Whether you’re a prospective pro Twitchstreamer or just someone that likes to share your enthusiasm with the internet,the right type of software can make or break the experience. Anyone that’sdipped their toe into the world of streaming knows about OBS, but there are alot of other software options available that get less time in the limelight.
This article is going to explore thedifferences between the different types of software and help you decide whichprogram is right for you. If the company offers a trial, download the softwareand play around with it. You might discover the software takes your stream tothe next level.
1. The Most Popular: OBS (Website)
OBS is an acronym for Open BroadcasterSoftware. The project began as – and continues to be – an open-source project,which means streamers can use it free of charge. The software offers incrediblecustomization options, but this acts as a bit of a double-edged sword.
Jun 29, 2020 We are slowly transitioning to a streaming world. Whether you want to live stream or capture content from the web, the options are unlimited. With the best streaming software, you can stream like the pros although finding the right program is easier said than done. Aug 09, 2017 According to the statistics portal Statista, market share of Mac OS X is nearly 12%. It is really easy to find out various live streaming software online, but most of them are not usually compatible with Mac. If you are using Mac, then you will require live streaming software for Mac. More often than not, Mac users include business personnel.
While OBS can create a fantastic lookingbroadcast, the amount of customization options can make it hard to understand,especially for new users. Compounding this problem is the fact it has nocentralized customer support team. OBS users have to figure out problems ontheir own or take it to the vast community forums for an answer.
Thankfully for the less tech-savvy, thereare no shortage of tutorials and walkthroughs to help users figure out the moretechnical aspects of the program.
The primary selling point of OBS for themajority of users is that it’s free, but that is also one of its disadvantages.While the service doesn’t demand much from a CPU and works on all majoroperating systems, it also lacks a number of advanced features that can helpset streamers apart from the competition.
If you want to set up a virtual set you canmanipulate in real-time, have guest hosts come on your streams, or utilizemulti-streaming, you’ll have to find a different program than OBS.
2. The More Powerful Freemium Option: XSplit (Website)
XSplit is a great software for streamers,but many people find themselves confused before they realize it’s actuallysplit into two different programs – XSplit Gamecaster and XSplit Broadcaster.Both can be used for game streaming, and the best option ultimately depends onwhat you hope to get out of the software.
XSplit Gamecaster is the best option fornew streamers because it strips away many of the more advanced (and oftenconfusing) features to make it more convenient to show your skills. Some ofthese features include starting and stopping your stream from the overlay,rather than in some arcane back-end menu.
XSplit Gamecaster also allows you to streamon YouTube and Facebook in addition to Twitch. One of the coolest features isthe ability to draw over your gameplay using the Annotations feature, whichmakes it easy to highlight the more subtle moments in your gameplay.
XSplit Gamecaster is free to use, but thereare a few major limitations. The free version applies watermarks to streamsover 720p or 30 FPS. If you want to stream in higher resolutions (and to builda better audience, it’s a good idea) then you’ll need to upgrade. A 12-monthpremium license is $5 per month, while a 3-month premium license is $8.32 permonth. A one-time payment for a lifetime license is $199.00.
3. The Option for Low-End Computers: Lightstream (Website)
Many of the most popular streamers investhundreds, if not thousands, of dollars into their equipment. This usually takesthe form of a gaming PC and a streaming PC – one to handle the gameplay, andone to handle the streaming and video processing. Understandably, not everyonecan afford this – and that’s where Lightstream comes in.
Lightstream calls themselves the “Google Docs of video production”. While your computer captures the video, everything else is handled by the Lightstream servers. This requires a high-speed internet connection, but it reduces the CPU load on your local machine.
Best of all, you don’t have to be overly familiar with the settings of your PC. Lightstream will automatically choose the best encoding settings and monitor your internet connection. If your speed drops, it will adjust the bitrate to accommodate.
Lightstream is free to use, but this comesat a cost. The majority of streams max out at 720p and often have significantissues with their audio quality. While the stream layouts look great, they’rebasic and lack advanced functions.
Still, if you don’t have a powerhouse PC tohandle all of the encoding and processing, Lightstream is a solid choice.
4. Best for the Professional: Wirecast (Website)
Livestream Softwares That Are Easy To Use Machines
The first thing to know about Wirecast is that it is not for those on a budget. This is professional-grade software designed to deliver high-tier performance.
The three levels, Wirecast One, Studio, and Pro, are priced at $249 (currently on sale for $179), $449, and $699 respectively. While Wirecast One might seem like the best option, Wirecast Studio is where the features shine through.
Best Streaming Software For Mac
Wirecast Studio offers an unlimited numberof inputs, up to two remote guests, over 100 different titles and transitions,and over 500,000 media assets to use on the stream. There is a 30-day trial ofthe software that users can try out. Wirecast Pro builds and expands on thesefeatures and also offers virtual sets and backgrounds.
Streaming Software For Mac
If you’re a pro streamer or have the moneyto invest into end-game streaming software, Wirecast is the way to go. It won’tguarantee success, but it will put you head and shoulders above thecompetition. After all, isn’t that the adage of any gamer? The one with thebest equipment wins.