Best Streaming Software in 2023 (For Twitch and YouTube)

With the rise of online content creation and live Streaming, choosing the right streaming software has become crucial for a seamless and successful streaming experience. Whether you’re a professional content creator, a gamer, or someone looking to share their creativity with the world, choosing the right streaming software can greatly impact the quality and reach of your content.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of 13+ Best Streaming Software that includes a range of options for live Streaming and pre-recorded videos, catering to different needs and preferences. This list covers all the essential tools required for a successful streaming journey, from the most popular streaming platforms to the best free streaming software.

1) OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open-source video recording and live streaming software. It is widely used by content creators, gamers, educators, and businesses to capture, edit, and broadcast video content on various platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and more.

Key Features:

• Multiple sources: OBS Studio allows users to capture and mix different sources, such as video files, webcam feeds, desktop screens, and audio inputs.
• Customizable transitions and effects: users can add different types of transitions between sources and apply filters and effects to enhance the quality of the video.
• Real-time audio and video mixing: users can adjust the volume, pitch, and other audio properties in real time and switch between different video sources seamlessly.
• Streaming and recording: users can simultaneously stream and record their video content in various formats and resolutions.
• Easy-to-use interface: OBS Studio offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and customize to suit users’ preferences.

Pricing:

OBS Studio is free and open-source, meaning users can download, install and use the software without charge.

2) Streamlabs OBS

Streamlabs OBS is a free, open-source live streaming software designed to simplify setting up and broadcasting content on popular streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.

Key Features:

• Streamlabs OBS allows users to easily customize their stream with widgets, alerts, and overlays to make it stand out and engage viewers.
• Streamlabs OBS has an intuitive interface that makes setting up and customizing your stream easy. Users can easily adjust settings for video and audio quality, bitrate, and stream resolution.
• Streamlabs OBS offers a variety of features to enhance the viewer experience, such as chatbots, donation tracking, and integrations with popular software like OBS Studio and Elgato Stream Deck.
• Streamlabs OBS provides detailed analytics to help streamers track their audience engagement, growth, and revenue.
• Streamlabs OBS has built-in support for popular streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook, making it easy for users to start broadcasting their content quickly.

Pricing:

Streamlabs OBS is free to download and use, with no hidden costs or fees. Users can purchase premium features, such as access to additional overlays and themes, but these features are unnecessary for basic Streaming and can be added anytime.

3) Nvidia ShadowPlay

Nvidia ShadowPlay is a screen recording and gameplay capturing software developed by Nvidia Corporation, which allows users to capture and record gameplay footage with minimal impact on system performance. It is designed for gamers and content creators who want to capture, edit and share their gameplay experiences.

Key Features

• It allows users to capture high-quality gameplay footage while playing their favorite games, supporting resolutions up to 4K at 60 frames per second.
• It lets users save the last few moments of gameplay footage with a simple button press without manually recording every moment.
• ShadowPlay also includes live streaming capabilities, which allow users to stream their gameplay directly to platforms like Twitch and YouTube, with support for up to 1080p at 60 frames per second.
• It allows users to customize their recording settings, including video quality, bitrate, and audio capture, to get the perfect recording for their needs.
• ShadowPlay uses the power of the Nvidia graphics card to accelerate the encoding process, resulting in high-quality recordings without affecting system performance.
• It offers an in-game overlay that allows users to access key features like Instant Replay and notifications for when recording and streaming sessions are started or stopped.

Pricing:

Nvidia ShadowPlay is free to use and comes bundled with the Nvidia GeForce Experience software, which is also free.

4) Wirecast

Wirecast is a professional live video production software for broadcasters, educators, and content creators. It allows users to easily create, produce, and stream live events and multimedia content to various platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.

key features

• Users can switch between multiple cameras and input sources during live Streaming and use virtual sets and green screens to create dynamic backgrounds.
• Wirecast offers a range of graphic overlays and titling options, allowing users to create professional-looking productions.
• Users can control audio levels and add effects to create a high-quality audio mix.
• Wirecast supports various platforms and protocols, including RTMP, HLS, and MPEG-DASH.
• Users can record live streams and playback recorded content, making it easy to edit and repurpose video content.
• Wirecast allows users to integrate with social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook and can display live comments and reactions on screen.
• Wirecast also includes advanced features such as a PTZ camera control, remote production, and support for IP cameras.

Pricing:

Wirecast offers several pricing options, including:

1. Wirecast Studio: $599 – This version includes all the basic features of Wirecast and supports up to 3 live camera inputs.
2. Wirecast Pro: $799 – This version includes all the features of Wirecast Studio and supports unlimited live camera inputs, 3D virtual sets, and advanced audio processing.
3. Wirecast Gear: Starting at $4,995 – Wirecast Gear is a turnkey solution that includes a pre-configured computer and software for live video production. It is available in several configurations to support different levels of production needs.

5) Lightstream

Lightstream is a live streaming software that allows gamers and content creators to produce high-quality broadcasts easily. It is designed to simplify the live streaming process by providing a user-friendly interface, easy-to-use tools, and a range of features that can help to elevate the quality of your stream.

Key Features:

• Lightstream’s simple setup process allows users to start streaming within minutes. The software integrates with various platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.
• All the processing happens in the cloud, so you don’t have to worry about your computer’s performance while streaming.
• Lightstream offers a wide range of customizable overlays, including alerts, chat boxes, and widgets that you can add to your stream to enhance its visual appeal.
• Lightstream allows you to stream simultaneously to multiple platforms, making it easy to reach a broader audience.
• The software lets you change your stream in real time, including switching between scenes, adding or removing sources, and adjusting audio levels.
• With Lightstream, you can control your stream from anywhere using your phone or tablet, making it easy to manage your broadcast even when you’re away from your computer.

Pricing:

Lightstream offers two pricing plans:

1. Creator – $7.99/month: This plan is ideal for individual creators who want to enhance their streams. It includes access to the core features, custom overlays, and support for up to three simultaneous platforms.
2. Gamer – $19.99/month: This plan is designed for gamers who want to take their streams to the next level. It includes all the features of the Creator plan, plus support for up to six simultaneous platforms and access to more advanced features like audio routing and a virtual camera.

6) Streamyard

StreamYard is a web-based live streaming and video production software designed for businesses and individuals who want to broadcast live events, interviews, webinars, and presentations to their audience. The software provides a user-friendly platform that allows users to host and stream high-quality live video content to various social media platforms simultaneously, including Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitch.

Key Features

• Stream to multiple social media platforms simultaneously, allowing users to reach a broader audience.
• Customizable graphics, logos, and overlays allow users to create a personalized look for their broadcasts.
• Share your screen or specific application windows with your audience during a live stream.
• StreamYard offers real-time audience engagement tools like live chat, polls, and Q&A.
• Host up to 10 participants during a live stream with StreamYard’s virtual live studio.
• Record live broadcasts for later use and download them in various formats.
• StreamYard provides analytics to track engagement, viewer numbers, and other key metrics.

Pricing:

StreamYard offers three pricing plans:

1. Basic Plan: Free to use, with limited features such as 20 hours of Streaming per month, custom branding, and multistreaming to 1 platform.
2. Professional Plan: Priced at $20/month, offering unlimited Streaming, custom RTMP streaming, recording, downloading, and access to all features.
3. Business Plan: Priced at $39/month, offering all professional features, plus branding control, overlays, backgrounds, and support for up to 8 participants on screen.

7) vMix

vMix is a professional video production software that allows users to create, record, and stream live videos for various applications. It is designed for video producers, streamers, and other professionals needing high-quality video production tools.

Key Features:

• vMix can handle multiple input sources, including cameras, audio, and video files.
• Users can create and use virtual sets to simulate different locations without physically being there.
• vMix offers a built-in live streaming feature, allowing users to broadcast their videos on popular streaming platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch.
• Users can record their videos in different formats, including AVI, MP4, and MPEG.
• vMix has many effects, including transitions, overlays, and animations, that can enhance video production.
• The software has an audio mixer that allows users to mix different audio sources and apply effects to them.
• vMix supports chroma keying, allowing users to replace a green or blue background with a virtual set or other video footage.
• vMix offers a multi-view feature that allows users to view multiple input sources simultaneously.

Pricing:

vMix offers several pricing plans, including:

1. Basic HD: $60 (one-time payment)
2. HD: $350 (one-time payment)
3. 4K: $700 (one-time payment)
4. Pro: $1200 (one-time payment)

8) StreamElements OBS

StreamElements OBS is a software that integrates with OBS Studio to provide a suite of tools and features for live Streaming on platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. It offers various customization options and allows streamers to easily add professional-quality overlays, alerts, and widgets to their broadcasts.

Key features

• Streamers can choose from various professionally designed overlays and alerts or create their own using the built-in editor.
• The software has a library of widgets that can be added to streams, such as chat boxes, donation trackers, and follower goals.
• A built-in chatbot allows streamers to moderate chat and automate common tasks such as welcoming new viewers and responding to commands.
• StreamElements OBS supports a tipping system that allows viewers to donate to streamers using various payment methods.
• The software provides detailed analytics on stream performance, such as viewer count, chat activity, and follower growth.
• StreamElements OBS integrates with other tools and platforms like Streamlabs and Restream.

Pricing

StreamElements OBS is available in both a free and a paid version. The free version includes basic features, while the paid version, called StreamElements Prime, offers additional customization options and access to premium overlays and alerts. StreamElements Prime is priced at $19.95 per month or $199 per year.

9) FFsplit

FFsplit is a free, open-source video capture and streaming software for gamers, streamers, and other content creators. It allows users to capture and stream video content in real-time, making it an ideal tool for live Streaming and video production.

Key features

• FFsplit has a user-friendly interface that allows users to set up and configure their video streams.
• With FFsplit, users can capture video from multiple sources, including webcams, capture cards, and desktop screens.
• Users can create custom overlays for their video streams, adding logos, text, and other graphics to enhance the viewing experience.
• FFsplit uses high-quality video encoding technology to ensure that video streams are clear and smooth.
• Users can stream their video content to multiple platforms simultaneously, including Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live.
• FFsplit can also be used to record video content, which can be edited and shared later.

Pricing:

FFsplit is free and open-source, making it an accessible and affordable option for content creators.

10) Gamecaster

Gamecaster is a software tool that allows gamers to easily capture, stream, and share their gameplay with others online. It is a powerful software for casual and professional gamers who want to showcase their skills, create content, or share their gaming experience with friends and followers.

Key features:

• Gamecaster has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners.
• With Gamecaster, gamers can live to stream their gameplay to popular platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.
• Users can create and customize their overlays with Gamecaster’s drag-and-drop interface, allowing them to add their branding and personalize their streams.
• Gamecaster allows users to stream simultaneously to multiple platforms, making it easier to reach a larger audience.
• Users can easily record gameplay and edit videos using Gamecaster’s built-in editing tools.
• With Gamecaster, users can mix their game audio, microphone audio, and other audio sources to create a more engaging and immersive stream.
• Gamecaster integrates with popular chat platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, allowing users to interact with their viewers in real-time.

Pricing:

Gamecaster offers both free and paid versions of its software. The free version includes basic features such as video recording and lives Streaming to Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook.

The paid version, Gamecaster Pro, offers additional features such as multistreaming, custom overlays, and audio mixing. Gamecaster Pro is priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.

11) Restream

Restream is a popular live streaming software allowing users to broadcast live video content to multiple platforms simultaneously. It was created in 2015 and has become famous for content creators and businesses looking to expand their reach. Restream supports over 30 platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, LinkedIn, and more.

Key Features:

• Simultaneously stream to multiple platforms: Restream allows you to broadcast your live video to multiple platforms simultaneously, saving you time and increasing your audience reach.
• Custom RTMP: Restream supports custom RTMP destinations, allowing you to stream to your own custom destination, such as your website.
• Chat aggregation: Restream has a chat feature that aggregates all your chat messages from different platforms into one place, making it easier for you to engage with your audience.
• Stream analytics: Restream provides detailed analytics of your live streams, including viewer counts, engagement rates, and more.
• Multistream scheduler: Restream allows you to schedule your live streams in advance, so you can plan your content ahead of time.
• Branding: Restream offers custom branding options, so you can add your logo and graphics to your live streams.

Pricing:

Restream offers several pricing plans to suit different needs:

• Free plan: allows you to stream to one platform at a time and has limited features.
• Basic plan: $16month, allows you to stream to 5 platforms simultaneously, and has additional features.
• Standard plan: $41/month, allows you to stream to up to 8 platforms simultaneously and has advanced features.
• Professional plan: $83/month, allows you to stream to up to 15 platforms at a time, and has additional features such as dedicated support and custom branding options.

Restream also offers a custom plan for larger businesses or organizations that require more advanced features and support.

12) Twitch Studio

Twitch Studio is a free broadcasting software designed for gamers who want to live stream on the Twitch platform. It was created by Twitch, a popular live-streaming platform owned by Amazon.

Key Features

• Twitch Studio has an intuitive interface that makes it easy for beginners to set up and start broadcasting quickly. It provides users with guided setup options, including automated hardware detection and recommended settings.
• The software offers templates that allow users to choose from various layouts, themes, and overlays to make their streams stand out.
• Twitch Studio has built-in alerts and notifications that help streamers engage with their audience. It includes customizable alerts for new followers, subscribers, and donations.
• The software automatically adjusts the stream quality based on the user’s network conditions, ensuring a smooth stream without interruptions.
• The software provides a scene switcher that allows streamers to easily switch between different scenes, such as gameplay, camera view, and overlays.
• Twitch Studio’s stream health dashboard provides real-time information on the stream’s performance, including the bitrate, frames per second, and dropped frames.

Pricing:

Twitch Studio is free to use, with no hidden fees or charges.

13) XSplit Broadcaster

XSplit Broadcaster is a professional-grade live streaming and recording software that allows users to easily create and broadcast high-quality video content to popular platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live. It offers many features to help users enhance their streams and recordings, including customizable scenes, real-time editing tools, and support for multiple sources such as webcams, microphones, and game capture.

Key features

• Users can create and switch between multiple scenes to give their streams a professional look and feel.
• Users can make on-the-fly adjustments to their streams, such as changing camera angles or adding overlays, without interrupting their broadcast.
• XSplit Broadcaster supports various sources, including webcams, microphones, game capture, and more.
• The software is designed to be easy to use, with a clean and intuitive interface.
• Users can fine-tune their audio settings to ensure their streams sound great.
• XSplit Broadcaster offers a range of plugins and extensions that can enhance the software’s functionality.
• Users can easily stream to popular platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live.

Pricing:

XSplit Broadcaster offers three pricing tiers:

1. VCam Premium: The VCam Premium costs $60 per month.
2. Broadcaster Premium: The Broadcaster Premium costs $200 annually.
3. Premium Bundle: The premium Bundle costs $230 for a lifetime.

Conclusion

Many options are available for live Streaming and pre-recorded videos, ranging from the most popular platforms to the best free streaming software. Whether you’re looking for the best Twitch streaming software or exploring other streaming software, many choices fit your needs.

Ultimately, choosing the right streaming software will depend on your specific requirements, and we hope this list of 13+ Best Streaming Software has helped you make an informed decision.

FAQ’s

What are the most popular Streaming platforms available?

Some major streaming platforms include YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Gaming, and Mixer.

Is there a way to stream on Twitch and YouTube simultaneously?

Yes, there are several tools available that allow you to stream on multiple platforms simultaneously. Restream and Streamlabs are famous examples of such tools.

What software do YouTube streamers use?

Some popular software YouTube streamers use include OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), Streamlabs OBS, and XSplit.

Is Streamlabs OBS or OBS better?

Streamlabs OBS and OBS are both popular choices for streaming software. Streamlabs OBS offers a more user-friendly interface and integrated features such as alerts, overlays, and chat, while OBS provides more advanced customization options. Ultimately, the choice between Streamlabs OBS and OBS will depend on your specific needs and preferences.