Live Streaming CDNs – What Broadcasters Need to Know in 2025

Today’s broadcasters rely heavily on smooth, reliable live streaming. This is why Dacast’s multi-CDN architecture, combined with HTTP/3 streaming, means fewer stalls during traffic spikes—without complex DIY routing. This ensures your viewers enjoy seamless content delivery, boosting engagement and satisfaction.

A live streaming CDN is key to speeding up video delivery by routing content from servers closest to your audience. This multi-CDN streaming approach improves global reach and resilience. It also supports content steering for HLS and DASH streams, so viewers get the best possible quality with low-latency live streaming CDN performance.

Broadcasters can tailor solutions for different needs: sports OTT benefits from content steering, token authentication, and LL-HLS for near real-time action with pay-per-view via Dacast’s paywall. Enterprises running all-hands and webinars can leverage eCDN for enterprise video, DVR, and SSO for secure, reliable delivery. For China video delivery, ICP-compliant paths ensure smooth access tailored to regulatory requirements.

In this post, we will explore why CDNs are vital for live streaming. Then, we’ll compare the best CDN for live streaming providers in 2025. Finally, we’ll highlight video hosting platforms that offer robust CDN partnerships for optimized delivery worldwide.

Table of Contents

• CDN Explained
• 2025 CDN Must-Haves
• Delivery Architecture
• Benefits of a Live Streaming CDN
• Live Streaming CDN and OVP
• How to Find and Access the Right Live Streaming CDN
• Live Streaming CDN Providers Comparison
• Top Video Platforms With Live Streaming Video CDN Partnerships
• Low-Latency Options: LL-HLS vs WebRTC
• Security and Rights in Live Streaming
• Measure What Viewers Feel
• China Delivery and ICP
• FAQs
• Conclusion

CDN Explained

A content delivery network (CDN) for live streaming is a globally distributed system of servers and data centers designed to deliver video content faster, smoother, and with less buffering. At its core, a CDN shortens the distance between your video origin and viewers, reducing latency and preserving stream quality. 

Among Sandvine’s findings, video usage accounts for 65% of all internet traffic, making efficient delivery critical for broadcasters who want to keep their audiences engaged. With the rise of multi-CDN streaming and low-latency live streaming CDN technologies like LL-HLS and HTTP/3 streaming, the best CDN for live streaming now offers scale, speed, and security worldwide.

Let’s have a look at a typical CDN delivery path for live streaming: 

• The video starts at the origin server, where your content is first created or hosted. 
• Traffic is then routed through an origin shield, a tiered caching layer that protects the origin by absorbing repeated requests and reducing server load. 
• A multi-CDN steering server optimizes real-time routing by directing viewers’ requests to the best-performing network among several CDN providers to ensure global scale and consistent delivery. 
• Next, the content flows to edge points of presence (PoPs) that use HTTP/3 streaming protocols for faster, more efficient data transfer. 
• Finally, the video reaches the viewer’s player, enhanced with CMCD analytics to track performance and optimize quality in real time. 

This full chain allows broadcasters to deliver secure, low-latency live streams globally, with the promise to help you hit under 3-second latency worldwide.

It’s an architecture that supports advanced features like content steering for HLS/DASH, ensuring viewers always get the best stream based on their location and device. Technologies such as eCDN for enterprise video, video DRM and watermarking, and OTT live streaming security layers fit seamlessly into this streaming ecosystem to protect content and boost reliability.

If you wish to explore leading solutions, check out our coverage of the best CDN for live streaming. You’ll find streaming platforms that leverage these innovations for unbeatable viewer experiences.

2025 CDN Must-Haves

To run the best CDN for live streaming today, your platform should check the boxes below:

• HTTP/3 and QUIC support for faster, more reliable streaming with improved connection handling
• LL-HLS readiness for low-latency live streaming CDN performance that keeps viewers in sync with live action
• WebRTC streaming platform path to enable real-time interactivity and ultra-low latency streams
• Origin shield / tiered caching to protect your origin server and speed up content delivery
• Content steering support (HLS/DASH) to route viewers dynamically to the best stream source via multi-CDN streaming
• Signed URLs and token authentication to secure stream access and prevent unauthorized viewing
• Video DRM and optional watermarking for strong OTT live streaming security and content protection
• Real-time analytics with CMCD for data-driven quality optimization and viewer insights
• China video delivery with ICP license compliance to ensure smooth streaming inside China’s regulatory framework
• Sustainability reporting to measure and reduce the environmental impact of your streaming infrastructure

Learn more about powerful live streaming infrastructure on Dacast’s live streaming platform.

Delivery Architecture

When selecting a CDN for live streaming, understanding delivery architectures is key to meeting your audience’s needs.

Single CDN vs Multi-CDN (Client-Side Steering)

A single CDN uses one provider’s network with geographically distributed Points of Presence (PoPs). It’s simpler but can face capacity limits and potential outages. 

Multi-CDN streaming setups excel at handling traffic spikes and global distribution using multiple CDN providers simultaneously. Client-side content steering directs viewers to:

• best-performing CDN dynamically
• improving reliability
• reducing buffering
• lowering latency

Enterprise CDN for Internal Town Halls and Events

Enterprise CDNs (eCDNs) optimize delivery inside corporate networks by creating a mesh of local caching servers. This reduces bandwidth load on WAN connections and improves video quality for internal all-hands meetings and webinars. An eCDN solution fits within your live streaming CDN architecture to guarantee high-quality, secure delivery inside your organization while integrating with OTT live streaming security practices.

Contribution vs Distribution Protocols

Live streaming also involves distinct contribution and distribution phases with different protocols. 

• Contribution refers to sending your video feed from the source (camera or encoder) to the origin server. Common protocols include SRT, RIST, and RTMP, which prioritize secure, reliable, and low-latency transport to the cloud. 
• Distribution is how the stream is delivered from edge PoPs to viewers, often using HTTP/3 streaming protocols, with formats like HLS, DASH, or WebRTC streaming platforms that support real-time interactivity and LL-HLS capabilities.

Explore advanced CDN features and architectures on Dacast’s HLS streaming platform for a deep dive into live video delivery.

Benefits of a Live Streaming CDN

A live streaming CDN offers many advantages that improve viewer experience and streamline delivery.

• CDNs reduce the distance between the origin server and the viewer by caching content at edge servers worldwide. This results in faster start times and minimizes lag for low-latency live streaming CDN environments.
• Content steering (HLS/DASH) with multi-CDN streaming dynamically routes viewers to the best-performing CDN. This lowers buffering, especially during traffic surges.
• An origin shield acts as a protective caching layer between the origin server and edge PoPs. This pattern cuts down on origin egress costs and reduces 5xx errors by shielding the origin from direct load spikes.
• CDNs handle massive viewership by distributing traffic across many servers. If one server fails, another can seamlessly take over. 
• Faster, smoother streams keep viewers watching longer and lower bounce rates. 
• HTTP/3 streaming enhances speed and connection reliability compared to older protocols. This advanced transport layer improves the overall video streaming CDN performance, reaching audiences quickly and consistently.
• Features like video DRM and watermarking protect your content. China video delivery with ICP license compliance ensures smooth streaming in regulated regions. eCDN solutions safeguard internal enterprise video, like town halls.
• Data-driven insights allow broadcasters to monitor stream health and adapt in real time.

Having a strong streaming CDN helps you reduce costs and technical headaches by renting access to a professionally managed global network.

Learn more about optimizing your delivery on Dacast’s live streaming platform.

Live Streaming CDN and OVP

When delivering video content, it’s important to understand the difference between CDNs and Online Video Platforms (OVPs) and how they work together.

A CDN for live streaming is focused on:

• Fast, reliable distribution of video content through a global network of caching servers.
• Reducing buffering and latency by delivering content from edge locations close to viewers. 
• Handling streaming protocols like HTTP/3 and features content steering (HLS/DASH).

An OVP, on the other hand, is an all-in-one solution that simplifies video management (uploading, transcoding, storage, monetization, and playback) while integrating CDN services underneath. For most organizations, choosing an OVP with multi-CDN streaming provides:

• better service resilience 
• optimized routing
• global scale without the complexity of managing multiple CDN contracts directly. 

OVPs typically offer user-friendly interfaces, branded HTML5 players, DRM, and APIs, making them ideal for businesses seeking a turnkey streaming solution.

Many leading OVPs use advanced CDN technologies such as origin shield / tiered caching to protect the origin server and reduce error rates. They also support features critical for regions like China with ICP license compliance. This integration ensures smooth streaming globally, including areas with strict regulations.

For deeper insights into multi-CDN strategies integrated with OVPs, explore our detailed guide on multi-CDN streaming.

How to Find and Access the Right Live Streaming CDN

Choosing the best CDN for live streaming depends on your audience, content, and technical needs. Focus on these critical buying criteria:

• Select a CDN with edge servers near your viewers to reduce latency and buffering.
• Your CDN should support advanced protocols like HTTP/3 streaming, LL-HLS (Low-Latency HLS), and WebRTC streaming platform technologies. These ensure fast stream start times and help maintain low-latency live streaming CDN delivery worldwide.
• Look for token authentication, video DRM, watermarking, and geo-restriction to secure your content against unauthorized access and piracy. These features are vital for OTT live streaming security.
• A CDN with multi-CDN streaming capability and content steering (HLS/DASH) support routes viewers dynamically to the best-performing edge servers. 
• Using an origin shield reduces origin server load and cuts down on origin egress costs and 5xx errors by caching content closer to the edge.
• Real-time CMCD analytics provide insight into stream performance and viewer engagement, enabling quick adjustments to maintain quality.
• For streaming into China, pick a CDN with an ICP license and optimized delivery paths tailored to the country’s regulatory framework.
• Evaluate your CDN provider’s green policies and carbon footprint reporting if environmental impact matters to your business.
• Understand pricing plans and choose between pay-as-you-go or committed usage. 

Live Streaming CDN Providers Comparison

Each CDN provider differs slightly regarding functionality, feature offerings, and pricing. Let’s look at 8 of the top live-streaming CDN providers on the market.

Start a free trial now to test the best CDN for live streaming optimized for your business needs.

Top Video Platforms With Live Streaming Video CDN Partnerships

The online video platform (OVP) that most broadcasters choose already integrates a live streaming CDN into its services. Because of this, working directly with a standalone CDN for live streaming usually only makes sense for large-scale enterprises or specialized use cases.

It is important to choose a comprehensive video hosting platform that offers a full-service solution under one roof. Platforms like Dacast provide everything from video storage and delivery to monetization, API access, customizable video players, and reliable CDN integration. Such an all-in-one platform ensures seamless content distribution using multi-CDN streaming techniques, effective content steering (HLS/DASH), and built-in security features including video DRM and watermarking.

Regarding streaming technology, RTMP is primarily used to ingest video feeds from encoders into the platform. Playback, however, is handled using modern protocols such as HLS and DASH, which support adaptive bitrate streaming across devices. For ultra-low latency streaming with sub-second delays, platforms leverage the WebRTC streaming platform technology.

If you are streaming to China, ICP compliance is required to deliver content smoothly within the country’s regulatory framework. Platforms like Dacast hold ICP licenses and partner with China-compliant providers to optimize regional delivery. 

With these factors in mind, let’s explore four video platforms with reliable live streaming CDN partnerships.

1. Dacast

Let’s explore Dacast’s comprehensive video hosting and live-streaming solution. Dacast partners with top-tier CDNs, including Akamai and Edgio, to offer a robust global delivery network.

Their streaming platform includes essential security features, 24/7 customer support, and an intuitive live streaming platform across all plan levels. Dacast uses a customizable HTML5 video player optimized for quality and performance

Key Features

• Live streaming and Video on Demand are included in every plan
• Unlimited viewers and live channels
• True adaptive bitrate streaming via video transcoding
• Full white-label and branding control
• Embeddable, customizable HTML5 video player
• Secure, global delivery powered by industry-leading video hosting
• RTMP used for video ingest; playback delivered over HLS and DASH; sub-second latency supported with the WebRTC streaming platform
• 24/7 technical support via email and live chat
• Advanced video security features, including password protection and AES encryption
• Mobile and smart TV app support via M3U8 media links
• API access through both Player API and Video API
• Real-time analytics with CMCD support
• Ad-free streaming options

New: 

• Enable M3U8 file creation for adaptive OTT streaming
• Fully integrated RTMP streaming platform
• Multi-user access and Zoom live streaming integration
• Immersive Expo 2.0 galleries for video portals
• Location-based Plays by Location
• Reliable multi-CDN streaming
• Browser-based live streaming with WebRTC

Pros

• Live streaming and VOD packages on all pricing plans
• Unlimited viewers and live channels
• White label and branding control
• Embeddable HTML5 video player
• SVOD,  AVOD, and  pay-per-view TVOD  monetization options
• Mobile device support
• Live stream recording
• China Video Hosting
• Plans for every budget

Cons

• Takes a little bit of time to learn all of the features

Pricing

Live streaming with Dacast comes at four levels. The video streaming pricing plans include:

• Starter Plan: $39/month billed annually, includes 2.4 TB bandwidth and 500 GB storage per month.
• Event Plan: No contract, pay upfront for 6 TB bandwidth and 250 GB storage for $63/month or $750/year.
• Scale Plan: $165/month billed annually or $250 month-to-month, includes 24 TB bandwidth and 2000 GB storage, plus phone support and monetization tools.
• Custom Plan: Tailored for enterprise needs; contact Dacast for details.

For more advanced VOD features and China video hosting, current users can upgrade here.

2. Wowza

Wowza Media Systems is a trusted video streaming CDN provider known for powering reliable live and on-demand video delivery worldwide. This platform supports multi-CDN streaming and uses content steering (HLS/DASH) to optimize viewer experience by routing traffic intelligently.

Key Features

• Cloud transcoding
• Live streaming and VOD hosting
• White-label video player for advanced customization
• HTML5 video player for all-device video streaming
• API access
• Top-notch customer support

Pros

• APIs are available
• Live stream recording
• Cloud management portal
• 4K streaming
• Wide range of security options

Cons

• No simulcasting tools
• Lack of video monetization and audience analytics tools

Pricing

Wowza’s video CDN pricing includes the Wowza Video Cloud Streaming plans and the Wowza Streaming Engine pricing plans. These solutions deliver scalable and secure streaming built for demanding professional use cases.
The Wowza Video Cloud Streaming offers 3 pricing plans:

• One Month of Streaming: $149 one-time purchase; includes 15 hours of live streaming and 500 viewing hours
• Pay as you go: $0/month; $2.50/hour of streaming, all usage billed separately
• Enterprise: Annual plans built for your needs; contact sales for custom pricing

All of these Live Event plans reflect the rate when paid monthly and include full brand control, multi-bitrate streaming, and UHD and HD streaming.

The Wowza Streaming Engine has its own pricing plans, which include:

• One Month of Streaming: $295 one-time purchase + $295month for each additional instance
• Basic Monthly: $195/month + $195/month for each additional instance
• Enterprise: Please contact Wowza directly for access to their custom-tailored high volume enterprise solutions

3. IBM Cloud Video

IBM Cloud Video came about after the acquisition of Ustream by IBM several years ago. It offers a reliable live streaming CDN solution designed for enterprises and large organizations. Built on a global delivery network, it supports secure, scalable video streaming with advanced capabilities.

Key features of the IBM Video Streaming platform include custom branding on higher-priced plans, password protection, and an HTML5 video player. The service also includes HD broadcasting up to 720p resolution, with full 1080 supported only on Enterprise plans.

Key Features

• Reliable platform
• Stellar customer support.
• An internal content delivery server
• Built for enterprises and large organizations

Pros

• Professional platform
• Great for professional broadcasters
• Reliable technical support
• Equipped with powerful features for broadcasters
• Hong Kong (China) video hosting

Cons

• Only ad-based monetization
• Some limitations with the internal content delivery server
• Some important features only available with high-ticket plans

Pricing

The pricing plans for the IBM Cloud Video include:

• Start Trial – Video Streaming: Give it a free test drive for 30 days
• Silver: Affordable Essentials, 100 viewer hours, 5 channels, 1 TB video storage, starting at $145/month
• Gold: Standard business features, 2,000 viewer hours, 10 channels, 2 TB video storage, starting at $729/month
• Platinum: Premium Volume scale, 5,000 viewer hours, 20 channels, 5 TB video storage, starting at $1,460/month
• Custom: Please contact IBM Cloud video for custom plan pricing as well as payment plans

4. Vimeo

Vimeo offers a video streaming CDN tailored for professional creators and businesses seeking high-quality delivery and customization. Its services focus on quality over quantity, providing a cleaner user experience and advanced streaming features.

Vimeo offers basic video hosting plans that are suitable for content creators and startups. It offers a free plan with 1 GB of storage and basic features.

Key Features:

• Cloud-based video hosting
• Small-scale streaming solution
• Text and graphic overlay
• Collaboration and interaction tools
• Social share options
• Flexible storage options

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with simple navigation
• Great in-class security and privacy settings
• Good video playback quality
• You can embed your live stream video using this cloud streaming platform on your website

Cons:

• Some issues with connection to an internal server
• No China video delivery
• Limited live streaming and video hosting capabilities

Pricing:

Vimeo offers basic video hosting plans that are suitable for content creators and startups.

Pricing if billed monthly, is as follows:

• Free: $0/month; 1 GB storage, creation and editing, screen recording
• Starter: $20/month; 100 GB storage, auto closed captioning, custom URLs and video player, privacy tools
• Standard: $41/month; 1 TB storage, engagement and social analytics, AI script generator, teleprompter, brand kit
• Advanced: $108/month; 5 TB storage, stream to multiple destinations, host live broadcasts and webinars, AI-generated chapters and text summaries
• Enterprise: Custom pricing; more storage and bandwidth, advanced AI capabilities, quality events, dedicated support

All plans are billed annually.

For more details, check out our comprehensive guide to Vimeo pricing.

Low-Latency Options: LL-HLS vs WebRTC 

Both protocols support multi-CDN streaming and content steering (HLS/DASH) to optimize delivery. WebRTC excels on WebRTC streaming platforms built for real-time communication.

Explore the best streaming CDN options and how they support low-latency protocols at Dacast CDN for live streaming. 

Start your free trial now to experience low-latency live streaming CDN solutions tailored to your needs!

Security and Rights in Live Streaming

For premium sports and PPV events, strong live streaming CDN security is essential. The following features combine to provide strong OTT live streaming security that safeguards valuable content, maximizes revenue, and maintains compliance with regional regulations such as China video delivery / ICP license requirements.

This combination ensures OTT live streaming security and protects revenue. Leading video streaming CDN providers incorporate these features along with origin shield / tiered caching to enhance delivery and security.

Learn how to secure your streams effectively with Dacast’s video monetization and trusted CDN partners.

Measure What Viewers Feel 

Measuring Quality of Experience (QoE) helps broadcasters optimize video streams by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs). The table below outlines 5 essential QoE KPIs used by top streaming providers to monitor viewer satisfaction and streaming health.

CMCD (Common Media Client Data) is an industry standard that links playback data from video players with CDN logs. It enables real-time, precise measurement of streaming performance and viewer experience. Enabling CMCD analytics in both players and CDNs enhances troubleshooting and optimization.

Industry reports from Conviva and NPAW provide benchmarks and best practices for interpreting QoE metrics.

China Delivery and ICP

China video delivery requires understanding the Internet Content Provider (ICP) license, a mandatory permit issued by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Without ICP compliance, hosting in mainland China is prohibited, significantly impacting latency and stream quality.

ICP License Types:

• ICP Filing: For non-commercial informational websites such as company sites and free apps. It is a basic registration allowing hosting in Mainland China.
• ICP Commercial License: Required for commercial websites offering paid services like e-commerce, online advertising, or value-added telecom services. Obtaining this license involves a more complex approval process and legal presence in China.

Mainland PoPs vs. Cross-Border Delivery:

• Mainland PoPs: Hosting or CDN Points of Presence inside Mainland China offer the best latency and compliance but require an ICP license.
• Cross-Border Delivery: Hosting outside Mainland China (Hong Kong, EU, etc.) bypasses ICP licensing but suffers from higher latency and restricted access due to the Great Firewall.

Common Pitfalls:

• Lack of an appropriate ICP license leads to content blocking or slow streaming in China.
• The ICP application process is rigorous, requiring legal entities and detailed documentation.
• Failure to renew the license or submit the correct documents can cause service interruptions.

How an OVP Helps:

• Platforms like Dacast manage ICP compliance by handling local hosting and licensing.
• Uses multi-CDN streaming and advanced content steering (HLS/DASH) to optimize delivery to China.
• Ensures a seamless viewer experience while meeting Chinese regulatory requirements.

Learn more about compliant solutions on Dacast’s China video delivery / ICP license guide.

FAQs

1. What does CDN mean?

A CDN (Content Delivery Network) is a network of geographically distributed servers that cache and deliver content closer to users to speed up loading and reduce latency.

2. What are the components of a content delivery network?

Core components include origin servers (source content), edge servers (cache content near users), domain name system (DNS) servers (route requests), and content delivery engine software managing load and caching.

3. How does a CDN work?

A CDN redirects user content requests to a nearby edge server that caches the content; if it’s outdated, the edge server fetches it from the origin server, minimizing delivery time and reducing load on the origin.

4. Can CDN be used for live streaming?

Yes, CDNs efficiently deliver live video streams globally, reducing latency and buffering by caching video segments near viewers.

5. How does a CDN work with a DNS? 

The DNS redirects user requests to the nearest and best-performing CDN edge location based on factors like geolocation and server load.

6. Single CDN vs multi-CDN—when should I switch?

Switch to multi-CDN for enhanced global coverage, reliability, load balancing, and mitigation of outages or regional blockages.

7. Does HTTP/3/QUIC reduce startup delay or rebuffering for live?

Yes, HTTP/3/QUIC improves connection setup times and packet loss recovery, lowering startup delay and reducing buffering.

8. LL-HLS vs WebRTC: which is best for my use case?

LL-HLS offers 2–5 seconds of latency, good for scalable broadcasts; WebRTC offers sub-second latency, ideal for interactive use cases like betting or auctions.

9. How do token auth, DRM, and watermarking work with a CDN/OVP?

Token/signed URL limits access; DRM encrypts streams; session-level forensic watermarking tracks content leaks; combined for premium content protection.

10. What KPIs define good QoE, and how do I measure them (CMCD)?

Key KPIs include startup time, rebuffer ratio, average bitrate, and error rate. CMCD links player and CDN data for real-time QoE insight.

11. How can I legally stream into mainland China (ICP, PoPs, compliance)?

An ICP license is required for mainland hosting to avoid blocks. Use local PoPs and partner platforms like Dacast to ensure compliance.

12. What’s origin shielding/tiered caching, and how does it protect the origin?

It adds cache layers in the CDN to reduce direct origin requests, lowering load and preventing origin server overload.

13. What sustainability metrics can I ask a CDN/OVP to report?

Ask for energy consumption, carbon emissions, renewable energy usage, and environmental certifications or efficiency improvements.

Conclusion

Live streaming is a powerful way to connect with your audience, but it requires technical support. Using a trusted video hosting platform like Dacast lets you focus on creative content and handles the technical side, including content steering (HLS/DASH) and multi-CDN streaming.

Online video delivery doesn’t have to be complex. A strong live-streaming CDN ensures your content streams smoothly, avoiding buffering or outages due to server overload, and can include low-latency live streaming CDN features, HTTP/3 streaming, and strong OTT live streaming security.

If you’re still choosing a live-streaming CDN, start a free trial with Dacast today. Enjoy 14 days of free streaming and explore all the features—no credit card needed.

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