Ustream is the world’s largest live streaming platform. It allows anyone to live stream from anywhere in the world. Live streaming or hosting a video, conferences, events or delivering services for the business can be managed through Ustream.
It is an application that works on both android and iPhone. Ustream has options like searching among the categories including sports, news, music, etc so that you can directly choose what you want to watch.
It also allows you to enable the email notifications so that when in the future any live stream comes on the topic of your interest you will be notified immediately. You can also record and save the stream for watching later on.
The viewers and the broadcasters can interact with each other through options like instant polling or built-in chat. It has approximately 50 million users a month. Recently, Ustream has been acquired by IBM and now it is known as “IBM Cloud Video”.
IBM Cloud Video service offers its users to choose from three packages- Silver package for small scale businesses, the Gold package for medium scale business, and Platinum for high volume usage. Before choosing any of the packages you can try it for 30 days without paying any cost.
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In an age where live streaming has become commonplace, Ustream was one of the platforms that led the charge. This guide provides a comprehensive look at Ustream, its origins, benefits, and its current standing in the world of digital media.
Contents
What is Ustream?
Ustream was a live streaming service that allowed users to broadcast and watch live video streams on the internet. Users could create channels, host broadcasts, and engage with their audiences in real time.
Over the years, it garnered attention for hosting various events, from concerts to press conferences, making live content accessible to a global audience.
8 Best Ustream Alternatives in 2023
After knowing about the discontinuation of services of Ustream we must look for its alternatives. We have listed eight alternatives of Ustream which you can use easily and is totally safe.
1. YouTube Live Streaming
YouTube is a name that everyone knows. In 2011, YouTube launched its own live streaming feature. To do live streaming from a mobile on YouTube the main thing is that you should have at least a thousand subscribers.
Live streaming of games, news, workshops, teaching classes, music or anything of your choice can be done on YouTube live streaming absolutely free of cost. Even you can generate revenue from live streaming through YouTube by showing sponsored ads in between.
You will see a direct option as “Go Live” when you will click on the upload video option. Just click on go live and you are now streaming live. You can change privacy settings and limit the audience for your live streaming. You can save it and can also rewind someone else live stream.
2. Livestream
Livestream can be accessed from its website, “Livestream.com” as well as from its application “Livestream”. On Livestream, you can broadcast any live event happening and can watch its live streams from anywhere in the world.
It offers on almost every kind of device whether it is a tablet, computer, laptop, or mobile. You can share the link of the live stream to different platforms like Facebook, Twitter, etc. It comes with a built-in chat option to interact with the viewers.
You also have an option to follow people to get notified when that person is live again. Over 175 million people are its users and it offers various plans that you can choose from according to your need and budget. It is very popular platform to host virtual events and conferences, training.
3. Twitch
Twitch is one of the leading platforms where live video games are broadcasted. Over hundred million viewers gather to watch and discuss about video games. It works well on both android and ios software. E-sports competitions are broadcasted live on Twitch and its viewers can watch it for free without any interruptions or any kind of subscription or log in.
4. Bambuser
Bambuser is a mobile live video streaming application that is helpful and beneficial for businesses and retailers. It allows the business owners or their representatives to interact with their customers. Bambuser is available in over 195 countries and in 35 languages thus providing global coverage.
One–to–many or one-to-one interactions can be done through this platform. In one-to-one engagement, a business representatives may give consultations or provide customer care. Many organizations, developers, brands such as Adidas, Samsung, Tommy Hilfiger, and others use Bambuser to interact and know about their customers and their choices.
5. Facebook Live
The feature of going live on facebook was first launched in August 2015. It then was only available for high profiles and celebrities. In April 2016, it was made available for everyone. It is very easy to go live from facebook.
You just need to go update status then click on post, there you will see a live video icon click on it and you are live. Before going live it also gives you an option to add short description about the stream and choose which audience can watch your stream.
6. Periscope
Periscope was an application that was popular because of its updates about real time on social issues and major incidents of country. It was later on brought by twitter. When you go live, it instantly notify to your followers about your stream so that they can join it.
Viewers can interact through commenting and by sending small hearts. If you want to save your live video it gives you the option to. It was one of the best platforms for real time interaction but twitter decided to shut it down. On 31st march 2021, Periscope was officially shut down.
7. Meerkat
Meerkat provides you similar kind of interface as Periscope. After signing up on it, it will notify your followers on facebook and twitter whenever you go live. Viewers can interact through comments and even joining the video.
Any of the viewers can also take over the live stream if proper permissions were given. Unlike Periscope, Meerkat live streams cannot be saved or replayed. If you wish you save it then save it directly with Meerkat official library.
It then can be accessed on the web. Meerkat was shut down in 2016 and later was replaced by ‘Houseparty’. It is an application where friends can play fun games online through video calling.
8. Blab
Blab is gaining popularity day by day. In Blab friends can video chat with each other and other persons can listen to them. It is a great platform where you can debate on topics or just have casual conversations. Maximum of four people can video chat at a time. For now Blab is available only to ios users.
Is Ustream Still Working?
As of 2016, Ustream was acquired by IBM and subsequently rebranded as “IBM Cloud Video.” While the core streaming functionality was retained, it shifted towards more business-focused and enterprise solutions.
So, while the Ustream name and standalone service aren’t operational in their original form, its legacy continues under the IBM umbrella.
Who is the Founder of Ustream?
Ustream was founded in 2007 by John Ham, Brad Hunstable, and Gyula Feher. The idea was conceptualized while Ham and Hunstable, both West Point graduates, were looking for ways to connect with their peers in the military who were deployed overseas. The platform evolved from a simple means of communication to a global broadcasting tool.
Benefits of Ustream
- Real-time Engagement: Ustream allowed for immediate interaction between broadcasters and viewers, making it a dynamic platform for engagement.
- Broad Accessibility: With an internet connection, anyone could become a broadcaster or viewer, breaking down geographical barriers.
- Diverse Content: From gaming and music to educational lectures, Ustream hosted a wide range of content categories.
- Embeddable Players: Users could embed their live streams on other websites, expanding their reach beyond the Ustream platform.
Is Ustream Safe?
During its operational years, Ustream took several measures to ensure the safety and security of its platform:
- Moderation Tools: Broadcasters had access to tools that allowed them to moderate chat rooms, ensuring a safe environment for interaction.
- Encrypted Streams: For premium users, Ustream offered encrypted streams, enhancing content security.
- Clear Policies: Ustream had a set of community guidelines and terms of service to ensure user safety and copyright adherence.
However, as with all online platforms, users were advised to be cautious, avoid sharing personal information, and be aware of potential phishing or scam attempts.
Is Ustream Free?
Ustream offered both free and premium plans. The free version came with basic broadcasting capabilities, but it was ad-supported. This means viewers of free channels would occasionally see advertisements.
The premium plans, catered more towards businesses and professional broadcasters, came with additional features, higher quality streaming, and no ads.
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Conclusion
Ustream, in its prime, was a testament to the power of live streaming and the digital era’s interconnectedness. Although it has since transitioned into IBM Cloud Video, its impact on the live streaming landscape remains undeniable.
For those looking to delve into live broadcasting, it’s essential to acknowledge the platforms that paved the way and to understand the importance of safety, accessibility, and real-time engagement in this digital age.
After the discontinuation of Ustream you will certainly need new and different platform for watching and broadcasting live videos. Above are some good applications and platforms that can be used for live streaming. Although, some applications are out dated but you can still access its previous contents if you like to.
