps to get more eyeballs on your tweets.

    As Twitter is navigating more towards a Facebook style, algorithmic display of updates that is not time bound but displays highlights for longer periods of time, you have an opportunity to display your stream recording for longer.

    Pros:

    • Periscope integrates deeply with Twitter, therefore, offering all the benefits in terms of virality that Twitter has to offer.
    • Periscope has a basic but solid suite of analytics that helps you quickly understand the performance of your stream.
    • Periscope is solidly the second most integrated platform. This is a big plus for those using third-party broadcasting tools for more complex live streaming needs.

    Cons:

    • The Twitter platform is not built to offer a great live streaming experience. It doesn’t feel part of it and engagement may suffer.
    • Periscope is somewhat limited in terms of event planning specific features. It is more geared to the standalone user.
    • Periscope lacks advanced features such as monetization, ads, closed captions and the like. It is a basic live streaming platform.

    Compatibility: Mobile only – from iPhone and Android.
    Cost Structure: Free
    Price: Free
    Event Tool: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆ (5.34)
    Website: Via the app.

    https://www.pscp.tv

    Mid-market Live Streaming Apps

    Livestream.com

    Livestream is one of the first tools that popped up to bridge the gap between consumer tools such as the ones above and more professional platforms. In fact, it is a paid-for tool that requires a more substantial investment. While this may be not a big deal if you plan events with more complex needs, it automatically cuts you out if you are an individual streamer.

    Livestream has been one of the first to launch an actual device integrated with the platform, the MeVo camera. It offers a free version of the software that integrates with Facebook Live, Periscope and many other platforms. The features are quite advanced and very event friendly.

    Pros:

    • Livestream offers an incredible array of advanced tools such as white labeling, multi-bitrate streaming and more.
    • It features the MeVo camera as a standalone solution for smaller events and the Broadcaster pro, an add-on device that turns any camera into a broadcast ready device.
    • You can run your live stream on your website or use the integration with popular social platforms.

    Cons:

    • Advanced features can get quite pricey
    • It is a complex platform. If you are not using the MeVo, which is simpler, you will need to spend the time learning it.
    • It’s a shame there is no free version of the tool.

    Compatibility: Mobile from iPhone and Android. Desktop from PC or Mac.
    Cost Structure: Paid
    Price: A free trial is available for 30 days. Flat rate pricing. Basic is $42 per month (billed annually) or $99 month to month. Premium is $199 per month (billed annually) or $449 month to month.
    Event Tool: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ (7.00)
    Website: https://livestream.com/

    Dacast

    Dacast is a smaller but quite competitive tool in the more advanced segment. It offers quite advanced event planning tools and a great set of tools such as pay per view and a fully customizable white label platform.

    This makes it a great choice for those that have more complex live streaming needs but are still managing everything themselves. It caters for event entrepreneurs growing their events through content. The video hosting component solves a lot of problems that conferences specifically have, how to monetize content after the event has happened.

    Pros:

    • Fantastic video hosting option with paywall and pay per view. Very needed features for those working in events.
    • The platform is somewhat basic in its design making it easy to use.
    • Great integration and advanced features such as Video API

    Cons:

    • Pricing per bandwidth is somewhat complex to figure out for the average user. While they offer a calculator, it is a pain to be charged this way.
    • It’s great they offer a per event pricing but it would be great for it not to be bandwidth related
    • The user experience of the platform is somewhat basic and while it makes it simple to use, a more well-designed offering would be great.

    Compatibility: Mobile from iPhone and Android. Desktop from PC or Mac.
    Cost Structure: Paid
    Price: A free trial is available for 30 days. Starter is $19 per month (only available if paid annually). Pro is $125 per month (billed annually) or $165 month to month (minimum 3-month commitment). Plus pre-paid extra bandwidth depending on the amount of Terabyte (TB) required.
    Event Tool: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6.67)
    Website: https://www.dacast.com/

    Streamshark

    Streamshark is a well-established player in the intermediate segment of the market. We are talking about a global Content Delivery Network (CDN) to deliver your live stream at its full potential. There are some nifty integrations such as Google Analytics and Facebook Live and monetization options and privacy controls. These are especially valuable for corporate events that want to run their stream on protected websites. One of the super cool features here is the 360-degree video player that offers the ability to watch live streams in an immersive mode.

    Pros:

    • A solid platform at a good price point. It offers a good array of tools and more sophisticated ones.
    • Great Video on-Demand (VOD) features and monetization options.
    • The 360-degree video player.

    Cons:

    • Bandwidth pricing is difficult to estimate and understand for the average user, however, a calculator is available.
    • There is a lack of event planning specific tools, this is a tool more geared for professional live streamers.
    • Some basic features (Facebook Integration) seem to be relegated only to the Enterprise version.

    Compatibility: Desktop only – from PC or Mac. The Broadcast Me app no longer supports Streamshark.
    Cost Structure: Paid
    Price: A free trial is available for 7 days. Lite is $50 per month and Pro is $100 per month.
    Event Tool: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6.67)
    Website: https://streamshark.io/

  1. JW Live

    JW Live is part of the JWPlayer platform. It is offered for the business and enterprise accounts of the JW platform. It offers simulcasting, which is really interesting as it allows you to stream on multiple platforms. It also offers the ability to import a live stream from another app and take advantage of the video features that the platform offers.

    Pros:

    • Fairly simple to use and easy set up.
    • Love the easy simulcast option. Other providers charge a lot for this.
    • Solid Facebook Live integration.

    Cons:

    • Live streaming is only part of the premium plans.
    • You need to use an encoding software such as telestream or Open Broadcaster SoftwareOBS (see below) – though the OBS support is not well documented.
    • No ads support for the business version

    Compatibility: Desktop from PC or Mac. Available via iOS and Android via the Broadcast Me App (free on iOS and Android).
    Cost Structure: Paid
    Price: The Business Package is $50 per month (billed annually).
    Event Tool: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6.16)
    Website: https://www.jwplayer.com/video-solutions/live-streaming/

    IBM Video (formerly UStream)

    What we used to know as UStream, one of the pioneers of live streaming, is now IBM Video. There is a complete change in the tone of the platform from what it used to be. This is a platform now geared towards corporate environments. It does not feature extremely advanced features but it does offer a reliable set of features that can be used for corporate events. The integrations are basic but it offers the peace of mind of working with IBM. A safer choice for corporate environments.

    Pros:

    • A solid platform made with businesses in mind.
    • Ability to upload video for on-demand display.
    • Multi Content Delivery Network (CDN) availability for maximum reach.

    Cons:

    • Live event support only for Enterprise plans (north of $1,000 per month)
    • Basic interface and user experience for the price
    • Limited integrations, only Facebook and Twitter.

    Compatibility: Desktop from PC or Mac. Available via iOS and Android via the Ustream app (free on iOS and Android).
    Cost Structure: Paid
    Price: Free trial for 30 days. The Professional plans range from $99 to $999 per month.
    Event Tool: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6.00)
    Website: https://www.ibm.com/cloud-computing/solutions/video/

    Advanced Live Streaming Apps

    Zype

    Zype is yet another category of very advanced live streaming platforms. We are now entering the realm of video platforms that manage live streaming as part of their offering. The features here are quite advanced. From monetization to video management, from analytics to instant video on-demand deployment. This is no tool for the amateur or for the DIY live streamer. This is a live streaming and video management tool for companies or events who heavily invest in video deployment.

    Pros:

    • A sophisticated platform for high end needs.
    • It offers great potential for post stream video deployment with great monetization opportunities.
    • Specific video distribution options for different user preferences, including Apple TV, Roku, WordPress and more.

    Cons:

    • Price is not disclosed. Expect to spend some budget on this.
    • Video is the protagonist, not live streaming, therefore some features others offer at this price point may be missing.
    • Basic support for the Starter package is not an option with this level of complexity. Full support should be part of each price bracket.

    Compatibility: Desktop from PC or Mac. Available via iOS via the Wirecast Go app (paid version required $5.99).
    Cost Structure: Paid
    Price: Starting from $299 per month, upwards.
    Event Tool: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6.34)
    Website: https://www.zype.com/product/live-streaming/

    Wowza

    The name describes the feeling you have when you look at the features this platforms offers. This is no platform for beginners. We are talking very advanced tools for very advanced needs. VR and 360-degree streaming options are simply exciting. The great thing is that the price is very accessible in the starter versions. Pretty cool also is the ClearCaster which enables you to live stream to Facebook with immense quality. The question here is whether you would get a tool like this or rent it from an AV company for your events. Also notable is the ability to deploy live streaming as part of your event app through their API.

    Pros:

    • Definitely the value for money. You get very advanced tools for accessible prices.
    • The VR and 360 streaming options.
    • Server and in-app deployment if you want to offer live streaming as part of your event app.

    Cons:

    • Pricing based on bandwidth make it tough to estimate or understand for planners.
    • Options may be a tad complicated to investigate for the inexperienced user.
    • The level of advanced features it offers for Facebook Live are not present for Youtube or Twitter.

    Compatibility: Desktop from PC or Mac. iOS and Android via third-party apps or the Wowza GoCoder app (free).
    Cost Structure: Paid
    Price: Free trial available. Starter monthly plan from $49 per month.
    Event Tool: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6.67)
    Website: https://www.wowza.com/

    New Live Streaming Apps

    Younow

    Younow opens the category of the personal streaming apps. These are apps that are not as mainstream as Instagram or Facebook but are geared to the individual live streamer. They can be considered for attendees and staff streaming parts of the event. Younow is a popular player among younger demographics and enters the realms of the watch together live streaming apps for entertainment with your friends. It offers a great virality potential, though it seems more Youtuber oriented than event centric. The platform is simple enough to use to get up and running quickly.

    Pros:

    • Good virality potential with featured streams getting lots of views.
    • It integrates with major social networks and it helps to connect with friends online.
    • Has a built-in reward system where users can engage much more.

    Cons:

    • No event focus whatsoever.
    • Very limited features and event specific settings.
    • Targeted more towards the long tail than event planners.

    Compatibility: Desktop from PC or Mac. Mobile via iOS and Android.
    Cost Structure: Free
    Price: Free.
    Event Tool: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Integration: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ (4.5)
    Website: https://www.younow.com/

    Streamago

    Streamago is a live streaming version of a selfie. Bear with us. This is not a tool for events but it offers the simplicity to stream your life events and a small community of people watching. It is extremely limited in the features but it does what it says on the tin.

    Pros:

    • A good virality potential with a community that watches live streams on the homepage and in the app.
    • Simple and easy to use.
    • Very powerful with some younger demographics.

    Cons:

    • Complete lack of event features.
    • Somewhat redundant, no distinctive features.
    • Poor integrations.

    Compatibility: Mobile via iOS and Android.
    Cost Structure: Free
    Price: Free.
    Event Tool: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Integration: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (3.33)
    Website: https://www.streamago.com

    Live.ly

    Live.ly is part of the Musical.ly giant. 2 million downloads proves that it is incredibly popular with teens and pre-teens. Which kind of answers all of your question in terms of what can you do with it. If you want to reach this demographic, you probably want to be there. Yet, we are talking more about “I am streaming from my bedroom” than from a trade show or a spartan race. The connection with music can make it somewhat one to watch for music events.

    Pros:

    • Very easy to use.
    • Huge community.
    • Well integrated.

    Cons:

    • Not for grown-ups.
    • Very limited features.
    • No event focus.

    Compatibility: Mobile via iOS and Android.
    Cost Structure: Free
    Price: Free.
    Event Tool: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ (4.5)
    Website: https://live.ly/

    Twitch

    Now Twitch is a completely separate category here. We are talking long tail, evolved into mainstream and actually taking over events. We are talking about live streaming of video games.

    You shouldn’t be concerned about this if you plan events?

    Right?

    Wrong, so wrong.

    With an esport arena just opened here in Las Vegas, esports are becoming a fully-fledged category of events with huge budgets and attendance. Twitch is the king platform of this world. It has the credit to have brought a new concept to the masses. It offers an incredible array of tools, integrations, features, as well as innovative concepts such as peer to peer payment. It is very common to accept donations if you are a creator, something that Youtube and other platforms lag in implementing.

    Pros:

    • The place to be if you are involved in gaming events.
    • An incredible array of features and integrations.
    • Supported by most broadcasting software.

    Cons:

    • No use for other types of events.
    • Very specific demographic on the platform.
    • It can be overwhelming for the first time user. It takes some time to get used to it.

    Compatibility: Desktop via Mac and PC. Mobile via iOS and Android.
    Cost Structure: Free
    Price: Free.
    Event Tool: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
    Advanced Features: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Integration: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Virality: ★★★★★★★★☆☆
    Usability: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Editorial: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6.67)
    Website: https://www.twitch.tv/

    Honorable Mentions

    I mentioned many times in the above reviews ‘broadcasting apps or software’. This is software that works on the backend and usually does the work of connecting your camera to a production studio adding more features, multiple cameras, lower thirds etc.

    Some of the above tools do offer these capabilities but they can come at a very high price point. Two tools stand out above the rest for incredible value for money to achieve basic needs of simple live streaming setups are listed below.

    How to live stream from multiple cameras

    What you need here is one piece of free software called Open Broadcaster Software or OBS. This is a very rudimental tool that does an incredible amount of stuff and can satisfy many needs. Whether you are streaming to Youtube, Facebook, Periscope or to your own website, OBS offers so many options such as adding transitions between streams, lower thirds, music and hundreds of other features. OBS makes your stream look more professional, it solves issues such as audio sync, it adjusts the fps according to different outputs.

    The good thing is that it is a free tool and it has a wide array of video tutorials on Youtube.

    I use it myself for our monthly live Q&A – see some of the transitions below.

    How to simulcast your event on different services

    If you are looking for a way to stream your event simultaneously on Periscope, Youtube and Facebook Live, look no further than Restream.io. Once again some services above do offer this feature but it comes at a high price.

    Restream integrates with OBS. Super easy to set up with step by step tutorials, it helps you to concurrently stream on different platforms. This is something I use successfully for our monthly live Q&A. Super cool.

    In Conclusion

    Live experiences are the perfect stage for live streaming events and sharing exciting content with your audience. Live streaming is a great way to involve those not attending your event in person and even to monetize your event. Whether you are looking for a simple social option that has the potential to go viral or a professional, high-quality broadcast via an advanced live streaming app, we hope our round-up of the best live stream options helps to simplify your search and highlight the right choice for your event. Understanding how to live stream could be a great choice for your event.

    Now onto you:

    • Do you have a tip to make this page better? Send an email to [email protected].
    • Do you have more tips and advice about live streaming your events or the best technology to use? Comment below to share more live streaming inspiration with other event planners.
    • Do you have a colleague who may benefit from reading this page? Share it with them.

Up Next

People

Megan Henshall: Meetings Innovator

Rehumanizing corporate life is the new mission of Google Xi. Its founder, Megan Henshall, is Skift Meeting's first-ever Meetings Innovator.