8 Live Streaming Platforms for Businesses
What is a Live Streaming Platform?
Live streaming platforms are web-based services that facilitate the broadcast of real-time video content to a global audience online. Many businesses, marketers, and content creators use this technology to get an engagement boost with their target audience.
These platforms have gained phenomenal popularity in recent years. The reason is not hard to guess. Their popularity is due to their amazing ability to engage and connect with viewers in real-time.
Whether it’s a product launch or a webinar, live streaming platforms help a lot. They offer an interactive way to communicate and build relationships with your audience. Broadcasters also use it for hosting a virtual event or for simply sharing live updates.
Why Go for Professional Live Streaming Platforms?
Content creators can use quite a few basic options in free live streaming. But these free streaming options simply cannot match the technological finesse of professional live streaming platforms. These platforms present an array of advanced features and benefits that are indispensable for businesses.
These include:
High-Quality Streaming: Professional platforms ensure high-definition video and audio quality, enhancing the viewer experience.
Customization Capabilities: They allow branding and customization to match your company’s identity.
Monetization Potential: Many professional platforms offer monetization options, such as pay-per-view or subscription models, helping businesses generate revenue from their content.
Audience Interaction: They provide tools for audience engagement in the moment. These may include options such as chat, polls, and Q&A sessions.
Analytics: Detailed analytics help you understand your audience and measure performance. This way, you can make strategic decisions backed by data.
Now, let us explore some of the best live streaming platforms for businesses, highlighting their key features and costs.
Best 8 Popular Live Streaming Platforms
OnTheFly
OnTheFly is a versatile live streaming platform that focuses on user-friendliness. It offers blazing-fast setup and live streaming from various devices. This way content creators can start to stream now and get instant engagement boost. The platform supports real-time audience engagement through chat and comments. OnTheFly is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses and content creators, offering affordable pricing plans that cater to various streaming needs.
Features: Finest streaming quality at a professional degree, users can save video streams. You can complete the entire setup in under 5 minutes.
Cost: Pricing on request.
Zoom Video Webinars
Zoom is known for its interactive webinars, offering screen sharing, Q&A sessions, and chat. It provides high-quality video and audio streaming. Zoom Webinars also offers audience engagement features like polls, hand-raising, and breakout rooms. Pricing starts at $40/month per host. This makes it an accessible option for businesses seeking professional webinars.
Features: Interactive webinars, screen sharing, Q&A, and chat.
Cost: Starts at $40/month per host.
Panopto
Panopto specializes in educational and business live streaming. It offers interactive webinars with features like Q&A sessions, polls, and engagement analytics. The platform provides a secure and customizable environment for content delivery, making it ideal for educational institutions and corporate training. It is bundled with another video monetization tool called InPlayer. Broadcasters can use this to integrate a safe paywall. They can also add other features like pay-per-view or subscription payment options to monetize videos.
Features: Interactive live streaming, enterprise-grade secure video streaming, virtual waiting room
Cost: Pricing on request.
Brightcove
This solution offers a comprehensive live streaming solution for businesses. It includes high-quality streaming with adaptive bitrate technology for a seamless viewing experience. It comes with a developer API to help with custom app development. The platform provides extensive analytics for audience insights and performance tracking for quick analytics.
Features: Supports all types of monetization, SSAI technology to bypass ad blockers
Cost: Pricing on request.
Twitch
This solution specializes in gaming and esports streaming. It offers various monetization options, such as ads, subscriptions, and donations. Interactive chat allows for direct engagement between viewers and the streamer. Twitch is well-suited for gaming communities and content creators seeking to build a dedicated fan base.
Features: Focused on gaming and esports, monetization options, and interactive chat.
Cost: Free to stream, with revenue share for partners.
Vimeo Livestream
Vimeo Livestream focuses on high-quality streaming with adaptive bitrate technology. Monetization options include pay-per-view, subscriptions, and advertising. Users can brand their streams with a customizable look and feel when they start streaming now using Vimeo. They can also benefit from advanced analytics.
Features: 1080p HD streaming, monetization, audience tracking, and password protection.
Cost: Starts at $20/month per seat
IBM Cloud Video (formerly Ustream)
IBM Cloud Video offers free multi video streaming with customizable branding in its plan. The live chat and customization options enable better engagement with the target audience. It provides analytics for audience insights and engagement tracking. This platform caters to larger enterprises and media companies.
Features: Multi-device streaming, analytics, and customizable branding.
Cost: Pricing is available upon request.
Dacast
Dacast offers white-label streaming, allowing businesses to brand their content. It includes paywall options for monetization, extensive analytics, and support for mobile streaming. The China playback capabilities and cutting-edge VOD make it a great choice.
Features: White-label streaming, paywall, analytics, and auto-archiving.
Cost: Plans start at $19/month.
Wowza Streaming Cloud
Wowza Streaming Cloud excels in adaptive bitrate streaming, ensuring a seamless viewing experience across devices and network conditions. It offers global content delivery for a broad audience reach. Its VR and 360-degree capabilities let you host immersive 4K videos.
Features: Adaptive bitrate streaming, IP camera streaming, and advanced analytics.
Cost: $45 per month billed annually.
These platforms help accomplish a diverse range of streaming needs, from interactive webinars and gaming content to professional broadcasting and branding. You will need to base the choice of platform as per your specific goals. It also depends on your distinct target audience and budget. So, make sure to factor in these features carefully when selecting the right live streaming solution for your business.
Conclusion
Live streaming platforms have become indispensable tools for businesses looking to engage with their audience in real time. As we have seen above, there are numerous options available.
Selecting the right professional live streaming platform offers enhanced features, branding opportunities, and revenue generation potential. So, select a feature-packed solution like OnTheFly. Our competencies in live streaming services delivers security, credibility, and reliability when you live stream your content in front of your target audience.