Live streaming is all the rage right now. Do you want to jump on the bandwagon, too? Before we list the three best free live stream apps that have resulted from very diverse app development processes catering to gamers as well as content creators, let us consider the discerning factors.
Event Focus – What features in the live streaming app have been included by the app developer to make the app appealing to live streamers and gamers? Are there any purpose-built features for only live streaming events?
Advanced Features – How easy to use is the app? Does it have video upload and monetization options? How about VoD (video on demand) or PPV (pay per view). Can it handle multiple bitrates? These features are what sets the best app apart from the rest.
Platform Compatibility – Is the live streaming app available on both Desktop and Mobile? What about Mac, PC, Android and iOS platforms?
Integration with other apps and software – Does it have easy integration ability with other popular streaming software or gaming consoles?
Virality Potential – Live streaming apps that are social media friendly offer the biggest potential to ‘go viral’. Is the live streaming app a good tool to capitalize on any viral opportunity that makes your content spread like wildfire?
Usability Issues – How hard is the app to debug or upgrade? Is the UX customizable? Does the app have help for customers and users about how to live stream in the best way possible?
In the section below, the top three live streaming apps are listed according to the above factors.
The top three best free live stream apps for content creators and gamers:
Facebook Live
Facebook Live is almost too common, which is why if you want a big audience, go for it. It is not the pioneer of live streaming but it definitely made the “viral” culture accessible and popular. Facebook Live is quite easy to use and get the hang of, since it has a super simple platform that is readily recognized and quite similar on both mobile and desktop.
It is also easy to integrate with other apps and platforms like Play Station, Xbox, and Nintendo. For serious live streamers, FB Live also works with live streaming enabled devices or live broadcasting software.
Youtube Live
Youtube was actually one of the, if not the, first to showcase the live streaming feature on their web-based platform. However, the feature and its related settings have undergone many changes according to updated Google or Alphabet privacy policy nuances, additional or third party tools and optional (sometimes unnecessary or complicated) features. Now, YouTube has simple tools that are quite useful whether you prefer lone live streaming or you have planned fully fledged events that will get you monetization and let you show ads of brands to get money.
The platform also has quite advanced features under the hood, and offers one great unique feature that no other platform can: the potential of going viral on Youtube, backed by Google.
An honorable mention goes to the ever popular Instagram Live – use it for live streaming your music concerts if you are inclined towards music, or information webinars, or becoming a celeb!
Also, Twitch is a dedicated streaming app for gamers. In fact, its success has prompted app developers in Australia to come up with apps offering similar streaming features in Oz, too!
The Last Word
Live streaming is here to stay and grow, so if you want a slice of the pie, get streaming now!
