2024’s Best Live Streaming Platforms – Rated & Reviewed

If you’re on the hunt for the best live streaming platform, you’ve come to the right place. 

With a long list of options available – each with their own standout features – it can be a challenge to pinpoint which platform will best be the best for your specific needs.

This article is designed to guide you through the maze of popular live streaming platforms of 2024. 

We’ll explore various use cases and key features, allowing you to make a well-informed decision to succeed with your streaming goals.

So, let’s dive in…

The best live streaming platforms at a glance

	G2 rating	Best for	Pricing
Uscreen	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.8 out of 5	Video content creators looking to scale their membership businesses efficiently.	Starting at $149 / month
Restream	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.3 out of 5	Creators looking to maximize audience reach through multistreaming.	Free plan available. Starting at $19 / month
Vimeo Livestream	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.3 out of 5	Creators needing high-quality, large-scale live events.	Starting at $60 / month
Brightcove	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0 out of 5	Large-scale businesses and media houses that need high-quality live streaming.	Custom pricing only
Dacast	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 out of 5	Professional broadcasters that need live streaming with API capabilities.	Starting at $39 / month
Be.Live	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.3 out of 5	Creators focused on interactive, sales-driven live streaming on multiple platforms.	Starting at $19 / month
Kaltura	⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.3 out of 5	Large organizations and educational institutions that need a highly customizable video platform.	Custom pricing only

How to choose a live streaming platform

Before we dive into each streaming platform, let’s zero in on how to pick the best live streaming platform to match your goals and business needs. 

Social media vs. dedicated live streaming platforms:

First up, deciding whether to stream on a popular social media platform or opt for a dedicated streaming service.

Think of it as choosing between a Swiss Army knife and a specialized tool. Platforms like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch are your Swiss Army knife: versatile, easy access to large audiences, engaging social features, and straightforward monetization. However, they come with strict content guidelines and limited customization.

In contrast, specialized live streaming platforms may reach smaller audiences but give you greater control over your brand and monetization options.

So, what’s your priority: reaching the most viewers or monetizing an existing audience through a dedicated platform? 

This article will focus on guiding you through the top dedicated live streaming platforms. By the end, you’ll understand what to consider when choosing a live streaming platform, and whether it is the right fit for your business. 

Key considerations for choosing a live streaming platform

• Monetization: Dive into how you can make money with each live streaming platform. Are we talking subscriptions, pay-per-view, or maybe some cool sponsorships? Check out how they split the revenue with you—it could really make a difference to your bottom line!
• Customization and branding: Pick a live streaming platform that lets you spice up your stream’s look and feel, and even embed it on your own website. Keeping your branding consistent helps you look pro.
• Audience engagement tools: Go for platforms that support fun ways to interact, like lively chats, engaging polls, Q&A sessions, and playful games. This builds your community and keeps your fans hooked and coming back for more.
• Integration and compatibility: Make sure the live streaming platform easily connects with your existing tech and social media. Smooth cross-posting and hassle-free streaming are a must for a slick operation.
• Analytics and performance tracking: Opt for platforms that let you deep-dive into analytics. Knowing who’s tuning in, from where, and what grabs them helps you tailor your content perfectly.
• Reliability and support: Check out the platform’s reliability and the customer support on offer. Good tech support can be a game-changer for smoothing out those inevitable live stream snags.

Armed with this guide, you’re all set to pick a live streaming platform that checks all your boxes for tech, community vibes, and content mastery.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the top contenders and see what they bring to the table!

The top 7 live streaming platforms

Uscreen

Best for: Video content creators looking to scale their membership businesses efficiently.

G2 rating: ⭐️ 4.8 out of 5

Reasons to use Uscreen for live streaming: 

Uscreen is a solid choice if you’re looking to boost your video content game, especially when it comes to building up a membership model. It’s not just about streaming your content; it’s about making the most out of each stream financially and community-wise. With Uscreen, you can keep it simple with a subscription, or you can maximize every broadcast by setting up pay-per-view or accepting donations. 

What’s really helpful is the way Uscreen lets you integrate membership options seamlessly. This means you can roll out exclusive content for your subscribers, which keeps your community engaged and growing over time. Plus, the platform ensures that your streams look sharp on any device—be it phones or smart TVs—so everyone gets the best viewing experience.

Another cool feature is the interactivity Uscreen supports. You can chat live with your audience, schedule streams in an interactive calendar, and even manage pre-registrations for upcoming events. It keeps everyone involved and looking forward to what’s next.

And don’t worry about your live content just disappearing once the stream ends. Uscreen lets you archive your content so it can keep working for you as on-demand material, allowing you to reach viewers who missed the live event.

Lastly, Uscreen helps you understand your audience better with detailed analytics and provides tools to help promote your content effectively. So, if you’re looking for a platform that supports both your current needs and your growth, Uscreen could be just what you need. 

I manage, post and engage with my Uscreen platform daily, 1 – 10 hours per day, for about 2 years. Uscreen is the platform that will set your digital presence apart from anyone who does what you do. Top notch multimedia, thread and subthread, communities. The video presentation screens, ability to drop ads and collect money live, is second to none for self-determining the vibes of your video content.

Geoffrey C. Verified User.

Pros of using Uscreen

• ✅ Integrated platform: Combines live video streaming, video on demand, and community building into a unified, branded experience.
• ✅ Monetization options: Extensive monetization features including subscriptions, pay-per-view, and donations.
• ✅ Mobile and TV apps: Broadens reach with branded apps across multiple devices including iOS, Android, and various TV apps.
• ✅ Engagement tools: Live chat, real-time interactions, and community features enhance viewer engagement.
• ✅ Repurpose content: Archive your live streams so they can keep working for you as on-demand material.

Cons of using Uscreen

• ❌ Limited advanced community tools: Lacks some advanced community engagement features, such as direct messaging and interactive group meetings.
• ❌ Complex for newcomers: Could be overwhelming for creators new to full-time content production or those seeking a basic streaming solution.
• ❌ Cost: Upfront costs that can be pricey for newcomers or smaller creators.
• ❌ Dedicated streaming platform: Uscreen is not built for discovery so an existing audience is needed to push content to.

Is Uscreen for you? 

If you’re after a live streaming platform that’s easy to use, helps make money from your content, and builds a community, Uscreen could be a good fit. It offers straightforward tools for monetization and engagement without needing deep tech skills.

Beyond just live streaming, Uscreen offers a suite of features that greatly enhance a content creator’s toolkit. From distributing content through branded mobile and TV apps to fostering community interaction and enabling in-app purchases, Uscreen simplifies content monetization and audience engagement. 

However, if you’re budget-conscious, need high customization, or looking to stream gaming or host big live events, Uscreen might feel limited. It’s also not ideal if you like integrating many apps and tools, where a more specialized platform could better serve your needs.

Uscreen pricing

Uscreen pricing comes in 3 plans:

1. Growth: $149 per month + $1.99 per paid member, per month. Best for creators focused on growing a small video membership online.
2. Pro: $499 per month + $0.99 per paid member, per month. Best for serious creators growing a robust community on mobile & web.
3. Plus: Custom pricing. Best for established creators needing full brand control on all devices. 

It’s simple with Uscreen.

Build, launch and manage your membership, all in one place.

Get a Demo

Restream

Best for: content creators looking to maximize audience reach through multistreaming across multiple platforms.

G2 rating: ⭐️4.3 out of 5

Reasons to use Restream for live streaming: 

If reaching a broad audience is your goal, Restream could be ideal. It lets you broadcast simultaneously to over 30 platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch, ensuring maximum exposure.

Restream boosts your visibility and engagement by streaming across multiple platforms, enhancing interaction across different communities. It consolidates all chat interactions into one manageable place, and you can personalize broadcasts with your branding. Plus, it includes tools for hosting guests, managing chats, and customizing controls directly from your browser.

You can also stream pre-recorded content to maintain quality when you’re not live. Features like RTMP pull links add real-time translations or extra video sources, enhancing your professionalism.

Restream ensures reliability with its backup stream feature during technical issues. Its detailed analytics help refine your strategy by understanding audience behaviors.

If you’re managing multiple social media accounts and wish to livestream all at once, then Restream is your go-to Tool! With one device, we can stream to all of our social media!

MikeToon S. Verified user.

Pros of using Restream

• ✅ Combines video hosting, live streaming, and community building in one service.
• ✅ Extensive options for monetization including subscriptions, pay-per-view, and donations integrated within the platform.
• ✅ Offers the ability to launch branded mobile and TV apps, enhancing content accessibility and brand visibility.
• ✅ Built-in tools for building a community, such as discussion forums and interactive features.
• ✅ More control over the content and subscriber data, providing a white-label solution that supports brand consistency.

Cons of using Restream

• ❌ Lacks built-in video editing tools, which can be a limitation for creators who need to polish their streams.
• ❌ Full HD streaming is only available on higher-priced plans, potentially restricting quality for budget-conscious creators.
• ❌ While powerful, managing streams across multiple platforms can be complex and may require additional coordination.
• ❌ Streaming pre-recorded videos is restricted to higher-tier plans, limiting flexibility for those on lower or free plans.
• ❌ Priority support is only available for premium plan subscribers, which could delay resolution times for users on lower tiers.

Is Restream for you? 

If you’re looking to broadcast your content simultaneously across over 30 platforms, love the idea of engaging your viewers with integrated chat, and could use features like Full HD streaming, multi-camera live streaming setups, and insightful analytics, then Restream could be a slam dunk for you.

But hold up—let’s make sure it ticks all your boxes. If you’re aiming for ultra-high-definition streams beyond 1080p, need some hefty video editing tools built right in, or need to upload larger file sizes or quantities, Restream might feel a bit restrictive. 

Also, it’s worth noting that some of the coolest perks, like streaming pre-recorded videos and ditching the standard Restream branding, are only available on the pricier plans. So if you’re watching your wallet, you might need to weigh whether these features are worth the extra dough.

Restream pricing

• Free plan: Stream up to 2 channels with access to up to 30+ channels. 
• Standard plan ($19 / month): Stream up to 5 channels. 
• Professional plan ($49 / month): Stream up to 8 channels.
• Premium plan ($99 / month): Stream up to 15 channels. 

Vimeo Livestream

Best for: professional content creators needing high-quality, monetizable, large-scale live events. 

G2 rating: ⭐️ 4.3 out of 5

Reasons to use Vimeo Livestream for live streaming: 

If you’re aiming for a professional-level live stream, Vimeo Livestream is a top choice. It’s designed for creators who prioritize high-quality streaming experiences for a global audience.

Vimeo Livestream offers Full-HD 1080p streaming that’s crisp and clear, and allows extensive customization of your streaming space with your brand’s logos and colors. The platform handles large events effortlessly with features like multi-camera support, real-time captioning, and interactive overlays, making your content dynamic and accessible.

Monetize your streams through subscriptions, pay-per-view, and advertisements, and keep your content secure with DRM and private streaming options. Its simulcasting feature maximizes your reach by streaming to multiple platforms at once.

Vimeo Livestream also provides detailed analytics to help you understand viewer behaviors and refine your future strategies. Beyond live video streaming, it includes on-demand video hosting, custom OTT app creation, and a robust CMS, supporting your entire video production and marketing workflow.

Livestream Studio has many sophisticated controls that allow me to stream a very polished video weekly to our many subscribers. I take full advantage of the three GFX channels during our Masses.

Tom B. Verified user.

Pros of using Vimeo Livestream

• ✅ Provides Full-HD and professional-grade video streaming capabilities.
• ✅ Includes advanced production tools, customizable video players, and multistreaming options.
• ✅ Features like DRM and private streaming options enhance content protection.
• ✅ Offers various monetization options including subscriptions and pay-per-view.
• ✅ Leverages a powerful network for high-quality streaming worldwide.

Cons of using Vimeo Livestream

• ❌ The platform can be expensive, especially for those with limited budgets or basic streaming needs.
• ❌ Less flexibility in customization compared to other white-label platforms.
• ❌ Offers relatively basic analytics which may not suffice for in-depth audience analysis.
• ❌ Fewer options for integrating streaming with broader marketing campaigns.
• ❌ Does not provide service to all regions, notably lacking coverage in China.

Is Vimeo Livestream for you? 

Looking for a top-notch, professional live streaming service and have the budget to back it up? Vimeo Livestream could be just the ticket with its high-quality streaming and robust feature set. 

However, it’s not all roses; if your needs stretch to deep customization, ultra-detailed analytics, broad marketing integrations, or reaching viewers in tightly regulated regions like China, you might come across some limitations. 

Also, its steeper price and somewhat limited monetization options might not sit well if you’re tight on budget or looking for more creative ways to make money. Before you jump in, really think about your specific streaming needs and financial leeway to see if Vimeo Livestream aligns with your goals.

Vimeo Livestream pricing

Vimeo’s live streaming capabilities kick in with their Advanced plan, which starts at $65 per month.

For their Enterprise plan, which also includes live streaming, you’ll need to contact their team directly for details.

Brightcove

Best for: large-scale businesses and media houses that need a robust, high-quality live streaming solution.

G2 rating: ⭐️ 4.0 out of 5

Reasons to use Brightcove for live streaming: 

If you’re looking to boost your live video streaming, Brightcove is a solid choice with its high-quality, global broadcasting capabilities. Whether for big events or smaller gatherings, it delivers a smooth streaming experience on any device, adapting to various internet speeds.

Brightcove supports multiple monetization options—ads, subscriptions, and pay-per-view—allowing you to customize how you generate revenue based on your audience and content. You can also personalize video players to keep your brand consistent and enhance viewer engagement.

Interactive features like polls, chats, and Q&A sessions enrich viewer interaction, and robust integration with marketing tools and CRMs helps streamline your broader marketing strategies.

With detailed analytics from Brightcove, you can dive deep into viewer behaviors and engagement, crucial for refining your strategy and strengthening community ties.

Beyond live streaming, Brightcove offers Video on Demand (VOD) and over-the-top (OTT) services, allowing for a comprehensive viewing experience and the ability to monetize archival content. It also integrates with e-commerce platforms like Shopify for shoppable content and employs advanced ad insertion techniques to ensure your ads are seen, boosting revenue potential. Plus, security features like DRM protect your content from unauthorized access.

Brightcove is the only platform that we have found that checks all of our live streaming and video needs in a single platform. And the needs they didn’t meet in the beginning they quickly developed to beat out the competition. 

Jared C. Verified user.

Pros of using Brightcove

• ✅ Brightcove enhances monetization with advanced ad integration that bypasses ad blockers, ensuring ads are delivered effectively.
• ✅ Offers deep customization options for its video player, allowing content creators to tailor the viewing experience to precisely match their brand.
• ✅ Provides robust analytics that offer detailed insights into viewer engagement, helping creators optimize content strategy based on data-driven feedback.
• ✅ Integrates seamlessly with major business and marketing platforms, enhancing workflow and user experience across various tools.
• ✅ Designed to handle large-scale live events effortlessly, providing reliable streaming regardless of the size of the viewership.
• ✅ Includes advanced interactive tools such as live polling, quizzes, and CTAs within streams to increase viewer participation and engagement.

Cons of using Brightcove

• ❌ Brightcove’s advanced features and scalability come with a high price tag, potentially putting it out of reach for smaller creators or startups.
• ❌ Currently, Brightcove does not support virtual reality content, limiting creators who wish to explore or expand into VR live streaming.
• ❌ Brightcove’s live streaming is primarily designed for single-stream outputs and does not natively support multi-camera setups or multi-speaker video conferencing, which can be a significant drawback for complex event productions.
• ❌ While Brightcove excels at distributing and monetizing video content, it offers limited tools for content production itself, requiring users to rely on external tools or platforms for content creation and more dynamic engagement features.
• ❌ Brightcove is primarily designed for large-scale operations, which means its tools and services may be more than what is necessary for individual creators or small teams.

Is Brightcove for you? 

Brightcove is a fantastic choice for large-scale content producers and enterprise organizations looking for a professional-grade streaming platform. It’s packed with solid monetization options, extensive customization capabilities, and powerful analytics, all designed to support high-level operations. 

However, it might be a bit much for the little guys. If you’re a smaller creator or just kicking things off, Brightcove’s high costs and technical complexity could feel overwhelming. It’s tailored more for the big players, with features that might be overkill if you’re flying solo or part of a small team.

Also, if you’re working with limited technical resources or need a live streaming platform that supports unrestricted global streaming, you might find a better fit with other live streaming platforms that align more closely with your scale and technical needs.

Brightcove pricing

Brightcove only offers custom pricing so you will need to talk directly to their team directly. 

Dacast

Best for: professional broadcasters and businesses that need a comprehensive live streaming service with extensive API capabilities and global distribution.

G2 rating: ⭐️ 4.5 out of 5

Reasons to use Dacast for live streaming: 

Dacast is an excellent live streaming platform for professionals and businesses looking for a robust, scalable solution. It’s particularly effective for niche markets—whether you’re broadcasting sports, religious services, or educational content, Dacast tailors its features to meet specific industry needs.

What’s great about Dacast is its seamless integration with your existing business tools like CRMs and marketing platforms, simplifying your workflows and boosting efficiency. During live broadcasts, you get real-time analytics, allowing you to tweak your content on the fly to optimize viewer engagement.

Dacast offers advanced API access for deep customization, fitting perfectly if you need specific functionalities or want to integrate tightly with other digital services. It also uses a multi-CDN strategy, ensuring reliable, high-quality streaming across different regions with minimal buffering.

Monetization is flexible with Dacast, supporting varied models from tiered access to integrated e-commerce, allowing direct product promotions during your broadcasts. Plus, with top-notch security features like advanced encryption and private streaming options, you can rest assured your content is protected.

Using it as a “set it and forget it” platform for live streaming our church services has provided a cost effective solution that helped us navigate the COVID days, and continues to provide a convenience to our church members.

Corey M. Verified user. 

Pros of using Dacast

• ✅ Integrated paywall: Seamlessly monetize content with subscriptions, pay-per-view, and advertisements directly through Dacast’s built-in paywall.
• ✅ Top-tier CDN usage: Utilizes Akamai, ensuring high-quality streaming with excellent global reach, including distinctive access to the challenging market of China.
• ✅ White-label service on all plans: Complete control over branding across the video player, maintaining a consistent brand identity across all broadcasts.
• ✅ Extensive API access: Provides robust API capabilities for extensive customization and integration, perfect for technical users.
• ✅ Real-time analytics and Zoom integration: Offers instant data on viewer engagement and smooth integration with Zoom for easy hosting of webinars and large meetings.

Cons of using Dacast

• ❌ Steep learning curve: The platform’s depth of features may require a significant learning period for new users or those with limited technical resources.
• ❌ Social media streaming limitations: Does not support direct streaming to social media platforms; requires third-party services for simulcasting.
• ❌ No ultra low latency: Lacks support for ultra low-latency streaming, which can be critical for real-time interactive content like gaming or live auctions.
• ❌ No DRM technology: While providing basic security features, Dacast does not offer Digital Rights Management (DRM), potentially a drawback for securing high-value content.
• ❌ Bandwidth and storage limits: Certain plans have strict bandwidth and storage limits, which could lead to additional costs or constraints for users with high streaming demands.

Cons: The bandwidth and storage entitlements (and cost associated with overages/extras) required us to limit our use of the platform to live streaming. We would have liked to use the session recording and video on demand.

Corey M. Verified user.

Is Dacast for you? 

Dacast is a top pick for professional content creators and businesses looking for a feature-packed streaming platform that delivers big on global reach, diverse monetization options, and tight security. But, it might not be the easiest ride for newbies to live streaming, thanks to its steep learning curve, or for those watching their wallets, given its premium price tag. 

Also, if your content thrives on ultra-low latency or if you lean heavily on social media for distribution, Dacast’s limitations in these areas could be a sticking point. For those needing simpler, quicker streaming setups or more flexible monetization in different currencies, it might be wise to check out other live streaming platforms that better match these specific needs.

Dacast pricing

• Starter Plan ($39/month): Ideal for small audiences, this plan offers 2.4TB of bandwidth per year, 500GB of storage, and includes live streaming in 1080p HD, support for unlimited concurrent viewers, browser-based/mobile streaming, Video On Demand (VOD), and advanced analytics.
• Event Plan ($63/month): Geared towards one-time or occasional events, it provides 6TB of upfront bandwidth, 250GB of storage, and builds on the Starter features with live stream monitoring, Multi-CDN, a live countdown, paywall for monetization, and advertising options.
• Scale Plan ($165/month): Tailored for businesses and organizations, offering 24TB of bandwidth per year, 2000GB of storage, and enhances the Event plan with unlimited channels, DRM and AES encryption for VOD, advanced library management, and phone support.
• Custom Plan (Contact for pricing): Designed for high-volume needs and special requirements, this plan includes all features from the Scale plan plus additional support, special features, custom Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and capabilities for managing large-scale events.

Be.Live

Best for: creators focused on interactive, sales-driven live streaming, especially those engaging with audiences on multiple platforms like Amazon Live, Facebook Live, and YouTube Live.

G2 rating: ⭐️ 3.6 out of 5

Reasons to use Be.Live for live streaming: 

Be.Live is a live streaming platform tailored for creators focused on maximizing engagement and sales, especially useful for those active on Amazon Live, Facebook Live, and YouTube.

It enhances viewer interaction with features like on-screen comments, live polls, and real-time Q&A, making streams more engaging and building stronger audience connections. Its standout feature is the seamless integration with Amazon Live, turning broadcasts into interactive shopping experiences by allowing real-time product showcases and purchases.

Be.Live simplifies multi-platform broadcasting, letting you reach wider audiences across various channels from one user-friendly interface. You can also customize your streams with logos, overlays, and backgrounds to align with your brand.

Designed for ease, Be.Live works directly in your web browser without complex setups. It also offers tools to edit and repurpose live content for other platforms, broadening the reach and impact of your broadcasts.

The first streaming application I used was Be.Live. It was simple for me to connect it to Facebook, give links to my visitors, and bring them onto the screen. When I first started live streaming, this programme never gave me any problems. Furthermore, it is comparatively more affordable when compared to other applications.

Manasseh K. Verified user. 

Pros of using Be.Live

• ✅ Allows streaming to multiple channels like Facebook, YouTube Live, LinkedIn, and Amazon Live simultaneously.
• ✅ Amazon Live integration for e-commerce, enabling direct product sales and promotions during live streams.
• ✅ Runs directly in the browser, enhancing accessibility and ease of use without the need for software downloads.
• ✅ Includes engagement tools like on-screen comments, live polls, and guest invitations, making streams more interactive and engaging.
• ✅ Designed for ease of use, allowing even beginners to start streaming quickly with minimal setup.

Cons of using Be.Live

• ❌ While it offers basic editing capabilities, it lacks advanced video editing tools found in more comprehensive platforms.
• ❌ Being browser-based, its performance heavily depends on internet quality, which can be less reliable than dedicated software solutions.
• ❌ Currently only offers an iOS app, limiting accessibility for Android users.
• ❌ Provides fundamental insights but lacks the depth of analytics offered by more advanced live streaming platforms.
• ❌ While it offers valuable features, the cost might be a consideration for creators looking for a budget-friendly option with advanced functionalities.

Is Be.Live for you? 

If you’re a content creator hunting for a straightforward live streaming platform that makes broadcasting across platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Amazon Live a breeze, Be.Live could be your match. Its browser-based setup means you can start streaming in no time, with no downloads needed—perfect for engaging audiences fast, especially if you’re diving into eCommerce with Amazon Live. 

But, keep in mind, if you’re after advanced video editing tools, in-depth analytics, or need Android support, Be.Live might fall short. And for professional broadcasters who crave deep technical control and need a platform that scales with complex productions, Be.Live might seem a bit too simple.

Be.Live pricing

• Starter plan @ $15.83 / month: A basic entry-level option designed to offer a taste of the platform beyond the 14-day trial, but with a limited set of features.
• Pro plan @ $36.66 / month: Ideal for solo entrepreneurs and creators, offering unlimited streaming, priority support, and 30 days of recording storage, enhancing overall streaming capability.
• Growth plan @ $45.83 / month: Builds on the Pro Plan with additional features and benefits, perfect for those looking to expand their reach and enhance viewer engagement.

Kaltura

Best for: large organizations and educational institutions that require a highly customizable video platform with extensive integration capabilities.

G2 rating: ⭐️ 4.3 out of 5

Reasons to use Kaltura for live streaming: 

Kaltura’s live streaming platform is a good option for educational institutions, enterprises, and media companies, offering extensive customization and interactive features. It transforms streams into interactive sessions with tools like live polls, Q&A, and virtual classrooms, enhancing engagement and community building.

The platform’s open-source flexibility allows for deep customization to meet specific needs and workflows, integrating seamlessly with existing systems via robust API support. Kaltura excels in educational settings with effective content delivery tools and detailed video analytics that optimize content strategies.

Kaltura provides an ad-free professional broadcasting environment, supports the creation of branded virtual event spaces, and extends beyond live streaming as a comprehensive Video Management System (VMS). It manages video uploads, organization, and distribution, and includes interactive video paths for dynamic viewer engagement.

The Kaltura video platform provides an easy and seamless integration with our Moodle environment, we use and incorporate video into various activities on a daily basis to give users an interactive and engaging digital media experience. The core tools and functionality take accessibility into account, with the captioning option being used on a large scale, the sharing and embedding capabilities also provide staff with various options when it comes to publishing.

Charles K. Verified user.

Pros of using Kaltura

• ✅ Kaltura’s open-source platform allows for extensive customization and integration, enabling creators to tailor the service to fit specific needs and workflows.
• ✅ Supports both live streaming and on-demand video, making it versatile for different content strategies.
• ✅ Includes features like interactive webinars, live Q&A, polls, and virtual classrooms, enhancing viewer engagement.
• ✅ Offers powerful tools for video hosting and management, including advanced analytics, content hubs, and automatic content categorization.
• ✅ Provides tools and integrations that are particularly beneficial for educational institutions and businesses.

Cons of using Kaltura

• ❌ The platform can be complex and may require technical expertise to fully exploit its capabilities, potentially posing a barrier for less tech-savvy users.
• ❌ While the platform is powerful, the customized nature and extensive features can make it expensive, particularly for smaller creators or businesses.
• ❌ Although highly integrable, setting up these integrations can be intricate and might require additional resources or IT support.
• ❌ Some users find the interface less intuitive compared to simpler, more streamlined competitors, which can affect the ease of use.
• ❌ Some users have reported outages and reliability issues during critical usage times, which could be a concern for live events.

Is Kaltura for you? 

Kaltura could be a perfect fit if you’re with a large institution or company that needs a highly customizable video platform packed with strong features for live streaming, video management, and educational tools. Its open-source nature is a huge plus, allowing for extensive tweaks and integrations—great for tech-savvy users with very specific needs. 

However, if you’re a solo content creator, a small business, or simply in search of a straightforward, easy-to-use streaming solution without the fuss of complex setups or hefty costs, Kaltura’s learning curve and potential for reliability hiccups might nudge you towards more user-friendly platforms. If simplicity and ease of use are higher on your list than the ability to heavily customize, you might find platforms like Vimeo or Dacast better aligned with your needs.

Kaltura pricing

Due to the customizable nature of Kaltura and the wealth of features, pricing is only available directly from Kaltura’s sales team. 

Wrapping things up…

That concludes our guide to the best live streaming platforms of 2024 for content creators.

For video creators looking to dive into a supportive and robust live streaming platform, then click below to give Uscreen a try for yourself, and learn how to elevate your live streaming journey!

It’s simple with Uscreen.

Build, launch and manage your membership, all in one place.

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Live streaming platforms FAQ