Gone are the days when people had to leave their homes, get in their cars, drive to the video rental store, purchase a video to borrow, and go back home and watch it.
What is even crazier is that they could only borrow the film or television show for a few days. How time has changed!
In these modern days, all we need to do to entertain ourselves in terms of video entertainment is to hop onto our computer, jump on the internet, and watch a trending YouTube video or the most popular Twitch gamer.
Your first step now is to find the best streaming software for Twitch or YouTube that will enable you to stream content efficiently and with the highest level of quality. Below is a comprehensive list of the best streaming software for Twitch and YouTube as of 2025.
Hopefully one of these options on our list of best streaming software for Twitch and YouTube in 2025 works well for you and you’ll be on your way to one of the most popular live streams online!
Best Streaming Software for Twitch & YouTube
- OneStream
- OBS Studio
- vMix
- Gamecaster
- Wirecast
- Lightstream
- XSplit Broadcaster
- Nvidia ShadowPlay
- OWN3D Pro
- Restream
1. OneStream
Onestream is by far the best streaming software for Twitch and YouTube and they offer a free option to get you started, as well as the most expensive option being any $89 a month, which we think is pretty affordable.
They can let you stream and record live and prerecorded videos, and then you can publish them to more than 40 social media platforms.
They have prerecorded streams so that you can record and schedule your broadcasts and you can do so up to 60 days in advance.
They make it so easy for you to schedule prerecorded videos, all you need to do is upload your video file, choose a date and time, and then choose your streaming destinations like Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube.
They also have team management, which lets you include more than one team member on a single account, and the best part is that you don’t have to install any software to make the most of these guys.
Again, as we mentioned at the beginning of this review, they have a free option, which is of course limiting, and can only help you with one social account.
Then, their professional package at the other end of the scale is going to cost you $89 a month, and offers unlimited streaming, as well as unlimited file size.
2. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a popular choice for those creators who live stream their content. It is a perfect option for those who record videos or do live streaming because it is free and open source software.
All you have to do to use it is to download it onto your device whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux.
There is a range of features for OBS Studio. It allows you to capture and mix audio and video simultaneously. You can set up many scenes which you can switch between by using seamless transitions.
OBS is popularly used on YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook but can be used versatilely.
3. vMix
vMix is a live video streaming software for Twitch and YouTube. Currently, it works on the Windows 10 platform.
This is great for those of you who want to stream live but also tweak your streaming as well. You can mix, switch, and record all while being live.
If you would like to try vMix to see if it suits your needs, then you can download it for free for a 60-day trial before ultimately deciding whether you like it.
Traditional live production can be very costly so an available software like vMix is great because it is far more affordable.
4. Gamecaster
Do you like gaming? Do you want to share your gaming skills with the world? Well, Gamecaster might just be the perfect streaming software for you.
Gamecaster is currently the number one live streaming software available for the best gamers out there. Just be aware that this software is currently only available on Windows 10.
You will be able to stream without any lagging that can be annoying for avid viewers. You can edit the audio as you play your game.
Do you like engaging with your viewers? Gamecaster allows you to chat while playing and streaming live.
A really cool feature for Gamecaster is that you can create a short clip of the best moments from your live stream so viewers can watch it and get a feel for your content.
5. Wirecast
If you want to capture, produce, and stream your content effortlessly, then Wirecast is another fantastic streaming software.
To start, you simply plug in your video and microphones as well as bring any graphics you may have. Wirecast will take all of this data and make your streaming look flawless.
You can stream from a variety of sources and capture a variety of IP sources. The audio of your production is of professional quality and you can even bring in a friend or two for video conferencing.
Once you are ready to produce, Wirecast offers a stock media library that contains over 500,000 items you can use. Add in graphics, titles, and social media content that links directly to your live streaming content.
From this point, you can stream on many different venues like Facebook Live, Twitter, YouTube, or Vimeo. Also, don’t forget to record so you can watch your video again later!
6. Lightstream
Lightstream Studio is a software program that helps you curate very professional and impactful live streams.
What makes Lightstream unique is that it is powered by the cloud and this is the source from where your live stream is broadcast. No downloads are necessary as you can design and produce directly from your browser.
If you are an Xbox or Playstation fanatic, then you can personalize these streams on Twitch. Use alerts and widgets with cool designs to entice your viewers into staying for your entire broadcast.
Lightstream is popular for Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and any Custom RTMP.
7. XSplit Broadcaster
XSplit Broadcaster is another excellent option for live streaming. It bills itself as an inclusive all-in-one streaming and recording application for users who like to create content and share it with others online. It is also for Windows.
You can customize your recording so the live stream accurately reflects upon you and your creation. They have a multitude of media like images, videos, GIFs, and other web pages.
To start streaming you can use their native plugins or use Custom RTMP. Options like transitions, monitoring the noise levels, and incorporating a slideshow are all key features of the XSplit Broadcaster.
This service also offers 24/7 support so if you need help quickly before you go live, just hit them up and they will help you out anytime.
8. Nvidia ShadowPlay
If you are looking at software that specializes in gaming, then Nvidia ShadowPlay could be the right fit for you.
With this software, you can record and share your gameplay videos, screenshots, and live stream your game playing online.
Nvidia ShadowPlay works well on platforms like Facebook Live, Twitch, and YouTube Live. They offer overlays and other features that you can utilize to personalize your live stream.
This software allows you to create up to a 15-second GIF which you can then share with your family and friends on social media websites like Google, Facebook, or Weibo.
So not only can you go live but can also recapture some of your best moments!
9. OWN3D Pro
A software that is compatible with Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook is OWN3D Pro.
It is a plugin that you can use on Windows but if you are a macOS or Linux user, those options are coming out soon so just hang in there.
OWN3D Pro offers its user over 600 premium Overlays and Alerts in a few different languages and you can even use music that is free of copyright so why not set a great background tune in your stream?
This software also has a free option, with limited features, which is great for those of you who do not currently have a high budget.
10. Restream
Restream is definitely one of the best streaming software for Twitch and YouTube options out there.
They are cloud-based, and they let you simultaneously stream videos on more than 30 platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.
They even offer native integration with many different types of streaming software, and they are actually one of the few streaming platforms in the industry that allow for channel toggling.
This means that you can add and edit more channels while you are on air, without having to exit out of your stream or restart the encoder.
They also offer a lot of different additional tools so that you can analyze and promote your live broadcast.
You can even measure the success of your live stream across a number of different platforms, or from one dashboard.
This way, you can work out the most popular part of your stream, when the majority of people are watching it, the complete number of viewers, and a lot more.
They have a built-in chat feature, and there are options to customize the look and feel of your chat box.
When it comes to their pricing plans, they do have a free option, but as you can imagine, this is limited.
Next, they have a standard package that is going to cost you $16 a month, and the most expensive option is $249 a month, and this is marketed mostly to businesses.
The good news is that you can try these guys for free for seven days.
11. Dacast
Dacast is a really good option if you are wanting to monetize your videos, and while they might not have a free package, they do have a free trial that is going to last you for 30 days.
Then, their most affordable package is going to cost you $39.99 a month, which we think is more than reasonable.
This platform is definitely made for live streaming, and they are really good for managing professional broadcasts.
They offer secure and powerful video hosting, as well as a content management system so that you can easily store all of your live and recorded video content.
They are known for having really good monetization features and they can also help you convert currency automatically behind paywalls.
We love that they offer their clients advanced analytics, so that you can easily track the performance of your videos and include customer reports in this as well.
As we mentioned, they don’t have a free package, but they do have a free trial, and their most affordable package is going to cost you $39 a month, while their most expensive package is going to cost you $188 a month.
They also have enterprise options that are customizable, for bigger companies.
12. Streamlabs OBS
The next streaming software on our list is great for businesses and live streamers that are looking for an open-source solution.
They are available in the cloud, and they are great for Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.
They offer their clients hundreds of templates, and stream overlays so that you can customize your live streams and make them look really professional.
It also comes with an App Store that provides its clients with 46 apps, so that you can achieve more automation, in-depth analytics about your live streams, and includes multiple ways for you to interact with your viewers.
You can even stream to multiple platforms at the same time. It offers noise gain as well as suppression features, so that you can get rid of unnecessary background noise.
We really like that this streaming software is available for free, and you can instantly record your live stream.
We also like that they come with powerful monetization tools so that you can earn a passive income, and you can keep track of your live stream’s performance through essential performance analytics.
As we mentioned, their basic features are free, but if you want to sign up for a premium subscription, this is going to cost you $12 a month.
13. Twitch Studio
You might have been able to already guess this, but the next streaming software on our list is great for gamers who are wanting to live stream on Twitch.
This is another streaming app for free that lets you live stream directly on your Twitch account.
Twitch developed this streaming software to help its users live stream video games from their platform.
It offers its clients a streamlined setup, so that you can broadcast live streams even if you are using a complicated set up.
You can also access step-by-step onboarding, as well as automatic hardware detection, and their recommended sessions are going to make your streams look professional without you having to spend too much time on them.
You can also customize them as well, to make them look more in line with your branding aesthetic.
The fact that they offer multiple stream layouts is a massive advantage, and you can also adjust the sound of your mic, and they provide a large list of FAQs so that you can figure out any issues without having to talk to someone.
It is compatible with both Windows and Mac.
What is Live Streaming Software?
Live streaming software is going to help you broadcast a live event to your audience. You can also engage with your audience and let them react, comment, and chat directly through your live stream.
A lot of the live streaming platforms and software that we’ve talked about today lets you share your live streams on a mobile app, your website, or a social media network.
The majority of live streaming software out there includes a hardware encoder. This means that you can playback the live stream on more than one device.
You can also use streaming software to broadcast your live stream on more than one platform at the same time, and on top of this, it lets you customize, edit, and modify live streams based on your personal preferences.
What Features Should You Look For?
As you can imagine, modern live streaming tools offer more advanced features than ever before.
The majority of them provide user-friendly interfaces so that the process can be streamlined and hassle-free.
Despite this, there are some basic features that you need to think about when finding the best streaming software for your needs.
The first is live chat. Live chat is going to help you boost the engagement of your live stream.
Through a live chat feature, you can interact directly with the audience, and answer any questions they might have. You can also gauge the reaction of your audience in real time.
The second thing you need to think about is a preview editor. This is going to help you have a look at your video clips before you go live, so that you can make any last-minute edits.
Beyond this, you need to think about templates and themes, and if you are working with streaming software that lets you customize your theme, this means that you can easily create a more immersive and personalized live stream experience for your audience.
Another thing that’s really important when thinking about choosing a live streaming software is real-time analytics.
It’s really important to be able to have access to statistics like this, so that you can gauge the success of your live stream, and what kind engagement you are receiving.
You can track all kinds of metrics like new subscribers, number of viewers, and engagement based on demographics and geography, so that you can cater to your audience as you go on.
You also need to be thinking about how you are able to integrate social media into your live streams.
Of course, you’ll want to find a live streaming software out there that can help you integrate the rest of your social networks, so that you are able to live stream not just on your Twitch profile, but on your YouTube channel at the same time.
There are plenty of other social networks that you can integrate into your live streams as well, it just depends on the streaming software.
How Do You Use Live Streaming Software?
Let’s take a look at how to use streaming software. For this example, we are going to use XSplit.
This kind of live streaming software supports more than one platform, including Twitch and YouTube.
Before you set up your broadcast output, you’ll need to enable two-factor authentication on your Twitch profile.
All you need to do to do this is to go to the security settings page and select ‘setup two factor authentication’.
Once you’ve done this, you will need to create a password, and share your mobile number. Fill out all the details, and then you will get a confirmation message.
Once you have set this up, you can start the setup process of your Twitch streaming output.
- Select the ‘broadcast – set up a new output’ button. Next, select the ‘Twitch’ option.
- Select ‘authorize’ and sign in using your Twitch profile credentials. Select ‘next’.
- Go through the setup wizard in detail to make sure that you have the right resolution and speed. Once you’ve done this, select ‘finish’.
Now, you can start your Twitch broadcast.
- Select the ‘broadcast’ button, and then choose the output that you want to set.
- Here is what ‘Twitch properties’ is going to look like:
You also need to get your settings right.
- Credentials: choose the web authentication that is going to save your Twitch credentials. This occurs after a manual or automatic authorization. If you choose the web authentication credentials, you’ll be able to authorize your profile through Twitch login.
- Twitch Username: Choose the Twitch username for the profile you want to stream to.
- Stream Key: This is a unique element that you are going to find under ‘stream preferences’ on the Twitch dashboard.
- Server: You can either select the server that has the lowest ping time, or you can select ‘automatic’. You can also select to ‘ingest server’ every time before you begin your live stream broadcast.
Is OBS Good for Low End PC?
If you don’t think that you can afford a powerful streaming setup, then don’t stress. Even with a low-end computer, you can still use OBS, and get a lot of bang for your buck.
Is There Anything Better Than OBS?
Naturally, there are going to be multiple alternatives to OBS. One good option is Bandicam, which is a lightweight screen recorder for Windows.
This option is popular among gamers, because they can record their gameplay in resolution up to 4K.
Where To Go From Here
Live streaming is as popular as ever, so now is the perfect time to invest in your tools.
So, now that you have learned about eight of the best options for streaming software for YouTube and Twitch that is currently available in 2025, what should your next steps be?
Click on all of the above links and explore all of the options.
Take time to read about them and be sure to check out people’s opinions and reviews, not just the information available on the software’s website.
You can try the free trials and ultimately choose what is best for you and your content.
In no time, you are going to be streaming amazing content and garnering many views and followers!
