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YouTube live streaming

YouTube Live Streaming

Brand your YouTube Live and set up your stream in minutes. No tech headaches. Stream to YouTube and other platforms in one click, with every comment in one simple, unified chat

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*No credit card needed. Free plan available.
4.8
On G2 with 881 reviews

How to live stream on YouTube with Riverside

Step 1

Set up your live studio

Open a new studio, customize it with lower thirds, backgrounds, and your own branding. You can also invite collaborators with a quick link.

Step 2

Connect Stream

Copy your YouTube Live URL and stream key to your Riverside studio settings.

Step 3

Live Stream

Start YouTube live streaming with easy screen share and live editing tools.

Step 4

Download

Download local recordings for high-quality content repurposing.

Why use Riverside

Why Riverside is the best YouTube live streaming software

Encoding with a few simple clicks

No more installations or complicated YouTube streaming software. Simply enter your YouTube Live URL and stream key then you’re good to go!

YouTube Live together, anywhere

Invite a guest to your YouTube live stream from anywhere! Remote guests can join on desktop or via our live streaming mobile app for iOS and Android.

Multistream and promote easily

Stream to various social media channels at once including Twitch, Twitter and more. Promote your YouTube Live with Magic Clips – create short video clips in one click and post them as Shorts.

Local recordings for high-quality content repurposing

YouTube streaming is vulnerable to Internet connection. Don’t let that affect you from repurposing your content in HD. Download local recordings in up to 4K video, unaffected by your Internet connection.

Easy tools for anyone to stream like a pro

It doesn’t matter if you’re a gamer, vlogger, or a complete beginner. Our screen sharing, soundboard, and editing features turn you into a YouTube live streaming professional.

Live call-ins to boost audience engagement

Boost audience engagement and make them a real part of your YouTube live streams. Skip the chatbox and invite audience members to call in live to ask their questions.

Don’t just stream—create. YouTube streaming software for going live, recording, and repurposing

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*No credit card needed. Free plan available.

How to choose YouTube streaming software

Make sure the software you choose meets the following criteria:

Easy YouTube integration

Choose software that connects seamlessly to YouTube with a simple stream link setup.

Multistreaming capability

Opt for software that lets you broadcast to multiple platforms simultaneously.

High-resolution recording

Ensure your streams are recorded in HD quality for better repurposing and playback.

Local recording

Recording directly on your device prevents internet issues from affecting video quality.

‍Audience engagement tools

Look for features like live chat, reactions, and interactive overlays to boost viewer interaction.

Customization and effects

Choose software with live effects and layout customization for a more professional stream.

Use a YouTube live streaming software to:

Share your gaming sessions

Share your gameplay with smooth screen sharing, branded overlays, and live chat with viewers across platforms. Engage your audience with the Omnichat and clip the best moments to turn them into YouTube Shorts.

Host a live YouTube podcast

Host your podcast live on YouTube with up to 9 guest speakers and real-time audience call-ins. Add sound effects and brand your stream live, while capturing everything in top-quality audio and video.

Run professional live events

Level up your marketing efforts with live webinars, Q&As and product demos on YouTube. Add your own branding, share your screen and capture every moment for follow-ups or replays.

Vlog in real time

Take your audience behind the scenes with live YouTube vlogs. Chat with your viewers in real-time and spice things things up with live sound effects.

“It took us little-to-no time to integrate our workflows. It’s the central hub for recording and managing our video and audio files. 
Rob Goodman Executive Producer | Wix

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Is YouTube live streaming free?

Yes, you can live stream on YouTube for free. You’ll need to have a verifiable account, and your YouTube channel must be in good standing. 

But, YouTube Studio’s native streaming tools are fairly basic. To make lives more engaging with branding or effects, stream to YouTube from dedicated software like Riverside.

Do you need 1000 subscribers on YouTube to live stream?

No, but if you’re recording on your phone, having less than 1000 followers could limit your audience views. If you’re stuck in this situation, you could always live stream on Riverside with up to 1000 audience members, live call-ins all the tools you need for a professional YouTube video.

What is the best streaming software for YouTube?

The best streaming software for YouTube depends on your needs. 

If you’re a podcaster or video creator, then Riverside is a top option. You can live stream to multiple platforms while recording your stream in up to 4K resolution. With its wide array of automated editing tools, you can repurpose your content in minutes.

If you’re a gamer, you may need a bit more of a technical setup. In this case, you may choose something like OBS. But be warned, this is best for advanced live streamers.  Riverside is better for brands and solo creators who want pro-quality streams without the steep learning curve.

If you want to know more options, check our full guide to the best live streaming software for creators.

What do I need for live streaming on YouTube?

To live stream on YouTube you'll need at least:

  • A verified YouTube account
  • Stable internet connection
  • Equipment like a webcam and a microphone. 

And while you can stream directly on YouTube, if you want more customization, then we suggest you get dedicated streaming software too. You’ll need to connect the software to your YouTube channel. But, you’ll have more options to add overlays, live edit, and make your stream yours. (Luckily, with Riversid,e setting up is super easy.)

For a step-by-step guide on all you need, check out our full tutorial on how to livestream to YouTube.

What is the highest YouTube live streaming quality?

The YouTube mobile app limits live streaming to 1080p max in most cases. But, if you use an encoder, YouTube supports live streaming up to 4K (2160p) at 60 fps. To broadcast at this level, you’ll need a fast, stable internet connection with a minimum upload speed of 50 Mbps. You will also need a webcam or camera that supports this resolution.

You can check our guide to learn more on how to improve your streaming quality.

Record. Stream. Edit. All in one place.

Start creating with Riverside.

Other Riverside tools

Multistreaming software

Stream to multiple platforms and record quality content.

Live Streaming Software

Live stream to various platforms using one software.

YouTube Name Generator

Get the perfect name for your channel, for free.

Magic Clips

Let AI pick out the best moments of your recording, then turn them into media-friendly, bite-size clips.