On over 30 streaming platforms, we find thousands of streamers using different tools to grow their audience. Two live streaming tools are Restream and StreamYard. Although both are great, you want a Restream vs StreamYard article to see which one is the best for you. Well, let’s find out down below.
Restream vs. StreamYard: Quick intro
If you don’t know what both are, then here is a quick introduction. Both are browser-based streaming programs. You can sign up for free and link your accounts (YouTube, Facebook, Twitch etc.) and start streaming. With webcam, computer screen, and microphone access, setting up those tools is super easy.
Streaming
Streaming platforms
Starting with the total number of platforms, Restream is the winner. It supports over 30 platforms, including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, LinkedIn, Dailymotion, and more. It also allows streaming on multiple platforms on its free plan.
StreamYard, on the contrary, only supports a handful of platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch. Unlike Restream, you can only stream to one destination for free.
Streaming studio
Both come with a streaming studio to go live in your browser. You get the essential tools, including:
- Inviting people to join in streams
- Adding and removing scenes (people, computers etc.) from the stream
- Sharing computer screen, browser tab, or a specific window
- Adding banners, such as follow us on Twitter, email address, donation message etc.
- Chatting with your audience live from the studio
- Turn on/off webcam and microphone to take control of your stream
- Adding pre-uploaded timer countdowns (Restream comes with many, but you can’t upload your videos for free, while StreamYard comes with one, but you can upload your own)
- Video overlays to add additional information
Restream also comes with some additional options:
- Stream to Restream from OBS, vMix, and Zoom
- Schedule an event
- Record only studio
Related: Streamlabs vs. OBS (2021)
Recording
In this section of Restream vs. StreamYard, we cover the recording feature of both. Along with streaming, you get the recording tools to record yourself or your computer screen to upload on platforms manually.
In the studio, you can record your screen with your webcam or just the screen. Those types of streams are helpful for tutorials and presentations. Like sharing, you can share a particular tab, a window, or an entire display screen.
The videos are saved online, but this option is limited. With Restream, you can save videos on the standard (or above) plan, while with StreamYard, you can save videos, but limited videos can be saved.
Integrations
As discussed, Restream supports tools such as OBS, vMix, Xsplit, and Zoom. Setting each up is different, but you need the stream key found in the account settings in most cases.
Analytics
Analytics is a tool of Restream that displays the combined data from all the platforms. The data covers:
- total streams
- average view duration
- streamed time
- chat messages
- average viewers
- max viewers
The analytics dashboard shows tiny icons indicating the increase or decline of those stats. You can dig deep into specific types of stats to learn more to improve your channel.
Also consider reading: StreamYard vs. Zoom (2021)
Pricing
Restream breaks into five major plans: Free, Standard, Professional, Premium, and Business. The Free plan gives you access to:
- Multistreaming on over 30 platforms
- Unlimited streaming minutes
- Studio customisation
- Background music
- Chat overlays (even in computer programs)
Those options will be enough for a new creator, but an experienced streamer might want to consider the standard plan, which costs $19 per month or $190 per year and gives access to:
- One custom platform
- Facebook Pages or group stream
- No Restream branding
- Own logos and graphics
The professional plan offers full HD recording in its studio, three custom platforms, pre-recorded video streaming, and storage for up to 10 videos. It costs $49 per month or $490 per year.
The two other plans are for businesses to extend their reach and grow their brand. Those plans include priority support, advanced features, and some business-focused tools.
Streamyard’s free plan, on the other hand, offers:
- Six on-screen participants (10 can be added, but only six can be shown on the screen)
- 20 hours per month limit
The basic plan costs $25 per month or $240 per year, giving you options, including
- No StreamYard branding
- Ten on-screen participants
- Own logos and overlays
- Pre-recorded streams
The final plan, called professional, costs $49 monthly or $468 yearly ($39/mo). You get full HD recording in the studio and access to individual audio recordings for podcasts on this plan.
Which one should you use?
After using both for some time, I suggest going with Restream. With features such as streaming on multiple platforms, no limit on streaming, support for computer programs, and extended options in the live studio, it is a tool full of unique features.
StreamYard is good if you only focus on a single platform and you don’t have many guests. Its premium plans are also more expensive than Restream.
Links
Disclaimer: Restream link is a referral link, but the article is thoroughly and honestly researched.
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Conclusion
Having the right program can grow your channel quickly. This Restream vs. StreamYard article covered the essential features of two well-known streaming tools. I hope you got what you came for. Would you please share your views or suggestions with other users? It would help them choose the right tool.
