Top Ustream Alternatives Worth Considering Today
After being acquired by IBM, Ustream became known as IBM Cloud Video. After this acquisition, many features were absorbed by IBM and added into their other products. This led many broadcasters to seek out more affordable and feature-rich alternatives. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some other services like Ustream.
Reasons To Use A Ustream Alternative
Ustream was first launched around the same time as the popular website Justin.tv. Both platforms allowed users to broadcast live video to large audiences for free. Neither of these platforms exist in their previous form which is why many streamers are seeking a modern alternative.
What Are The Best Ustream Alternatives?
The good news is there are some fantastic alternatives to Ustream’s live video streaming platform. Many of the following platforms offer everything Ustream has and more. Let’s take a look at some of the best websites like uStream.
StreamingVideoProvider
StreamingVideoProvider allows you to host your video content securely. The platform also provides live streaming functionality with adaptive bitrate streaming,. From protecting your streams to video monetization, StreamingVideoProvider has a vast selection of powerful tools while still keeping things easy to use.
Want to broadcast to multiple platforms at once? You got it! Looking to monetize your content in multiple ways? No problem! This Ustream alternative offers scalable and flexible tools to fit every scenario. The features on offer here are suitable for all broadcasters ranging from SVOD beginners to streaming veterans.
Key Features
- Powerful video CMS allowing you to store and organize your content
- Keep your content safe with 2FA (two-factor authentication)
- No fees — keep all of your earnings without hidden fees or charges
- Easily sell PPV content — adjust prices and packages for your viewers
- Global CDN delivers your content instantly all around the world (including Mainland China)
- Adaptive streaming — intelligently adjusts video quality based on connection speed
- Multistreaming — stream to multiple locations at once easily and efficiently
- White-label video player customization — seamlessly integrate with your website
- Deep Analytics — Accurate information about your viewers updated in real-time
There are too many features to fit in one list, so check out StreamingVideoProvider’s features page for more information!
YouTube
Well, of course you know YouTube, but do you know all the ways to use it to build an online video business?
The ubiquitous VOD platform also provides creators with the ability to live stream. This + ads is one way to monetize your content. Users can browse live streams by category or via the YouTube Gaming section of the website.
YouTube’s built-in monetization options are limited to just advertisements for qualifying channels. You have to meet their strict criteria in order to be eligible for monetization.
But you can enable donations via third-party tools. A lot of creators use Streamlabs widgets and Patreon donations on the platform. Another option is to use YouTube as a video host to drive traffic to your own website.
Key Features
- Easy to use and very accessible
- Free to use for both VODs and live streaming
- Multiple apps for mobile devices
- Large audience to target
- Easily share videos via links and embedding
Twitch
Twitch is an alternative to Ustream’s free service that focuses on live streaming. Past broadcasts can also be saved and viewed as VODs. Twitch also has a variety of apps for smartphones and smart devices making it an easy option to broadcast and view content.
Twitch is a free platform that allows you to monetize your content with advertisements. Like YouTube, you need to meet set criteria before you are eligible to monetize your content.
Twitch’s monetization requirements are less strict than YouTube’s. This makes it more viable for smaller broadcasters that are starting out. You can also monetize your channel with Streamlabs widgets and an optional paid subscription.
Key Features
- Easy to use and accessible
- Primary focus on live streaming
- Large audience
- Supports advertisements
- Offer optional paid subscription to viewers who want to remove ads
Dacast
Dacast is a platform that has a wide range of features that are suitable for those serious about content creation. The platform supports VOD creation and live streaming, as well as adaptive bitrate streaming.
There are monetization options, including pay-per-view support. You can set up packages to suit your requirements and have full control over your content.
Key Features
- Various monetization options
- Adaptive bitrate streaming
- Reach audiences in China
- Customizable video player
- VOD and live stream support
DailyMotion
DailyMotion supports both live streaming and VOD hosting and is free to use. This is a good platform if you are looking to test the waters with content creation and live streaming. Monetization options are very limited, but it is a viable platform if you want a free and easy-to-use platform to host your video content.
Key Features
- Free to use for live streaming and VOD hosting
- Simple to use and ideal for beginners
- Basic analytics
- Save and store previous live broadcasts
Muvi
Muvi is a video streaming platform that offers a robust content management system. Muvi supports live video and video on demand, as well as branding and customization of your video player.
You can monetize your content in several ways including pay per view packages. Although there are many features on offer, some newer users may find the CMS difficult to use.
Muvi also has a range of security features including DRM for VODs and live broadcasts ensuring your content is always safe.
Key Features
- Multiple features managed from one location
- White-label video player customization
- Various monetization and PPV options
- Global CDN (Doesn’t include China)
- DRM and watermarking
Kaltura
Kaltura targets large organizations, especially schools and universities that need live streaming capabilities. The service has a lot of advanced features to offer that are attractive to bigger groups and content networks. Kaltura supports both live streaming and VOD hosting.
The platform is customizable, allowing you to integrate the video player within your website. You can also fine-tune the tools based on your specific requirements, which makes Kaltura quite versatile.
Key Features
- Highly customizable
- Aimed at large scale organizations
- Adaptive streaming
- Various monetization options
- Robust security features
Brightcove
Brightcove is another platform aimed at large organizations. Their services are focused around VOD hosting and live streaming. The platform provides a global CDN, as well as adaptive streaming and multistreaming.
Coverage doesn’t extend to Mainland China at the moment, which may be a deal breaker for some. Brightcove also has a large number of monetization options suitable for most situations.
Key Features
- Adaptive streaming
- Global CDN (excludes China)
- Multistreaming
- Good monetization options
- Detailed analytics
Vimeo
Vimeo started out as a free VOD hosting platform similar to YouTube. Over the years, the platform has focused on becoming an affordable premium service. This is another platform that is great for beginners due to the simple tools and affordable price point.
Key Features
- Good for beginners
- VOD hosting and limited broadcasting options
- PPV options via premium plan
- Great analytics
Comparison Table Of Ustream Alternatives
Let’s take a look at our comparison table comparing other sites like uStream.
Live Streaming | VOD Hosting | Multistreaming | Monetization | Pricing (/mo) | |
StreamingVideoProvider | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | PPV, advertisements, tiered packages, subscriptions, custom ads | From $39 ($99 with live streaming) |
YouTube | ✓ | ✓ | X | Limited, ads | Free |
Twitch | ✓ | (Previous Broadcasts) | X | Limited, ads | Free |
Dacast | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | PPV, advertisements, tiered packages | From $39 ($165 Premium) |
DailyMotion | ✓ | ✓ | ~ (external provider) | Limited | Free |
Muvi | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | PPV, advertisements, tiered packages | $399 Standard $1,499 Pro |
Kaltura | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | PPV, advertisements, tiered packages | Pricing on request |
Brightcove | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | PPV, advertisements, tiered packages | Pricing on request |
Vimeo | ~ (limited) | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | From $12 ($65 with live streaming) |
FAQs
Ustream was a free platform that allowed users to stream videos online. Since being taken over by IBM, a number of Ustream or livestream alternatives have emerged. These websites offer a wide range of features that are essential to creators.
Ustream is no longer active as a streaming platform. Services such as StreamingVideoProvider offer multistreaming with no extra strain on your bandwidth.
YouTube and Facebook are two of the easiest platforms to stream on due to their very limited set of features.
StreamingVideoProvider sets out to achieve this same level of simplicity. The difference is that our platform also offers you a ton of functionality while keeping things simple.
No, Ustream was acquired by IBM in 2016 and subsequently underwent a rebranding. Initially renamed to IBM Cloud Video in 2018, it quickly transitioned to IBM Watson Media to better represent the integration of IBM's artificial intelligence technology, Watson.
Conclusion
Many Ustream-like services have emerged since the closure of the platform. As you can see, many of these platforms offer a wide range of features in addition to VODs and live streaming services.
Many streaming platforms have also started offering a premium Ustream live TV alternative for creators. These services are attractive due to the amount of features on offer, and more reliable monetization options.
We hope that, after reading through our comparison table, you now have a great list of services like Ustream to check out!
References & Further Reading
If you would like to find out more about any of the points mentioned above, please visit the links below.
- How YouTube Monetization Works — What Are The Requirements?
- The Best OBS Mic Filter Settings For Live Streaming
- The Quick Guide: How To Stream To Multiple Platforms With OBS
- 17 Tips to Improve Your Facebook Live Broadcasts
- How To Monetize Your Videos Without Relying On YouTube
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