Right from musicians performing for a concert on stage to gamers motivating their peers toward victory to engaging in a virtual classroom, live streaming makes all these possible by connecting people across geographies and bringing them together.
And to make this happen, live streaming APIs and SDKs have helped developers to quickly integrate real-time video into any apps or platforms, thus boosting app’s engagement levels.
Astonished? Well, you should be! If you are looking for some of the best API providers for live streaming, I suggest you keep pinned to this blog. Shall we start?
Table of Contents
What Is A Live Streaming API & SDK?
A live streaming solution is a platform, or a service that allows broadcasters to stream either audio or video content live to their audiences. Live streams include webinars, games, music concerts, conferences, etc.
A live streaming SDK is a tool that allows developers to add real-time audio and video features along with recording and encoding capabilities into their applications.
How To Choose For The Right Live Streaming SDK Provider?
It is mandatory that when you choose a live-streaming SDK, you maintain a checklist of some of the criteria that would align with your technical requirements and budget. With these, also consider factors like quality, scalability, and customer support.
Other key aspects include:
1. Quality and Latency: Make sure your choice of SDK delivers HQ audio and video calls without lags.
2. Scalability: Ensure that your live streaming API can support your user base, no matter the size, whether it is millions or hundreds.
3. Cross-platform Compatibility: Have a check on this parameter, as your preferred SDK should give the flexibility to stream on multiple platforms like iOS, Web, and Android.
4. Customization: Go for live streaming APIs that give 100% customization to their features.
5. Support and Documentation: An API for live streaming providers must be able to give you detailed documentation on integration and troubleshooting.
6. Cost-effectiveness: Always plan your budget before opting for an SDK service. Some providers offer a free trial, while others offer affordable CPaaS solutions. So decide well and make a choice.
11 Best Developer-Friendly Live Streaming APIs & SDKs
Are you in search of the best live-streaming solutions?
Here’s a roundup of the 11 best APIs & SDKs for live streaming like MirrorFly, Apphitect, Twilio, EnableX, Zegocloud, GetStream, Agora, and more that offer scalability, flexibility, and easy integration.
1. MirrorFly
The first on our list and my all-time favorite is MirrorFly! It is the #1 live streaming API provider for creating custom apps. Right from offering 1000+ real-time communication features for excellent user experience to low latency to quick integration, it excels in every aspect the developer would think of.
Just not these; you can even white label your app with your logos and colors to reflect your identity to your users and get full data ownership, which other providers would not give.
So, on the whole, with MirrorFly’s video live-streaming SDKs, you can scale live streams without any worries.
Key Features
- Single interface streaming
- Real-time chat and video
- Recording streams
- Screen share and emojis
- Raise hand
- Backstage mode
- Group broadcast
- On-premise and cloud hosting
Pros
- We offer unlimited customization option
- Gives the flexibility to broadcast on any channel
- Get the benefit of hosting apps either on-premise or on-cloud
Cons
- There are too many features that would eat up your time navigating those.
2. ApphiTect
Are you profoundly searching for a white-label live streaming API provider? Then you must opt for Apphitect because they let you build self-hosted live streaming solutions on web and mobile apps at the most affordable pricing.
Plus, with the ability to white label and customize features, you will be hellshock to see engagements driving in your app.
And the best part of them is that they support multi-platform streaming with the lowest latency possible. Amazing, is it not? Let us see what strength they hold.
Key Features
- Real-time chats and videos
- Screenshare
- Recording
- Emojis and virtual BG
- Whiteboard
Pros
- Gives you unlimited customization options
- Their SDKs are cross-platform compatible
Cons
- Do not support on-cloud hosting
- Needs a learning curve
3. Twilio
If an API provider is highly trusted in a communication space, then it is Twilio’s in-app SDKs for building programmable and real-time communication solutions. And along with these, they are also known for better scalability and help developers with documentation.
Key Features
- Real-time video and audio
- Data Sharing
- Secure connections
- Programmable video API
Pros
- Highly scalable
- Good documentation and quick integration
Cons
- Bit pricey for a limited set of features
- Limited customization options
4. Dyte
Dyte offers plug-and-play SDKs to easily add scalable and interactive live stream options into your apps. And, they offer features like low latency, scalability, and custom layouts to host extensive streams at any time. Is this all? Well, no, you will be amazed to learn about its features.
Key Features
- Join live stream
- Watermarking
- Whiteboards
- Emojis
- Chats
- Live captions and virtual BG
Pros
- An extensive set of rich features that can be customized
- Quick and easy to set up
Cons
- It may not be suitable for small-scale content creators
- Security features can be improved
5. EnableX
EnableX is a well-known provider of real-time communication APIs and SDKs that are quite helpful in building solutions like live streaming, video conferencing, and interactive media apps.
Plus, they give a single plan to access all the premium features, which is fantastic.
But what’s different from other platforms is that they also give bonuses and discounts.
Key Features
- Podcast editor
- Video Editor
- Multi-party video streaming
- 4k video quality
- AI-based video analytics
Pros
- Supports interactive streaming in high-quality
- Good customer support and rich in features
Cons
- Needs a learning curve
- The price is a bit on the higher end
6. VideoSDK
VideoSDK comes to developers as one of the most friendly platforms for helping them build exceptional real-time communication features like instant messaging, voice, video, and live streaming with its APIs and SDKs.
And just not these, their easy-to-use interface and a set of features are remarkably good.
Key Features
- Live streaming
- Low latency
- iOS, Android, web platform support
- Real-time recording
Pros
- Quicker integration
- Affordable pricing
- Cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- Limited feature set
- Not suitable for large-scale businesses
7. Muvi
This video streaming platform offers a live streaming solution along with VOD functionality for web and mobile apps. Plus, the platform also supports HLS and RTMP feeds and gives flexibility to embed videos and record the same.
Key Features
- Screen recording
- geo-blocking
- Watermarking
- Multistreaming
Pros
- Highly customizable and scalable options
- Possess strong security characteristics
- Offers great customer support
Cons
- The price is a bit higher compared to peers
- Needs technical knowledge for carrying out customizations
8. Vonage
Formerly known as Nexmo, it is known for its wide range of communication APIs and programmable video APIs for building live streaming and video conferencing attributes.
Additionally, they offer customization options, thus giving developers the option to change the resolution, quality, and frame rate.
Key Features
- Real-time engagement tools
- HD video streaming
- End-to-end encryption techniques
- SIP support
- WebRTC protocol
Pros
- Higher levels of scalability and reliability
- Sturdy security features
- Great developer resources
Cons
- High priced
- APIs are complex and difficult for beginners.
9. Agora
Agora is one of the leading live streaming and video API providers that helps developers build apps that support large-scale broadcasts, video, voice, and chat capabilities with ultra-low latencies.
Plus, you can experience zero downtime and good scalability with their auto-scaling feature.
Key Features
- Sound effects
- AR masks
- Captioning videos
- Subtitles
- Live chat
- Simulcasting
Pros
- Good audio and video quality
- Quick to set up
- Gives documentation on integration
Cons
- Lacks customer support teams
- SDKs do not support major frameworks
10. GetStream
Getstream supports live streaming capabilities through third-party integrations, thus making it ideal for communicating on any social platform. They are also known as a low latent API provider that lets you create high-performance content without lags.
Key Features
- AI-driven image moderation
- Multi-tenancy
- Silent messages
- Spam and profanity filters
- Unread message counts
- Reactions and more
Pros
- Latency less than 500ms supported by WebRTC protocol
- Greatly flexible with respect to recordings and user roles
Cons
- Limited in-built streaming capabilities
- Needs third-party integrations for live video communication
11. Zegocloud
It is one of the most reliable live streaming SDK providers that offer the best-quality streaming experience for users, all in real-time. Along with this, they also come as developer-preferred because of their advanced features like low latency, adaptive bitrate streaming, and easy integration attributes.
Key Features
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Pre-built UI kits
- Ultra-low latency
- Real-time video, voice, and chats
- Supports larger audiences
Pros
- Smooth and lagless delivery of chats and calls
- Scalable and can accommodate any number of users
- Possess strong mobile integration
Cons
- Lacks white labeling option
- Needs a learning curve
- Limited set of features
So, these are a few of the video streaming API providers you need. But let me tell you that plenty are out there, so choose your desired solution based on your needs.
Build A Live Streaming Solution With MirrorFly’s APIs & SDKs
Now that we have seen a list of providers who excel in offering excellent live-streaming solutions, if you are still boxed out on which to choose, go ahead with MirrorFly.
Not that it is my favorite, but it stands as the most reliable live streaming SDK provider with 1000+ real-time communication features that any business would want in their app. Next, its APIs allow you to live stream content without any buffers or jitters and let you build cross-platform compatible apps, which again is a hit for you.
Some of the other exquisite that it is known for include:
- Sturdy security features with AES and E2E encryption techniques
- Quick integration with neatly documented guides for developers
- Offers the flexibility to host live streaming apps on your premises or on the cloud
- High level of customization on any feature set
- Ability to white label apps to show to people who you are
- Ultra-low latencies for a seamless streaming journey.
What do you say now? Do you agree with me?
Conclusion
Alas, we have come to the end of the post, and you may have been clear that implementing a live-streaming SDK into our app can help you create an exceptional streaming experience.
All you need to do for that is choose the right provider from the list above, considering your budget, requirements, and needs. That’s all for now! Bid you bye!!