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Sourav Malhotra
Sourav Malhotra

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Top 6 Live Streaming Platforms in 2024

Live streaming is the biggest buzz in the video streaming industry currently. Statista says that in 2020, 482.5 billion hours were spent on mobile live streaming platforms, while in Q2 of 2022, the weekly reach of live streaming videos touched 29.5%. In fact, in the US alone, 158.2 million users viewed live streaming in 2022, which is expected to increase to 164.6 million by 2024.

With the increase in viewership and popularity of live streaming, the demand for quality live streaming platforms is also growing rapidly. If you are looking to build your own live streaming platform, then this blog is for you!

In today's blog, we will discuss everything that you need to know about the top live streaming platforms in 2023, which will help you start your own live streaming business in a jiffy! But before we jump into the detailed analysis, let’s have a quick look at the top 10 live streaming platforms of 2023.

The top 6 live streaming platforms are:

  1. Muvi Live
  2. DaCast
  3. Vimeo
  4. Restream.io
  5. Streamyard
  6. Wowza

How To Identify the Best Live Streaming Platform?

Choosing the best live streaming platform solely depends on the needs of the individual users. But, there are some factors that remain almost common for all users. Factors like pricing, security, and hosting impact all the live streamers.

Thus, the factors that you must consider while choosing the right private live streaming platforms are discussed below.

Pricing Plan

For a beginner, budget is an important factor. However, for an experienced and established streaming, the budget might mean getting more features at a comparatively lesser cost. You will have to first decide which category you belong to.

Security

Nowadays, streaming security is a big concern for live streamers. That is why, while choosing a live streaming platform, you must check whether they provide security features like DRM and dynamic watermarking. The platform should offer features such as DRM and dynamic watermarking for added security, and allow you to host videos on a white label. To make informed decisions, it is important to get a comprehensive website ranking report that includes details of all these features and more.

Hosting

You need to check if you will be able to host videos on your own white label. In fact, many platforms even allow you to integrate 3rd party feeds on your platform.

Monetization

You also need to check what types of monetization models the live streaming platforms offer. More monetization models help generate enhanced sources of revenue and offer more flexibility to your users.

DVR-Enabled Live Streaming

DVR-Enabled Livestream enables your users to pause, rewind and play your live streams. This is one of the most desired live streaming features in recent times.

Streaming Protocols Supported

Multiple streaming protocols offer more flexibility to you as a live streamer, as you can choose different protocols to suit your needs.

Top 6 Live Streaming Platforms in 2023

Nowadays, there are multiple live streaming platforms available, using which, you can start your own live streaming in seconds. Today, we will take a look at the top live streaming platforms in 2023. So, let’s begin!

1 - Muvi Live

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Muvi Live is one of the most comprehensive and feature-packed live streaming platforms currently available in the market. It has recently won the Streaming media reader's choice award as the best live streaming platforms.

It is packed with almost all the necessary to deliver enterprise-grade live streaming effortlessly. Let’s take you through some of its top features quickly.

Muvi Live Key Features

Though Muvi Live is packed with 50+ industry-leading features, we have picked some of the landmark features that make it stand out from its competitors.

  • Built-in CDN: Muvi Live has pre-integrated AWS CDN, which lets you deliver buffer-free live streams across the globe.

  • Encoding and Transcoding: The built-in encoder and transcoder automatically convert the video size and format according to your needs.

  • DVR-Enabled Live Stream: Your viewers can pause, rewind, and replay the live streams at their convenience.

  • HLS Live Feed Compatible: You can generate HLS free from your Muvi Live CMS, and then use it to stream your content across platforms. Also, you can use third-party HLS feeds to live stream in Muvi Live.

  • Stream from the Nearest Server: With Muvi Live, you can choose the streaming server which is nearest to your location.

  • Multiple Monetization Models: Muvi Live supports multiple monetization models, including Subscription, Ad-based Streaming (AVOD), Pay-per-view, Coupons, Vouchers, and more!

  • Multi-DRM Protection: Security is the biggest USP of Muvi Live. The platform offers built-in multi-DRM protection, which prevents any type of screen recording attempts. Also, dynamic watermarking makes it harder to copy your streaming content. Further, your live stream is protected by server-side security and firewall too!

  • Analytics and Reports: Muvi Live provides you with an interactive dashboard, where you can monitor the stream's health, understand your viewer's preferences, and deliver an even better live stream in the future.

  • Record Live Streams: All your live streams get auto-recorded on the cloud. You can later use them for multiple purposes.

  • Live Chat: With live chat, you and your viewers can engage with each other during the live streams, and share their opinions.

Muvi Live Pricing 2023

Muvi Live currently has three pricing plans.

  • Muvi Live Standard is the beginning plan and will cost you US $79 per month. You will get 25 hours of live stream with 2 concurrent streams.

  • Muvi Live Professional will cost you US $299 per month. You will get 50 hours of live streaming along with 10 concurrent live streams.

  • Muvi Live Enterprise will cost you US $799 per month. You will get 100 hours of live streaming along with unlimited concurrent live streams.

Muvi Live Major USPs

  • One of the biggest USPs of Muvi Live is its security features. You can rest assured that your live feed is secured both from the server side and the viewer’s side.

  • The built-in CDN and streaming from the nearest server help you deliver a completely buffer-free live stream. Because of the deeply spread AWS CDN, you can cater to audiences located even in the most remote parts of the world.

  • Muvi Live mobile app helps you deliver professional live streaming from your mobile camera too!

Muvi Live Recent Achievements

Recently, Muvi Live has been voted the best live streaming platform by streaming media readers.

2 - Dacast

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Dacast has been providing professional live streaming services for more than 10 years now. It is a specialist in offering live streaming and video hosting services.

To understand its services better, let’s take a look at its features.

Dacast Key Features

  1. Live Streaming Recording: Dacast allows you to record your live stream and reuse it later for various purposes.

  2. Unlimited Concurrent Viewers: You can host unlimited live events with an unlimited number of viewers across the world.

  3. Custom Branding: You can deliver completely white-label feeds, with your own logo and branding.

  4. All Device Video Player: Dacast live streams are suitable for all devices and browsers.

Dacast Pricing

Currently, Dacast offers four pricing options:

  1. It offers a starter plan at US $39 per month. You get 1.2 TB per year and 50 GB of storage with this plan.

  2. It has an Event plan at US $63 per month. You get 6 TB upfront and 50 GB of storage with this plan.

  3. It offers a Scale plan at US $188 per month. You get 24 TB per year and 1000 GB of storage with this plan.

  4. It’s custom plan seeks to mold the delivery as per your needs, and you get a custom-generated invoice with it.

3 - Vimeo

Vimeo is one of the popular live-streaming platforms, known for its high-quality streams with enhanced control for the streamers. Let’s take you through some of its core features:

Vimeo Live Streaming Key Features

  • Interactive Live Streaming: Vimeo allows you to offer interactive touchpoints throughout your live feed, from where your viewers can engage and interact. You can even make your videos shoppable, by adding eCommerce touchpoints.

  • Screen Record: Vimeo lets you record short screen-recorded video messages and then share them with your audience.

  • Pre-build your event: You can pre-set your live events, and add pre-build scenes and recorded and Rank videos, which will go live as if they are really live!

Video Live Streaming Pricing

Vimeo follows a per-seat pricing structure, where you need to pay per guest. Let’s have a look at the different pricing plans currently available:

  • It’s started plan starts at US $9 per seat per month. You will get to do 60 videos per seat per year.

  • Its standard plan is at US $25 per seat per year. You get 120 videos per seat per year.

  • Vimeo offers an advanced plan at US $48.75 per seat per year. You get 240 videos per seat per year.

4 - Restream.io

Restream.io is a relatively new company, but it has gained quick popularity in less time. It is because of the innovative live-streaming interface and features that it offers. Let’s take a look at some of its features.

Restream.io Key Features

  1. Live Stream of multiple platforms: Restream lets you reach a wider set of audience, as you can go live on multiple platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc, all at the same time.

  2. CTA and live chat: You can add CTA buttons and live chat to engage with your audience directly.

Restream.io Pricing

Restream offers a free basic plan, but their paid pricing structure is as follows:

  • For the Standard subscription plan, you need to pay US $16 per month for which you will get 5 channels with 2 users.

  • For the Professional subscription plan, you need to pay US $41 per month for which you will get 8 channels for 4 users.

5 - Streamyard

Streamyard is a popular live streaming software that lets you start your live stream anytime from anywhere, without downloading any specific software.

Streamyard Key Features

  • Multistreaming: Stream simultaneously on multiple platforms, like Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and more.

  • Accommodate Multiple Guests: Stream with 10 people on screen at a time, with more people backstage.

Streamyard Pricing

Streamyard provides free services to beginners, but the pricing structure for their advanced plans is as follows:

  • Their basic plan starts at US $20 per month.
  • Their professional plan starts at US $39 per month.

6 - Wowza

Wowza offers enterprise-grade live streaming services, with multiple advanced features. Let’s take a look at some of its key features.

Wowza Key Features

  • Global Streaming: It offers CDN cloud-based streaming services, and ensures that your live streaming is reachable to remote audiences.

  • Video CMS: Wowza offers a sophisticated video SaaS CMS, through which you can control your live stream efficiently.

Wowza Pricing

Wowza currently has the following three pricing structures:

  • You need to pay US $149 for one month of streaming.
  • With US $1560, you will get one year of streaming.
  • It also offers a limited plan for beginners, at US $25 per month.

To Sum It Up

Enterprise-grade live streaming platforms like Muvi Live enable you to deliver the best possible live streaming with enhanced stream security and ultra-low latency. While platforms like Streamyard let you start your first live stream without investing much.

Hence, your ultimate choice of live-streaming platform will solely depend on your purpose. In this blog, we tried to highlight the key features of top live streaming platforms, so that you can make a wise choice next time!

FAQs:

  1. Which platform is best for live streaming?
    Based on the features offered, Muvi Live is undoubtedly the best live-streaming platform in 2023. But, if you are just a beginner, you can try other affordable platforms too!

  2. Where can I stream live for free?
    You can use platforms like Streamyard and Restream to start a free live stream. But, if you are a professional streamer looking for long-term solutions, then you must try enterprise-grade streaming platforms like Muvi Live.

  3. What are the benefits of using a live-streaming platform?
    Using a live-streaming platform, you can try new revenue models, and enhance your live-streaming earnings, with an enhanced audience reach.

  4. Which live-streaming platform is good for beginners?
    Beginners can try any free live streaming platforms like Muvi Live, and once they gain expertise, they can upgrade to enterprise-grade white-label live streaming solutions like Muvi Live.

  5. Which equipment do I need for live streaming?
    You will usually need a good camera and a good mic. However, some platforms like Muvi Live let you live stream from your smartphone too!

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