Live streaming has become an integral part of our lives, with its popularity skyrocketing in recent years. Live streaming apps have revolutionized the way we consume content and interact with others in real time. If you’re looking to build a live-streaming app, choosing the right live streaming SDK is crucial. In this article, we’ve rounded up the 10 best live streaming API providers that you can use to develop high-quality, feature-rich live streaming apps.
What is a Live Streaming SDK?
The live streaming SDK (Software Development Kit) is a collection of development tools specifically designed for integrating live streaming functions. It provides a series of APIs, code libraries, and pre-built components, enabling developers to easily add live video and audio streaming functions to their applications or websites without having to develop the underlying technologies from scratch.
A complete live streaming SDK typically includes core modules such as video capture, encoding, transmission, decoding, and playback. In addition, it may support advanced features like danmu (flying comments), live connection interaction, beauty filters, screen sharing, etc., to meet the live streaming needs of different scenarios. For example, ZEGOCLOUD’s Live Streaming SDK supports a live streaming experience with low latency and high concurrency, and provides multiple transmission protocols such as WebRTC, RTMP, and HLS, which are suitable for live streaming applications in industries such as social media, education, e-commerce, and gaming.
Compared with developing a live streaming system independently, using a video streaming SDK can significantly reduce development costs, accelerate the product launch speed, and ensure the stability and quality of audio and video transmission. Developers only need to call the interfaces provided by the SDK to quickly achieve a high-definition and smooth live streaming experience. At the same time, they can also combine other functional modules, such as real-time chat, virtual gift giving, etc., to further enhance the user interaction experience.
How to Choose the Right Live Streaming SDK Service?
When choosing the right video streaming SDK service, look for one that matches your technical needs and budget, while ensuring a smooth user experience. Consider quality, scalability, and support to make the best choice for your project.
1. Streaming Quality & Latency
- Low Latency: Essential for real-time interaction (e.g., gaming, education, auctions). Look for WebRTC-based SDKs.
- Adaptive Bitrate Streaming: Ensures smooth streaming even under poor network conditions.
- HD & 4K Support: If your platform requires high-quality video, ensure the SDK supports HD/4K.
2. Platform Compatibility
- Check if the live streaming SDK supports web, mobile (iOS, Android), and desktop apps.
- Look for cross-platform SDKs if you want to develop for multiple platforms with one codebase.
3. Ease of Integration & Customization
- SDK should provide comprehensive documentation and developer-friendly live video streaming APIs.
- Check for pre-built UI components or UI customization options.
4. Scalability & Performance
- Can it handle a high number of concurrent viewers?
- Does it offer global CDN support to ensure smooth streaming worldwide?
5. Features & Functionalities
- Multi-host streaming: For podcasts, interviews, or co-hosted events.
- Recording & Playback: To allow users to rewatch content later.
- Real-time engagement: Chat, reactions, virtual gifts, polls, etc.
- Monetization Options: Subscription, pay-per-view, or ad integration.
6. Security & Compliance
- Look for end-to-end encryption and DRM protection if you handle sensitive content.
- Ensure it complies with GDPR, HIPAA, or other industry regulations if necessary.
7. Pricing & Licensing
- Consider pay-as-you-go models if you want flexibility.
- Some SDKs charge based on bandwidth, user count, or API calls—check the pricing structure carefully.
8. Customer Support & Community
- 24/7 support is crucial for live streaming platforms.
- Check if they have an active developer community, forums, and SDK updates.
Top 10 Live Streaming SDK and API Vendors
SDK and API vendors for video and live-streaming offer toolkits such as WebRTC that facilitate the creation of custom live-streaming platforms within the web and mobile applications. Let’s look at the best video streaming SDK and API providers for live streaming.
1. ZEGOCLOUD
ZEGOCLOUD is a powerful live streaming SDK solution that provides a high-quality, real-time streaming experience for users. With its advanced features such as adaptive bitrate streaming, low latency, and easy-to-use APIs, ZEGOCLOUD is a popular video live streaming SDK choice for developers looking to integrate live streaming into their applications.
ZEGOCLOUD’s live streaming API for video streaming allows developers to easily integrate video streaming into their applications with a wide range of customization options. With ZEGOCLOUD’s live streaming SDK for Android & iOS 、 Flutter & React Native, developers can quickly build powerful video streaming applications that can scale to millions of users. Additionally, it provides pre-built UKIits for developers to save time and cost at a quick and easy live streaming app development.
Pros:
- High-quality, low-latency streaming
- Extensive customization options
- Robust security features
- Excellent customer support
Cons:
- Pricing can be higher for large-scale applications
- Some advanced features may require technical expertise to implement
Pricing: Starts at $0.99 per 1,000 minutes for audio and $3.99 per 1,000 minutes for video.
2. Agora
Agora is a popular live streaming SDK that offers a comprehensive solution for developers. It features low latency, high-quality audio and video, and real-time messaging, making it a great choice for applications.
Agora streaming API for video streaming also supports cross-platform development, allowing developers to integrate it into their applications for various platforms, including iOS, Android, and the web. It is widely used in the gaming industry and has been praised for its stability and reliability. With real-time analytics and monitoring, Agora allows developers to keep track of the performance of their streams and make adjustments as needed, making it a powerful and flexible live streaming SDK solution.
Pros:
- Reliable low-latency streaming
- Strong global infrastructure
- Comprehensive documentation and support
- Wide range of interactive features
Cons:
- Can become expensive with high usage
- Some users report occasional connectivity issues
Pricing: Starts at $0.99 per 1,000 minutes for audio and $3.99 per 1,000 minutes for video.
3. Wowza
Wowza video streaming SDK is a powerful and flexible software development kit designed for live video streaming. With Wowza, developers can easily integrate live streaming capabilities into their applications, enabling them to deliver high-quality video content to audiences across the globe.
This stream SDK supports a wide range of streaming protocols and video formats, including HLS, MPEG-DASH, and RTMP, making it a versatile solution for various use cases. The SDK also provides features like adaptive bitrate streaming, real-time analytics, and secure streaming to ensure a seamless and secure streaming experience.
Pros:
- Highly customizable and flexible
- Supports a wide range of protocols and formats
- Strong security features
- Scalable for large audiences
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise to set up and manage
- Higher learning curve
Pricing: Starts at $49/month for basic plans; enterprise pricing is available upon request.
4. Kurento
Kurento is an open-source multimedia server with live streaming API technology that enables real-time communication and processing of audio, video, and data. It provides a comprehensive set of features for building advanced video applications, including WebRTC-based video conferencing, live broadcasting, and media processing.
Kurento is highly extensible and allows developers to add custom processing modules and integrate them with third-party tools and services. It supports a wide range of programming languages and platforms, making it easy to integrate with existing applications.
Pros:
- Open-source and free to use
- Highly flexible and customizable
- Strong community support
- Ideal for building custom streaming solutions
Cons:
- Requires significant technical expertise to implement and maintain
- Limited official support
Pricing: Free (open-source); costs associated with infrastructure and development.
5. Vonage
Vonage offers a comprehensive live streaming API solution that delivers an exceptional real-time streaming experience for users. Developed with powerful stream APIs and comprehensive documentation, Vonage is an ideal choice for developers who want to create live streaming applications.
The live streaming API provided by Vonage offers a vast range of customization options that give developers greater control over video quality, resolution, and frame rate. The video streaming API is user-friendly and the SDK is compatible with a broad range of platforms such as iOS, Android, and the web. As a result, developers can easily create high-quality live streaming applications and integrate Vonage’s capabilities into their existing applications.
Pros:
- Strong focus on video APIs
- Easy to integrate with other Vonage services
- Reliable and scalable
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to some competitors
- Some features require additional modules
Pricing: Starts at $0.00395 per minute for video; volume discounts available.
6. MUX
With the developer-friendly video streaming API of MUX, building web and mobile apps with live-streaming video functionalities is simple. Moreover, it is highly scalable, and it can quickly grow with your needs. The platform accepts live broadcasts and output streams using RTMP and HLS. MUX’s API also enables live broadcasting to social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, among others.
Pros:
- High-quality streaming with low latency
- Simple and intuitive API
- Excellent analytics and monitoring tools
- Scalable infrastructure
Cons:
- Pricing can be high for large-scale operations
- Limited features compared to some competitors
Pricing: Starts at $0.005 per minute for streaming and $0.01 per minute for encoding.
7. Vimeo
Using Vimeo’s accessible video live streaming API, you can quickly implement live video streaming into your business model without having to obtain and dedicate the necessary technological resources. Moreover, Vimeo API, libraries, and SDKs are available in various languages, such as PHP, Python, and Node.js. Furthermore, it also enables you to launch a branded subscription service and securely upload, stream, and share content.
Pros:
- High-quality video hosting and streaming
- Easy to use and integrate
- Strong privacy and security features
- Comprehensive analytics tools
Cons:
- Higher cost for premium features
- Limited customization options
Pricing: Starts at $20/month for basic plans; advanced plans vary.
8. VideoSDK
VideoSDK Live’s live streaming SDK allows you to easily build live streaming apps on the web, iOS, and Android. Moreover, the platform provides an interactive live streaming solution that uses adaptive live streaming to enhance the quality and experience of live streaming. When recording live streams, VideoSDK Live allows you to record video and audio streams separately. During live streaming, users can easily change their backgrounds and layouts and invite guests.
Pros:
- Easy to integrate and use
- Cost-effective for small to medium-sized applications
- Good range of features for interactive streaming
Cons:
- Limited scalability for very large applications
- Fewer advanced features compared to major competitors
Pricing: Custom pricing based on usage and specific requirements.
9. Brightcove
Providing features like analytics, live transcoding, and CMS integration, Brightcove offers a comprehensive live-streaming SDK. With Brightcove’s APIs, you can simultaneously reach your audience with RTMP and HLS outputs. Moreover, you can stream videos from your favorite CMS, effortlessly add player plugins, and automate CDN publishing. Moreover, it also supports the customization of the video player using CSS and JavaScript.
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade streaming solutions
- Robust security and privacy features
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting
- Highly scalable and reliable
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to other providers
- Complex setup and management
Pricing: Enterprise pricing is available upon request.
10. Muvi
Muvi live video streaming API empowers you to build live-streaming web and mobile apps with support for HLS and RTMP feeds. Moreover, it offers a straightforward process to embed live videos and allows you to record live streams. Furthermore, users can enhance the security of their live streaming using different options like screen recording protection, geo-blocking, and watermarking.
Pros:
- All-in-one OTT platform with live streaming
- Highly customizable and scalable
- Strong security features
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Higher cost for the full feature set
- Requires technical expertise for advanced customization
Pricing: Starts at $399/month for basic plans; advanced plans vary.
What Makes ZEGOCLOUD the Best Live Streaming SDK & API？
ZEGOCLOUD stands out as the best video streaming SDK and API due to its robust real-time communication capabilities, offering ultra-low latency for seamless live interactions. It provides highly customizable features, enabling developers to tailor the streaming experience to their specific needs. ZEGOCLOUD also supports a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, and web, ensuring broad compatibility. Additionally, its comprehensive developer support and easy integration process make it a top choice for those looking to implement high-quality, reliable live streaming solutions.
ZEGOCLOUD excels as a video streaming SDK and API with the following features:
- Ultra-Low Latency: Ensures real-time, seamless streaming experiences.
- High Customizability: Offers flexible options to tailor the streaming experience.
- Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with iOS, Android, and web.
- HD Video and Audio: Delivers high-quality streaming with minimal delay.
- Scalable Architecture: Supports small to large-scale streaming events.
- Interactive Features: Includes real-time chat, reactions, and audience engagement tools.
- Robust Developer Support: Easy integration with comprehensive documentation and support.
Conclusion
Incorporating a live streaming SDK in your live streaming app is essential for ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted video streaming experience for your users. By selecting the right video streaming SDK, you can provide high-quality live streaming and engage your audience. Consider factors like scalability, customization options, and pricing before choosing the best option for your app’s needs.
Read more:
Live Streaming SDK FAQ
Q1: Can a live streaming SDK support multiple platforms?
Many live streaming SDKs are designed to be cross-platform, supporting various operating systems like iOS, Android, and web platforms, enabling a consistent streaming experience across different devices.
Q2: Is it difficult to integrate a live streaming SDK into an existing app?
The difficulty varies depending on the SDK and the existing app’s architecture. However, most SDKs are designed for ease of integration and come with detailed documentation and developer support to assist in the process.
Q3: What programming language is used for live streaming?
Live streaming applications can be built using various programming languages, depending on the platform and specific needs. Common languages include:
- C++ – Used for performance-heavy tasks, such as encoding and decoding video.
- Java/Kotlin – For Android live streaming apps.
- Swift/Objective-C – For iOS live streaming apps.
- JavaScript (Node.js, WebRTC) – For browser-based live streaming.
- Python – For backend streaming servers and AI-based video processing.
- Go (Golang) – Used for building scalable media servers.
- C# – For live streaming in game engines like Unity.
Q4: Is OBS Studio only for live streaming?
No, OBS Studio is not only for live streaming. While it is widely used for broadcasting live content on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook, it also supports high-quality recording. Users can record videos locally without streaming, making it useful for creating tutorials, gameplay recordings, and presentations. Additionally, OBS Studio allows advanced scene composition, audio mixing, and real-time video processing, making it a versatile tool for both live and recorded content production.
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