Upstream vs YouTube
Upstream
upstream.so
YouTube
youtube.comSide by side
| Figure | Upstream | YouTube |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $2/mo | $1.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 9 | 5 |
| Spec score · Live TV streaming services | 8.5 (#30) | 9.0 (#7) |
| Spec score · Live Streaming Software | 8.5 (#26) | 8.9 (#11) |
| Spec score · Live streaming software | 8.5 (#26) | 8.9 (#11) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy controls | Users can request stored-data deletion by deleting their account or contacting Upstream, and can revoke its Google data access through Google Security Settings. | Users can pause, edit, or delete their YouTube search and watch history. |
| Support | Support is available through live chat, the helpdesk, and email, and the company says its team members answer requests. | YouTube directs users to its Help Center, Help Community, and TeamYouTube for troubleshooting and updates. |
| What it does | Upstream is cloud live streaming software for browser-based broadcasts, multistreaming, and 24/7 channels made from uploaded videos. | YouTube lets people discover, watch, and share videos and other content, and provides a platform for creators and advertisers. |
Plans
Upstream
- FreeFree
- 1 stream$30 a month
- 2 streams$50 a month
- 3 streams$70 a month
- 4+ streams$80 a month
- 10 streams$200 a month
- 1 stream annual$24 a year
- Paid — 1 stream, yearly$24 a year
- Paid — 1 stream, monthly$30 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
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.