Which live streaming platforms like Twitch should I use?

As one of the most well-known live streaming platforms, Twitch has a huge audience with an all time peak of 6 million live viewers. Despite it’s many benefits, Twitch has some drawbacks, including strict rules for monetization, content moderation, and a high commission rate on revenue. If you’re looking for other places to stream, here’s an overview of other live streaming platforms like Twitch.

What other live streaming platforms like Twitch are there?

Here are some Twitch alternatives, along with some of their pros and cons.  

YouTube Live 

Free video-based social media platform YouTube allows creators to live stream to their subscribers, which can also be saved to their channel for people to watch later. However, here’s the catch: only verified channels in the YouTube Partner Program can live stream on YouTube. The platform is also notorious for its strict policies, and how easy it is for creators to get demonetized. 

Facebook Live

Unlike YouTube, social media platform Facebook doesn’t place requirements on its users to start streaming video live. Any live streams also get pushed to the top of people’s Facebook feeds, and viewer participation is participated with comments being prioritized.  

While there aren’t many monetization options built into Facebook, it’s still great for increasing market reach, spreading awareness, and attracting people to your paid product or services. 

Kick

A new streaming platform like Twitch is Kick, which was founded in December 2022 and promises its users more ownership and better earnings. Content creators can earn 95% of their subscription earnings, and can achieve Kick Affiliate status once they stream for five hours and gain 75 followers. With its fledgling status, Kick has a smaller viewer base, but also less competition, so discoverability is higher. 

Rumble

What sets Rumble apart is its stated aim to give creators more control over their content and earnings. It covers all the basics of a streaming platform, including live chat, screen sharing, tipping, and channel subscriptions, but with less censorship. However, Rumble’s user base is a more niche audience, and might lack the brand recognition for potential sponsors when compared to industry giants like Twitch and YouTube. 

Trovo 

Like Twitch, Trovo is a game-focused platform that also offers tiered paid subscription options. The platform has some useful discoverability tools, and there are lower monetization requirements – you only need five hours streamed and 20 followers. However, most of Trovo users aren’t English-speaking. Plus, Trovo only lets you keep 50% of revenue and donations. 

SOOP (formerly AfreecaTV)

South Korea’s leading live streaming platform, SOOP, has an established ecosystem of Korean gamers and influencers with a global fanbase, and is now expanding overseas. SOOP has three tiers of streamers – Rookie, Affiliate, and Partner – with different revenue splits for rewards gifted by viewers, with Partners getting the highest cut of 80%. 

Outside of Asia, it’s still growing in popularity, so your available English-speaking audience might be limited, but it can be a good chance to explore a brand new audience.

Honorable mention of leading international streaming platforms

Some of the leading streaming platforms in the world with the most users are ones that aren’t popular in English speaking countries, like:

• NimoTV: a global game streaming platform that’s very popular in Southeast Asia and Latin America – particularly for esports events!
• Niconico Live: a Japanese video-sharing platform that covers live content like gaming, music, and anime. 
• Bigo Live: a live streaming platform that covers a wide range of content, and offers streamers and users features like live chats, virtual gifts, and creator collaborations.

Twitch alternatives for enterprises and businesses

For enterprises, corporate live streamers, or someone with an established customer base who wants to start a pay-per-view service, Twitch lacks the necessary access controls and content ownership. Here are some paid options that might better suit your needs:

• Uscreen: great for creators who want to launch a video membership, with full access control, no advertising options, and the ability to stream to web and apps. 
• Dacast: designed for events – including sports and religious events – and can be integrated with CRMs and marketing platforms. Dacast also offers multiple ways to monetize, including a built-in paywall. Some cons include Dacast being quite technical, resulting in a steep learning curve.
• Vimeo: well-established for companies and brands who want full-HD streaming, with customizable branding, paywall, and subscription options. However, it is on the pricier side.

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What should I consider when picking a platform?

Just counting the number of pros vs. cons won’t lead you to the ‘best’ streaming platform. You need to weigh each platform’s capabilities against your specific needs. Consider these things when choosing a streaming platform:

1. What do you want to stream? What audiences would be interested in and engage with your content? 
2. What are your goals and priorities?  How quickly do you need to monetize? Do you need a high level of customization and ownership? Knowing what you need will help you eliminate platforms that won’t offer it.
3. What are your resources? Remember to include cameras, rigging, microphones, lighting, cables, and internet data into your budget. 

There are several live streaming platforms like Twitch available that match how you want to stream. No matter what you choose, you can always add uno overlays to amplify your visual storytelling and add production value. Our overlays are free to use with just a quick sign-up, and can be controlled and edited 100% online – no need for pesky ZIP files! Check out overlays.uno today and discover a range of professionally-designed animated overlays.