Livestream Studio - What is Streaming Software?


It's the software that captures your webcam or other video inputs and converts it into the correct data to send to Streaming Providers, such as Citizen Ticket.


Streaming software can either be downloaded & installed on your laptop, PC or mobile device or can even come preinstalled on serious hardware. 


Web-based streaming software is also available, meaning no download required. These usually carry a monthly fee but they're worth exploring for their modern features.

Please see our recommendations for live stream software below;


  • OBS

Software

OBS

Price?

Free

Compatible with...

Windows 8 or higher, MacOS 10.13+, Linux

Features


  • High-performance real-time video/audio capturing and mixing.

  • Set up an unlimited number of scenes you can switch between seamlessly.

  • Intuitive audio mixer with per-source filters.

  • Powerful and easy to use configuration options.

  • Streamlined Settings panel.

  • Modular 'Dock' UI allows you to rearrange the layout.

  • Streamlabs OBS

Software

Streamlabs OBS 

Price?

Free (option to upgrade to Prime for $12/mo)

Compatible with...

Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit) or higher

Features


  • Feature-packed software with streaming to social platforms in seconds.


  • Backed up to the cloud.


  • Stream on the go via the mobile app.


  • Live stream overlays (more available with Prime).


  • 46 apps - gives you more control, animation and new ways to interact with viewers.


  • Customisation tools designed for the viewer and streamer. 



  • XSplit - Broadcaster


Software

XSplit - Broadcaster

Price?

Paid - Subscription-based

Compatible with...

Windows 7 (64-bit) or higher

Features


  • Professional Production Features - 4k60fps video quality and beyond, projector mode, whiteboard and stream annotations.

  • Stream Management - scene & source transition, scene preview editor, robust text source and more.

  • Video Production Features - drag and drop various media files, supports all popular capture cards and webcam, express video editor etc.

  • Powerful Engagement Tools 

    • Social chat widgets & alerts

    • Simultaneous broadcasting to multiple steam services

  • 24/7 support &  lifetime updates.


  • Lightstream - Studio


Software

Lightstream - Studio

Price?

Paid - Creator Plan - Starting from $20/mo or $240/yr

Compatible with...

Web-based - Access in-browser or any decent desktop or laptop.

Features



  • Full layout and design control (drag-n-drop editor).


  • Cloud-based software - all projects, scenes, and layouts are saved in the cloud.

  • Allows streaming to your social platforms (Facebook, Youtube, Twitch etc.).

  • Co-hosting and guest hosting for interviews, panels, podcasts etc.


  • Remote control over your stream - using your mobile browser to start/stop your broadcast.


  • Live one-on-one chat support.








  • vMIX


Software

vMIX

Price?

Free - option to upgrade to higher streaming qualities from £47.75

Compatible with...

Windows 7 or higher

Features



  • Simultaneous streaming, recording & output

    • Live stream to popular streaming providers  (Facebook Live, YouTube, Twitch & Ustream).  

    • Live Record in full HD to AVI, MP4, MEPG-2 or WMV

    • Output via AJA, Blackmagic & Bluefish cards to professional recording decks and monitors.

    • Virtual Camera support for streaming out to 3rd party software (e.g. Skype, Zoom, Google Hangout, VLC).

  • All your Inputs in one place...

    • Video Cameras - 4K, HD & SD Capable. Support for Webcams and capture cards.

    • NDI - Send/receive high quality, low latency video and audio on the local network between vMIX system & NDI compatible sources.

    • Video files - AVI, MP4, H264, MPEG-2, WMV, MOV & MXF

    • DVDs - with menu navigation

    • Audio Files - MP3 & WAV

    • Audio Devices - e.g. SoundCards, ASIO Audio Interface and capture card audio. 

    • And much more…

  • Transition Effects - Cut, Fade, Zoom, Slide & many more.

  • 4 Overlay channels 

  • Easy to Use, High Performance, Animated Graphics - choose from 100+ built-in animated titles, scoreboards & tickers.

  • PC & MAC Desktop Sources - screen capture from remote desktops running on your network (i.e.  PowerPoint & Skype).

  • Web Browser Input - display a website directly in vMix. 

  • Built-in Audio Mixer - easily keep track of all audio sources & includes ability to Mute, Follow (Auto Mixing) & Delay any source.



Click here for the guide - Livestream Studio - How do I set up my streaming software for my live stream event?