Live streaming has become an integral part of online content creation, allowing individuals and businesses to broadcast their events, talents, and ideas to a global audience. While many premium platforms exist, there’s no need to spend a fortune to get started. We’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed a wide range of free live streaming services to bring you this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re a gamer, musician, educator, or entrepreneur, our curated list of the best free live streaming platforms will help you kickstart your broadcasting journey without any upfront costs.
YouTube Live
YouTube Live offers a powerful and accessible platform for content creators to broadcast live video to a global audience. As part of the world’s largest video-sharing website, YouTube Live provides streamers with a built-in audience and a familiar interface. The platform supports high-quality streaming, real-time chat interaction, and seamless integration with your existing YouTube channel.
Whether you’re hosting a gaming session, conducting a Q&A, or streaming a live event, YouTube Live’s user-friendly tools make it easy to connect with viewers and grow your online presence. The platform also offers advanced features like stream scheduling, which allows you to build anticipation for your broadcasts.
Key Features
- Real-time chat and audience interaction
- Stream scheduling and premiere options
- Mobile streaming capabilities
- Analytics and audience insights
- Monetisation options for eligible channels
- Integration with YouTube’s ecosystem
YouTube Live is completely free to use, with no hidden costs or time limits on your streams. However, to unlock certain features like mobile streaming, your channel needs to have at least 1,000 subscribers. Monetisation options become available once you meet YouTube’s Partner Program requirements.
Facebook Live
Facebook Live has become a go-to platform for individuals, businesses, and organisations looking to connect with their audience in real-time. As part of the world’s largest social network, Facebook Live offers unparalleled reach and engagement opportunities. The platform allows users to broadcast live video content directly to their Facebook profiles, pages, or groups, making it ideal for personal updates, brand promotions, or community events.
Facebook Live’s strength lies in its simplicity and accessibility – anyone with a Facebook account and a smartphone can start streaming within seconds. The platform also offers interactive features like live reactions, comments, and sharing, which help foster a sense of community and real-time engagement during broadcasts.
Key Features
- Live reactions and comments from viewers
- Ability to schedule live broadcasts in advance
- Cross-posting to multiple pages and groups
- Live polls and Q&A sessions
- Screen sharing and live broadcasting from desktop
- Audience targeting options
Facebook Live is completely free to use, with no time limits on broadcasts. All features are available to personal profiles and business pages without any cost. However, to reach a wider audience, some users may choose to invest in Facebook’s paid advertising options to promote their live streams.
Twitch
Twitch has established itself as the premier platform for gaming-related live streams, but it has expanded to encompass a wide variety of content categories. Known for its vibrant community and interactive features, Twitch allows creators to build dedicated followings and engage with their audience in real-time. The platform’s chat functionality is particularly advanced, offering emotes, custom badges, and moderation tools.
Twitch also provides a path to monetisation for popular streamers through subscriptions, bits (virtual cheers), and ad revenue. While gaming remains its core focus, Twitch has seen growth in areas such as music, art, talk shows, and even cooking streams, making it a versatile platform for various content creators.
Key Features
- Advanced chat features with customisation options
- Clip creation and sharing
- Stream Teams and raids for community building
- Extensions to enhance viewer interaction
- VOD (Video on Demand) storage
- Multi-platform streaming tools
Twitch offers a free plan that allows users to stream and build an audience without any cost. However, to access certain features like custom emotes and ad-free viewing, viewers need to subscribe to channels (starting at £3.99 per month). Streamers can earn money once they achieve Affiliate or Partner status, which requires meeting specific criteria related to streaming frequency and audience size.
Instagram Live
Instagram Live has become an integral part of the Instagram ecosystem, offering users a spontaneous and authentic way to connect with their followers. This feature allows individuals and businesses to broadcast live video directly from the Instagram app, making it incredibly accessible for mobile users.
Instagram Live is particularly effective for informal, behind-the-scenes content, Q&A sessions, and real-time engagement with followers. The platform’s integration with Instagram Stories means that live broadcasts can be saved and shared for 24 hours after the initial stream, extending their reach. Instagram Live also offers interactive elements such as live comments, the ability to invite guests to join your stream, and even fundraising capabilities for eligible accounts.
Key Features
- Live comments and reactions from viewers
- Option to add a guest to your live stream
- Ability to pin comments and moderate chat
- Live Q&A and countdown stickers
- Integration with Instagram Stories
- Live fundraising tools for eligible accounts
Instagram Live is completely free to use and is available to all Instagram users. There are no time limits on broadcasts, and all features are accessible without any additional cost. However, to maximise reach and engagement, users may choose to promote their live streams through Instagram’s paid advertising options.
Periscope (via Twitter)
While Periscope as a standalone app has been discontinued, its functionality has been integrated directly into Twitter, allowing users to broadcast live video to their Twitter followers. This integration provides a seamless experience for users who want to share real-time content with their Twitter audience. Twitter Live, powered by Periscope’s technology, enables users to stream directly from the Twitter app or website, reaching their existing follower base instantly.
The platform is particularly useful for breaking news, live event coverage, and spontaneous sharing. Twitter’s real-time nature complements live streaming well, allowing for immediate engagement and discussion around the broadcast content.
Key Features
- Integration with Twitter’s existing audience and followers
- Real-time comments and hearts from viewers
- Option to save broadcasts for later viewing
- Ability to share location during broadcasts
- Live analytics for streamers
- Support for external cameras and microphones
Twitter Live is free to use for all Twitter users. There are no time limits on broadcasts, and all features are available at no cost. The platform is supported by Twitter’s existing monetisation model, which includes advertising, but individual streamers do not have direct monetisation options within the live streaming feature itself.
Vimeo
Vimeo, known for its high-quality video hosting, also offers live streaming capabilities that cater to both individual creators and businesses. While primarily a paid platform, Vimeo does provide a free plan with limited live streaming features. The platform is renowned for its clean, ad-free interface and professional-grade video quality, making it a popular choice for artists, filmmakers, and businesses looking to showcase their work.
Vimeo’s live streaming tools are designed to deliver a polished, branded experience, with options for customisable player skins and embed options. The platform also offers robust privacy controls, allowing users to restrict access to their streams if desired.
Key Features
- High-quality video streaming
- Customisable video player
- Password protection and privacy controls
- Basic analytics
- Embed options for websites
- Video storage and organisation tools
Vimeo’s free plan includes basic live streaming capabilities, but with significant limitations. Users are restricted to 500MB of storage per week and a single live event per month, with a maximum duration of 30 minutes. For more extensive live streaming features, users need to upgrade to a paid plan, starting at £7 per month for the Plus plan, which includes increased storage and longer streaming durations.
LinkedIn Live
LinkedIn Live brings the power of live video to the world’s largest professional network. This feature allows individuals and organisations to broadcast live content to their LinkedIn connections and followers, making it an excellent tool for professional development, thought leadership, and business-to-business communication. LinkedIn Live is particularly effective for hosting virtual events, webinars, product launches, and Q&A sessions with industry experts.
The platform integrates seamlessly with LinkedIn’s existing features, allowing broadcasters to leverage their professional networks and company pages. LinkedIn Live also offers robust engagement tools, including real-time comments and reactions, helping to foster meaningful discussions and connections within professional communities.
Key Features
- Integration with LinkedIn’s professional network
- Real-time comments and reactions
- Ability to schedule and promote upcoming live events
- Analytics to track viewer engagement
- Option to stream from third-party broadcasting tools
- Auto-generated post of the recorded live video
LinkedIn Live is available for free to eligible LinkedIn members and pages. However, access to LinkedIn Live is not automatic and requires an application process. Users need to meet certain criteria, including having a history of abiding by LinkedIn’s professional community policies. Once approved, there are no direct costs associated with using LinkedIn Live, but users may choose to invest in third-party broadcasting tools for more advanced streaming capabilities.
DLive
DLive is a blockchain-based live streaming platform that has gained popularity, especially among cryptocurrency enthusiasts and gamers. What sets DLive apart is its unique reward system based on the LINO blockchain, which allows content creators to earn cryptocurrency directly from their viewers. The platform emphasises a community-first approach, with a significant portion of its revenue shared back with content creators and active community members.
DLive offers a user-friendly interface similar to other streaming platforms, making it accessible to newcomers while providing innovative features for those interested in blockchain technology. While gaming content is prevalent on DLive, the platform welcomes a variety of content categories, including talk shows, music, and lifestyle streams.
Key Features
- Blockchain-based reward system
- Live chat with emotes and gifting options
- Multi-language support
- Mobile app for on-the-go streaming
- Integration with popular streaming software
- Community challenges and events
DLive is free to use for both streamers and viewers. There are no subscription fees or entry barriers to start streaming. The platform’s revenue model is based on voluntary donations and subscriptions from viewers, with streamers earning a share of these contributions. While the basic features are free, users can purchase LINO points to support their favourite creators or participate more actively in the platform’s economy.
StreamYard
StreamYard is a browser-based live streaming studio that allows users to create professional-looking broadcasts without the need for complex software installations. It’s designed to simplify the process of streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitch. StreamYard’s intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to start streaming quickly, while also offering advanced features for more experienced broadcasters.
One of StreamYard’s strengths is its ability to host multiple presenters in a single stream, making it ideal for interviews, panel discussions, and collaborative content. The platform also offers customisation options for branding your stream, including custom backgrounds, overlays, and lower thirds.
Key Features
- Multi-platform streaming
- Screen sharing and presentation mode
- Custom branding and overlays
- Interview capabilities with up to 10 on-screen participants
- Chat integration from multiple platforms
- Recording option for streams
StreamYard offers a free plan that allows users to stream to one platform at a time, with StreamYard branding on the streams. The free plan is limited to 20 hours of streaming per month and does not include features like custom branding or full HD streaming. For additional features and removal of StreamYard branding, paid plans start at £20 per month.
OBS Studio
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is a powerful, open-source software for video recording and live streaming. It’s widely used by content creators, gamers, and professionals due to its extensive features and flexibility. OBS Studio allows users to create scenes composed of multiple sources including window captures, images, text, browser windows, webcams, capture cards, and more. Its modular design enables users to add plugins and scripts, extending its functionality even further.
While it has a steeper learning curve compared to some other streaming platforms, OBS Studio offers unparalleled control over your stream’s look and feel. It supports streaming to various platforms and can also be used for local recording, making it a versatile tool for content creation.
Key Features
- High-performance real-time video/audio capturing and mixing
- Unlimited scenes and sources
- Live RTMP streaming to any compatible server
- Powerful and easy-to-use configuration options
- Modular ‘Dock’ UI that allows you to rearrange the layout
- Multi-view support for monitoring multiple scenes
OBS Studio is completely free and open-source, with no limitations on usage or features. There are no paid tiers or hidden costs. The software is maintained by a community of developers and is continuously updated with new features and improvements. While OBS itself is free, users may need to invest in hardware like capture cards or microphones depending on their streaming needs.
How to choose the best free live streaming platform for you
Assess your streaming needs and goals
Start by clearly defining your streaming objectives. Are you looking to broadcast gaming sessions, host live events, or share educational content? Different platforms excel in various areas, so understanding your primary purpose will help narrow down your options. Consider factors such as your target audience, the type of content you’ll be creating, and how often you plan to stream. Some platforms are better suited for casual streamers, while others offer more advanced features for professional broadcasters.
Evaluate platform features and limitations
Examine the features offered by each free live streaming platform carefully. Look for essential tools like chat functionality, stream quality options, and mobile compatibility. Be aware of any restrictions on stream duration, viewer capacity, or monetisation opportunities. Some platforms may limit your ability to save or repurpose your content after the live stream ends. Consider whether you need features like multi-streaming, screen sharing, or the ability to add overlays and graphics to your broadcasts. Also, check if the platform offers analytics tools to help you track your audience engagement and growth.
Consider ease of use and community support
The user-friendliness of a streaming platform can significantly impact your experience, especially if you’re new to live streaming. Look for platforms with intuitive interfaces and straightforward setup processes. Consider the availability of tutorials, guides, and customer support to help you navigate any issues. Additionally, assess the platform’s community features. A vibrant, supportive community can provide valuable networking opportunities, feedback, and potential collaborations. Some platforms have built-in discovery features that can help new streamers grow their audience more quickly, which might be an important factor in your decision-making process.
Which Free Live Streaming Platform Is Best?
YouTube Live offers extensive features, seamless integration with YouTube’s vast ecosystem, and the potential to monetise your content. Its user-friendly interface and detailed analytics make it suitable for both beginners and experienced streamers. We recommend YouTube Live if you’re looking to build a broad audience across various topics and want wide reach and versatility.
Twitch is great for connecting with a specific community or niche audience. Originally focused on gaming, Twitch has expanded to accommodate various content types. Its interactive features, such as chat and channel points, foster strong viewer engagement and loyalty, making it ideal for building a dedicated following. We recommend Twitch if you’re a gamer or streamer who wants to cultivate a tight-knit community.
LinkedIn Live allows you to stream to your professional network, making it particularly useful for B2B content, thought leadership, and industry-specific broadcasts. While it may have a smaller audience than some alternatives, the quality of connections you can make here can be invaluable for networking and business growth. We recommend LinkedIn Live if you’re a professional or company looking to strengthen your industry presence and make meaningful business connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Live Streaming Platforms
What are the best free live streaming platforms available?
Some of the best free live streaming platforms include YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Twitch, Instagram Live, Periscope (via Twitter), Vimeo (with limitations), LinkedIn Live, DLive, StreamYard (with limitations), and OBS Studio.
Is YouTube Live completely free to use?
Yes, YouTube Live offers a free plan that allows users to stream live content to their audience without any cost. However, monetisation features may require meeting certain criteria.
Can I use Facebook Live for business purposes?
Absolutely. Facebook Live is free to use for both personal and business accounts, making it an excellent tool for engaging with customers and followers.
What types of content are most popular on Twitch?
While Twitch is primarily known for gaming content, it has expanded to include various categories such as music, art, talk shows, and “Just Chatting” streams.
How long can I stream on Instagram Live?
Instagram Live allows users to stream for up to 4 hours in a single session.
Is Periscope still available as a standalone app?
No, Periscope as a standalone app was discontinued in 2021. However, live streaming capabilities are still available through Twitter.
What are the limitations of Vimeo’s free plan for live streaming?
Vimeo’s free plan has limitations on streaming time, video storage, and audience size. For more extensive features, users may need to upgrade to a paid plan.
Who can use LinkedIn Live?
LinkedIn Live is available to all users, but individuals must apply and be approved to gain access to the live streaming feature.
What makes DLive different from other streaming platforms?
DLive is a blockchain-based platform that uses cryptocurrency for transactions and rewards, offering a unique approach to content creator monetisation.
Can I use StreamYard to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously?
Yes, StreamYard allows multistreaming, but the free plan may have limitations on the number of destinations and features available.
Is OBS Studio suitable for beginners?
While OBS Studio is powerful and feature-rich, it can have a steeper learning curve for beginners. However, there are many tutorials available to help new users get started.
Do I need special equipment to start live streaming?
For basic streaming, you can start with just a smartphone or computer with a webcam. However, for better quality, you might consider investing in a good microphone and lighting setup.
Can I monetise my streams on free platforms?
Many free platforms offer monetisation options, but they often require meeting certain criteria, such as follower count or watch time. Each platform has its own specific requirements and methods for monetisation.
Which platform is best for reaching a wide audience?
YouTube Live and Facebook Live generally offer the widest reach due to their large user bases. However, the best platform for you depends on where your target audience is most active.
Are there any age restrictions for using these live streaming platforms?
Most platforms require users to be at least 13 years old, with some requiring users to be 18 or older for certain features. Always check the terms of service for each platform for specific age requirements.
