The internet has always been a place where people are free to be themselves. But in recent years, the rise of social media networks that offer free livestreaming has given us – YouTubers, gamers, tech-oriented people, and the likes – even more opportunities to express ourselves publicly.
There are many different free livestreaming platforms to choose from, but before we dive into those, let’s talk about livestreaming first.
What is Livestreaming?
Livestreaming is the act of broadcasting live video to an audience. Often, livestreaming is used by people and companies to broadcast events and news.
As opposed to pre-recorded videos that only give you a glimpse into the life of somebody else, livestreams capture moments as they happen. Think of it as second-by-second blogging: your fans get to watch you eat breakfast this morning, walk around all day, and even go to bed.
The best part is that livestreaming is really easy to do. With just a smartphone or webcam, you can start livestreaming in minutes.
Livestreaming has become increasingly popular in recent years with its rise in new technology and social media platforms that allow anyone to broadcast themselves for free. Since 2018, livestreaming has grown exponentially which is why it’s important for brands to take advantage of this trend if they want to stay competitive online.
There are many different types of livestreams based on who you’re trying to reach – from personal broadcasts aimed at friends or family members, corporate broadcasts that are aiming for more professional audiences, gaming broadcasts geared towards gamers, and even influencer broadcasts, for example.
Reasons Why You May Want to Go Live
If you’re a small business owner, going live might improve your chances of reaching a wider audience. Because livestreaming acts as a catalyst for virality, it can help people take notice of you and build up more buzz about what you have to offer.
In fact, many large companies – from fashion labels to fastfood chains – are already using livestreaming to engage with their customers and promote their products. Some benefits of livestreaming for businesses include:
- increased brand awareness
- improved customer engagement and loyalty
- ability to drive more website traffic
- potential to increase sales
If you’re a content creator, there are several reasons why you may want to start livestreaming as well.
Some reasons why you may want to livestream content include:
- to build an audience and connect with fans
- to create more interesting, engaging content
- to increase video views
- to make money through sponsorships or donations from viewers
Now that we’ve covered the basics of livestreaming, let’s take a look at the platforms you can choose from.
Here Are the Best Free Livestreaming Platforms in 2021.
The best free livestreaming platforms in 2021 will be able to help brands capitalize on this trend and reach new audiences in interesting and innovative ways.
Each of these platforms has its own unique benefits and features that make it a great choice for brands looking to livestream. Let’s take a look at each of them.
1. YouTube Live
YouTube Live tops our list. It is great for brands who want to reach a large audience since it is the second most popular website in the world, next to Google.com, so there’s a high chance that your target audience is already using it.
YouTube Live offers powerful tools for brands and gamers alike, such as the ability to add links, images, and cards to your broadcast. This can help you drive traffic to your website or product pages.
You can also use YouTube Live to create “events” that your audience can subscribe to, which will notify them when you go live. This is a great way to increase viewership and keep your audience engaged. Plus, YouTube Live offers powerful features like live chat that can help you engage with your viewers.
It’s no surprise that its livestreaming capabilities are top-notch. You can broadcast to an unlimited number of people, and there are a number of ways to monetize your videos. So if you’re looking to make some money from your livestreams, too, YouTube Live is a great option.
2. Facebook Live
Facebook Live is another great choice for brands since it has over 2 billion active users. It’s perfect for both personal and professional livestreams and offers a wide range of features that makes it easy to use.
Facebook Live allows you to create interactive broadcasts, which can help you engage with your audience and build a stronger relationship.
Facebook Live is a great choice for those who want to share their livestreams with their existing followers. For example, brands that have a large following on Facebook can use live video to increase engagement and reach a wider audience. You can even schedule pre-recorded videos the same way you would schedule regular posts.
Additionally, Facebook Live offers sharing options, such as the ability to directly post videos to your Facebook profile or page. You can also share them on other social media platforms like Instagram through cross-posting.
When you start a Facebook Live broadcast, you can include the option to get notifications when friends of viewers subscribe, join, or like your page. You can also add reactions to different points in your broadcast. This is especially useful for encouraging more interaction from viewers.
3. Twitter
Twitter is another great choice for brands that want to reach a wide audience.
In the past, Twitter has struggled with its livestreaming capabilities and streaming events simply weren’t possible. However, it recently updated its platform to include live video and even extended its partnership with National Football League (NFL) to livestream its games.
Twitter is a great place to livestream to a specific target audience. Twitter boasts 190 million daily active users, so it’s the perfect platform for reaching users who are actively looking for what you’re broadcasting.
You can also use hashtags to reach a wider audience and increase viewership. Plus, Twitter’s live video feature makes it easy for viewers to watch your broadcast without having to leave the platform.
When you start a broadcast on Twitter, you can choose to share your stream with specific hashtags. This allows your content to be discovered by relevant audiences.
4. Instagram Live
Instagram Live is a great choice for brands that want to reach a younger audience. With roughly 1 billion monthly active users, it’s a great way to connect with potential customers. The platform is easy to use, and you can start streaming in just a few minutes.
Instagram Live also offers a number of features that can help you engage with your viewers. It offers features like live interactions and the ability to share your broadcast with other users. You can also add filters and stickers to your broadcasts to make them more engaging.
When you start a live stream on Instagram, your followers will get a notification so they can tune in.
5. LinkedIn Live
LinkedIn Live is great for professional livestreams, especially if you’re looking to reach other businesses and brands. It offers features that are geared specifically towards business owners. LinkedIn is a platform that’s often used for business-to-business networking, so it’s the perfect place to livestream content that’s relevant to professionals.
LinkedIn Live offers an interactive experience for viewers, with the ability to add comments and reactions. It also allows you to create “follow-up broadcasts” that will be published on your profile after the initial broadcast ends, which can lead to more viewers.
LinkedIn Live also offers the ability to add polls and questions to your broadcast, which can help you get feedback from your audience or gather insights about their preferences.
6. Twitch
Twitch is an excellent choice if you’re looking to livestream video games. It is perfect for gamers who want to share their gaming experiences with other users. This platform allows gamers to share their favorite games with other users, and interact with them, too.
You can start a Twitch broadcast right from your desktop computer or laptop. The platform offers advanced features like the ability to create schedules, which allows you to let viewers know when you are likely to stream next.
When you go live on Twitch, you can include the option to invite friends into your stream. You can also share videos of past broadcasts so that viewers can watch them later.
7. TikTok Live
TikTok Live is a great platform for brands that want to reach a younger audience. TikTok is a social media app that’s popular with teenagers and young adults, so it’s the perfect place to share content that’s relevant to this demographic.
TikTok Live offers features that are specifically designed for this platform. For example, you can add filters and stickers to your live broadcasts so they feel more interactive. This feature allows your audience to interact with you and each other.
When you go live on TikTok, your followers will get a notification so they can tune in.
There are many different free livestreaming platforms to choose from and the best ones include Facebook Live, LinkedIn Live, YouTube Live, Twitter, Twitch, TikTok Live, and Instagram Live. These platforms offer a variety of features that can help you reach your target audience and engage with them.
However, whichever platform you choose, remember to have fun and be yourself! The best way to connect with your audience is by being authentic and engaging. Happy streaming!