From YouTube and Twitch to TikTok and beyond, in today’s internet there are dozens of platforms to go live, each bringing its own unique flavor to the streaming experience. But here’s the thing: relying solely on one platform might not cut it anymore. It’s become increasingly crucial for creators to spread their wings and embrace multiple streaming platforms. Why? Because doing so opens up a world of opportunities – from reaching diverse audiences and exploring different content styles to unlocking new ways to earn and ensuring stability when one platform has problems(looking at you Twitch). In this article, lets look through a few of the platforms that exist for streaming and their pros and cons.
YouTube
YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform that also offers live streaming functionality. Creators can stream their content in real-time and interact with their audience through chat. YouTube’s streaming service provides a range of features, including monetization options, live chat moderation tools, and the ability to schedule streams in advance.
Pros:
-Huge user base and potential reach.
-Integrated with other YouTube features, such as video uploads and community engagement.
-Monetization opportunities through ads, channel memberships, and Super Chat.
Cons:
-High competition due to the large number of creators.
-Strict content policies and copyright enforcement.
Kick
Kick was made by streamer Tyler “Trainwreckstv”, who took the internet by storm by announcing Kick on December 6, 2022. With a design similar to twitch’s, the young platform allows for all sorts of streams and has many promising features.
Pros:
-Promises 95% of revenue goes to streamers
-100% of tips goes to streamers
-Lower competition
Cons:
-Not as known as older alternatives
-Newer platform problems such as moderation and structure
DLive
DLive is a blockchain-based streaming platform focused on content creators, gamers, and esports. It emphasizes community engagement and offers a reward system where viewers can support their favorite streamers using virtual currency.
Pros:
-Emphasis on creator support and community building.
-Decentralized platform utilizing blockchain technology.
-Unique reward system for viewers.
Cons:
-Smaller user base compared to other platforms.
-Limited monetization options, based on crypto.
TikTok
TikTok is a short-form video platform that gained immense popularity for its viral content. While not primarily a live streaming platform, TikTok introduced live streaming capabilities, allowing users to interact with their audience in real-time.
Pros:
-Enormous user base and potential for content virality.
-Simple and engaging format.
-Live streaming features complement short-form video content.
Cons:
-Limited streaming functionality compared to dedicated platforms.
-Monetization options for live streaming are currently limited.
-Uncertain future due to security concerns
Dailymotion
Dailymotion is a video-sharing platform that offers live streaming services for creators. It provides a space for various content categories, including news, sports, and entertainment.
Pros:
-Global reach and multilingual support.
-Variety of content categories available.
-Monetization options, including advertising and content partnerships.
Cons:
-Less popular and fewer users compared to YouTube.
-Limited monetization opportunities for smaller creators.
Vimeo
Vimeo is a video-sharing platform that caters to creative professionals, businesses, and artists. While it supports live streaming, its primary focus is on high-quality video content and hosting.
Pros:
-Emphasis on high-quality video and creative content.
-Professional tools and features for video production.
-Cleaner and ad-free viewing experience.
Cons:
-Smaller user base and less mainstream appeal.
-Limited live streaming features compared to other platforms.
-Bad discoverability
Caffeinetv
Caffeinetv is a live streaming platform that primarily targets the gaming community. It provides a space for gamers to stream their gameplay, engage with their audience, and participate in gaming-focused events. On top of that, there are other categories such as sports, dance, comedy, etc.
Pros:
-Dedicated gaming community and content.
-Opportunities for collaborations and participating in gaming events.
-Customization options for streamers’ channels.
Cons:
-Relatively smaller user base.
-Limited diversity in content categories.
Instagram, a popular social media platform, offers live streaming as part of its Stories feature. Owned by the same company behind facebook and whatsapp,in it users can broadcast live videos, interact with viewers through comments, and save the streams for later viewing.
Pros:
-Integration with the Instagram social network.
-Large user base and potential audience reach.
-User-friendly interface and seamless live streaming experience.
Cons:
-Limited monetization options.
-Live streams have a shorter lifespan compared to other platforms.
-Terrible discoverability
Twitter introduced live streaming capabilities through its platform, allowing users to broadcast live videos directly or through integrated services like Periscope. The focus is on real-time conversations and engaging with followers.
Pros:
-Large user base and potential visibility through retweets and hashtags.
-Integration with the Twitter social network.
-Easy discovery of live streams through trending topics.
Cons:
-Limited monetization options(plans to expand in the future).
-Live streams can get buried in the fast-paced nature of Twitter.
Where is twitch?
Twitch has been declining in quality, support and creator stability for the past few years. Because of this, and recent changes that make the website basically not worth it for big creators, e-sports or any events with sponsors or that do multi-casting, I would not recommend twitch as a place to share content.
Alternatively, you can stream to your own website! If you’ve a wordpress page there are free plugins that allow you to stream to it, and for a relatively cheap price(if you’re a large content creator) you can hire services from companies like IBM to implement streaming easily and be your own boss.
