Streamlabs Multistream vs YouTube
Streamlabs Multistream
streamlabs.comYouTube
youtube.comSide by side
| Figure | Streamlabs Multistream | YouTube |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $15.75/mo | $1.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 5 |
| Spec score · Live Streaming Software | 8.9 (#9) | 8.9 (#11) |
| Spec score · Live streaming software | 8.9 (#9) | 8.9 (#11) |
| Spec score · Live TV streaming services | 8.9 (#12) | 9.0 (#7) |
| Company | Streamlabs describes itself as a provider of tools and software for live streamers and content creators. | YouTube’s Terms identify Google LLC as the entity providing the service, located in Mountain View, California. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Support | The Multistream page directs users with questions to Streamlabs support. | YouTube directs users to its Help Center, Help Community, and TeamYouTube for troubleshooting and updates. |
| What it does | Streamlabs Multistream broadcasts one live stream to multiple platforms, with Streamlabs servers forwarding it to each destination. | YouTube lets people discover, watch, and share videos and other content, and provides a platform for creators and advertisers. |
Plans
Streamlabs Multistream
- Ultra$27 a month
- StarterFree
- Streamlabs Ultra$15.75 a month
YouTube
- Sports + News Plan$49.99 a month
- YouTube TV$59.99 a month
- Sports Plan$64.99 a month
- 4K Plus$9.99 a month
- More premium TV add-ons$1.99 a month
In their own words
Streamlabs Multistream
Streamlabs Multistream sends one live broadcast to multiple destinations, with Streamlabs servers splitting the incoming stream into separate feeds. This cloud processing avoids requiring extra upload bandwidth for each destination. Listed destinations include Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Facebook, Instagram, Patreon, X, and custom RTMP endpoints. Dual Output provides horizontal and vertical canvases, with one destination per canvas available for free. Multichat can read and post comments on YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Pages; it can read chat on Kick, X, and Facebook Profiles. Creators can customize titles and descriptions for each platform and set layout and resolution for each Dual Output canvas. The service works with Streamlabs Desktop, the OBS Plugin with Ultra, the mobile app, or other streaming software configured through the Dashboard and RTMP credentials. Stream Shift lets a creator move a stream between a PC and a mobile device or another computer without ending it. A free plan is available; paid access starts at $15.75/mo billed annually. Supported platforms are web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
YouTube
YouTube is a service for discovering, watching, and sharing videos and other content, as well as a platform for creators and advertisers. People can browse and search without a Google account, though some features require one. Channel owners can upload videos, comment, and make Shorts and playlists; YouTube Studio is the place to post videos and edit a channel. Shorts are vertical videos of 60 seconds or less, alongside longer videos. Recommendations use signals such as viewing behavior, likes, dislikes, subscriptions, and satisfaction feedback. Users can pause, edit, or delete their search and watch history. Developers can use YouTube APIs to embed playback, search and manage content, review analytics, add subscribe buttons, and manage live streams. Eligible Partner Program creators may access multiple revenue streams, subject to regional availability and program criteria. The free service is listed for Android, iOS, and web, with an API. YouTube Premium adds ad-free viewing on millions of videos, offline downloads, background play, and ad-free music in YouTube Music, though some creator and event promotions may remain. Premium plan options include individual, household family, and annually verified student plans.