7 Best WordPress Live Streaming Plugins in 2024 (Compared)

Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by 3 Comments

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First Pick

XSplit Broadcaster

Pricing: $15 per month
Standout Features: Skype And Zoom Integration, Desktop Sharing, Multiple Media Sources

Visit XSplit BroadcasterRead Overview
Second Pick

Wirecast

Pricing: $599
Standout Features: Unlimited Platforms, Live Edit Sources, Multiple Output Options

Visit WirecastRead Overview
Third Pick

OBS Studio

Pricing: Free
Standout Features: Professional Tools, Open Source, Unlimited Scenes With Transitions

Visit OBS StudioRead Overview
Blog / WordPress / 7 Best WordPress Live Streaming Plugins in 2024 (Compared)

Live streaming has become more popular than ever. Many social platforms allow for live streaming, but it’s also possible to live stream from your WordPress website. It sounds complicated, but it’s easier than most realize.

In this article, we’ll look at the best WordPress live-streaming plugins and software to help you get started.

Why Live Stream?

Live streaming is great for broadcasting events such as sports, weddings, concerts, theater, and more. It’s a great way to build brand awareness and promote products. It’s also a great way to build and engage with your audience.

A few examples include:

  • Video games
  • Webinars
  • Live coaching
  • Classes
  • Church services
  • Product demonstrations

What You Need to Live Stream

There are two types of software you need to create your live stream:

  1. Software to capture your video for the live stream. This is usually done with specialized software.
  2. A way to embed the live stream into your WordPress website. This is usually done with WordPress live-streaming plugins.

The Best Live Streaming Software


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First, you’ll need to create the live stream. This portion of the list shows the best software for creating the live stream. Of course, you’ll need a camera, microphone, video capture hardware, or any other equipment based on the type of content you’re creating.

The live stream software will provide you with code to embed within your WordPress website. This code can be embedded using the WordPress live-streaming plugins we’ll discuss in the next section.

1. XSplit Broadcaster

XSplit Broadcaster

XSplit Broadcaster is a live streaming and recording studio designed with gaming and esports in mind. It works just as well for any type of streaming. It integrates with Skype and Zoom video calls, includes desktop sharing, and allows for overlays. Use multiple sources for media and drag or resize them.

XSplit Broadcaster

It includes many high-end features to create live streams that look professional. Set up scene presets, chroma key sensitivity, change the camera shape, adjust the audio levels for each scene, enable split-screen, and lots more.

Features

  • Skype and Zoom integration
  • Desktop sharing
  • Overlays
  • Multiple media sources
  • Drag and resize sources
  • OBS importer
  • Stream to multiple platforms
  • Recording
  • Expandable
  • Green screen
  • Windows and Mac

Price: $15 per month and up

Get XSplit Broadcaster

2. Wirecast

Wirecast

Wirecast is professional-grade streaming software that’s used by television broadcasters. It even has production gear available to start streaming from anywhere in minutes. You can stream to unlimited destinations including YouTube and other platforms. The stream can then be embedded into your WordPress website using plugins such as WPStream.

Wirecast

Capture multiple sources and edit them live. Add overlays, backgrounds, shots, and lots more.

Features

  • Windows and Mac
  • Unlimited platforms
  • Stream and record
  • View up to 17 sources per monitor
  • ISO recording can be used for live instant replay
  • Multiple output options
  • Extensive training available

Price: $599 lifetime

Get Wirecast

3. OBS Studio

OBS Studio

OBS Studio is a free and open course app with professional-level tools for live streaming and recording. Connect to multiple sources to show your desktop, specific windows, browser tabs, and cameras at the same time. Rearrange the screen to show the exact layout you want. It’s ideal for showing a video source, such as your desktop, while showing a camera capture in the corner. It’s best used with a streaming provider.

This example shows my browser with an image captured from my webcam in the bottom right corner. I can move the webcam capture anywhere and make it any size.

OBS Studio

The live stream output can connect to a streaming service or you can create a custom output for your server.

Features

  • Professional tools
  • Multiple capture sources
  • Open Source
  • Real-time audio and video capture
  • Output to multiple services
  • Unlimited scenes with transitions
  • Recording
  • Green screen
  • Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux

Price: Free

Get OBS Studio

4. YouTube Livestreaming

YouTube Livestreaming

YouTube has a live stream feature built-in. You just need enough subscribers and content to access it. It gives you the option to go live now or schedule it for later.

YouTube Livestreaming

You’ll then have the option to use your webcam or streaming software.

YouTube Livestreaming

Go through the process of setting up your live stream.

YouTube Livestreaming

It then gives you links that you can use to embed your live stream into your website. Paste the link into your pages, posts, Divi modules, etc., publish the page or post, and you’re live. You can set the live stream to β€œPublic” so anyone on YouTube can see it or set it to private so only those visiting your WordPress website can see it. This might be the simplest method on this list.

Features

  • Go live or schedule for later.
  • Use webcam.
  • Use streaming software.
  • Publish YouTube streams as public or private.
  • Paste the embed link anywhere on your website.

Price: Free

Get Youtube

Live Streaming Software Comparison Table

PluginPriceFree Option
πŸ₯‡XSplit Boradcaster$15/mo❌Learn More
πŸ₯ˆWirecast$599 lifetime❌Learn More
πŸ₯‰OBS StudioFreeβœ”οΈLearn More
4YoutubeFreeβœ”οΈLearn More

The Best WordPress Live Streaming Plugins

Once you have your software, you’ll need a way to embed the live stream into your WordPress website. The easiest way to do this is to use one of the many WordPress live-streaming plugins that are available.

This list is what I consider the best plugins for embedding your live streams. There are a few popular plugins that I didn’t include due to having a fatal error or having a reputation for publishing content without permission.

1. WpStream

WpStream

WpStream allows you to stream video-on-demand, pay-per-view, and live streams. It requires a WPStream account and limits your streaming bandwidth based on the subscription you choose. It connects to broadcast software and smartphones. Create video channels as custom post types and embed them with shortcodes. It integrates with WooCommerce.

WpStream

Settings let you enter video channels to display, set user roles, choose the type of channel, and set the default price. You can also adjust the default channel settings, subscription options and customize the messages.

WpStream

Create the channels as a custom post type using the classic editor. It includes categories, tags, actors, media categories, movie ratings, and a featured image.

Features

  • Connects to popular broadcast software
  • Stream with your smartphone
  • Video channel custom post type
  • Embed with shortcodes
  • 5GB bandwidth
  • 1GB media storage
  • Pay-per-view
  • Video-on-demand
  • WooCommerce integration
  • Pro version adds more bandwidth and storage, content protection, and removes ads.

Price: Free, the pro version starts at $19 per month

Get WpStream

2. Embed Plus for YouTube

Embed Plus for YouTube

Embed Plus for YouTube is one of the most popular WordPress live-streaming plugins. It allows you to embed a YouTube video, playlist, channel, gallery, or live stream. Streams are easily embedded into the classic editor using the embed tools and into Gutenberg with the included block.

Embed Plus for YouTube

The settings screen gives you lots of control over how the embed works and looks.

Embed Plus for YouTube

It adds a new block to Gutenberg called YouTube Wizard. This allows you to embed a live stream or any other YouTube content you want.

Features

  • Autoplay
  • Looping
  • Annotations
  • Related videos
  • Progress bar
  • Video controls
  • Localization
  • Default β€œnot live” content
  • Gutenberg block
  • Pro version adds customizations, live chat, featured thumbnails, video SEO, and more.

Price: Free, the pro version starts at $39.99

Get Embed Plus for Youtube

3. Bzplayer Pro

bzplayer website

Bzplayer Pro is a powerful and customizable video player that allows users to play and stream videos on their websites. With a sleek and intuitive interface, Bzplayer Pro offers a wide range of features and customization options to make the video playback experience as smooth and engaging as possible.

Features:

  • Support for multiple video formats, including MP4, WebM, FLV, HLS, and MPEG-DASH
  • Customizable player skin with support for multiple color schemes
  • Responsive design to fit any screen size

BZplayer demo

Bzplayer Pro’s key features make it a versatile tool for anyone looking to enhance their website’s video playback experience. The support for multiple video formats ensures that users can play any type of video, while the customizable player skin allows them to match the player’s design with their website’s branding. Finally, the responsive design ensures that the player looks great on any device, from desktops to smartphones.

Bzplayer Pro is for you if…

  • You want to enhance your website’s video playback experience with a customizable and versatile video player
  • You need a video player that supports multiple video formats and can be easily integrated into your website
  • You want a video player with a responsive design that looks great on any device

Bzplayer Pro Pricing: $21

Get Bzplayer Pro

Comparing Live Streaming Plugins

We’ve gone ahead and looked at each plugin by themselves. Now it is time to see them side-by-side.

Live Streaming Plugin Price Comparison

Here’s a look at the price comparison and whether or not these each have a free option available as well.

PluginPriceFree Option
πŸ₯‡WpStream$19/moβœ”οΈLearn More
πŸ₯ˆYoutube Embed Plus$39.99/siteβœ”οΈLearn More
πŸ₯‰BzPlayer$21/site❌Learn More

Live Streaming Plugin Feature Comparison

Sometimes it’s all about the featuresβ€”which ones you need and which ones the plugins have. Here’s a comparison of live streaming + other video features.

πŸ₯‡ WpStreamπŸ₯ˆ Youtube Embed PlusπŸ₯‰ BzPlayer
Starting Price$19/yr$39.99 LTD$21 LTD
Live Streamingβœ”οΈβœ”οΈβœ”οΈ
Video Playbackβœ”οΈβœ”οΈβœ”οΈ
Audio PlaybackβŒβœ”οΈβœ”οΈ
Gutenberg Optimizedβœ”οΈβœ”οΈβœ”οΈ
Playlist Supportβœ”οΈβœ”οΈβŒ
Channel Supportβœ”οΈβœ”οΈβŒ
Auto Quality for HLS/MPEGβŒβŒβœ”οΈ
Theater ModeβŒβŒβœ”οΈ
Privacy and Consent OptionsβŒβœ”οΈβŒ
Lazy LoadβŒβœ”οΈβŒ
Active Installations6,000+200,000+1,000+
Community Rating4.7/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read Reviews
4.6/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read Reviews
4.0/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐ β˜…
Read Reviews
Get WpStreamGet Youtube Embed PlusGet BzPlayer

Which Live Streaming Solution Should You Choose?

That’s our look at the 7 best WordPress live streaming plugins and software.

WpStream might be the best solution overall. The stream is hosted on their powerful platform and includes lots of options. WpStream stands out for its robust hosting platform and extensive feature set. This plugin offers a range of customization options, including the ability to embed live streams on your website, add pay-per-view options for monetization, and set up multi-camera live streams.

Having said that, you can’t go wrong with any of the options on this list. No matter your needs a budget; there’s sure to be something here to get you started with live streaming from your WordPress website. If you’re looking for the best WordPress plugins on the market, make sure to check out our ultimate list of recommendations for each plugin type!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before we wrap up, let’s answer some of your most common questions regarding the best WordPress streaming plugins. Did we miss one? Leave a question below, and we will respond!

What is the best WordPress streaming plugin?
WpStream is the best WordPress streaming plugin, offering public or private viewing options and individual videos/events with pay-per-view setup and supports subscriptions with recurring payments using WooCommerce Subscriptions. You can connect OBS Studio, Wirecast, vMix, StreamLabs, and LiveU with it.
What is the best free WordPress streaming plugin?
Embed Plus for YouTube is the best free WordPress streaming plugin, with 200,000+ active installations and 500+ positive reviews. It integrates with the Gutenberg editor, and you can control the player with various features like volume control, define height, width, and color, turn on or off captions and autoplay, branding, and many more!
Which plugin works best for video streaming on WordPress sites?
WpStream is the recommended plugin for video streaming on WordPress sites. Its seamless integration, monetization options, video management tools, and user-friendly interface provide the best solution for incorporating video streaming into WordPress.
What is the best WordPress audio streaming plugin?
BZ Player Pro offers features for audio playback, customizable designs, playlist support, mobile-friendly responsiveness, and various audio file format compatibility. Its user-friendly interface and positive user feedback make it one of the best options for audio streaming on WordPress sites.
Which WordPress plugin should I use to embed a Facebook live stream?
Use the WpStream plugin to embed a Facebook Live stream on your WordPress site. It provides seamless integration and customization options to display Facebook Live streams effectively, engaging your audience on your WordPress website.
Which plugin works best for music streaming on WordPress?
WpStream integrates with the Gutenberg block editor, Divi, and Elementor editor. It offers WooCommerce integration to offer subscriptions and integration with streaming apps like OBS Studio, Streamyard, Zoom, etc., to offer you the flexibility to stream music from your computer to your WordPress site.
How do I choose the best WordPress live-streaming plugin for my site?
Please consider factors like ease of use, features for monetization, compatibility with your streaming platform, user reviews, and customer support. From our research, we have found WpStream has all the essential features, and we recommend it for your next live-streaming project.
Which WordPress streaming plugin integrates with membership plugins and payment gateways?
For membership plugins and payment gateway integration, WpStream is a good WordPress streaming plugin. It works with WooCommerce, allowing you to use any payment gateway you want for managing payments and memberships on your streaming platform.
Can I use live streaming for online webinars or classes through my WordPress site?
You can use the WpStream plugin to facilitate live streaming for online webinars or classes through your WordPress site. WP Stream provides the necessary features and functionality to stream and manage live webinars or classes. They also offer flexible pricing plans based on your needs!
Are there any WordPress live-streaming plugins that offer video-on-demand features?
WpStream is a WordPress live-streaming plugin that offers video-on-demand features. With WP Stream, you can stream live content and store and deliver pre-recorded videos on demand, providing a comprehensive solution for both live streaming and video-on-demand functionality on your WordPress site.

We want to hear from you. Have you tried any of these WordPress live-streaming plugins or software platforms? Let us know what you think about them in the comments.

Featured Image via ingibiork / shutterstock.com

Top Picks

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medal iconXSplit Broadcasteroutgoing link medal iconWirecastoutgoing link medal iconOBS Studiooutgoing link
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With so many great options available, it can be hard to pick one. Find out why XSplit Broadcaster is our favorite. πŸ‘‡

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3 Comments

  1. is not live streaming plugins are heavy? I have seen some super-duper slow site with the live streaming feature? is no this affect my website’s performance?

  2. Splendid idea to have this overview. Though, it does not seem fair to completely forget the streaming and editing tool eCamm.com

  3. Hi Randy,

    Thanks for sharing this collection of plugins.

    I’m amazed how far the WordPress live streaming space has developed. It is definitely something I need to take a closer look at.

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