The 12 Best Multistreaming Platforms in 2025: A Comparison
Entertainment is steadily moving forward from scripted television and endless commercials. They want to watch real people with bigger-than-life personalities, and live streamers give them what they want. Recent numbers show how live streaming accounts for a massive 23% of total viewing time globally. Furthermore, it’s estimated that the market will grow to more than $3 billion by 2027. That’s a compound annual growth rate of 21.2%. With this drive comes increased benefits for those who set up live streams for their audiences.
However, this surge in live streaming means more businesses, professionals, and individuals are catching onto how lucrative live streaming is. The market is becoming increasingly saturated by the day. Viewers have countless live streams to watch, and streamers get a dozen new competitors each day. To succeed in live streaming, you must figure out how to maximize the reach of your content.
Multi–destination streaming, or multistreaming is one such method. This method allows you to stream on various video hosting and live streaming platforms simultaneously worldwide. With multistreaming, you can stream across multiple platforms simultaneously, such as LinkedIn, Twitch, and Mixcloud.
In this article, let’s discuss the best multistreaming platforms you can use for a professional broadcasting experience. We’ll cover in detail what multistreaming is, how it works, and how you can benefit.
Finally, we’ll compare the top 12 video hosting services available and help you choose the best method for multistreaming your content for the highest viewership possible.
Table of Contents:
- What is Multistreaming?
- Why Stream to Multiple Destinations?
- Is Multistreaming Worth It?
- How to Multistream and Choose a Streaming Platform
- The 12 Best Multistreaming Platforms in 2025
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What is Multistreaming?
Multi-destination streaming has many names, including “multistreaming,” “multicasting,” and “simulcasting.” All four of these terms refer to the same broadcasting technique, which involves streaming a single video feed to multiple destinations simultaneously.
With multistreaming, you can share your live video content on your own website and multiple popular social media sites with a live streaming feature. Currently, not many live-streaming platforms offer multistreaming software support. Luckily, the few top social media sites with live streaming support include YouTube Live and Facebook Live.
Why Stream to Multiple Destinations?
Before we discuss how to stream to multiple platforms, let’s explain why you should live stream on multiple platforms.
1. Reach a Large Audience
The biggest benefit of multi-streaming is that it is a great way to reach new viewers and grow an audience on multiple platforms. With multistreaming, you meet your viewers no matter which corner of the Internet they’re hanging out in.
The idea behind multicasting is to broadcast to multiple online platforms where your viewers are already “hanging out” to magnetize more views and even attract new loyal viewers. At the same time, you can stream on your own website and provide a customized experience to your audience.
2. Tap Into Existing Audiences
Streaming to social media sites, such as Facebook and YouTube, allows you to connect with your existing audience on those social media platforms, making it easier to grow their numbers. With multistreaming, you meet your audience where they are and then expand your reach.
3. Identify the Most Relevant Audience
Multistreaming helps you identify the streaming sites most relevant to your brand. Since you can track this metric separately, you’ll easily recognize the platform that attracts the largest audience and focus most of your efforts on it. This is especially true for businesses new to streaming and unsure where their content fits.
Is Multistreaming Worth It?
By now, you’re probably wondering if multistreaming is worth it for you. You can find out by going over the list of pros and cons we’ve compiled below.
Here are some benefits of multi-streaming that might convince you in its favor:
- It increases your chances of being discovered and reaching new viewers.
- Your audience can enjoy seamless viewing even if one service goes down for any reason. Viewers can simply switch to another platform and continue watching.
- Multistreaming is ideal to reach audiences around the world.
- If you’re live-streaming for marketing purposes, imagine how many sales you can make when your audience is multiplied by 2X, 3X, or even 4X. At the very least, it would give you great brand exposure.
- It’s the perfect medium to discover the broadcasting avenues that bring the most views. When the streamed content is the same, spotting the difference is easier.
To make a fair case, we’ve also compiled a few cons of multistreaming. Here are a few challenges you might face when multistreaming:
- Multistreaming requires you to keep many balls in the air simultaneously. Imagine viewers bombarding you with questions and having to monitor many platforms at the same time.
- You might need to onboard more staff, which is a challenge if you’re a one-man [or woman!] show and don’t have much help. If your budget is limited, hiring extra hands might be an issue.
- Most services have a defined niche that makes them stand out from other forums. Broadcasters usually tweak their content according to the preferences of the platform they are live-streaming on. That’s not possible when you multistream.
How to Multistream and Choose a Streaming Platform
There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes to stream smoothly across several platforms. To go live on multiple services, you need a few different things.
Choose an Online Video Platform
First, you need to choose an online video platform equipped with the software to stream on multiple platforms. Such a forum will allow you to create a white-label streaming experience on your brand’s website and app.
Here are a few features to consider when choosing an online video platform
- Customization: Most white-label multistreaming platforms allow you to customize your streams to fit your brand.
- Monetization options: Platforms providing more monetization options allow you to generate revenue from multiple streams.
- User-friendliness: A great multistream platform should be easy to set up and use.
- Pricing: Ensure your video streaming service provides features worth what you invest in them.
Choosing a Multistreaming Tool
Second, you need a multistreaming tool which will allow you to stream to your website, app, and various other social media channels and platforms simultaneously.
When choosing a multistreaming tool, keep the following in mind:
- Compatibility with an Online Video Platform: You need a tool that is compatible with your online video platform.
- Supported Social Media Platforms: You want a multistreaming tool that allows you to stream to the social media platforms where most of your viewers are. Figure out what those platforms are, and you should be able to narrow down which multistreaming tool is right for your business needs.
Setting Things Up
Once you choose an online video hosting platform and a multistreaming tool, it is time to connect them together. The specific steps for connecting streaming software vary from platform to platform, but you’ll typically use the encoder setup to connect your multistreaming tool. Each platform functions differently and has a unique user interface with proprietary options and features. Nevertheless, here’s a general and simple step-by-step guide to help you with setup:
- To go live on multiple platforms, log into your accounts for the various social media platforms and the multistream platform you wish to stream to.
- Connect your online video platform and multistream tool. This process should be fairly seamless if the two video streaming platforms have a partnership or integration. However, if there’s no built-in connection between the two, you’ll have to configure it manually.
- Set up your encoder. We recommend checking out our encoder setup guide for a technical breakdown of how to set up this connection. This guide will provide you with the steps of live streaming to multiple platforms using an encoder.
- Once you configure the correct settings, do a test run and stream on all your chosen sites. If everything operates as intended, it is time to start streaming.
The 12 Best Multistreaming Platforms in 2025
As we mentioned, a reliable multistreaming platform is a must. Multistreaming functionality is accessible through a variety of different streaming software. Some are dedicated to multistreaming, whereas others have multistreaming as a secondary option.
With that in mind, let’s compare 12 of the best multistreaming platforms on the market based on features, pros and cons, and pricing.
1. Switchboard Live
Switchboard Live is a powerful multistreaming platform that is purely dedicated to multi-destination streaming.
Switchboard Live supports simulcasting to Facebook, Twitch, Vimeo, YouTube, LinkedIn Live, and Twitter. All plans support streaming to an unlimited number of destinations. This is a great tool if you want to know how to multistream on all platforms at once.
A unique feature of Switchboard Live is StreamShare. This tool allows broadcasters to plan live stream events in advance and invite participants to streamline the process. That way, you are not waiting for your audience to show up, they are there ready to watch when you start your multistreams.
Dacast offers a Switchboard Live integration which makes it easy to use with our platform.
Key Features:
- Streaming to unlimited destinations
- Solutions for different industries and use cases
- StreamShare for streamlining event planning
- Streams to top social destinations
- Video player embedding
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Seamless integration with OVPs
- Powerful simulcasting support
- Reliable customer support
Cons:
Recommended for broadcasters who already have technical know-how. Some users complain of “snags” when setting this platform up, and you will need to do a bit of manual configuration to connect it to your chosen video hosting platform.
Pricing:
Switchboard Live has three different pricing plans. It offers monthly or annual seat-based licenses with no barriers or limits. However, they no longer post prices online, and you need to book a call with them for further information. The price plans they offer are:
- SMB: Businesses with team members & multi-inputs
- Public Sector: Government agencies & public safety organizations
- Enterprise: For scaling businesses across the globe
Switchboard Live is a simulcast platform that easily integrates with OVPs and allows you to stream to unlimited destinations. It charges for the streaming minutes, not the number of destinations you are streaming to.
2. StreamYard
StreamYard is a browser-based streaming platform that offers multistream support. It is a good option for broadcasters that need more than just simulcasting support.
This platform supports streaming to a wide variety of social media platforms, including Hopin, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, and Twitter. It also supports streaming to online video platforms with Dacast via RTMP ingest
StreamYard has 2-factor authentication for users and TLS (SSL) encryption. More importantly, incoming and outgoing video and audio streams are encrypted using DTLS v1.2.
StreamYard has a free plan, but multistreaming support starts at their Basic plan, which is $20/month.
Key Features:
- Multistreaming support
- In-browser streaming
- Multiple presenters at once
- Screen sharing
- Cinematic tools for video editing
- Guest and audience interaction tools
- Stream customization options
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Designed for improving engagement
- Suitable for collaborative streaming
- Supports easy audience engagement
Cons:
With StreamYard, multistreaming is a secondary tool; it is not its primary function. StreamYard doesn’t support VOD hosting, so if you want to record and save your live streams and then put that content up on your website, you will need another tool. Definitely, a big drawback if you plan to reuse content or e-stream it later.
Also, there are some browser compatibility issues with StreamYard.
Pricing:
StreamYard transitioned into a new pricing plan in August 2024. All users now fall into one of the following categories:
- Free: Access StreamYard on a limited basis for free.
- Core: $431.88/annually
- Advanced: $827.88/annually
- Teams: $2867.88/annually
Some users may be eligible to receive a discount depending on what plan they’re using. To see if you’re eligible, just log into your StreamYard account and go to the Pricing page.
If you need an easy-to-use multi-streamer software option, StreamYard is easy to learn and can integrate with other platforms such as Dacast.
3. Wirecast
Wirecast is a professional-grade live video streaming encoder from Telestream that offers multistream support. However, multistreaming is simply the tip of the iceberg.
This multistream platform boasts tons of features that create professional broadcasts with high-quality live video production. These include graphic overlays, audio mixing, stream recording, and more.
Wirecast is a flexible solution you can use to stream live events, webinars, corporate broadcasts, and sports. You can use it for professional news production or laid-back social media broadcasts.
Wirecast also supports unlimited inputs, which makes it possible to incorporate multiple video and audio sources into the streams.
Key Features:
- Multistreaming
- Encoding tools
- Compatible with both Mac and Windows
- Unlimited inputs
- Unlimited outputs
- Editing tools
- Support via email
- Native support in 12 languages
Pros:
- A wide variety of features
- Easy-to-use platform
- One-time purchase
- Complete creative control over your stream
- Live stream recording
Cons:
While Wirecast offers a one-time purchase model, the cost of the Studio and Pro versions may be a significant investment for smaller content creators or businesses. The program is a little resource-intensive and can strain your computer if it isn’t configured right. It also requires a plan upgrade to access premium support.
Pricing:
Wirecast is available in two versions. These include:
- Wirecast Studio for enhanced live production and streaming at $29.08/month
- Wirecast Pro for advanced live production and streaming at $37.42
Both are one-time purchases. Free trials are available with both versions of the software.
Wirecast offers the ability to stream on multiple platforms while being a premium broadcasting tool. Regarding security, Wirecast supports RTMP and RTMPS, a more secure version of RTMP that uses SSL/TLS encryption.
4. Boxcast
Unlike other platforms that focus solely on multistreaming, BoxCast supports streaming to multiple destinations and multiple websites at the same time. You can stream on YouTube and Facebook Live when using BoxCast.
What sets it apart, though, is that users can set up workflows to stream directly to their website, both internally and externally. This is particularly useful for churches, schools, corporate organizations, and other institutions that want to manage their own branded streaming environments.
BoxCast’s streaming solutions extend beyond basic multistreaming. It provides industry-specific features and tools often needed in sectors like education and religious organizations.
Key Features:
- Multi-site player
- Branded streaming apps
- Reliable customer support
- Industry-specific solutions
- Secure streaming protocols
- Live-stream scheduling
Pros:
- A wide variety of streaming destinations
- Accessible support
- Educational resources for live-streaming beginners
Cons:
While BoxCast does have a solid range of streaming options, it has some compatibility limitations with certain browsers and devices.
While BoxCast supports multistreaming, expect additional costs for streaming to multiple destinations beyond the basic plan.
Pricing:
BoxCast pricing is based on three plan tiers with substantial savings if billed annually. Each successive plan offers more features and more storage time per broadcast. The plans include:
- Standard: $89/month
- Deluxe: $149/month
- Advanced: $249/month
BoxCast supports secure streaming protocols like RTMP and RTMPS and uses encryption to protect your data during transmission. If you are looking for both multi-site and multistreaming solutions, BoxCast is a great choice for you.
5. Splitcam
SplitCam is a free streaming software primarily used for webcam splitting, but it also supports multistreaming. It’s perfect for those who want to stream to multiple destinations without expensive software or complex setups.
It supports multistreaming on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, YouTube, and various other social sites. Some of the top use cases of SplitCam are live training sessions, webinars, and other virtual streaming events that involve interactions between multiple presenters or involvement from viewers.
It supports both video and audio streams from multiple sources, making it versatile for interactive and collaborative streaming environments. The platform is free to use and gives you a fully customizable streaming experience with a variety of community-generated plugins.
Key Features:
- Multistreaming
- Multiple sources
- Compatible with Windows and macOS
- Community-developed plugins
- Active online community for added support
Pros:
- Free
- Highly compatible with other streaming software
- Tools for video mixing
- Supports high-quality streaming
- Support different video resolutions
Cons:
SplitCam does not support mobile streaming, meaning users need to rely on a laptop or desktop to stream.
Additionally, it doesn’t have any built-in encoding tools, so you’ll need to rely on third-party encoding software.
Pricing:
SplitCam is free to download and use.
SplitCam is a way to live stream to multiple platforms for free. It also allows you to split the screen with others using webcams at the same time.
6. XSplit
XSplit is professional-grade streaming and broadcasting software used for multistreaming and more. It makes it possible for users to stream to multiple platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and LinkedIn simultaneously.
In addition to multistreaming, XSplit also has other useful features, which include webcam connection, blurring, presenter streaming, screen capture, and video mixing and editing.
XSplit has a unique pricing structure that allows users to purchase licensing in monthly or “lifetime” increments. A lifetime license is only $200, making it a low-cost option for users who need it for the long haul.
It’s suitable for beginners and professionals alike and is widely used by gamers, corporate broadcasters, and those producing live events.
Key Features:
- Multistreaming
- Tools for video organization
- Screen recording
- Video mixing and editing
- 24/7 customer support
- Webcam integration and presenter streaming
- Customizable hotkeys
Pros:
- Wide range of features
- Economical pricing options
- Professional streaming experience
- Accessible support
- High level of customization
- Supports RTMP and RTMPS protocols for secure streaming
Cons:
XSplit only works with Windows, not with macOS or Linux. While XSplit is user-friendly in many aspects, it has a bit of a learning curve for new users. Those new to broadcasting may need time to figure out the settings.
The program can also strain computers with lower processing power.
Pricing:
Multistreaming is available on XSplit’s Broadcaster Premium solution. The official licensing prices for this solution are:
- 1 Month License: $9
- 12-Month License: $36
- Lifetime License: $120
XSplit offers the ability to multistream live to various platforms, as well as some editing tools that can improve the quality of your streams, such as video mixing, video editing, and screen recording.
7. Vimeo
Vimeo, formerly Livestream, is a premium streaming solution that supports multistreaming. Still, we must note that it’s more of a secondary function, as Vimeo is primarily for high-quality video streaming and video management.
Vimeo multi-streams directly from its platform to Facebook Live and Vimeo. While it’s nice that these are built into the video hosting platform, the number of destinations is relatively limited compared to the other multistream platforms we’ve covered.
Vimeo is well-suited for those who are looking for an all-in-one streaming solution that includes video hosting, live streaming, and video-on-demand.
The platform supports secure streaming protocols like RTMP and RTMPS, which use encryption to protect data during transmission.
Key Features:
- Live and on-demand video hosting
- Multistreaming is a secondary function
- White-label streaming
- High-quality videos and streams
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Large collection of features
- Video management tools
- Large storage capacity
Cons:
Vimeo can be expensive and only allows you to stream to a limited number of destinations. Plus, it has no dedicated multistreaming software.
Pricing:
There are many streaming plans to choose from. However, simulcasting is only available on two of the legacy Livestream’s pricing plans. These include:
Vimeo Advanced:
- Advanced Pricing: $65/seat/month billed annually.
- The advanced plan includes both live video streaming as a service and VOD, and it’s better suited for professional broadcasting.
Vimeo Enterprise:
- Enterprise Pricing: Please contact Vimeo for custom pricing information.
- The Enterprise plan includes white-label service, monetization, and video APIs. You’ll also enjoy branding control and added security features.
Vimeo OTT:
- Starter OTT: Custom pricing
- Growth and Enterprise OTT: Custom pricing
- The OTT-specific pricing packages come with the Vimeo.com relationship. These plans include all the basics for starting your web-based OTT channel and growing your OTT business online.
If you are only looking to multistream to Facebook Live and YouTube Live, then Vimeo could be the right choice for you.
8. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free multistreaming platform that’s primarily an encoding software. What makes OBS Studio unique is that it is completely free to download, and it’s also open-source. It requires a little technical know-how, but it is a good option for those who want to experiment and learn the ropes without making a hefty investment.
OBS Studio is ideal for broadcasters, streamers, and content creators who want a no-cost, powerful solution to create high-quality streams.
Aside from simulcasting, this software supports RTMP broadcasting, switching between multiple sources, capture cards, webcams, chroma-key/green screens, and application windows.
Unlike other multistreaming platforms, OBS Studio doesn’t have native support for multistreaming. However, you can configure OBS to stream to multiple destinations simultaneously using third-party tools. It also has an active community which constantly develops new plugins for more advanced features.
Key Features:
- Multistreaming support using third-party tools
- Open-source
- Easy to customize
- Encoding tools
- Chroma key/green screen support
Pros:
- Free to use
- Great for testing, learning, and experimenting
- Technology is updated regularly
- Minimal internet requirements
Cons:
OBS Studio does not support multi-bitrate streaming, impacting the quality of the multistreaming experience you can provide your viewers.
While OBS Studio has an extensive set of features, it lacks some built-in tools that are found in other multistreaming platforms. For example, there’s no dedicated cloud hosting, video-on-demand, or analytics features.
Pricing:
OBS Studio is free to download and use and is a free multistreaming platform that integrates with Dacast. It is easy to use and has a lot of functionality for a free software solution.
9. Castr
Castr is another powerful platform that offers a special solution with multistreaming support. In fact, this software is capable of streaming to over 30 destinations at once.
This platform is unique because it has an extensive range of supported streaming platforms, from social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn to custom RTMP destinations.
It also allows streaming to multiple destinations on the same platform, such as different Facebook pages, groups, and profiles simultaneously.
The interface is easy to understand and accessible even for those new to multistreaming.
Key Features:
- 24/7 support
- 24/7 linear streaming
- Multiple sources
- Connection via RTMP ingest (and more)
- Multistreaming to over 30 destinations
Pros:
- Large selection of destinations
- Custom RTMP destinations are supported
- Easy setup
- Pricing for every budget
Cons:
Some users complain about the overall value Castr offers compared to the platform’s cost. Castr lacks advanced analytics and reporting tools, which is a drawback if you want detailed insights into stream performance and other metrics.
Pricing:
Castr has five multistreaming pricing plans priced monthly and has plans. These plans include:
Individuals:
- Starter: $12.5/month billed as $149.99 annually
- Standard: $33.5/month billed as $399.99 annually
- Professional: $62.5/month billed as $750 annually
- Premium: $104.5/month billed as $1,250 annually
- Ultra: $250/month billed as $3,000 annually
If you really need to stream live to multiple different Facebook destinations, this multistreaming service can offer you that.
10. Restream
Restream is another powerful multistreaming software. Like Castr, Restream is compatible with more than 30 social media platforms. Restream stands out because it’s a simple way to broadcast across multiple channels with minimal effort.
Multistreaming is Restream’s primary function, but it also supports other features like in-browser streaming, chat, and analytics. It has fairly advanced audience engagement features, including live chat aggregation and a way to interact directly with audiences.
It is also worth noting that this solution offers different pricing options to fit every budget.
Key Features:
- Multistreaming
- Tools for real-time analytics
- In-browser live streaming
- More than 30 destinations
- Live chat aggregation
- Cloud-based streaming
Pros:
- Many destinations to choose from
- Engagement stimulating tools
- Support for audience interaction
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
Restream doesn’t have encoding tools, so you will need external software to encode streams. We must note that some users also complain about Restream’s video quality, particularly in terms of resolution or buffering during live streams.
Pricing:
Restream has several pricing plans for both individuals and businesses. These include:
- Free: $0/month (for individuals)
- Standard: $19/month (for individuals)
- Professional: $49/month (for individuals)
- Business: $239/month (for businesses)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing and solutions for media and corporate teams
11. OneStream Live
OneStream Live is a cloud-based multistreaming platform that helps its users broadcast videos and stream to over 45 destinations simultaneously. The platform also lets users schedule and automate streams for various social media platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.
The key feature of OneStream Live is its ease of use. You can upload videos, select the platforms you want to stream to, and schedule when the stream needs to go live.
OneStream Live has browser-based streaming software to help you create professional-grade streams. It also lets you brand the live streams and have them feature your own logos and themes.
Key Features:
- Supports streaming to over 45 destinations
- Scheduling and automation for streams
- Live streaming studio
- Pre-recorded video streaming with live-like features
- Supports RTMP ingest for custom destinations
- Analytics dashboard for tracking stream performance
- 24/7 customer support
- Cloud-based multistreaming
Pros:
- User-friendly and easy to set up
- Affordable pricing plans
- Option to customize live streams
- Unified chat feature
- Teleprompter technology
Cons:
Some users who are new to live streaming and broadcasting report there is a slight learning curve when using the platform. Some also say there are a few delay issues when trying to publish pre-recorded streams.
Pricing:
OneStream Live has five main pricing tiers, one of which is completely free. You can pay monthly or save up to 20% by getting the yearly plan. The prices per year are:
- Free: Free forever with limited functionality
- Basic: $12/month (billed annually)
- Standard: $32/month (billed annually)
- Professional: $39/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: $116/month (billed annually)
12. Streamlabs
Streamlabs is a popular streaming software with multistreaming capabilities and tools for improving live streaming quality and viewer interaction. It was originally built for gamers, but now it’s a comprehensive streaming platform for broadcasting live events, brand promotions, and educational content.
Users can stream live to multiple destinations, including Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and more. It has a user-friendly interface you can use to set up professional-grade streams without much hassle.
It offers seamless integrations for donations, alerts, chatbots, and on-screen graphics, making audience engagement much more effective.
Key Features:
- Multistreaming support to multiple platforms
- Customizable overlays, alerts, and on-screen graphics
- Integrated donation and tip systems
- Chat and viewer interaction tools
- Analytics dashboard to track stream performance
- Cloud-based streaming with easy setup
- Compatible with both Windows and macOS
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with easy setup
- High-quality stream production features
- Multistreaming support to popular platforms
- Affordable pricing with a free version available
- Easy scene switching and transitions
Cons:
The software can be intense for lower-end systems and slow down your machine. Not all features are available in the free version. If you want access to its more advanced functionalities, you’ll have to pay.
Pricing:
While Streamlabs is free to download and use, if you’re interested in the multistream feature, you’ll need the Ultra paid version. Right now, you have two options:
- Streamlabs Starter: Free to download and use with limited features
- Streamlab Ultra: $27/month or $189/annually
A Close Multistreaming Platform Comparison
With so many options available, streamers and broadcasters may have a hard time deciding which platform will serve their purposes the best. We’ve prepared a table reviewing each platform and its features to make your decision-making slightly easier.
Platform | Platform | Pricing | Compatibility | Ideal Use Cases | Video Quality |
Best For Beginners | |||||
StreamYard | In-browser streaming, multiple presenters, screen sharing, cinematic tools | Free Core ($431.88/y) Advanced ($827.88/y)Teams ($2867.88/y) | Web-based | Easy-to-use, collaborative streaming, live interviews, webinars | High |
Livestream (Vimeo) | High-quality video hosting, multistreaming to Facebook Live and Vimeo | Starting from $65 | Web-based | Professional video production, live events, VOD hosting | Good |
Best for Professionals | |||||
Switchboard Live | Unlimited destinations, StreamShare, industry-specific solutions | Contact for pricing | Web-based | Large-scale simulcasting, enterprise-level streaming | High |
Wirecast | Professional-grade, unlimited inputs/outputs, encoding, editing | One-time purchase ($29.08 or $37.42) | Windows macOS | Complex live productions, advanced streaming setups | High |
BoxCast | Multi-site streaming, branded apps, industry-specific solutions | From $89 to $249/mo | Web-based | Multi-site streaming, corporate events, churches, schools | Good |
XSplit | Multistreaming, encoding, editing, screen recording | From $9 to $120 | Windows | Advanced live streaming, gaming, e-sports | High |
Castr | Multistreaming to 30+ destinations, multiple Facebook pages/groups/profiles | From $12.5 to $250/mo | Web-based | Social media live streaming, brand collaborations | High |
Restream | Multistreaming to 30+ destinations, in-browser streaming, analytics | From $19 to $239/mo | Web-based | Social media live streaming, scaling audience reach | High |
OneStream Live | Schedule and stream pre-recorded videos to 40+ destinations simultaneously | From $12 to $166/mo | Web-based | Scheduled multistreaming, pre-recorded events, content repurposing | High |
Best Free Option | |||||
Splitcam | Webcam splitting, multistreaming, free and open-source | Free | Windows, macOS | Simple multistreaming, screen sharing, virtual classrooms | High |
OBS Studio | Open-source, multistreaming, encoding, customization | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | Advanced users, technical expertise required, custom setups | Good |
Streamlabs | Multistreaming, alerts, overlays, donation integration, audience engagement tools | Free or paid version | Windows, macOS | Gaming, audience interaction, content creation | High |
Note: Video quality can vary based on internet connection, hardware, software settings, and encoding settings. The table provides a general overview of each platform’s potential video quality.
Common Technical Challenges and Solutions in Multistreaming
When doing a multicast, it’s common to face several technical difficulties that come from managing a stream on multiple platforms at the same time. One of the most common issues is latency or delays between the live action and viewer experience. To reduce latency, use low-latency modes and a wired internet connection.
Another common problem is platform syncing, where streams lag or desynchronize. To fix this, check that all the platforms you’re using are set up properly. Another major challenge is network and bandwidth limitations. For smooth streaming, ensure your internet upload speed is sufficient—at least 5 Mbps per platform. Opt for lower bitrates (3,000–6,000 kbps) and resolution (720p if necessary) to reduce strain on your network.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best multistream platform?
Some platforms are dedicated to multistreaming, while others offer it as an additional option. Depending on what you’re looking for, here are some top multistream platforms
- Switchboard Live
- StreamYard
- Wirecast
- Boxcast
- Splitcam
2. What is a simulcast?
Also known as multicasting, multistreaming, or simulcasting, a simulcast is a broadcasting technique that makes it possible to stream a single video to multiple destinations simultaneously. Many live-streaming platforms do not offer multistreaming, but some social media platforms do.
3. What is a multi-streaming platform?
Multistreaming platforms are video hosting and streaming platforms that allow broadcasters to stream a single video file to different destinations on different video hosting platforms simultaneously. It’s mostly used to share videos from your official website and other social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitch, etc, simultaneously and reach multiple audiences.
4. Is Multistreaming worth it?
Multistreaming comes with many benefits that make it worthwhile to pursue. These include:
- It’s a great way to reach viewers where they are, which gives you access to a wider audience
- Streaming on social media sites allows businesses to connect with their audiences on a more personal level
- It allows you to stream on your own website and provide a more customized experience for your audience
- Your audience will still be able to access your videos on a different platform if another one goes down
- You’ll be able to track which of your video marketing platforms attract more viewers
5. What is the difference between simulcast and broadcast?
A simulcast is when video is transmitted across multiple media simultaneously. Traditionally, the term referred to when media outlets broadcasted events via radio and television at the same time. Today it refers to streaming on different social sites. A broadcast, on the other hand, is when you stream content over a single medium.
Conclusion
Multistreaming is one of the best broadcast methods to reach the widest audience. With a clever use of this video streaming method, you can maximize your reach, viewership, and subscriber base.
There’s almost an overwhelming amount of multistreaming platforms to choose from. That’s why we distilled our top 12 picks. They come in different price ranges and have different features. Some require the support of a professional online video platform.
Dacast, a professional online video platform, makes multistreaming easy. The platform includes RTMP ingest technology and is widely compatible with most multistreaming software, including those we’ve discussed in this article. With Dacast, you can stream your video content on several platforms and reach a global audience.
Why not try Dacast for yourself? We offer a 14-day free trial so you can fully trial the software. Start growing your reach today.
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