10 Best Live Streaming Apps (Comparison + Features)

10 Best Live Streaming Apps

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Find the best live streaming apps of today’s digital world to connect with your audience in real time. Whether you are a content writer, a businessman, or want to share your experience, having a trustworthy live-streaming platform makes all the difference. This brief delves into the best streaming software with date features and who it is suitable for. It has widely become the most-rated Cross Platform App Development service, catering to the diverse entertainment needs of a huge population.

Now, let’s delve into the top live streaming apps you should look into, and some of the best free live streaming apps available.

Market Overview

Best Live Streaming Apps Market Overview

The market promises a massive growth curve in the live-streaming industry. It is expected to reach approximately $417 billion by 2030 and have a compound annual growth rate of 21.5% from 2024 to 2030 with a great range of best live streaming apps. This has been among the boosted interest in real-time content by youngsters, among others. More than 70% of Millennials and Gen Z have been reported to access live streams frequently. Platforms like Twitch report 2.5 million concurrent viewers at any given time, demonstrating an extremely high engagement level. 

Mobile streaming is not only generating nearly 80% of all live stream views but also points to the fact that app developers need to make their apps optimized for mobile usage. As such, businesses and content creators are continuing to use these platforms because this is also likely to open up higher earning capacities through subscriptions and advertisements, with the global video streaming market alone expected to be worth over $90 billion by 2025.

Also Read – Best 21 Free Social Media Apps You Need to Download Today

Top 10 Live Streaming Apps

Here is the list of the 10 best live-streaming apps presented below:

Streaming Apps

Apps Key Features Downloads Reviews  Ratings Compatibility 
Facebook Live Easy Sharing, Audience Interaction, and Mobile Support 2.8 billion+ 4.5 million 4.3/5 iOS, Android, Web
Disney+ High-quality streaming, Exclusive content, and Offline downloads 150 million+ 1.5 million 4.7/5 iOS, Android, Web, Smart TVs
Hulu On-demand content, Live TV options and Personalized recommendations 45 million+ 1.5 million 4.6/5 iOS, Android, Web, Smart TVs
Streamlabs Customizable overlays, Content Alerts, and Donation support 2 million+ 60K 4.7/5 Windows, Mac, Linux
Netflix Extensive library, Original programming, and User profiles 250 million+ 3.9 million 4.5/5 iOS, Android, Web, Smart TVs
Brightcove Live streaming, Analyticsand Video management tools 18K+ 22  4.5/5 Web
Kaltura Customizable streaming, Educational tools, and Content Analytics 1L+ 234 4.4/5 Web
Amazon Freevee Free streaming, Original content, and Ad-supported 25 million+ 3L 4.5/5 iOS, Android, Web, Smart TVs
Instagram Live video available, Strong social engagement, and IGTV 2.8 billion+ 4.6 million 4.8/5 iOS, Android
Tubi Free streaming, Large library, and No subscription required 50 million+ 1.5L 4.4/5 iOS, Android, Web, Smart TVs

Let’s go through each of them in detail about features, functionalities, and unique selling points to get in-depth information about all these live streaming apps. We will see popular platforms to look into their user interface, audience engagement tools, and monetization options.

1. Facebook Live

Facebook Live

Facebook Live is a feature on the Facebook network. It allows users to broadcast live videos to their friends or followers in real-time, integrating perfectly with the social networking capabilities of Facebook.

Pros and Cons

Pros  Cons
Access to a large user base  Problem with Content Moderation
Enhanced engagement through live comments and reactions Limited to one platform (Facebook)
Live scheduling of broadcasts Quality may vary
Integrated sharing option available No recording features are available

2. Disney+

Best Live Streaming Apps

Disney+ is the ultimate streaming app that offers the greatest assortment of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic with exclusive originals. This platform also features exclusive originals and insightful docuseries.

Pros and Cons

Pros  Cons
Liberal content library Not available in various regions
Family-friendly content Limits set over third-party content
Offline viewing possible No frequent updates are available
High-quality streaming experience Subscription cost adds up by the time

3. Hulu

Best Live Streaming Apps

Hulu merges all current TV shows, movies, and even exclusive original content into one. While its primary subscription is paid, the free service available is great for anyone looking for the best free live TV streaming apps.

Pros and Cons

Pros  Cons
Diverse Content Offerings available Fluctuations in Content Availability
Live Streaming Option Limitation of Ad-Supported Plan
Flexibility of plans Regional Limitations
Quick access to recent updates Costly Bundling options

4. Streamlabs

Free Live Streaming Apps - Streamlabs

Streamlabs is a live streaming software, especially for gamers and content creators that has tools related to broadcasting, and interacting with audiences. It’s always one of the best live-streaming choices if you are a streamer and eager to up your broadcasts.

Pros and Cons

Pros  Cons
Intuitive setup with easy access Performance Dependability
A variety of themes and overlays are available Paid Subscription required for more advanced features
Integrated Donation Features Additional Customization can be complex
Cross-Platform Support available  Probability of potential bugs

5. Netflix

Free Live Streaming Apps - Netflix

An online service Netflix features a really large number of movies and shows for streaming, as well as original ones in nearly every genre. Since it serves only on-demand content and doesn’t include any live streaming, therefore, it is an ideal example for an On-Demand App Development Company.

Pros and Cons

Pros  Cons
Premium features available Content Limitations based on location
Extensive and Diverse Library Higher Subscription Costs
High-Quality Streaming Options available Removal of classic content very frequently
User-Friendly Interface Market Competition

6. Brightcove

Free Live Streaming Apps - Brightcove

Brightcove is a video hosting platform suited for serious business and media use. It provides heavy-duty solutions for video management, including live streaming, and monetization.

Pros and Cons

Pros  Cons
Have efficient tools for viewer tracking concerning engagement Higher Costs
High-Quality Streaming available Complex usability 
Supports Live and On-Demand Content Primarily Business-Oriented
Ideal for platform partnering Potential Downtime Issues

7. Kaltura

Free Live Streaming Apps - kaltura

Kaltura is an open-source video platform and self-hosted video: video hosting, live streaming, and video management solutions for customers in various business, enterprise, and education companies.

Pros and Cons

Pros  Cons
Highly Customizable Use of Complex technologies
Scalable Solutions Unfamiliar user interface for many
Supports Both Live and On-Demand Video Technical Knowledge Required
Strong Educational Focus High Costs for single-user

8. Amazon Freevee

Live Streaming Apps - Amazon Freevee

Amazon Freevee is one of the best live streaming apps in which anything you want to see or hear is free and ad-supported and includes an extensive collection of movies and TV shows, including original programming from Amazon.

Pros and Cons

Pros  Cons
Free Streaming option  Interruptions through several Ads
Wide variety of content Variability in Content Quality 
Regular Updates available Less Curated Content
Multi-device streaming available Limited New Releases

9. Instagram

Live Streaming Apps -Instagram

Instagram has a feature of live streaming since it allows users to broadcast a live video to their followers, connecting with them in real-time. That is why it is considered one of the most popular live streaming apps that exist as of now.

Pros and Cons

Pros  Cons
Instant Audience Engagement Mobile-Only Access
Save to IGTV Less Robust Features
Strong Community Features Fast-Scrolling Feed
Easy to Share Time Limitations

10. Tubi

Live Streaming Apps -Tubi

Tubi is an ad-supported free live-streaming service cutting across many movies and TV shows across many genres. This makes it one of the best free live TV streaming apps out there.

Pros and Cons

Pros  Cons
Completely Free Platform  Ad Interruptions
Contains Huge Content Library Limited Selection of New Releases
Frequently Updated Content Content Quality Variability
Easily Accessible Less Curated Content

Use Cases of Live Streaming Platforms

Best live streaming apps serve the purpose of different individuals, from stand-up comedians to professional fitness trainers. Here are some significant cases based on the real-life utilization of the platforms that allow live streaming:

Use Cases of Live Streaming Platforms

1. Social Media Influencers:

Lifestyle and philosophy insights have attracted more millennials and Gen Z followers to social media influencers, who are using Social Media App Development Services to earn billions of dollars and build a proficient career. To remain in view, the influencers need to be in touch with their followers on almost a daily basis. 

2. Gamers:

One of the other most popular demographics using live-streaming sites is gamers. They can connect with other gamers and use screen sharing to broadcast how they play games. Some gamers rely on Discord servers and require a strong video hosting solution to stream properly. Best live streaming software will be very valuable for any gamer. 

3. Several Artists:

Whether it is singers, stand-up comedians, dancers, or musicians, live video streaming services have become a necessary way for holding events and concerts as practiced by artists, particularly during the outbreak of Coronavirus. Some of these services have the potential to generate income as they keep interacting with their audience through comments. 

4. Speakers and Trainers:

Live video platforms are in great demand by motivational speakers and other trainers, such as instructors for yoga, the gym, and art classes, to deliver high-definition and quality broadcasts that ensure a good understanding on the part of viewers and provide an excellent viewing experience. In this regard, fostering collaborations with a Mobile App Development Company in Dallas is an attractive solution.

5. Business Professionals and Brands:

These services are more often used to organize conferences, meetings, and launches of new products. People are engaged by brands using such services by posting about the product or service for immediate viewership. Companies sometimes pay a higher cost for broadcasting on television and newspapers than live streaming.

6. Event Organizers:

The pandemic has hit event organizers the most as almost all events were canceled or postponed. Live streaming applications, therefore, have become essential to the running of their operations. Be it a conference, wedding, concert, business function, or religious event, live streaming platforms have provided a safe and effective means of conducting the event. 

Also Read – How to Build a Social Media App Like Ownmates?

Cost of Developing a Live Streaming Platform

The cost of a live video streaming application is always going to be different on the developer’s hourly rate, the variety of features, and their complexities. If you are looking forward to build a live streaming app on your own, you can use this formula easily as follows, along with an estimated calculation of the cost, given below: 

Hourly Rate of Developer × Total Development Time = Overall Development Cost

Component Feature Estimated Development Time (Hours)
iOS Application App Walkthrough 4.0
User Registration 25.0
Live Stream Video List 20.0
Live Streaming Session 35.0
Host Live Session 25.0
Discovery Screen 30.0
Subscription Options 15.0
User Account Settings 40.0
Push Notifications 3.0
Google Location Services Integration 8.0
Total for iOS 4.0 + 25.0 + 20.0 + 35.0 + 25.0 + 30.0 + 15.0 + 40.0 + 3.0 + 8.0 = 206.0
Android Application Same as Above 206.0
Backend and Admin Panel Services Database Setup 15.0
Web Services 120.0
Admin Panel Login 1.5
Performance Metrics 20.0
User Management 15.0
Broadcaster Request Handling 10.0
Live Streaming Request Handling 12.0
Flagged Reports Management 10.0
Discovery Screen Video Management 15.0
Live Session Oversight 12.0
Revenue Management 25.0
Content Management 7.0
Account Settings 4.0
Payment Gateway Setup 30.0
SMS Gateway (Twilio Integration) 5.0
Total for Backend 261.0
Grand Total 673.0

For instance, if a custom Mobile App Development Company in Austin charges $25 per hour and you plan to develop both Android and iOS applications with a comprehensive set of features, the estimated cost would be calculated as follows:

673.0 hours × $25/hour = $16,825.

How do Live Streaming Apps Make Money?

One major thing that one might be concerned with about live-streaming applications is how they make money. It gets revenue from both platform owners and content creators. Here are some of the major monetization methods utilized by live-streaming platforms, particularly relevant for Cross Platform App Development, these tactics are given below: 

How do Live Streaming Apps Make Money

1. Advertisements:

Several best live streaming apps broadcast commercials through their streams and continue making money depending on viewer interactions. These range from pre-roll, and mid-roll to banner advertisements in a broadcast.

2. Donations and Tips:

Some of the live-streaming platforms have other notable characteristics, including allowing viewers to support their favorite streamers financially, in the form of donations or tips, to raise funds for content creators.

3. Pay-Per-View:

The best live streaming apps may also specializes exclusively providing streaming services and in other cases, otherwise in events, utilizing the pay-per-view model. It allows audiences to view the specific streams with a one-time fee which can be a good way to monetize unique content, be it concerts, sporting events, or others. 

4. Merchandise Sales:

Many live streamers generate extra income by selling branded merchandise and partnering with or promoting companies while on their streams. This allows them to tap their audience to sell either their products or the products of the company. 

5. Affiliate Marketing:

Yet another way of making money for streams is from referral links, earning a commission for having the product or service promoted, and maybe a click leading to a sale. 

Ready to Build Your Own Live Streaming App?

If you’re considering creating your live-streaming app, look no further than GMTA Software. It is the best place to look for the development of the best live-streaming apps. This is a company specializing in providing Mobile App Development services and caters to the specific demands of on-demand app development needs, which gives a solid foundation to your project.

We understand that each of your projects has unique requirements. For this, we provide you with custom development solutions that are tailored to your requirements and, consequently, make your live streaming application distinctive in this domain so fraught with competition. Whether it is an entertainment and social media platform for influencers, gamers, or educating content, their team can design a solution to your vision. Their vast experience in Web Development ensures the perfect blend of the application with web platforms, which would boost user engagement.

In today’s multi-device world, reaching a wider audience requires compatibility across various platforms. We offer comprehensive support for both iOS and Android platforms, which works 360 degrees. Here you can tap into a myriad of user bases of the best live streaming apps for Android and iOS users as well. Their capability of iOS App Development helps the users to get maximum potential out of their app without any compromise in the performance. Besides, its strong skill set in Cross Platform App Development ensures that your app works perfectly on any device, hence suiting everybody’s needs.

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Conclusion 

Be it a gamer, an educator, or even a business professional, the best live streaming apps could considerably make it easier for you to connect with your viewers and create a loyal community. Therefore, the excellent live streaming platforms can be chosen based on your professional or private. With so many different options available the integration of social media into professional-grade software is a platform with all the tools to suit everybody’s needs. 

However, given the recent growth in live streaming, such knowledge is now more vital than ever: Like, which tools are the best suited for quality interaction with your audience? Then when you venture into live streaming, you will have to find the best one suitable for your preferred user interface, integration capability, and all areas with monetization. Some of the great examples in this regard other than the choices mentioned above could be Dacast, Twitch, YouTube live stream app, and much more.

A good platform should do more than just fit your functional needs into all your long-term goals. Having spent so much time finding the best live streaming apps allows for an improvement in content, maximizes reach, and brings meaningful interactions with the users.

Also Read – How to Create a Social Media App

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some free live-streaming apps?

YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch have extensively robust free services for users; hence their reach is very wide.

2. Can I start building the best live streaming app from scratch?

Yes. You can have a custom live streaming solution tailored to your specific needs with the right development team, such as GMTA Software.

3. What is the best live streaming app for Android?

Best picks for Androids are YouTube Live and Facebook Live, for example; they have been found to provide the easiest interfaces and robust features

4. How do I make money off of my live streams?

You can use advertisements, subscription-based, sponsorships, or take direct donations from your viewers. Having multiple revenue streams will help your profitability increase.

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