Get the Best PC Gaming Streams—Period.
Whether you’re an avid PC gamer looking to get the best gaming streams or you’ve just started to dip your toe into the vibrant world of PC gaming, this blog post is for you. The purpose of this article is to provide a thorough review of the top streaming services for PC gaming streams and provide some insight into what makes them so great.
There’s no denying that PC gaming is more popular than ever before and streaming has never been easier. In this review, we’ll take a close look at the best PC gaming streaming sites and services to ensure you get the best of the best. We’ll look at their user experiences, streaming capabilities, and overall value so you can decide which platform is right for you.
Let’s start off with a brief overview of PC gaming streaming. PC gaming streaming involves pushing a PC game’s output to a device or, more commonly, an online streaming service to make it accessible to other viewers. It often includes audio commentary, allowing for interaction with the audience, as well as the ability to save comments for later review.
At its most basic, streaming a game requires nothing more than a gaming PC and a streaming platform. Many of the popular streaming services have joined the playing field, giving gamers even more options to choose from. This post will take a look at the top seven platforms for streaming PC gaming and discuss their features and benefits.
The Seven Best Sites for PC Gaming Streams
1. Twitch
Twitch.tv is the undisputed leader in streaming PCs and consoles. Owned by Amazon and boasting nearly 10 million daily active viewers, Twitch is the go-to platform for most streamers. It is the most popular streaming service and boasts a wide range of features including broadcasting options, broadcasting software, and monetization options.
2. Mixer
Mixer, formerly Beam, is Microsoft’s streaming platform. It offers a slightly more technical approach with advanced options such as server regional control, public and private streaming, in-game overlays, and more. It also offers increased streaming and broadcasting capabilities making it one of the best streaming sites.
3. YouTube Gaming
YouTube Gaming isn’t as popular as Twitch or Mixer, but it’s still a great choice for streaming. It has a wide range of features, including LIVE streaming, VoD archives, chatroom, Twitter integration, and more. Plus, YouTube Gaming integrates with YouTube’s main platform, allowing for easy discovery and reach.
4. Discord
Discord is both a chatroom and streaming service, but it only supports up to 10 people. It has basic features including voice chat, video chat, and screen-sharing, as well as some broadcasting software packages. It also recently introduced streaming privileges for Pro users, allowing for HD streaming and better video quality.
5. Ustream
Ustream is one of the more established streaming platforms, having been around since 2006. It has several features such as broadcasting software, VOD archiving, high-resolution streaming, and monetization options. It is a great choice for non-gaming related streaming as well.
6. Smite
Smite is a newcomer to the streaming scene but has burst onto the scene with lots of potential. It is a gaming-focused streaming platform with several unique features such as the ability to cross-post content on multiple platforms, highly-detailed analytics, deep integration with the Smite game client, and more.
7. Instagib
Instagib is all about speed and convenience, allowing for fast, high-quality stream set-up. It has several features such as a low-latency streaming mode and the ability to stream from anywhere. It’s also free to use and has monetization options available.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned streamer or just beginning your streaming journey, a streaming platform is an essential part of your set-up. The platforms listed above all have their own strengths, features, and monetization options, so it’s important to find one that matches your needs and budget. With the right platform set-up, you’re sure to get the most out of your PC gaming streams.
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