Around a month back, at the TwitchCon Las Vegas 2023, Twitch came out with a major announcement that was met with widespread agreement. CEO Dan Clancy revealed that it would finally allow partner content creators to simultaneously stream on services of their choice, something fans had been demanding for some time while witnessing the platform's streamers on other sites more often.
The closest thing the Amazon-owned service had to such an arrangement until that point was allowing Partnered broadcasters to simulcast on mobile platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These creators could even have non-exclusive agreements with other "Twitch-like" platforms provided they did not broadcast on YouTube or Facebook for "extended periods."
Twitch also added guidelines for this simulcasting policy, which readers can read on the official site. A few pertinent points are:
- Streamers must ensure the quality of their Twitch streams is "no less than the experience on other platforms or services."
- Influencers "should not" share links to their simulcasts on other platforms with their Twitch community
- Broadcasters can't use third-party services for activities like merging chat across platforms.
The streaming site also disclosed that it will add a tool for creators to indicate they are simulcasting in the near future. Of course, these guidelines apply to all influencers unless they have an agreement with Twitch that requires exclusivity.
Many content creators went multistreaming in 2023
This decision to allow broadcasters to simulcast on numerous sites paid off almost instantly. The likes of DjMaRiiO and Willyrex have backed off from their exclusivity deals with YouTube, with the former returning to the purple platform after four years and the latter planning to also turn up on TikTok.
What this does is also bring back some famous names who upped sticks and left for pastures anew, like xqc, amouranth, and nickmercs. They all signed massive deals with Kick, but the more important point was that they had more freedom to express themselves via their content while also earning more as a result of the company's 95-5 revenue split policy.
The French-Canadian former Overwatch pro, in fact, has become one of the platform's most-watched names this year despite only coming on board in June. This continued his run of finishing among the top entries in such leaderboards on whichever site he came online, including Twitch, where he was seemingly always atop the most viewed lists.
Amouranth, too, has a similar story to tell, topping most lists related to watch time during her time on Twitch. And since her debut on Kick, she has become the number one here as well, adding further credence to the notion that the purple platform may have taken a loss with respect to her decision to multistream.
Her battles with fellow social media queen jenfoxxx for the title of most-watched female on the green site have also been a pretty intriguing follow. They have exchanged the top spot quite a few times over the last few months, and with the year-end coming up — meaning more Q4 and yearly lists and rankings from Streams Charts — it will be fun to see which one of these ends up at the summit.
So, while the entire world basks in the moment and pats Twitch on the back for a job well done, albeit slightly late, there are lots of questions still unanswered. For starters, what is multistreaming, and how does it benefit content creators compared to live broadcasting on one site?
What is multistreaming?
Multistreaming, or simulcasting, is a practice in live streaming where content creators broadcast their live video content to multiple online platforms simultaneously. This approach enables individuals, businesses, and various entities to extend their reach by engaging with audiences across numerous streaming platforms at the same time.
Understanding multistreaming
Evolution of live streaming
The evolution of digital connectivity and the rise of social media platforms have reshaped how people consume content. Live streaming emerged as a powerful medium, enabling real-time interaction and engagement between creators and audiences. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live have transformed into hubs for diverse content ranging from gaming streams to educational workshops and product demonstrations.
Birth of multistreaming
While these platforms offered unique opportunities for content creators, they also presented a dilemma. Online personalities faced the challenge of choosing one platform over another for live broadcasts, potentially missing out on reaching audiences present on other platforms. Multistreaming emerged as a solution to this predicament, enabling creators to cast a wider net by simultaneously streaming their content across multiple platforms.
How multistreaming works
Multistreaming involves using dedicated software or platforms that capture the live video feed from a single source, such as a camera, computer, or encoder, and distribute it to multiple streaming platforms. Instead of streaming separately to each platform, which would demand separate bandwidth and resources, multistreaming consolidates the streaming process into a centralized system.
Best apps and platforms for multistreaming
Restream.io
This site supports various platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live, and more. It aggregates chats from multiple platforms into one interface, simplifying audience interaction. Restream.io also offers analytics and scheduling tools for better management of streaming content.
Some of its benefits include an easy-to-use interface suitable for beginners, affordable plans tailored for both individual streamers and businesses, and seamless compatibility with popular streaming software like OBS, Streamlabs, etc.
Streamlabs OBS
This website offers built-in multistreaming support, customizable overlays, widgets, and scene transitions. It also includes built-in donation and monetization options for streamers.
Some of Streamlabs OBS' advantages are a combination of streaming and multistreaming capabilities into a single platform, a beginner-friendly interface, and easy accessibility to new streamers. It also offers access to various plugins and extensions for additional functionality.
OBS Studio with Castr.io
It leverages the robust streaming features of OBS Studio and utilizes Castr.io for multistreaming capabilities. This platform also provides cloud-based streaming for improved stability.
Some of its benefits are advanced streaming capabilities coupled with multistreaming functionality and high flexibility and customization options for influencers. OBS Studio with Castr.io also enhances stability through a cloud-based streaming infrastructure.
Lightstream Studio (formerly Switchboard Live)
This entry allows simultaneous broadcasting to various platforms and browser-based streaming without the need for additional software. It also has a simplified setup process and seamless integration.
Using it means a simplified multistreaming process for users and an intuitive interface for quick and easy setup. Lightstream Studio also provides real-time analytics for performance tracking and insights.
XSplit Broadcaster with Splitstream
It utilizes the powerful streaming features of XSplit Broadcaster and integrates with Splitstream for multistreaming capabilities. This site also offers scene management and transition options for streamers.
Broadcasters receive advanced streaming options paired with multistreaming capabilities as one of the benefits. Moreover, it allows them for scene and layout customization for a professional streaming experience and seamless integration and setup with Splitstream for multistreaming.
Benefits of multistreaming
Wider audience reach: Broadcasting to multiple platforms allows content creators to tap into diverse audiences that prefer different streaming platforms.
Increased exposure: Multistreaming enhances the visibility of live content, increasing the likelihood of reaching new viewers and potential followers.
Diversified engagement: Different platforms attract unique user demographics and preferences, enabling creators to cater to varied audience interests.
Efficient resource utilization: Rather than managing separate streaming setups for each platform, multistreaming optimizes resource use by consolidating the streaming process into one workflow.
Considerations for multistreaming
Multistreaming demands adequate upload bandwidth to support simultaneous streaming to multiple platforms without compromising quality. Moreover, not all streaming sites are compatible with multistreaming services or software, so it's essential to choose solutions that support the desired platforms.
Online stars also have to remember that managing multiple chat feeds and audience interactions across platforms can be challenging and may require additional tools or dedicated moderation.
Selecting platforms to stream on
Choosing the best platforms for multistreaming involves a strategic evaluation process based on various factors that align with your specific needs, goals, and resources. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
Define your goals and requirements
Audience and platform preferences: Understand your target audience and identify the platforms they frequent. Consider demographics, content preferences, and engagement levels.
Streaming needs: Determine the type of content you create and whether it aligns better with certain platforms (e.g., gaming on Twitch, professional content on LinkedIn Live).
Platform compatibility
Supported platforms: List the platforms where you want to simulcast. Ensure that the multistreaming service or software supports these platforms.
Ease of setup: Evaluate how easily the platforms integrate with the multistreaming solution. User-friendly interfaces and straightforward setup processes are advantageous.
Features and functionality
Multistreaming capabilities: Assess the capabilities for simultaneous streaming to multiple platforms. Check for limitations on the number of destinations.
Customization options: Look for features like customizable overlays, branding options, and scene management, especially if you need a tailored appearance for different platforms.
Reliability and stability
Streaming quality: Prioritize platforms that maintain high-quality streams across multiple destinations without compromising video or audio quality.
Stability and uptime: Check the service's reputation for stability and uptime to ensure consistent streaming experiences.
Audience engagement and interaction
Chat aggregation: If managing audience interactions is crucial, consider platforms that aggregate chats from various destinations into one interface for easier management.
Moderation tools: Evaluate the availability of moderation tools for handling interactions across platforms efficiently.
Analytics and insights
Performance tracking: Look for platforms that offer analytics and insights, providing data on viewership, engagement metrics, and audience behavior across different destinations.
Scheduling and planning: Consider platforms with scheduling tools that enable planned broadcasts across multiple platforms simultaneously.
Cost and scalability
Pricing structure: Compare pricing plans, considering factors like the number of destinations, streaming quality, and additional features. Opt for a plan that fits your budget.
Scalability: Assess whether the chosen platform can accommodate potential growth in your streaming needs without significant hurdles or increased costs.
User support and community
Customer support: Check the availability and responsiveness of customer support for troubleshooting issues or inquiries.
Community and resources: Consider platforms that offer community forums, tutorials, or resources that can aid in optimizing your multistreaming experience.
Trial and testing
Free trials or demos: Utilize free trials or demos offered by multistreaming platforms to test the user interface, streaming quality, and overall functionality.
User reviews and recommendations: Gather insights from user reviews, recommendations, or case studies to understand real-world experiences with the platforms.
Readers must note that choosing the best multistreaming platforms involves a comprehensive assessment of your streaming goals, audience preferences, technical requirements, and budget constraints. By considering these factors and conducting thorough research or trials, you can select platforms that align with your needs and empower you to effectively engage and grow your audience across multiple online destinations.
Conclusion
Multistreaming has emerged as a crucial strategy for content creators, businesses, and individuals seeking to expand their online presence and engage with diverse audiences across multiple streaming platforms. Choosing the right multistreaming app or platform depends on various factors, including ease of use, compatibility with existing setups, required features, and budget considerations.
Each of the mentioned multistreaming platforms offers unique features and capabilities, catering to different user preferences and needs in the ever-evolving landscape of online streaming. Understanding the requirements and goals of your streaming endeavors is essential in selecting the most suitable multistreaming solution that aligns with your specific needs and aspirations in the digital streaming space.
