Smartphone: own video livestream
Smartphone cameras are now so good that you can use them to bring your own video livestream online. In addition to a good internet connection, all you need is the right app. We tested three streaming apps.
Live streaming with Bambuser: expensive app with great features
The free Bambuser app has everything a streaming app needs:
- Registration and start: Before you can start, you have to register with Bambuser. This works without problems in the app, you don't even have to confirm your email address.
- Live stream: Open the app and press the red button, you can be seen live via your Bambuser account. You can turn on your smartphone camera light in the dark and even zoom during the stream. Compared to other apps, this is a clear highlight.
- Viewers: As soon as the recording is running, a link to your stream will be shown. You can also automatically open and distribute the link in almost all apps, from Facebook to Blogger. You can also mark it as "private" and upload it later as a video. If you call up the stream on Bambuser.com, the video window can even be embedded live on your homepage.
- Other streams: You can only stream by app. The streams of other users can only be found on Bambuser.com.
- Price: While the app is free, the trial period at Bambuser ends after 2 weeks. The subscription then costs at least 35 euros per month and enables 250 hours of live streaming per month.
Stream giant Ustream even brings your stream to the TV
- Registration and start: You can register using the Ustream app, after which you must confirm your email address. In contrast to Bambuser, however, it does not start yet: You should first set up your account and complete your profile. You get your own "channel".
- Livestream: The Ustream app does not have quite as many features as Bambuser and only contains the most important elements such as camera light, switch sound on / off and, if necessary, switch to the front camera.
- Viewers: They don't get a link for your stream, instead all clips run on your channel. There is also a comment box that you can (optionally) integrate with the stream on your homepage. You can also send a comment to viewers during the stream.
- Other streams: You can also discover the huge range of other streams via the app. There are a lot of professionals at Ustream, so the platform is an unusual mix of YouTube and television.
- Price: In the free basic version you can really only use the basic features. From $ 100 a month, you can expand the number of viewers to up to 5, 000 people and broadcast in HD. This is only worthwhile for regular programs or larger event transmissions.
Live stream app without limits and without video embedding
The free app "Livestream" promises "no limits" and does not limit the number of viewers or the maximum livestream duration. In theory, you could present your own "Big Brother". Only the video embedding is not available in the free version. The details:
- Registration and start: After registering in the app, confirm your email address, then you can almost get started. You only have to create an event under which you publish your LivesStream.
- Livestream: In addition to the basics "camera light", "sound on / off" and "camera change", the app also scores in terms of interactivity. You can not only comment live, but also post live still images of your event.
- Viewers: Even if your viewers cannot watch the stream live on Facebook or your website in the free version, the finished video can be integrated later or uploaded to Facebook. Users can comment on your livestream. You can also block users with the moderation tool.
- Other streams: In livestream you will mainly find sports events, but local bands also stream their performances. In addition, livestream is used by major newspapers. For example, during our test, Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe gave an interview to the New York Times.
- Price: Most functions can be used free of charge, for about $ 50 a month you can unlock an unlimited video archive. For $ 350 a month, you could even publish the livestream via the Facebook app and embed it on your website.
Conclusion: Small video livestreams don't have to cost anything
While Bambuser lures with great livestream features, the end is after two weeks: From then on you have to pay at least 35 euros per month. But there is probably no better app for a one-time stream, especially since embedding on the homepage is free for the first two weeks. Ustream, on the other hand, is very reminiscent of television. In the free basic account you only get basics. The number of viewers is limited and you should buy premium status as quickly as possible. But it's not worth it for private individuals if you don't want to open your own online channel. "Livestream" doesn't seem to target premium members and offers unlimited viewership. While limits are lifted here, you only need to purchase a pro account for features. So if you would like to switch live streams again and again, you are in good hands with "Livestreams".
If you have chosen a streaming service, you should make your next stream known. You can create a Facebook page or create a blog for photos and videos on Wordpress or Blogspot.