8 Best Live Streaming Apps in 2024 For Mobile & Web

Krishi Shivasangaran Published On September 13th, 2024 Tech Talks

Live streaming and broadcasting are no longer a big deal for users to set up and go live. 

There are many live streaming apps available on both desktop and mobile platforms. Hitting live in 2024 can be done within four simple steps. Picking the desired content, choosing the streaming app, integrating existing accounts into the app, Boom! 

You’re on live. As the process of integrating live becomes easy like in-app chat API to any existing app or platform, here comes the next.

Everything will go well unless you search for the “best live streaming apps.” You’ll be flooded with results. But which app suits your content and which will make your live “alive?” 

This article presented you with the best live streaming and broadcasting platforms of 2024 with our detailed analysis and research to bring your content live.

What is a Live Streaming App & How It Works?

Live streaming technology is the same as watching pre-recorded videos but in real time, like video streaming over the internet.

Live content holds viewers’ attention as much as 20 times longer than pre-recorded or on-demand content. This helps businesses gain consumers’ attention, and for creators, it helps them reach all their viewers with a solid connection.

A live streaming app allows users to broadcast live content in real-time. The streamer can interact with viewers through live chat, comments and reactions. 

Major social media live streaming apps are YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Well known for its user base and specific use case.

On the other hand there are many third-party live broadcasting platforms such as Bigo Live, Streamlabs, Vimeo, Switcher Studio and more.

Best Live Video Streaming Apps For Multiple Use Cases

Live streaming technology is not just restricted to social media. Depending on the content and target audience, enterprises and other industries can benefit from a live streaming app.

The Top 8 FREE & Paid Live Streaming Apps are 1. YouTube Live · 2. Facebook Live · 3. Instagram Live · 4. LinkedIn Live · 5. Bigo Live · 6. Streamlabs · 7. Vimeo · 8. Switcher Studio

Top Social Media Live Streaming Apps

Most social media platforms offer live streaming and make it accessible for users to initiate free live video streams online.

1. YouTube Live (For Desktop & Mobile)

YouTube is the video platform now that comes to mind as a live streaming platform for its user base. Since YouTube is a generic streaming platform, there are no restrictions on content niches, even for industries. Though YouTube has massive live streaming features for advanced streamers, it’s also easy to set up and go live as a beginner. 

Pros of YouTube Live

• Huge user base
• Live chat
• Monetization options with membership and chat stickers
• Push notifications when you go live

Cons of YouTube Live

• Monetization option will only enable after 1000 subscribers and 4000 hours of watch time.
• Requires 50 subscribers to stream on mobile.
• It’s difficult to reach and get noticed since YouTube is a large platform.

2. Facebook Live (Free Live Stream on Mobile & Web)

Facebook is the largest social collaboration platform with live-streaming features. Facebook Live is a good choice because of its interactive features, and you can go live directly from your Facebook account. Along with its free video stream, it offers monetization options for content creators. The duration of the live stream that you can go on Facebook is eight hours.

Pros of Facebook Live

• Chat moderation
• Real-time notifications and connections
• Seamless mobile streaming
• Live from personal profile, page and group
• Analytics and monitoring

Cons of Facebook Live

• No direct access to remove or filter negative comments
• No 4K streaming
• Technical difficulties

3. Instagram Live (GenZ Streaming App for Android, iOS & Web)

Instagram, the rectangle platform, is nowadays more responsible for high-quality photos and videos shared by the community. Instagram Live has filters and other handy video options. You can even connect your Instagram account with Facebook so that the stream on Instagram can appear on Facebook.

Pros of Instagram

• Free for all Instagram users
• Playback for missed live streams
• Real-time comments thread
• Support desktop streaming for professional accounts

Cons of Instagram

• Monetization not available for all users. Currently available to US based accounts. By inviting other countries users can benefit. 

4. LinkedIn Live (Professional & Enterprise Live Medium)

LinkedIn Live has grown as the best social networking platform for businesses and professionals. To establish thought leadership and real-time business communication, LinkedIn offers interactive sessions to promote real-time product demos, presentations, and proposals to a global audience.

Pros of LinkedIn Live

• A platform to reach professional & potential clients
• Easy to connect with industry experts as LinkedIn establishing authority within desired industry
• High chance of lead generation, brand awareness, and networking

Cons of LinkedIn Live

• Limited reach as compared to other social media platforms
• Algorithm change in LinkedIn can impact video reach

 

Ready To Create Your Own Secure, Self-hosted Live Streaming App?

Request Demo

Best Third-Party Live Streaming Apps

If you feel those pre-built social media streaming apps won’t support your requirements, here are the best third-party providers that you can try out in 2024.

1. Bigo Live (Available on Android, iOS & Microsoft)

Bigo Live is a global free live-streaming platform that is cherished by many influencers and talents to connect with a wide range of audiences. This live streaming platform sets an easy stage for even beginners to set up and go live. 

Also, this third-party platform prioritizes users’ safety and moderation with proper guidelines. 

Pros of Bigo Live

• Engagement with other users through conversations
• Free and easy platform to make a live, showcase talents
• Monetization from virtual gifts with the interest of the audience

Cons of Bigo Live

• Low content moderation in some countries
• Low live stream quality
• Limited monetization options

Pricing

This is completely free to use. Some in-app purchases are available to buy within the app.

2. Streamlabs (Available for Desktop & Mobile)

Streamlabs offers a complete suite of features for live streamers to engage with audiences. These third-party tools let users customize the stream layout, visuals, and graphics. This platform supports integration with other platforms to enable live streaming, such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch, in minutes.

Streamers can enjoy an array of features including in-app chat, subscriptions, donations all in a single platform.

Pros of Streamlabs

• Extensive customization in stream visuals
• Large user community
• Control and manage streams of multiple platforms in a single interface
• Wide feature set

Cons of Streamlabs

• Free versions comes with watermark
• Limited storage in free version
• Advanced features will be unavailable for new users.

Pricing

Streamlabs has two pricing options: one is entirely free, and the Ultra pack starts at 19 USD/month and 149 USD/year.

3. Vimeo (Available on Android, iOS, Desktop)

Vimeo offers excellent live streaming capabilities for enterprises, marketers, and creators with an AI-powered editor. Vimeo prioritizes high-quality premium streaming events for enterprises, webinars, and product launches. The superior tools and features make the live event even more memorable and personalized.

Users can have complete control over security and permission and find content quickly in the video player.

Pros of Vimeo

• High-quality live experience at 4K, 8K HDR with Dolby Vision
• Customization with brand kit and optimization for SEO
• Personalized GIFs, hand raises, polls, Q&A
• Third-party widgets

Cons of Vimeo

• Limited monetization options

4. Switcher Studio (Available only for iOS)

Switcher is an iOS-based live-streaming platform that allows professionals and creators to produce high-quality streams and earn the way they want. The notable features of the Switcher include multi-camera productions, shoppable videos, overlays, and recordings.

This live stream app supports customization and seamless experience for all use cases, including digital events, interviews, online shopping, conferences, and more.

Pros of Switcher Studio

• Users can monetize the way they prefer
• Live stream into multiple platforms
• Free trial
• High Definition multi stream and recording

Cons of Switcher Studio

• Limited audio control
• Supports only in iOS

Oh! Still, you didn’t find your desired live streaming app from the list and are expecting or combining more?! 

We’ve covered it up. Read on to learn how to choose the best live streaming platform by analyzing some essentials.

How to Choose the Best Live Streaming App?

 In 2024, choosing the best streaming app is more important than picking the desired features. These essentials will give the basic understanding of all the things to consider when choosing.

• Platform Compatibility: Consider which platform you intend to use; whether you’re streaming live on multiple platforms or choosing an app that supports various platforms.
• Streaming Features: Look for the features that meet your needs, such as screen sharing and interactive features like polls, Q/A, in-app chat, reactions, and notifications. The most important feature is Monetization; look for apps that offer multiple monetization options such as ads, subscriptions, donations, or gifts.
• Customization: For the best monetization experience, lead generation, or audience targeting, providing the best livestream experience is crucial. Incorporating custom branding and other visual elements helps support a better experience. Choose an app that supports customization.
• Cost & Pricing: Evaluate the app or platform’s cost. Considering the self-hosted live streaming solution has a one-time cost with lifetime source code access.

Final Thoughts

Live streaming is the modern way to reach an audience in real-time. Finding the right streaming app takes some time, sometimes errors. Hope this article helps you find the app by saving your time. Adding much more benefit to you, in a nutshell, choose the live streaming app with a self-hosted solution. 

If you want to try the white-label live streaming app, check out MirrorFly, which has 1000+ features and a highly scalable infrastructure. This platform supports unlimited customization and streaming across multiple platforms. 

Along with the live streaming features, you can experience voice calls, chat, and video calling through flexible APIs and SDKs without any restrictions.

Check out MirrorFly for the best live stream experience. You can also get flexible hosting options.

Contact the team to know more about the features and pricing.