Live streaming apps enable broadcasting and viewing live streams globally. Many companies, including tech giants like Facebook and Twitter, invest in developing their live streaming platforms to facilitate real-time connections between individuals and brands with their audience. Meerkat, a prominent live streaming app, gained widespread popularity upon its 2015 release but was discontinued within a year, creating a gap in the market. Consequently, the mobile industry witnessed intense competition in this domain, resulting in numerous viable alternatives. Here’s a roundup of the 10 best live streaming apps for Android:
1. Periscope
Periscope is Twitter’s live streaming platform. It enables you to broadcast video either to a selective group or publicly. You can share the broadcast link on Twitter, Facebook, or other social networks. Discover trending live streams easily with its map listing feature. Periscope includes live 360-degree videos, though streaming 360-degree video is currently limited to “select partners.” While you cannot create and stream 360-degree video at present, you can watch them on your phone.
After the live stream ends, it shows the highlights, allowing those who missed it to catch up easily. You can also view statistics like live viewers, replay viewers, total watch time, etc. Additionally, it offers a web-based interface. Periscope stands out as one of the best live streaming apps currently available, especially for avid Twitter users.
2. Live.ly
Live.ly, launched in 2016, is from the creators of the popular Musical.ly app. It enables live broadcasting and global live stream viewing. While watching, viewers can send “loves” and comment, as well as send “gift points” purchasable with real money.
A daily leaderboard sorts channels by the number of “loves” received or top contributors. Browse profiles, follow, and view received “emoji-love”. Connects with Musical.ly account, displaying posts on profile page. Find friends by username or phone contacts. Overall, Live.ly community offers decent live streaming from Android devices.
Download: (Free, with in-app purchases)
3. YouNow
YouNow enables live video broadcasting and global stream discovery. Interact with broadcasters through liking and commenting. It offers comment stickers for added expression. Additionally, share broadcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Snapchat.
The explore section uncovers top broadcasters, fans, and moment makers. Add hashtags to broadcasts for better discoverability. Share specific moments to your profile. Access live streams via a web-based interface when your phone isn’t accessible.
Download: (Free, with in-app purchases)
4. Streamago
Streamago allows live video broadcasting privately to Facebook friends or publicly. While viewing a stream, you can favorite, comment, and send virtual gifts using real money. The leaderboard feature helps discover popular and trending broadcasts. Share the live stream link on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc.
The replay feature is handy, allowing replay of a live stream after it ends. Follow people to not miss their next broadcast. While broadcasting, select low, medium, or high broadcast quality.
Download: (Free, with in-app purchases)
5. Stream – Live Video Community
Stream is a live video community with a focus on user-experience. Discover trending broadcasts, those with most likes, or choose from hand-picked staff recommendations. Strike a conversation with your followers and import contacts from Facebook or Twitter. Like, comment, and donate “Stream coins” to favorite broadcasters. Stream can also screencast your Android device and broadcast from external devices like GoPro 4+ and iVue Horizon pro glasses.
Besides its awesome community, Stream emphasizes user experience. A prime example is a dark mode toggle, catering to night owls. Undoubtedly, Stream ranks among the best Android streaming apps.
Download: (Free, with in-app purchases)
6. Facebook Live
Facebook tested Facebook Live in a separate app, “Mentions,” before integrating it into the main Facebook app. Zuckerberg highlights its novelty in communication. Despite not being the pioneer, Facebook enjoys a massive user base advantage over other platforms.
Aside from personal profiles, Facebook Live also supports groups and events, enabling selective broadcasting to specific groups. To initiate a live broadcast, open the Facebook app on Android/iOS, tap where you’d typically write a status update (usually “What’s on your mind”), describe your live video, and click “Go Live.” Simple, isn’t it?
Download: (Free, with ads)
7. Instagram Live Stories
Instagram introduced the Live Stories feature in 2016, globally rolling it out this year. Live Stories is integrated into the default Instagram app. To start a live video, swipe right in Instagram and tap “Live.” If unavailable, update to the latest version. While viewing a broadcast, you can like and comment on friends’ live streams.
When you begin a live video, Instagram notifies some followers. Others see a “Live” tag on your Instagram story to watch the broadcast. Live videos can last up to one hour and vanish after the broadcast ends.
Download: (Free, with ads)
8. Hang w/
Hang w/ is a live streaming app for Android with a feature-rich interface. It enables both private and public broadcasting across various categories including popular topics like music and sports. Users can send digital tips to their favorite broadcasters and create digital tickets for broadcasts, setting price and time for interested viewers to purchase and tune in.
Although brimming with new features, it wouldn’t top my list of recommendations due to its largely unmoderated broadcast. Upon start-up, it inundated me with NSFW videos, lacking any filtering options. Additionally, recent server issues plague the app, but time should remedy this. Exercise caution if you decide to utilize it.
Download: (Free, with in-app purchases)
Honourable Mentions
A couple of apps, while not catering to mainstream live streaming, excel in their specific niches. Below, I’ve listed both:
YouTube Live Streaming
- Your channel is verified.
- Ensure no live streaming restrictions in the last 90 days (Adhere to community guidelines!).
If your channel meets the criteria, visit Google’s support page for instructions on enabling and broadcasting to subscribers immediately via the Android app. This applies solely to channels; for selective broadcasting, consider Periscope or similar apps.
Twitch.tv
Twitch, a subsidiary of Amazon, hosts approximately 9.7 million daily active users. Unlike traditional personal broadcasters, Twitch focuses on the gaming community, enabling users to stream their gameplay for a global audience. While initially surprising for non-gamers like myself, the platform’s 2 million monthly streamers underscore its substantial market demand.
Once signed up on Twitch, you can watch gaming commentaries, Esports, editorials, and events by video game publishers. Twitch Prime offers exclusive game content and ad-free viewing, included with Amazon Prime. For gamers, Twitch can enhance your experience. (No pun intended!)
Download: (Free, with ads)
Share Your Best Moments With The Best Live Streaming Apps
Live streaming enhances personal connections. Stay connected using these live streaming apps for Android. What are your thoughts on live streaming apps? Try the mentioned apps and share your favorite in the comments.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
