Are you a streamer and want to improve your streaming experience? Well, this post aims to answer the question What is the Best Software for Twitch Streaming and Why?
You’re probably wondering what the best software for twitch streaming is, I know I was. There are so many pieces of software out there, with all different features. It can be overwhelming knowing where to start. My goal with this post is to give you the best options for any situation.
vMix
vMix is high-end live production and streaming software for your PC. You can use it to stream to virtually any streaming provider, including Facebook Live, Twitch, and YouTube. It comes in five versions, from a free Basic pack (allowing four inputs, one overlay channel, and a maximum resolution of 768 x576) to a $1200 Pro version (allowing 1000 inputs, four overlay channels, a maximum resolution of 4096×2160, 4-camera instant replays, and many more features). vMix suggests you first download their free 60-day trial, test it, and then ask yourself questions regarding the exact features you use in practice. At this point, you can decide which plan most suits your needs.
vMix considers its software’s primary purpose is as a Software Video Mixer and Switcher that utilizes the latest advances in computer hardware to provide live HD video mixing, a task previously only possible on expensive dedicated hardware mixers. It also functions as live streaming software that allows you to publish your live productions directly to the Internet. Depending on the version you opt for, you can use vMix to live mix, switch, record, and live stream SD, full HD, and 4K video sources, including cameras, video files, DVDs, images, PowerPoint, and more.
Gamecaster
Gamecaster started as an XSplit brand of software but is now an identity of its own. As its name indicates, it places its focus squarely on gaming. You can use it to go live to Twitch, Facebook, or YouTube in 1080p. It takes advantage of the latest NVIDIA and AMD technology to stream lag-free.
It comes loaded with hundreds of free overlays that include alerts, trains, goals, and widgets. These include professionally animated overlays. Gamecaster’s Scene Editor makes creating complex alerts and widgets simple.
Gamecaster includes multiple integrations, including elgato, Spotify, Streamlabs, and ReStream.
Wirecast.
Best Professional Live Streaming Software (Starting at $599).
Wirecast is a live video streaming production platform developed by Telestream. It helps you create TV-like live stream production and on-demand broadcasts for the web.
You can leverage its flexible and intuitive UI to customize your live feed easily. All you have to do is just plug in your mic and camera. It automatically handles all the encoding to deliver your live stream to any geography at scale.
It covers every type of live stream event, including live sports, worship services, television, radio & news broadcasts, etc.
To help you capture your video content on the go, Wirecast also offers a free iOS camera app. You can stream to more than one destination, including ANY RTMP destination. It also lets you embed live captions to make your videos more accessible for differently-abled viewers.
Key Features:
- ISO Recording – It archives all the live video inputs without any modification. These video clips are separate from your composite program recording.
- Multiviewer – Send single sources to up to 17 source grids to easily monitor and get a quick look at each source.
- Stock Media Library – It offers free access to more than 500,000 media assets, including videos, music, backgrounds, lower thirds, etc.
Pros:
- It provides multi-channel audio ingestion, and support for WASAPI, ASIO, and CoreAudio compatible devices.
- Use features like replay, clocks, scoreboards, and timers for your live sporting events.
- Get access to over 100 built-in titles and graphics.
- Use QR Codes, Chroma Key, and Playlists to present your live stream professionally.
- Easily record videos in MP4 or MOV files.
- Efficiently mix up to 8 audio tracks. You can also add FX and processing.
Pricing:
Wirecast provides two versions:
- Wirecast Studio: $599 for enhanced live production and streaming
- Wirecast Pro: $799 for advanced live production and streaming
It’s a pricier tool, but the best professional live streaming software out there.
Open Broadcast Software:
OBS is an open source and free software tool that assists beginners with stunning video recording and live streaming needs. This software tool is compatible with Linux, Mac and Window platform and allows users to share their gaming experience with whole world.
Key Features:
- There are so many filters such as colour correction, image masking and colour keying for video sources.
- It offers intuitive audio mixers and real time customized transitions.
- Both dark and light themes are available.
- Streamlines settings with much improved interface that makes recording and broadcasting much easier.
XSplit
As you progress towards professional, high-end live streaming software solutions, XSplit is a common steppingstone. It’s easy to use, comes in basic (free) and premium versions, and offers decent support and the occasional feature update. You can also use third-party apps and plugins with it.
Even though XSplit is easy to use, you will need to have some knowledge about encoding, because it doesn’t come with presets. You can forget about using it on Mac or Linux systems, and you have to shell out some serious cash for the paid version to avoid watermarks and locked features.
Screen Stream Mirroring: (Android)
Screen Stream Mirroring app allows android users to enjoy fast mirroring and easy broadcasting services over interactive networks. It can be used to develop presentations for work, gaming as well as educational purpose. Video files can be recorded with impressive clarity.
Key Features:
- Use streaming timer to stop lock screen issues.
- Efficient recording with fast mirroring and easy screen sharing abilities.
- Performance can be optimized with ease.
StreamPro:
StreamPro is well known as an all in one twitch streamer tool that offers so many customizable abilities. Users can develop active alerts for polls, chat, labels, graphics, alerts and donations etc. The intuitive drag and drop features make it much easier to develop overlays for twitch.
Key Features:
- Users can adjust active alerts for resubs, hosts, donations, followers and subscribers.
- Users can avail easy details about donation goals, followers and subscribers.
Conclusion
Have you decided to stream on Twitch? Congratulations! If you’re like most people, the first thing you did was figure out how to stream. But once you get streaming, what next? It’s like getting behind the wheel of a car and having no idea where to go. When it comes to broadcasting on Twitch, choosing the right software is important.