Free Video Streaming Software For Mac

Anyone can start streaming on Twitch and become a gaming star. Countless people have done it. Part of the process of showing up live on Twitch is to use compatible streaming software available and understand them well enough to get the best out of the tool and your streaming creations.

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  • This works with Mac OS X 10.6.6 and higher versions. It does not require the video, music or photos to first be copied or converted before streaming. This is a free software and allows for either random, single or continuous play modes. Album art can also be displayed while music is played.
  • OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. Stream to Twitch, YouTube and many other providers or record your own videos with high quality H264 / AAC encoding.
  • Tidal is an advertisement-free, lossless, CD-quality music and music video streaming service with extensive curated editorial expertise. Tidal gives you access to more than 46 million songs and nearly 190,000 videos. Seamless listening across mobile, tablet, desktop and network players.
  • Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder: Flash Media Live Recorder supports audio as well as video streaming with impressive content quality that suits for business applications.

Vmix is a Live Video Streaming Software that allows you to broadcast live productions online. VMix Software is a professional streaming video software built for Windows, but it can be used on devices that use macOS with the help of Boot Camp. Price: vMix offers five different pricing tiers for access to their standard software: Basic: free.

Herein we will delve into the best software to use to setup your Twitch streaming software.

Note that the ranking below is in no particular order.

Table of Contents

#1. Twitch Studio

In the streaming industry, Twitch Studio is probably the most popular streaming software available owing to the popularity of Twitch as a streaming platform.

It is the to-go-to software form many novice Twitch streamers and many experienced streamers. Since the software is linked with Twitch, it a tad easier to set up and use.

Live streaming software for mac

Free Video Streaming Software For Mac Computers

You need not fret over the video and audio mixing, configuring the hardware and making sure the software detects your hardware and all other annoying preparation tasks you get accustomed to with the other streaming software.

The software’s guided stream setup will automatically detect the hardware (microphone, camera, monitor resolution, and streaming bitrate), and by using one of the customizable templates, you can get started with your stream quickly and with little hassle.

However, just like other Twitch streaming software, it does have some cons. For some streamers, Twitch Studio does not offer ample customization on the setup front like some third-party software.

#2. OBS Studio

Popular with professional and experienced gamers, Open Broadcast Studios is an open-source streaming software available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

It features advanced capabilities and ample customization possibilities. For instance, the software comes with powerful APIs that allow users to create scripts and plugins to customize their streaming to suit their needs.

Aside from streaming on Twitch, the software allows you to also stream on YouTube, Facebook Live, Livecoding, DailyMotion, and many other platforms.

Macbook

Its various qualities make the software a bit of an overkill for many streamers, especially novice streamers. Case in point, mixing sources takes some time to understand and get used to.

OSB Studio is, however, the perfect streaming solution for power users and/or professional gamers looking to create a thrilling experience for their audience.

To get the best out of OBS Studio, you need to spend a considerable amount of time using the software. Moreover, there is not a lot of guidance available on using the software and you might need to do some trial and error first before you get going.

#3. Xsplit Broadcaster

This is a paid software renowned for the high fidelity sound it captures. Starting at $24.95 per 3 month license, the software provides streamers with a suite of tools that helps them create exceptional game recordings and streams.

Alternatively, you can purchase a lifetime license for $199 that gives you access to all the premium features without limits. However, users have access to a free version with a limited number and variety of features.

Among its notable qualities is the drag and drop users experience for streamers. You can select and organize the various sources in your stream by simply dragging and dropping them within the window.

Free Video Streaming Software For Mac

Additionally, you can also save your setups as scenes, thereby negating the need to setup your streams every time you want to start recording.

This feature allows streamers with one screen to use multiple setups within one stream by switching between the different setups effortlessly.

Xsplit Broadcaster is available on Windows only (Win 7 and newer).

#4. Stream Labs

Stream Labs is another software designed and optimized for power users. It comes with ample features and, importantly, the ability to back up your recording to cloud storage.

Streamers will find it easy to setup their streams as it comes with numerous themes and overlays that allow you to setup you’re your streams fast.

And with 46 apps available to extend the functionality of the software, you get more control, better analytics, and advanced automation.

In all, streamers have capable software with the Stream Labs, and viewers enjoy high-quality streams and memorable interaction with you. And should anything go wrong, Stream Labs has one of the best support personnel ready to help.

#5. LightStream

Designed to give your streams on Twitch a professional look without the hassle of complex setups. “Dubbed the Google Docs for live streaming,” you can start live streaming your videos directly from your browser without downloading any software.

The software is hosted in the cloud and you use the browser as the interface with the software. Importantly, the heavy lifting of encoding and compositing is done in the cloud, freeing your computer resources for other things.

As such, LightStream is the perfect solution for streamers who lack the expensive hardware needed to stream high-quality videos on Twitch.

#6. AverMedia Live Gamer Portable

The AverMedia gives streams a whole new way of capturing and sharing their video streams. This game capture device gives you a hardware and software solution, thereby doing away with the need for a computer to capture record and/or live stream your videos.

It is a portable plug and play solution to all your streaming needs. You can use the AverMedia with your computer, gaming console (Xbox, Wii U, and Play Station 3 and 4), and, mobile device.

The combination of PC-free mode and SD memory slot allows you to capture your gaming sessions even when you do not have a computer near you.

#7. Vmix

Vmix provides a suite of multimedia solutions for streaming on Twitch and other platforms. The live video production software has been optimized for streamlining multiple video and audio inputs and managing and mixing all the sources efficiently.

The software allows users to add and use multiple images, audio, cameras, web streams, Powerpoint, and much more. This is in addition to the ability to display, live stream, and record your videos.

However, to make use of all of these features, users need a high-spec computer as compared to other streaming software.

#8. Elgato Game Capture HD60 S

Another game capture device, Elgato is designed to capture your gameplay on your gaming console (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) and stream it or record it to your computer.

The device is perfectly suited to overcome the shortcomings of limited recording times that gaming consoles offer. The device is fast enough that you can incorporate the captured video to your computer streaming software.

However, it does give users the ability to set up stunning layouts and overlays. It comes with an HDMI input that can take unencrypted signals up to 1080p at 60fps, a 3.5mm audio input, a USB-C port.

On the software front, it uses Elgato’s Game Capture HD software available as a free download. The software allows video creators to stream online on Twitch (and other platforms) or record the video locally.

#9. Nvidia GeForce Shadowplay

As the name suggests, the Nvidia GeForce Shadowplay has been made by Nvidia to provide the best streaming and recording experience for individuals using Nvidia graphics cards.

As an extension to the GeForce experience, you can access this streaming software in the GFE window via the share button on the upper right corner.

The software is inherently easy to use and to share your videos via the Broadcast Live. You can stream up 1080p at 60fps on Twitch using.

With three recording options, gamers have ample choice on how to create their content. The Instant Replay allows users to record the last 5 to 20 minutes of play up to 1440p resolution at 60fps for instant replays.

#10. OBS Live

OBS Live can do everything the OBS Studio can and then some more. As such, the software comes with additional features that improve the lives of streamers while creating a better experience for the viewers.

Video Streaming Software For Mac

Some of the added features you get with OBS Live include a built-in chat and activity feed, custom bot name, and media requests that allows you to play videos and songs.

The software also gives users the ability to better control the replays, skip, and mute functions. You also get quick access to all of the StreamElements tools such as overlays, tipping, and ChatBot.

#11. Player.me

From its onset, Player.me has been designed to offer content to create more engaging tools. With easy to use in-game overlays (and hundreds of overlay templates available), powerful widgets, and a host of pre-made themes, streamers are in good footing when it comes to creating high-quality content with this software. The free software also has a donation system alerts, trains, and stream cups.

The only cone of using this software is sometimes it can be draggy, leading to frustration. As such, you need high-spec hardware to get the best experience possible.

#12. Telestream Wirecast

The Telestream Wirecast is an award-winning video capture software that gives users the ability to connect to multiple cameras, graphics, and much more with TV-like operability.

Free Video Streaming Software For Mac Downloads

While the software has been optimized for game-capture streaming purposes, users benefit from a robust software with an intuitive design.

The software comes in two offerings – the Studio at $599 and the Pro at $799 with different features.

Among the software stand-out features include the Wirecast Rendezvous conferencing feature, the high-quality audio mixers, easy to use social media integration, and much more.

That said, users have to contend with some bugs, which the software maker is continuously fixing.

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Devices and Mac OS X version

VLC media player requires Mac OS X 10.7.5 or later. It runs on any Mac with a 64-bit Intel processor or an Apple Silicon chip. Previous devices are supported by older releases.
Note that the first generation of Intel-based Macs equipped with Core Solo or Core Duo processors is no longer supported. Please use version 2.0.10 linked below.

Free Video Streaming Software For Mac Air

If you need help in finding the correct package matching your Mac's processor architecture, please see this official support document by Apple. You can also choose to install a Universal Binary.

Web browser plugin for Mac OS X

Free video streaming software for mac desktop

Support for NPAPI plugins was removed from all modern web browsers, so VLC's plugin is no longer maintained. The last version is 3.0.4 and can be found here. It will not receive any further updates.

Older versions of Mac OS X and VLC media player

We provide older releases for users who wish to deploy our software on legacy releases of Mac OS X. You can find recommendations for the respective operating system version below. Note that support ended for all releases listed below and hence they won't receive any further updates.

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard

Use VLC 2.2.8. Get it here.


Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard

Free Video Streaming Software For Mac Free

Use VLC 2.0.10. Get it for PowerPC or 32bit Intel.


Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger

Mac OS X 10.4.7 or later is required

Use VLC 0.9.10. Get it for PowerPC or Intel.


Free Video Streaming Software For Mac

Mac OS X 10.3 Panther

QuickTime 6.5.2 or later is required

Use VLC 0.8.6i. Get it for PowerPC.


Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar

Use VLC 0.8.4a. Get it for PowerPC.


Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah and 10.1 Puma

Video Streaming Software

Use VLC 0.7.0. Get it for PowerPC.