Live Tv Streaming Services For Free
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There are more quality shows on TV than ever before, but choosing the right viewing option can be overwhelming and stressful. Thankfully, TV Guide is here to help you find the right service for you!
Groundbreaking Originals
Netflix
Netflix offers multiple streaming and DVD plans that are affordably priced and give subscribers HD, ad-free access to the streaming services' library and original programming slate, which includes TV shows, movies, documentaries and comedy specials.
main benefits
- Netflix is an ad-free streaming service no matter your subscription level.
- Access to Netflix's entire library featuring complete seasons of a number of hit TV shows as well as originals like Stranger Things.
- The ability to download individual episodes to phones and tablets.
All-Around Best Value
Hulu
Hulu offers a deep catalogue of original programming and older beloved favorites while also offering viewers the opportunity to catch up on currently airing network series. Hulu also recently added a live-viewing plan, available with and without commercia
MAIN BENEFITS
- Affordable commercial and no-commercial plans to fit your budget
- New live tv plan includes 50 hours of cloud DVR storage and the ability to stream on 2 screens at the same time
- Extensive library featuring complete collections of your favorite shows as well as original programming like the Emmy winning The Handmaid's Tale
The Big Box Store of Streaming
Prime Video
You can buy, rent and instantly watch movies and TV shows via Prime Video. A Prime Video subscription grants instant access to Amazon originals and thousands of popular titles from the U.S. and around the world with the option of adding third-party subscr
MAIN BENEFITS
- Ad-free access to hit movies and complete seasons of popular TV shows
- Instant access to acclaimed Amazon originals like Transparent, Catastrophe, and Mozart in the Jungle
- The ability to download select episodes to mobile devices or rent or purchase episodes that aren't available as part of Prime
It's Not a Streaming App, It's HBO
HBO Now
HBO Now offers subscribers affordable access to the premium channel's extensive content library without paying for an additional cable package.
MAIN BENEFITS
- Access to HBO's extensive library, which includes award-winning series, specials, documentaries and more
- Subscribers have the ability to watch big premieres, including Game of Thrones, as they air live on TV
- One account allows you to stream on multiple devices
The Most Live Options
DirecTV Now
DirecTV Now offers subscribers access to on-demand programming and live streaming, with the ability to add premium streaming options for an additional monthly fee.
main benefits
- Access to 120+ live TV channels and 25,000 on-demand titles
- DirecTV Now app allows viewers to stream programming on their TVs, phones, tablets, or computer
- Pick and choose which premium channels you want starting at an additional $5 per month
Discover Something New
CBS All Access
In addition to offering live-viewing of your local CBS station, CBS All Access subscribers enjoy access to full seasons of past CBS series and recent episodes of current series, as well as exclusive original programming.
MAIN BENEFITS
- Access to all episodes of current CBS shows, prior seasons of current shows, and CBS' ad-free classic show library on several streaming devices
- Exclusive access to Star Trek: Discovery and The Good Fight
- Affordable commercial and no-commercial plans to fit your budget
Affordable A La Carte TV
Sling TV
Sling TV is an affordable and customizable live-viewing service that offers viewers two basic packages, with the opportunity to pick and choose extra channels depending on your interests.
MAIN BENEFITS
- Personalized channel lineup you can change at any time
- The Sling TV app allows you to watch on your TV, phone, tablet or computer
- Offers a cloud DVR for just $5 extra per month
Not Just for Gamers
PlayStation Vue
Despite its name, PlayStation Vue does not require a PlayStation console. It's a live-streaming service available on a variety of TV-connected and mobile devices that offers four different package levels.
MAIN BENEFITS
- A single account can stream on up to five devices at any given time
- Offers DVR and On Demand programming
- Personalized DVR, favorite channels and recommendations for up to 10 profiles
You may already have some experience editing and uploading videos to YouTube, Instagram, or other popular video sites out there, but have you ever broadcast yourself or an event for an audience to watch live? Like, in real time?
It's easier than you might think, thanks to the popular live video broadcast tools available today. You don't necessarily need any fancy equipment as long as you have a working camera and microphone built in to your computer or smartphone or connected as separate devices.
The following popular tools are used by individuals, business owners, and event holders who want to broadcast live video over the internet to their audiences.
Facebook Live
What We Like
Vast potential audience.
Notifies followers before a live event begins.
Supports mobile and desktop streaming.
What We Don't Like
No monetization options.
Streams at only 720p.
Facebook removes inappropriate content.
Facebook encourages you to 'broadcast live to the largest audience in the world.' With Facebook Live, anyone with a Facebook profile or Page can reach a live audience on iOS and Android devices and Facebook Mentions. While a broadcaster is live, the video appears in the News Feed and on the broadcaster's profile or Page with a 'live' indicator. When the live broadcast ends, the video is still viewable on the Page or profile for people who missed the live broadcast. The creator can leave it up or take it down at any time.
Use Facebook Live to reach new audiences and interact with followers in real time. A Facebook Live session can last up to four hours.
IBM Cloud Video (formerly Ustream)
What We Like
Rock-solid live video streams.
Easy setup.
Accommodates an unexpectedly large viewership.
What We Don't Like
Relatively expensive.
No way to rewind during a live broadcast.
No built-in monetization.
IBM Cloud Video acquired Ustream in 2016 and transitioned broadcasters using Ustream to the new IBM Cloud Video service. The IBM Cloud Video Streaming Manager — the equivalent of Ustream Pro Broadcasting — is a cloud-based platform for the delivery of live video and on-demand content. Primarily a business-oriented service, IBM Cloud Video is designed for large audiences for event streaming or marketing launches.
IBM offers a 30-day free trial of the Pro Plan which accommodates 100 to 5,000 viewer hours, 720p broadcasting, ad-free broadcasting, channel password protection, and customization.
The Enterprise plan is customized for your business. It has all the same features as the Pro Plan plus 1TB video storage, 1080p broadcasting, dedicated event support, multiple bitrate streaming, live analytics, multi-device compatibility and much more.
Instagram Live Video
What We Like
Sends notifications to followers when live video begins.
Built-in network of followers.
Instagram filters for video.
Opt in or out of comments during the live video.
What We Don't Like
Video is available for only 24 hours unless you share a replay.
Length limit of one hour.
No way to add text to video.
Limited analytics.
People with established Instagram accounts can share a live video with their followers in real time. When the live video is over, it is no longer viewable on Instagram.
The Instagram live video interface displays the number of viewers and comments. The broadcaster has the capability to respond to comments or to turn them off altogether.
Live video generates a colored ring around the broadcaster's profile picture. The video doesn't appear on the profile grid. At the top of the broadcaster's followers' Feeds, the broadcaster's profile pic with the colored ring indicates a live video. Followers can tap it to see the video.
The live video can be seen only by an approved follower for private accounts. For public accounts, anyone on Instagram can view the live video.
YouTube Live
What We Like
Continuous stream up to 36 hours.
Streams in 4K.
Dashboard shows viewers in real time.
Allows ads in livestreams for large accounts.
What We Don't Like
YouTube must verify your account before livestreaming.
No desktop streaming app.
YouTube claims access to your content for its advertising.
Even though YouTube is known for providing all types of videos that are previously recorded, edited and uploaded, it offers a broadcasting feature for live video that you can access by clicking on 'Live events' found in the Video Manager of your account. After you verify your account and enable live streaming, set up your webcam and engage with your audience in real time as they watch your broadcast. You'll be able to answer questions or reply to viewer comments live.
YouTube provides professional controls for your broadcast and allows you to monetize your videos with ads if you so choose.
Vimeo Live (formerly Livestream)
What We Like
Pro-level streaming from any mobile device.
Best dslr picture quality. Monetization of live videos.
Cross-platform analytics.
Integrates easily with social media sites.
What We Don't Like
More expensive than the competition.
Editing features for saved video are basic and clunky.
Vimeo Live is a robust service for people and businesses that are serious about their live broadcasts. Vimeo Live powers 10 million events annually. The service is high quality and easy to use. The company promises fast and outstanding customer service.
- Two basic accounts for hosting only
- Business hosting account for organizations and small companies
- Premium for unlimited live streaming
Vimeo Live offers a free account with limited features so you can try out its live streaming products.
Periscope
Best Live Tv Streaming Services
What We Like
Simple to set up.
Good for impromptu live videos.
No time limit on live videos.
What We Don't Like
Substandard user experience.
Poor audio
Videos are deleted after 24 hours.
Twitter uses Periscope for live broadcasts on the social media site. Comparable to Facebook's Live video, Periscope enables Twitter broadcasters to stream live video using Android and iOS smartphones and other sources.
The live video can go anywhere on Twitter that a tweet can go. Your live videos are automatically saved as tweets, and you have the option of saving the video to your device when the live stream ends. It is also searchable in Periscope. You can delete any of your posted videos at any time.
During the live broadcast, broadcasters can interact with viewers.
Twitch
What We Like
Impressive interactive platform for gaming enthusiasts.
Easy to set up.
Content from professionals and hobbyists.
What We Don't Like
Basic account is ad supported.
Chat doesn't work well with large audiences.
No pause or rewind on live videos.
Twitch is a platform used by video gaming enthusiasts who enjoy live-broadcasting their games and watching other users play, compete, teach, and do all sorts of other things that gamers do. If gaming is your thing, then Twitch is where you want to be. If you're looking to broadcast something unrelated to gaming, you should choose a different option.
Twitch Prime membership is included with Amazon Prime.
Bambuser
What We Like
High-definition video.
Handy editing tools for recorded video.
Integrates well with social media sites.
What We Don't Like
Cluttered interface.
Learning curve.
No audio level indicators or low battery warning.
Bambuser (formerly Iris by Banbuser) focuses on making its mobile video sharing easy to use. Its technology makes ultra-low latency, live video capabilities possible and facilitates the distribution of HD mobile live video. The site is well positioned to meet the mobile live video stream needs of individuals and businesses alike.
Users connect with the Bambuser app for Android and iOS devices. The service is also accessible through webcams and cameras connected to computers. After your live broadcast, the stream is saved to your account where other people can watch it.
Bambuser is available as a free 14-day trial and three-tiered paid packages suitable for private individuals and for businesses: Starter, Medium, and Large.
Best Free Tv Streaming Services
YouNow
What We Like
All live-video platform.
Home to mostly teens, especially musicians, who live broadcast daily.
Strong social networking vibe.
What We Don't Like
Free Live Tv Streaming Channels
Broadcasters must buy a subscription.
Lots of in-app prompts to send tips or buy gifts.
Only subscribers can view content after its live broadcast.
YouNow is a popular live video streaming and chat app that is used more for casual video broadcasts than for professional work. Users must be at least 13 years old and consent to allow YouNow to use their videos however the company wants. Because many teens use the app, privacy is a concern. The site exercises caution with content, but live-streaming is unpredictable, so there's no way the site can guarantee viewers won't see something objectionable.
Tinychat
What We Like
Free group video chat.
One-click chat room.
No setup needed.
What We Don't Like
Not for team or office environments.
Mobile apps are not as stable as the website.
If you're looking to place a bigger emphasis on viewer interaction and chatting, Tinychat may be worth a try. Tinychat is an online video chat community used mostly for casual chatting purposes. You can set up your own video chat room in any category or topic and invite other users to join, or you can join an existing room to view and chat.