Live streaming is the talk of the entertainment industry nowadays. It is one of the easiest versions of online content creation, which can be started by anyone, from anywhere. Enormous chances of earning huge revenue without investing much make live streaming a very popular choice for content creators.
But, to succeed as a live streamer, you must keep note of your stream quality. Bad streaming quality might irritate your viewers and reduce the popularity of your content. While a lot of things impact the quality of your live stream, live streaming software is one of the paramount factors. A lot depends on the adaptability and compatibility of your live-streaming software and its features. Hence, you must be very careful while choosing one!
In this blog, we will discuss the factors you need to consider when choosing live-streaming software. But before that, let’s discuss some technical aspects of live-streaming software.
So What Is A Live Streaming Software?
In layman’s language, it is software used to stream live videos and podcasts to the audience. But, as a regular live streamer, you must understand the technical fundamentals of its operation.
Basically, live-streaming software converts your video or audio inputs (which you are basically recording live) into a suitable encoded digital format then and there, so that it can be broadcasted directly. In one line, it is basically an encoder with the capacity to encode live content in real time. Now, a lot depends on the capabilities of this software (which is basically its capability to encode).
If your live streaming software is really good, you will get a perfectly encoded live streaming output that is ABR and DVR enabled. You can even insert ads using SCTE markers and secure your live-streaming content using multi-DRM security.
Yes, all of these depend on your live streaming software, and the encoder you are using 😃
Hence, choosing a good live streaming software will directly mean improved quality of your live streams. But now the question comes, how to choose your live streaming software? We will answer your question next.
Things To Consider While Choosing A Live Streaming Software
As every live streamer has different needs, the choice of live streaming software will also differ. But, there are a few common factors that you must consider while choosing your live streaming software. Let’s take you through five of these common factors one by one.
1. Pricing
Of course, pricing is the most important factor, isn’t it?
The price of your live streaming software defines the maximum chunk of your live streaming budget. And most importantly, it is probably the only recurring expense in your budget, as you will invest in equipment only once. But, you need to pay for subscribing to software either on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis.
Thus, before choosing the software, you must analyze the monetization models it supports. Accordingly, decide on a full-proof revenue model which will assure you some earnings on a regular basis. Try to match the price of your live streaming software with the average assured monthly or yearly earnings. In this way, you will never face losses.
2. Features
Next comes the features. Now, the features you need will depend on the type of your content and the style of your live streaming. For example, the live chat feature is one of the top priorities for some live streamers, while for some others, DVR-enabled live streaming is of great importance.
So, what do you need? Decide on that first. List down the features you need, and start checking the feature list of your preferred live-streaming platforms. It will help you choose the platform with the maximum features in it.
3. Streaming Security
Nowadays, piracy is a big concern for live streamers too! That is why you simply can’t ignore the security features of your live-streaming software. A good live streaming software often offers multi-DRM security. And this DRM doesn’t allow unauthorized users to access your live stream.
In addition to DRM, some software offers dynamic watermarking too. Dynamic watermark is a watermark that keeps floating through the screen so that anyone recording the content finds it harder to release online.
4. Compatibility Issues
Some live streaming software are not compatible with all social media or live streaming sites. Thus, you need to check whether your live streaming software allows you to live stream on a particular website or social media platform. Also, many times you need to check whether your live streaming software is compatible with OBS studio. You should also see whether the software provides an HLS feed or not.
5. Whether Browser-Based or not
Some live streaming software are browser-based, which means you do not need to download any separate apk file to use them. Such software is much easier to use, as compared to desktop application-based software. One premier example of very good browser-based live streaming software is Muvi Live.
Choose The Best To Get the Best Live Streaming Results!
Now you might ask, which live streaming software will satisfy all of these criteria?
Well, there are very few such software out there in the market, but the one that perfectly satisfies all of them is Muvi Live.
Muvi Live is currently the best live streaming software as it is the current winner of Streaming Media Awards in the live streaming segment. Packed with powerful features, Muvi Live makes live streaming extremely easy and effortless.
Some of the major features of Muvi Live are
- Built-in CDN: CDN Helps deliver latency-free live content to audiences sitting in even the most remote parts of the world.
- Built-in DRM: Ensure 100% secured live streams with built-in multi-DRM protection.
- HLS Enabled: Generate HLS Links to stream your live content across multiple platforms.
- Analytics and Reports: Get live analytics for your live audiences.
- Steam from any camera or device: You can switch multiple cameras during your live stream. Also, using the Muvi Live app, you can stream through your mobile phone too!
- Live Chat: Interact with your audience directly through live chat.
Muvi Live also offers a 14-day free trial for new users. Click here to sign up for a 14-day free trial.
