10 Best YouTube Live Streaming Alternatives to Stream Video Content

Undisputedly, YouTube is one of the most dominating platforms on the internet for streaming free online video content. It receives billions of videos that people watch and comment on daily.

As per Neil Patel, leading online marketer and influencer, live streaming content is watched by 63% of people aged 18-34. It will account for 82% of all internet traffic by 2020.

However, one thing against YouTube is that it is a Google product, and everyone knows Google can update its guidelines without any prior indication.

This has prompted several unhappy users to look for YouTube live-streaming alternatives to provide them the option to get free video hosting and similar content.

An Honest Opinion about YouTube Live Streaming

YouTube is an excellent platform to upload, view, and share videos. YouTube added the live streaming feature in 2008. Live streaming via YouTube is very easy to use. First of all, you need to verify your channel. For this, you need to provide your phone number. Once you verify it, you can start streaming and uploading videos longer than 15 minutes.

As far as the two main methods of live streaming are concerned, they are as follows:

a. Stream now

Steam is now the first method currently employed in open beta testing. This streaming method involves:

• Set up an encoder with the provided credentials
• Opting for a name and description for your steam
• Selecting tags, categories, and privacy
• Enabling monetization through Google Ads (in case you wish for it) 

b. Stream later

The second method of live streaming is known as “events.” It involves scheduling a stream shortly. This method enables you to employ your webcam to broadcast through “Hangouts on Air.”

However, you will not be able to live stream on YouTube if you receive either of these warnings.

•  “Terms of Use” strike – You receive this by including third-party advertisements in live streams. A prime example of this is burned-in commercials.
• Copyright take-down on live content
• Stream blocked globally within the past 90 days

Best Features of YouTube Live Streaming

Overall, the best feature of YouTube is that it’s free and trendy. Almost everyone has heard of and used YouTube at least once. When it comes to live streaming, this popularity only increases viewership. So whether it is music, sports, or gaming, a live video streaming service by YouTube enables excellent live video that is valuable both in the moment and in the future.

Your content reaches a large audience quickly, and you can easily build followers thanks to the subscribers.  YouTube has some excellent chat features. It even provides a content creator to generate more revenue by enabling a commenter to push his comment to the top. This makes YouTube a premier live video streaming platform for delivering social engagement. 

Ideal Use and Users for YouTube Live Streaming

YouTube live streaming comes with lots of benefits. Most of them are social. The ideal use for YouTube Live Streaming is when you’re trying to maximize the target audience reach. Users can quickly post comments, like, subscribe, and watch channels that enable effortless interaction. YouTube Live Streaming is one of the best choices for B2C (Business-to-Consumer) users. 

Why do we need a YouTube live streaming alternative?

However, as big as it may be, YouTube is also a victim of its own success. The main  disadvantages of a website like YouTube are:

• Licensing – Content uploaded on YouTube is highly likely to be duplicated. Copyright issues are major trouble that plagues YouTube.
• Blocking – Making your content available over YouTube can be problematic in areas where the website is blocked. YouTube has been banned in more than 20 countries.
• Lack of Customer Support – YouTube has generic troubleshooting tips but falls short in providing dedicated end-user support.
• Ad Revenue – The website has been under heavy fire for its ad revenue policy, which stifles the potential for creators to generate decent ROI on their content.

Apart from this, you might perceive watching videos on YouTube does not give out much information about yourself; however, you’re highly mistaken.

You’ll be shocked to know the amount of data Google employs to understand who you are and what you like or dislike.

It is, therefore, time for you to take your privacy back and look for a conservative alternative to YouTube that does not collect your data. 

Best YouTube Live Streaming Alternatives to Stream Video Content

These are the best 9 YouTube Live streaming alternatives with features and functionalities that adapt to your video streaming needs more than YouTube.

1. Vimeo

Company Overview

Vimeo is a popular YouTube live streaming alternative that concentrates on quality content rather than quantity. Established in 2004, Vimeo was the first site to support high-definition streaming video. The site consists of many powerful video tools that aid you in curating better videos and driving engagements. 

The only downside of this tool is you get a limited amount of uploads weekly, i.e., 500 MB. If you want more space, you need to pay an extra price somewhere between $7 to $75. You can get 5 GB of uploads weekly for $7 per month. 

Key Features

Vimeo is an excellent option for external streaming as an alternative to YouTube streaming. It is an ad-free platform that delivers high-definition videos across multiple devices.

Its key features include:

• Enables you to customize video players
• Aids you in managing privacy and security with minimal fuss
• Enables you to edit the video URLs as per your need
• Allows you to collaborate with other people
• Provides excellent customer service
• Easily streams live videos
• Supports multiple platforms like iOS, Windows, macOS, Xbox One, Chromecast, PS4, Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Android, Web

Pros

• Provides multiple security options
• Enables you to upload content from anywhere
• Monetization
• Live chat support
• Social media embedding
• Economic pricing

Cons

• Customer support is poor
• The company has received various poor reviews

Pricing

2. IBM Cloud Video

Company Overview

Formerly called UStream, IBM Cloud Video was founded in 2007 to connect military service members with family. IBM purchased UStream in 2016.

IBM Live Video is essentially a live streaming company. However, it also hosts VOD (Video On Demand) files recorded from previous live streams.

You can avail of the basic streaming accounts for free, with advertising supporting IBM Cloud Video. When you opt for paid accounts, it eliminates advertising and gives you access to advanced features.

Its Enterprise accounts enable you to get fully customized branding. It even offers analytics, multiple live channels, content syndication, etc.

IBM provides pro and enterprise users phone support and forum-based support for free users. 

Key Features

IBM Cloud Video offers both a customer-grade and an Enterprise streaming solution. This platform also provides an exclusive Enterprise Content Delivery Network. Its inclusivity justifies the high price tag.

Its key features include:

• Enterprise content delivery network
• Enterprise video streaming
• Live streaming
• Monetization
• OTT video management
• Video distribution and workflow 

Pros

• Comes with good customer support
• Consists of a wide range of features for broadcasters
• Hong Kong (China) based video hosting
• Reliable platform
• Suitable for larger clients 

Cons

• If you wish to steam anything above 720p resolution, additional fees are required
• Poor closed captioning support 

Pricing

3. Dacast

Company Overview

With offices in London and San Francisco, Dacast is one of the best YouTube live alternatives available online. It is a fully-featured, self-service solution that can be employed for both live streaming and VOD hosting. In 2020, Dacast made it into the final list of Streaming Media Reader’s Choice Awards for Best Small/Medium Business Video Platform. It was in the year 2019 when Dacast acquired the vzaar platform, thus, expanding its all-inclusive OTT solution.

Dacast provides comprehensive live streaming and secure video hosting services, making it one of the best YouTube live streaming alternatives. Users can embed videos on their websites while maintaining 100% content control. Dacast provides password protection, an analytics dashboard, an integrated paywall, referrer restriction, etc., as its essential features.

Key Features

Dacast is the perfect YouTube alternative. It provides high-end features not present on YouTube with competitive pricing plans, including white-label service on all plans, ad-free broadcasting, and top-tier CDN delivery. You even get 24x7 phone support when you opt for premium and enterprise-grade plans.

Moreover, the Dacast platform distinguishes itself from other OVPs in its user-friendliness and accessibility. Even new broadcasters can create a new live channel effortlessly and commence a new live stream within minutes.  These make Dacast one of the most preferred YouTube Live Streaming Alternatives.

Its key features include:

• 24x7 tech support with all plans, including email and live chat
• Ad-free streaming
• Comes with a VOD platform that aids in monetizing on-demand content and scaling your VOD business
• Comes with Video API access on premium plans
• Consists of video security features like password-protected hosting
• Includes Zoom live streaming integration for meetings and live events in real-time
• Live encoding support for top video encoders
• Multi-bitrate streaming for live video and VOD
• Real-time video streaming analytics
• Safe, worldwide content delivery, including industry-best video hosting 

Pros

• China Video Hosting
• Embeddable HTML5 video player
• Live stream recording
• Live streaming and Video on Demand are encompassed in all plans
• Mobile device support
• Pricing plans to meet every budget
• SVOD, AVOD, and TVOD pay-per-view monetization options
• Unlimited viewers and live channels
• White label and branding control

Cons

• Requires a bit of a learning curve to get started

Pricing

4. Vplayed

Company Overview

Vplayed is a 100% customizable Software-as-a-Product company that emphasizes a single-time cost model.

Apart from their different monetization models, the company also offers HTML / HLS player, and video-on-demand services in a secured DRM platform. It is one of the best YouTube alternatives available online.

The one thing that showcases how  Vplayed is one step ahead of YouTube is how the company offers different unbiased monetization options for small and big video creators.

Its video content management system has been designed to integrate into platforms of any service with absolutely zero-buffer.

It plays video and audio files of any format to stream them in rich quality and broadcast with zero latency. All of this makes Vplayed one of the most preferred YouTube Live Streaming Alternatives.

Key Features

Vplayed is a SaaP-based OTT streaming platform that allows distributors, broadcasters, and content owners to launch video and audio streaming platforms to stream video/audio over the web, mobile, and smart TV.

Its key features include:

• Analytics
• Bulk uploading
• Closed captions
• Content management
• Customizable branding
• Drag-and-drop functionality
• Media management
• Social sharing
• Video capture
• Video looping
• Video streaming
• Virtual classroom 

Pros

• Complete ownership
• Multiple monetization options
• One-time payment
• Quick launch

Cons

• Being a SaaP model platform, it’s built ground up, and there are no readymade solutions to try.
• Does not offer free trials 

Pricing

For pricing details, contact the sales team at Vplayed from here.

5. Livestream

Company Overview

Originally founded in 2017, Livestream is one of the largest live streaming companies in the world. It was in the year 2017 when Vimeo acquired the Livestream platform.

Since then, Livestream has provided both streaming and video hosting services. Its basic functionality includes analytics, a video management platform, privacy controls, etc. You need to purchase a Premium plan to access basic live streaming functionality.

Vimeo provides tech support through email for video hosting services. This feature makes Livestream one of the most desired YouTube Live Streaming Alternatives.

If you wish to avail of live support, you must purchase a Premium or Vimeo OTT custom plan. 

Key Features

The thing that sets Vimeo Livestream as a perfect alternative to YouTube is it offers a range of proprietary hardware and software for live streaming. These offerings integrate seamlessly with their platform, thereby minimizing the fuss of executing a live streaming program from the hardware up.

Its key features include:

• High-quality videos and streams
• Large storage options
• Privacy options
• Upload from anywhere
• Video management service 

Pros

• Comprehensive analytics
• Easy to use
• No ads
• Pay-per-view option
• Sleek and professional appearance
• Unlimited events and viewers 

Cons

• Does not consist of China video delivery
• Does not produce as much traffic as other sites

Pricing

6. Facebook Live

Company Overview

When it comes to video hosting, Facebook offers both “Live” and “Watch,” which enables businesses and organizations to host on-demand content or broadcast live content.

With the help of Facebook Live, you can host live streams on your personal profiles, pages, and groups. This makes Facebook Live the best YouTube live alternative. The only problem is on-demand “Facebook Watch” videos can only be published through Facebook Pages.

Since it’s a free platform, Facebook has put certain restrictions in terms of video ownership, time constraint on videos, monetizations, etc.

Apart from these few technical restrictions, live streaming with Facebook Live is valuable for staying connected with existing audiences. This makes Facebook Live one of the most preferred YouTube Live Streaming Alternatives. 

Key Features

Facebook is a social media platform that consists of tools for uploading and sharing videos to online communities.

Its key features include:

• Tools for business use
• Effortless video sharing
• Facebook Groups
• Facebook Live
• Facebook Pages
• Facebook Watch
• Live commenting and reacting
• Paid ads 

Pros

• Comes at zero cost
• Live chat promotes engagement
• Taps into existing following
• Viewers are well aware of the platform 

Cons

• Cannot get rid of Facebook’s branding
• No option for monetization
• Time restrictions on live videos 

Pricing

• Available freely

7. Bambuser

Company Overview

Bambuser was introduced in 2007. The company started marketing to the business live streaming industry in 2014. Due to this, there has been a sudden growth on the site as a live streaming platform and a media company. In general, any businessman can leverage the power of live streaming with the aid of Bambuser and get well-known worldwide.

Bambuser allows anyone, whether developers or organizations, to quickly and effortlessly take advantage of mobile and online live video power. This trait makes it an excellent YouTube alternative to effectively and seamlessly create, manage, and publish video content to engage audiences in real-time.

Whenever you go live, latency is perhaps one of the biggest problems. There’s no point in going live if your video lags a lot. Bambuser provides a solution to the latency problem. It offers a high-speed upload rate, enabling you to broadcast live videos in HD.

Both professionals and casual users can employ Bambuser. However, this live streaming site is not restricted to smartphones. You can quickly go live from your desktop if you have a webcam and a microphone.

Like most live streaming websites, Bambuser enables you to save the live video after it finishes. You can even edit the video before saving it for the public. These features make Bambuser one of the most preferred YouTube Live Streaming Alternatives. 

Key Features

The thing that sets Bambuser as a perfect alternative to YouTube is that it offers businesses the opportunity to leverage the power of mobile live video and harness that capability into effective and cost-efficient processes and outputs. From a broadcasting app to a comprehensive set of developer tools for live video broadcasting and playback, Bambuser offers the perfect solution to meet all your live video needs at a time when live video solutions are in high demand.

Its key features include:

• Hassle-free integration of broadcast SDK into existing apps, use the ready-to-use app or stream directly employing RTMP
• Consists of a built-in video streaming that is fine-tuned for ultra-low latency and adaptability
• Aids you to create advanced workflows and engaging user experiences using white-label, multi-platform player SDKs and APIs
• Capability to create live streaming apps employing the SDKs for iOS and Android
• Gives you the option to manage videos in the cloud-based content manager 

Pros

• Comes with lots of options
• Consists high definition video
• Comprises of editing tools
• High level of organization 

Cons

• The advanced technology can be a bit confusing. You need a bit of a learning curve to get started!
• The membership is costly 

Pricing

8. Twitch

Company Overview

Twitch is a live streaming app that can even be utilized as a social media platform. It was founded nine years ago as Justin.tv. Today, Justin.tv is no longer to be found. They have spun off the original platform and sold it to Amazon. On Twitch, viewers can subscribe to their favorite streamers to get alerted when the streamers go live.

The thing that makes Twitch a great YouTube alternative is the fact that it’s a consumer-grade platform designed for independent streamers. It’s popular among Esport (video game) streamers. It provides an excellent platform for reaching the target audience in the gaming, fantasy, or tech industry. 

Key Features

Twitch provides a wide array of live streaming experiences from community members across the globe, connecting streamers with the help of shared interests and passions.

Its key features include:

• Consists of tools for the target audience to chat with streamers and each other in real-time
• Gives the ability to the viewers to “tip” streamers
• Primarily employed by streamers who broadcast gaming and special interests/hobbies 

Pros

• Comes with tools for engagement and community interaction
• Cost-effective
• Hassle-free to employ for beginners 

Cons

• Comes with limited monetization tools
• Consists of strict community guidelines
• It may require certain coding tools
• Not designed for professional use 

Pricing

Twitch does not charge a single penny from content providers to use the platform. However, it enables them to make money off of their users. This program is called Twitch Subscriptions.

It includes three tiers:

9. Muvi

Company Overview

Muvi is a classic live streaming platform that focuses on OTT media. The thing that makes Muvi one of the perfect YouTube Live Streaming alternatives is that it functions as a turnkey appliance for OTT broadcasters. This model empowers users to launch their own video or audio streaming platform swiftly and effortlessly. In addition to this, this platform also consists of an all-inclusive and fully-featured website, mobile, and TV apps.

With the help of its Multi-Screen Streaming service, businesses can launch white-label multi-device video streaming, video on demand (VOD), and audio streaming. This platform consists of fully managed, end-to-end solutions, all controlled by a single streaming video CMS with no need for coding or assistance from the IT team. 

Key Features

The thing that makes Muvi one of the most preferred YouTube Live Streaming Alternatives is that it gives you the ability to have your own multi-screen OTT Video On Demand (VOD) platform instantly. Its video streaming solution comes with a wide array of functionalities and capabilities. It is effortless to use without any prior knowledge of coding and development. Everything gets done from Muvi’s end.

Its key features include:

• Analytics
• Comes with custom branding
• Comprises of DRM and security features
• Consists of HTML5 video player
• Provides monetization options 

Pros

• CDN
• DRM
• Hosting
• Transcoding
• Video CMS
• Website and Apps for Mobile and TV 

Cons

• CMS user interface is complex
• Hard to integrate or connect
• No China video delivery
• Not user friendly

Pricing

Concluding Thoughts

Even though YouTube is a great way to go live, it falls short of many capabilities compared to live streaming alternatives that offer competitive features like customization, marketing capabilities, monetization plans, high-end security, and a whole lot more.

Setting up live streaming on your website is not as complex as it sounds. With the right equipment and a custom-built live streaming platform, you can be part of 87% of businesses using live videos for driving business.