Thinking of live streaming on YouTube? Just make sure that you choose the right live streaming software for YouTube, as to stand out on it, you need to have high-quality streaming, customizations, a hat system, and also great control over the sound and cameras. However, what is the best live streaming software for YouTube that you can use in 2025?
We’ve made it easier for you to choose by compiling a list of all the best YouTube live streaming software compatible with it, used the most, and offering many features that help you stand out as a streamer. We’ll also list the pros and cons of each so that it’s easier for you to choose the one that meets your requirements.
Importance of Choosing Streaming Software for YouTube
Beginner YouTube streamers focus more on preparing and decorating their setup, but not enough time on choosing the right streaming software. Neglecting that it:
- Impacts your stream’s quality and stability
- Helps manage overlays, alerts, and audience interaction
- Makes multistreaming and guest features possible
- Affects how easy or hard it is to go live
- Some tools can reduce lag and improve performance
- Gives you control over audio, video, and scenes
- Saves time with built-in templates and automation
- It can help grow your channel faster with engagement tools
List of the Best Software for Live Streaming on YouTube
1. OBS Studio
One of the most famous and used YouTube live streaming software is OBS Studio. It’s free live broadcasting software with many features, including advanced auto-mixing, noise suppression, customisation features, and video filters.
You can also create a custom scene on it using the video, images, browser windows, webcams, and text, creating high-quality streams.
What makes this software stand out is its ability to support external plugins for further optimising and customising your stream. It works on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Pros
- Free and open-source
- Highly customisable with plugins
- Works across major platforms
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- No official tech support
2. Streamlabs
If you find OBS a bit complex, Streamlabs is your way to go. It’s beginner-friendly streaming software built on the code and engine of OBS Studio but with improved features and a better user interface. The main purpose of launching the software was to make it easy for beginners to go live on YouTube.
It includes excellent stream-enhancing features, including alerts, chat widgets, an event list, and even pre-made overlays that help your stream get noticed during scrolling. The unique thing about this software is that it has a built-in app and monetisation tools that can help you grow drastically as a YouTube streamer.
Pros
- User-friendly setup
- Tons of built-in widgets and themes
- Mobile streaming support
Cons
- Some features are locked behind a subscription
- Can be resource-heavy
3. Restream
If you have a low-end PC, Restream is the best live-streaming software for YouTube. It’s browser-based streaming software that you don’t need to install on your system. It works with many apps, including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and 30+ more.
It’s equipped with many excellent features, including real-time analytics, a centralised chat window, branding options like logos and overlays, and lots of team collaboration features.
Pros
- Stream to multiple platforms simultaneously
- No software installation needed
- Great analytics and branding options
Cons
- Advanced features need a paid plan
- Browser-based, so fewer pro controls
4. StreamYard
StreamYard is the best streaming software for creating live tutorials or having meetings. It’s an easy-to-use web-based software that lets you stream with 10 people whom you can easily invite by sending the invitation links. Like Streamlabs, it has incredible features like the ability to add banners, logos, overlays, and tickets.
And the best part? You don’t need to download it as it works right on the web, which gives you a high-quality quality uninterrupted streaming experience. Furthermore, it’s also packed with other features including multi-stream, scheduling a live stream, recording and sharing, making it an all-in-one best streaming software for YouTubers.
Pros
- Easy guest management
- Clean interface with built-in branding tools
- No download required
Cons
- Limited features in the free version
- Less customisable than desktop apps
5. PRISM Live Studio
Beginner streamers with a basic streaming setup, either on their desktop or mobile, should go for the PRISM live studio. It’s a great streaming software for YouTube that doesn’t require any high-end setup and offers many features for a high-quality and stylish stream.
That includes filters, text overlays, stickers, and effects you can add in real-time. It even has a green screen(chroma-key) that lets you change the background of the stream in real-time.
Other than YouTube, it works flawlessly with Twitch, Facebook, TikTok, and many other streaming platforms.
Pros
- Great for mobile and IRL streaming
- Chroma key and effects built in
- Easy to use and totally free
Cons
- Not as powerful as desktop-only tools
- Lacks advanced scene customisation
6. Ecamm Live (macOS Only)
Ecamm Live is Mac streaming software for YouTube designed to offer pro-quality production with minimal setup. It has many advanced features, such as picture-in-picture, overlays, interview mode, green screen, and direct integration with YouTube and Facebook.
It makes arranging scenes a breeze by giving you a drag-and-drop feature to move the scenes. This software is the best for podcasters, coaches, teachers, interviewers, and any technical YouTube creators who want to have high-quality, advanced streaming with minimal setup.
Pros
- Pro-grade features with a simple interface
- Excellent for interviews and live shows
- Seamless YouTube integration
Cons
- Mac-only
- Requires a paid subscription
7. XSplit Broadcaster
For gamers out there, XSplit Broadcaster is the best streaming software to use. It’s Windows-based software for professional and gaming streamers. It comes with many features that help you create high-quality gaming and professional-grade streams. These include scene transitions, video editing features, multi-scene switching, and real-time source mixing.
It, by default, has a direct integration with YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. Even if you have an external display, you can project your stream on that as well with this streaming software. The UI is simple to use, and just like Ecamm, it also has a drag-and-drop feature for quickly arranging the scenes.
Pros
- Clean interface with pro features
- Great for both gamers and business users
- Strong scene and transition control
Cons
- Watermarks on the free version
- The best features are paid
8. Nvidia ShadowPlay
NVIDIA ShadowPlay is a streaming software that is optimized to be used only by NVIDIA GPU users. It’s designed to offer flawless and lag-free streaming without impacting your PC’s performance. It’s free and can run in the background, uses less GPU, and lets you capture the gameplay smoothly without needing any external software.
Despite being free, it has no fewer great features than the above streaming software. It has instant replays, high resolution, and even one-click YouTube or Twitch streaming.
Pros
- Minimal performance impact
- Super simple for Nvidia users
- Instant replay and highlight features
Cons
- Only works with Nvidia GPUs
- Very limited customisation options
Things To Remember When Choosing Live Streaming Software For YouTube
Whichever YouTube streaming software you choose, consider the following things:
- Should connect easily with YouTube
- Look for built-in audience interaction tools
- Must support local recording for backup
- Go for HD or higher video quality
- Multistreaming is a big plus
- Easy layout and overlay customisation
- Live effects can boost stream quality
- A simple setup is always better
FAQS
Which software is best for YouTube Live streaming?
OBS is the go-to if you’re after full control, but for something quicker to set up, Streamlabs or Restream might feel easier.
Is OBS 100% free?
Yes, OBS Studio is completely free streaming software for YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Kick, and many other platforms.
Is OBS or Streamlabs better for YouTube?
OBS has more features, but it can be difficult to learn for total beginners. Streamlabs is beginner-friendly streaming software. Depending on your experience, you can choose either.
Final Words
Streaming software for YouTube can make or break your stream, so you should choose the best one. We’ve selected all of the best live streaming software for YouTube that works great with it, including OBS Studio, Streamlabs, Restream, StreamYard, PRISM Live Studio, Ecamm Live, XSplit Broadcaster, and Nvidia ShadowPlay.
Make sure you read the pros and cons of each before you choose one for yourself. That will ensure you choose the one that meets your requirements and offers you a high-quality, engaging stream that helps you stand out.