12 Best iOS Live Streaming Apps for iPhone with RTMP Ingest

Mobile live video streaming is on the rise, especially when it comes to providing coverage of live events, sharing in-the-moment reactions, or producing on-site segments.

Unless you have a dedicated camera crew, carrying around a camcorder at an event doesn’t always make sense. That’s why many people are reaching into their pockets for a convenient streaming device by using iOS live streaming apps for iPhones. 

Live streaming on your iPhone is made possible thanks to a variety of dedicated apps.

For users who don’t need much customization, a free platform like Facebook or TikTok is easy to use. However, for users who need the ability to customize their experience or stream directly to their website, streaming apps for iPhones have more robust options. 

Luckily, there are options for all different use cases.

In this post, we’re going to talk about the technology that makes mobile broadcasting possible at the professional level before diving into 12 of the best iOS live streaming apps for your iPhone with RTMP ingest.

Table of Contents

• Table of Contents
• Live Streaming from an iPhone and Other iOS Devices
• RTMP: Why It’s Important for iOS Mobile Broadcasting
• How to Stream to iPads and iPhones
• AI-Powered Features
• The 12 Best iOS Live Streaming Apps for iPhone
• Business Use Cases
• Integration Capabilities
• Connecting Your Live Streaming App to an RTMP Server
• Emerging Technologies
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Live Streaming from an iPhone and Other iOS Devices

The history of live streaming dates back to the early ‘90s when the world’s first live stream was thought to have taken place on June 24, 1993, from the offices of Xerox PARC in Palo Alto, California.

The engineers from these offices created a platform called “Mbone” to stream audio and video content to a small network around the globe. They primarily streamed music and concerts so that they could “jam out” together even when they weren’t in the same physical space.

Even though live streaming began in the ‘90s, it didn’t become popular until the early 2010s with the adoption of live streaming platforms followed by mobile apps. Livestream emerged in 2007  as the first live-streaming solution, and YouTube was launched the year after that.

Today, live streaming and the ability to broadcast rest in your pocket, with your phone. Thanks to its high-quality cameras and ease of use, the iPhone possesses the perfect solution for streaming on the go.

With the help of some powerful iPhone live streaming apps, you can stream live from your phone while incorporating pre-recorded footage and adding graphic overlays in real time. With the right mobile live streaming setup, you can also stream locally with no problem at all.

Creating professional broadcasts with an iPhone and the right apps is relatively easy with just a little practice. You can also stream with other iOS-supported devices, such as your iPad.  

Android devices can do a lot of the same work. Check out our article on Android-based live streaming for mobile streaming from an Android device.

RTMP: Why It’s Important for iOS Mobile Broadcasting

Before we get into which iOS live streaming apps are best for broadcasting from your iPhone, we’re going to briefly review RTMP.

RTMP is a protocol for streaming media over the internet. RTMP stands for Real-Time Messaging Protocol, and it was originally developed by Adobe to deliver streams to the Flash player. It’s widely used to stream live video, where it has been the standard for many years.

For modern live streaming, RTMP is often used for server ingestion through an RTMP-enabled encoder, and it’s becoming rarer for delivery to viewers. That’s because RTMP requires the Flash plugin, which is being depreciated in favor of support for HTML5 video standards.

HLS streaming is often considered a modern alternative to RTMP. However, for the sake of mobile broadcasting, RTMP is still a priority. To stream RTMP, you must have an encoder application that encodes your video before sending it to the RTMP ingest server.  Some popular encoder applications you can use for this purpose include Wirecast, Ecamm Live, and OBS Studio. 

RTMP ingestion allows mobile apps to connect to any online streaming software. This is in contrast to platform-specific apps like Facebook, which can only stream on their own platforms. An RTMP-enabled iPhone app should allow you to stream to any video hosting and delivery service that can ingest RTMP video streams.

“RTMPS” is another protocol you’ll run into when choosing a live stream app for iPhone. This is essentially a technology that is identical to RTMP with an added layer of security. This is the preferred protocol for secure streaming, but RTMP for iOS will suffice.

How to Stream to iPads and iPhones

In order to reach iOS users, you must adapt your live-stream broadcasts to specific adaptations. You must pay attention to the:

• Video Format: Before now, Flash and FLV were the most common types of video container formats. However, they are not supported by iOS devices. As such, you need to deliver your videos using HLS format. It is also advisable to use the H.264 codec if you want to target older iOS devices. On the other hand, the H.264 Main 3.1 profile will provide better streaming quality. 

• Audio Codec: Some of the most common audio codecs supported by iOS devices include AAC-LC, HE-AAC, and MP3. iPads and iPhones also support a 48 kHz sampling rate in stereo and Bitrates of up to 3 Mbps.

• Video Player: iOS live streaming requires the use of an adaptive, multi-bitrate video player. This type of player adjusts and adapts the video playback according to how fast or slow the viewer’s internet connection is. 

AI-Powered Features

AI is shaping the future of iOS live-streaming apps.

Personalized Content Recommendations

AI-powered iOS live streaming tools are making it easier for users to discover relevant content. These systems analyze viewer behavior, past interactions, and preferences to suggest streams they are more likely to enjoy. This not only improves engagement but also helps creators reach the right audience on live streaming platforms for iPhone.

Real-Time Analytics

With AI-driven insights, streamers and businesses using iPhone live streaming software can track viewer behavior in real time. Metrics such as watch time, engagement rate, and drop-off points help creators adjust their content dynamically. Whether you are using a professional live streaming app for iOS or a more casual tool, AI analytics can enhance your streaming strategy.

Automated Moderation

Live chats can sometimes become overwhelming, especially on popular iOS live video streaming apps. AI moderation tools help detect and filter inappropriate comments, spam, and offensive language. This ensures a safer, more engaging experience on live broadcast apps for iOS, making them a reliable choice for businesses and content creators.

These AI advancements are shaping the future of iOS live streaming solutions, offering more interactive and personalized experiences for users in 2025.

The 12 Best iOS Live Streaming Apps for iPhone

Now that you have a basic understanding of why RTMP technology is so important for mobile live streaming, we’re going to talk about some of the best iPhone streaming apps for iOS.

All of these iOS live-streaming apps are available for download in the App Store. These iOS live-streaming apps are both suitable for iPhones and iPads. They are designed to support casual streaming and professional broadcasts that can adapt to iPad screens without compromising the live stream quality.

1. Larix Broadcaster

Larix Broadcaster is the most reliable iPhone app for Dacast users.

Larix Broadcaster is our preferred iPhone streaming app. The app is a streaming software for iPad from Softvelum that supports several broadcasting tools to produce professional-grade broadcasts from a consumer-grade device.

This live streaming software for iPhones has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on the App Store, with reviews calling it “Simple and Effective” and “The Best.”

Download Larix Broadcaster on the App Store.

Key Features:

• RTMP and SRT support
• Adjustable bitrate and resolution
• External audio and video input support
• Multi-camera support on iPad
• Secure streaming options

Pricing:

• Free with limited features
• Paid version available for advanced tools

Pros:

• High-quality video streaming
• Works with multiple platforms
• Customizable settings for professionals

Cons:

• Learning curve for beginners
• Limited built-in editing tools

Compatibility with Dacast:

Larix is compatible with Dacast. Here is a link to the full tutorial on how to live stream the Larix Broadcaster app with Dacast.

2. nanoStream

nanoStream was once our preferred iPhone streaming app, but it is no longer compatible with Dacast.

The nanoStream app is another high-quality live-streaming app for the iPhone. It is one of the best streaming apps for iPhones and iPads because it allows full HD live streaming with bitrates up to 7.5 Mbits per second.

nanoStream connects via RTMP and includes other features similar to the other live streaming software for iPad on this list, like local recording and support for vertical or horizontal video.

However, it does include several unique features. These include support for external cameras and even drone video. If you are connecting external cameras to your iPhone or iPad, this is one of the best live-streaming apps for the iPhone. 

Download nanoStream on the App Store.

Key Features:

• RTMP and WebRTC support
• Low-latency streaming
• Cloud-based streaming options
• Supports HD video

Pricing:

• Subscription-based with different plans

Pros:

• Fast and stable streaming
• Works well for business and professional use
• Cloud integration for scalability

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to other apps
• Requires a stable internet connection for best performance

Compatibility with Dacast:

nanoStream is currently only compatible with Dacast for customers on the legacy my.dacast platform application and other third-party OVPs. Our team is working with nanoStream to reinstate this compatibility. Please bookmark this section as we will update it when the integration goes live!

3. Wirecast Go

Wirecast Go is another great iOS streaming app. This app is compatible with various devices, capture cards, and camera inputs. It offers a user-friendly platform that allows broadcasters to insert overlay logos, images, pictures, and titles to their live streams.

This live streaming app for iPhone requires iOS 13.0 or later to work with iPhones. Some users consider it as the best streaming app for iOS.

You can download Wirecast Go on the App Store.

Key Features:

• RTMP streaming to major platforms
• Custom graphics and overlays
• Multi-camera switching
• High-quality video encoding

Pricing:

• Free version with watermark
• Paid version available for full features

Pros:

• Great for professional productions
• Easy to use with an intuitive interface
• Supports multiple streaming destinations

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other apps
• Some features are limited to the paid version

Compatibility with Dacast:

Wirecast Go is compatible with Dacast, here’s a link to the full tutorial on how to stream with Dacast using Wirecast. 

4. Airmix

Airmix is another great iOS streaming app. This live stream app for iOS from Teradek allows broadcasters to mirror their streams from Airmix to other screens. This means you can share the content with not only remote viewers but also with those who are at the venue.

Essentially, this produces the same effect as a jumbotron where viewers can see what’s happening from a different angle or they can get a “closer” look on the bigger screen.

This is among the streaming apps for iPad that has an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars on the App Store which is very impressive.

Download Airmix on the App Store.

Key Features:

• Multi-camera support
• Built-in graphics and transitions
• RTMP and local streaming support
• External audio input options

Pricing:

• Free version with limitations
• Pro version with additional features

Pros:

• Ideal for professional and business use
• High-quality production tools
• Works well for iPad streaming apps

Cons:

• Can be complex for beginners
• Requires a powerful device for best performance

Compatibility with Dacast:

Airmix is not currently compatible with Dacast, but our team is working to reinstate the compatibility.

5. Broadcast Me

Broadcast Me also supports RTMPS streaming, which provides more security than the standard RTMP protocol. It’s among the top iPhone live-streaming applications that you can use for free.

This live streaming app for iOS offers low latency streaming which makes your live videos less likely to buffer even when your viewers use an unstable internet connection. Video is delivered with an adaptive bitrate in either portrait or landscape orientation.

You can use either your rear or front camera when using this streaming application. However, this RTMP iOS live stream app does not support rear cameras which means you cannot use a wide-angle lens on your iOS device.

Download Broadcast Me on the App Store.

Key Features:

• RTMP support for major platforms
• Simple interface for easy setup
• Works with external audio devices
• Adjustable video quality

Pricing:

• One-time purchase required

Pros:

• Affordable compared to other pro apps
• Easy to use with no subscription fees
• Works on both iPhone and iPad

Cons:

• Lacks advanced production features
• No multi-camera support

Compatibility with Dacast:

Broadcast Me is not compatible with Dacast.

6. Twitch

Twitch, which is owned by Amazon, is a massively popular live streaming platform for desktop and mobile that’s used largely by gamers. This is one of the apps for live streaming on iPhone that has seen a rise in other independent content creators, such as musicians, in recent years. 

This game-streaming app for iOS is the most popular platform for live-streaming content, offering users the option to subscribe to their favorite channels.  This iPhone live stream app is also one of the most beginner-friendly live-streaming apps.

Key Features:

• Built-in RTMP support
• Interactive chat features
• Monetization options for streamers
• Integration with third-party tools

Pricing:

• Free with optional in-app purchases

Pros:

• Large audience base for gaming content
• Built-in support for monetization
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Limited customization for advanced users
• Focused mainly on gaming content

Compatibility with Dacast:

Twitch is currently not compatible with Dacast, but we do support simulcasting to platforms like Twitch and Facebook with the help of dedicated streaming software.

7. YouTube Live

YouTube supports both pre-recorded video hosting and live-streaming content for creators, with billions of viewers every day.  Unlike other similar platforms, it also supports creator collaboration by allowing you to share your audience with other creators.

YouTube Live is a feature of the YouTube mobile app that’s open to creators with at least 1,000 subscribers, giving them easy access to streams while on the go.

Key Features:

• Direct YouTube integration
• RTMP support for advanced users
• Live chat and engagement tools
• Monetization options available

Pricing:

• Free to use with a YouTube account

Pros:

• Easy setup for YouTube streamers
• Works seamlessly with existing YouTube channels
• No additional costs for basic streaming

Cons:

• Requires 1,000 subscribers for mobile streaming
• Limited customization compared to other apps

Compatibility with Dacast:

YouTube Live is not compatible with Dacast but we do offer compatibility options with YouTube alternatives.

8. Facebook Live

Facebook Live is a popular feature of Facebook, one of the largest social media platforms in the world. Facebook Live is available to all users, allowing individuals and brands to share content in real-time.

Facebook Live allows for easy streaming of live content right on an individual or business Facebook page. It works with a variety of platforms, including iOS devices. 

Key Features:

• Instant live streaming to Facebook
• Viewer engagement tools like reactions and comments
• Monetization options for eligible creators
• Supports RTMP for higher-quality streams

Pricing:

• Free with a Facebook account

Pros:

• Easy to use with no extra software needed
• Direct access to Facebook audience
• Good for businesses and influencers

Cons:

• Limited to Facebook streaming
• Lower quality compared to professional apps

Compatibility with Dacast:

Facebook Live is not compatible with Dacast but we do support simulcasting to Facebook with the help of dedicated software encoders.

9. TikTok

TikTok is a video-sharing app that provides a platform for anyone who wants to create short-form video content. Live streaming is an exclusive feature that can only be accessed by certain users.

Users with at least 1,000 followers and who are 16 or older can share content in real-time with TikTok Live.

Key Features:

• Direct streaming within the TikTok app
• Engagement tools like gifts and comments
• Monetization options through virtual gifts
• Supports RTMP streaming

Pricing:

• Free to use for eligible accounts

Pros:

• Large audience potential
• Easy integration with TikTok content
• Built-in monetization options

Cons:

• Must meet follower requirements to go live
• Limited customization for advanced users

Compatibility with Dacast:

Dacast is not compatible with TikTok.

10. Clubhouse

Clubhouse is a bit different from the live-streaming apps that we’ve covered so far because it only supports audio streaming. This app was originally launched as an invite-only platform that was only accessible to iOS users. However, it quickly evolved to become more accessible to all users on different types of devices. 

Clubhouse has been particularly useful for brands and professionals who are looking to network and connect with others. Clubhouse is a streaming app for iOS that also offers live chat rooms for audio-only streaming. The presenter can hold a one-way presentation, or they can allow listeners to participate in the presentation, as well.

Key Features:

• Audio-based live streaming
• Interactive discussions and panel-style talks
• Private and public rooms available
• No video required

Pricing:

• Free to use with an account

Pros:

• Great for discussions and networking
• No need for high-end camera equipment
• Simple and lightweight app

Cons:

• No video streaming
• Limited monetization options

Compatibility with Dacast:

Clubhouse is currently not compatible with Dacast.

11. LinkedIn Live

LinkedIn Live is a newer business offering from LinkedIn that helps brands connect with viewers via live streams. LinkedIn Live makes it easy to target a very specific audience, such as professionals in your industry.

LinkedIn Live requires the support of a custom RTMP streaming setup or the support of a third-party streaming platform, like Dacast.

Download LinkedIn on the App Store. 

Key Features:

• Direct LinkedIn integration
• RTMP support for high-quality streaming
• Audience engagement tools
• Business and networking-focused content

Pricing:

• Free with a LinkedIn account (requires approval)

Pros:

• Great for professional networking and branding
• Works well for webinars and interviews
• Direct access to LinkedIn’s audience

Cons:

• Requires application approval
• Limited entertainment-focused features

Compatibility with Dacast:

LinkedIn Live is compatible with Dacast. In fact, LinkedIn Live needs the support of an RTMP-enabled platform like Dacast to operate.

12. YouNow

YouNow is an iOS RTMP streaming app that has been around for over a decade. This is one of the best streaming apps for iPad and it is known for its safe streaming. 

This live-streaming app is particularly well known for helping streamers connect with their audiences. It is a great live-streaming app for iPhone. 

Key Features:

• Built-in audience engagement tools
• Live chat and gifts for monetization
• RTMP support for advanced streaming
• Community-driven platform

Pricing:

• Free with in-app purchases

Pros:

• Fun and interactive platform
• Easy to start streaming
• Good for creators looking to build an audience

Cons:

• Smaller audience compared to other platforms
• Limited professional streaming features

Compatibility with Dacast:

YouNow doesn’t use the support of professional broadcasting platforms, so it does not work with Dacast.

This list of the best live streaming apps for iPhone in 2025 provides a variety of options, whether you are a casual creator, professional streamer, or business user.

Business Use Cases

iOS live streaming apps offer businesses a powerful way to connect with their audience. Whether launching a new product, hosting a webinar, or sharing behind-the-scenes moments, these tools help create engaging content that builds trust and visibility.

Product Launches

Businesses can use iPhone live video streaming apps to introduce new products in real time. Live demos allow companies to showcase features, answer customer questions, and generate excitement. A well-planned live stream can create buzz and drive sales before a product even hits the market.

Webinars and Training

Professional live streaming apps for iOS make it easy to host webinars and training sessions. Companies can educate customers about their services or provide employee training without requiring in-person attendance. These sessions can be interactive, with Q&A segments to keep the audience engaged.

Behind-the-Scenes Content

Sharing behind-the-scenes footage using an iOS RTMP streaming app helps businesses build transparency and trust. Whether it is a look at daily operations, employee spotlights, or event preparations, this type of content fosters a personal connection with viewers.

Integration Capabilities

Social Media Integration

The best live streaming apps for iPhone make it easy to share content across multiple platforms. Whether you are using Facebook Live, YouTube, Twitch, or other networks, a good iOS RTMP streaming app ensures your content reaches the right audience. Many top iOS live streaming applications allow users to broadcast on multiple platforms at once, helping businesses expand their reach without extra effort. These tools often include features like automatic post-sharing, real-time comments, and audience engagement tracking.

E-commerce Integration

Live streaming apps for iPhone in 2025 are increasingly designed for businesses looking to sell products during broadcasts. Some apps let you link products directly within the stream, so viewers can purchase items without leaving the video. This feature is especially useful for influencers and brands using an iPhone live stream app to promote new products. With smooth e-commerce integration, businesses can turn engagement into sales instantly.

CRM Systems

A high-quality live streaming app for iOS does more than broadcast; it helps businesses build relationships with their audience. Many iOS live stream apps connect with customer relationship management (CRM) tools, allowing brands to track viewer interactions and preferences. With an RTMP iOS app that integrates with CRM systems, businesses can collect data on audience behavior and tailor future content to better engage their viewers. Streaming apps for iPad and iPhone provide valuable insights that help businesses grow and maintain customer loyalty.

Connecting Your Live Streaming App to an RTMP Server

With many live streaming apps, you’ll need an RTMP server to connect it to. This usually means linking to an online video platform (OVP).

An OVP will allow you to live-stream video via a distributed network of servers around the world. This will ensure maximum speed and reliability and minimize problems such as buffering.

Connecting a mobile app to an RTMP server usually involves filling in two fields. One field is the URL of the server. This usually comes in the format “rtmp://XYZ.COM/XYZ.” The second field is the stream name or stream key. This is a randomly generated code or text string. It points your streaming app to the correct live-streaming channel and authorizes access at the same time.

You can find these credentials on your online video platform, and then copy them into your iPhone live streaming app to connect to the server and go live.

Please check out our guide to live streaming from your iPhone for details on how to connect your live stream app to your RTMP server and start your live stream. 

Emerging Technologies

5G Connectivity

The rollout of 5G is transforming how people use live streaming apps for iPhone in 2025. Faster speeds and lower latency mean higher-quality video with fewer delays. Whether you are using a live stream app for iPhone to broadcast a gaming session or an event, 5G ensures a smoother experience. Streaming apps for iOS can now handle higher resolutions and real-time interactions more efficiently, making mobile streaming more reliable than ever.

Augmented Reality (AR)

AR is adding a new layer of engagement to apps for live streaming on iPhone. Streamers can use filters, overlays, and virtual objects to enhance their broadcasts. Whether you are testing an iPad streaming app for education or a game streaming app for iOS, AR can make content more interactive. Viewers can engage with the stream in new ways, such as participating in polls or interacting with 3D elements in real time.

Advanced Analytics

AI-powered analytics in live streaming software for iPhone and streaming software for iPad help streamers understand their audience better. Features like real-time engagement tracking and viewer preferences allow for more personalized content. Whether using a best streaming app for iOS or testing the best streaming apps for iPad, AI-driven insights help improve streaming strategies and grow audiences.

FAQs

1. Can I livestream with my iPhone?

If you don’t have the budget for a video camera and decoder, you can still use your iPhone to achieve a high-quality live stream. The most important software you’ll need to have on your iPhone is a mobile live-streaming application to encode your stream.

Depending on what your needs are, you can find software that is compatible with different live-streaming platforms or a platform with built-in live-streaming features, like Facebook. 

Other items you’ll need include a tripod to help you capture your videos from different angles and a stable internet connection.

2. How do I enable live streaming on my iPhone?

To enable live streaming from your iPhone, you need live-streaming software. This could be a platform-specific app like YouTube or other sophisticated software like Larix Broadcaster depending on your level of experience. 

The software will enable you to upload your videos to a live-streaming platform. 

3. Which iPhone is best for live streaming?

It’s hard to say which iPhone model is the best for live streaming video quality as most of the latest ones, from as far back as the iPhone Pro Max, have pretty powerful cameras and great processing speeds. 

Also, the phone you want to get will depend on your budget, and this may mean starting out with what you already have. Another significant feature to look out for would be the phone’s storage space and battery life. 

4. What should I look for in live streaming apps for iPhone?

What to look for in a mobile live-streaming app will depend on your needs. Beginners are better off with simpler platforms that have fixed settings, such as Twitch or YouTube. 

However, experts may want some wiggle room and more control over their streams so they’d choose applications with more customization, such as nanoStream. Just make sure that the platform you choose supports RTMP.

5. What are the top 5 live streaming apps for iPhone users?

Here is a list of some of the top apps worth considering for your iPhone live stream:

• Larix Broadcaster
• nanoStream
• Wirecast Go
• Airmix
• Broadcast Me

Conclusion

With the technology and applications that we have access to today, you can start streaming in no time. If you’re new to mobile broadcasting, you can follow our tutorial on iPhone live streaming as a starting point.

As discussed in our list of live streaming apps for iPhone 2025, several of the apps we mentioned are free. We recommend downloading the one you think will best meet your broadcasting needs and testing it out. If you don’t have an online video platform to connect it to, do not fret.

That’s where Dacast’s 14-day risk-free trial comes into play. Sign up today to start your free trial of Dacast.

From there, you can follow our iPhone live streaming guide to learn how to connect the two platforms and start streaming.

Create a Dacast account now to get started. No credit card is required. 

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