Twitch icon

Twitch

Twitch is a live streaming video platform focused on video gaming content. It allows anyone to broadcast their gameplay live to viewers, and has become the main platform where popular streamers broadcast to millions of concurrent viewers.

What is Twitch?

Twitch is a live streaming video platform that originally focused on broadcasting video gameplay. It launched in 2011 as an offshoot of Justin.tv and quickly became popular among gamers who wanted to broadcast and spectate live gaming content.

On Twitch, anyone can create an account and broadcast their video game gameplay in real-time while providing commentary. Viewers can watch the streams live and interact with the streamers via chat. Over time, Twitch has expanded beyond just gaming content and now includes creative, music, talk shows, and more, but gaming remains its primary focus.

A key part of Twitch's appeal is the community built around popular streamers and their channels. Top streamers often have millions of followers who not only watch them play, but also participate in chat discussions and subscription services. This creates a highly engaged community and almost participatory viewing experience around gaming content.

As of 2022, Twitch reports having over 31 million average daily visitors, making it one of the largest sources of internet traffic globally. The platform has helped launch the careers of many professional streamers and esports stars. While it faces increasing competition from platforms like YouTube, Twitch remains the go-to place for watching and engaging with live gaming content online.

The Best Twitch Alternatives

Top Apps like Twitch

BIGO LIVE, PeerTube, Rumble, Odysee, Kick, Peeks Social, Pomf.TV, Poppo Live, YouNow, SopCast, Smashcast, Alternate Player for Twitch.tv, StreamShark.io, Rhinobird.tv, Rockstar Games Launcher, Nonolive, Zelly Live, Red Bull TV, Vaughn Live, Tiltify, Blackarts Mobile, Uplive, Piczel.tv, Open Streaming Platform, Omnia Livestream, YouTube Gaming, SBoxstream.tv, Veoh, Caster.fm, StreamingVideoProvider, SonicBox, Picarto.TV, BlogTV, Bethesda Launcher, TVPlayer, Brime, DLive, own3D.tv, StreamMe, Facebook Gaming, Glimesh, Spoon Radio, Mobcrush, StreamMyGame, InstaLively, Trovo, Facebook Live, Virtual Fan Video, Niche Video Media, i-Flicks, VYDA, amber.dog, Camcada, Meerkat, uZoom, SwerveCast, Docler TV, MetaCDN, Azubu, CamWave, ShaChat, BitTorrent Live, DoclerMusic, StreamCraft are some alternatives to Twitch.

BIGO LIVE

BIGO LIVE is a live streaming platform and app launched in March 2016 that allows users to broadcast live video streams to viewers across the world. It has become extremely popular, especially in Asia, for its interactive live streaming capabilities.Some key features of BIGO LIVE include:Live video streaming -...

PeerTube

PeerTube is a free and open-source, decentralized video platform built on free/libre software. It is designed to be an alternative to video hosting services like YouTube, allowing users to host their own video streaming service.Some key features of PeerTube include:Decentralized architecture - Videos are shared across a...

Rumble

Rumble is an online video platform launched in 2013 that focuses on free speech and giving a voice to independent creators. Some key things to know about Rumble:It is designed as an alternative to more mainstream platforms like YouTube, allowing creators to share videos and build an audience without censorship...

Odysee

Odysee is a decentralized video platform built on top of the LBRY blockchain protocol. It allows creators to upload, host, and share videos while earning LBC cryptocurrency rewards. Some key features of Odysee include:Decentralized architecture - Videos are hosted on a peer-to-peer network rather than centralized servers. This makes...

Kick

Kick is a cloud-based project management and collaboration software designed for agile software development teams. It provides an intuitive interface to plan projects, break down work into tasks, track progress with kanban boards, assign tasks to team members, set due dates, add checklists and comments, and gain visibility into what...

Peeks Social

Peeks Social is a relatively new social media platform focused on privacy and encryption. Unlike larger platforms like Facebook or Twitter, Peeks aims to give users more control over their personal data and digital footprint.Some key features of Peeks Social include:End-to-end encryption for messages, posts, and data storage...

Pomf.TV

Pomf.TV is a minimalist file hosting service launched in 2013 that emphasizes ease of use and privacy. It allows users to quickly upload files up to 100MB in size and generates a short randomized URL to access that file which users can then share with others.Some key features of...

Poppo Live

Poppo Live is an open source live streaming and video hosting platform. It is designed to make live streaming easy and accessible for everyone. Poppo Live offers an intuitive interface and powerful tools for broadcasting and managing live streams and on demand video content.Some key features of Poppo Live...

YouNow

YouNow is a popular live streaming platform launched in 2011 that enables users to broadcast live video of themselves to viewers across the world. It offers features that make live broadcasting interactive, such as real-time chat with viewers, viewer voting on opinion-based polls, and the ability for viewers to purchase and...

SopCast

SopCast is a free, open-source application for streaming and sharing live video and audio between peers. It utilizes peer-to-peer technology to deliver high-quality streams without requiring centralized servers.One of the main uses of SopCast is for streaming live sporting events. The software has built up a reputation in the...

Smashcast

Smashcast is a live streaming platform designed specifically for gaming content and eSports. It launched in 2014 under the name Hitbox.tv and rebranded to Smashcast in 2017. The platform was initially created to provide competition to then dominant player Twitch in the gaming live streaming space.Smashcast allows gamers to stream...

Alternate Player for Twitch.tv

Alternate Player for Twitch.tv is a browser extension that aims to enhance the viewing experience on Twitch.tv. It replaces the default Twitch video player with a custom player that provides additional playback controls, chat features, and quality/performance options.Key features of Alternate Player for Twitch.tv include...

StreamShark.io

StreamShark.io is a feature-rich cloud-based video streaming and distribution platform designed specifically for broadcasting live video to large audiences across multiple devices and platforms. Some key capabilities and benefits of StreamShark.io include:Easy-to-use interface for streaming from any camera or encoderUnlimited viewers - scale to any audience sizeMulti-bitrate...

Rhinobird.tv

Rhinobird.tv is an emerging video hosting and streaming platform that presents itself as a privacy-focused alternative to YouTube. Launched in 2022, Rhinobird allows users to upload, share, and view videos without tracking or targeted ads.Some key features of Rhinobird include:Channel subscriptions - Users can subscribe to channels they...

Rockstar Games Launcher

The Rockstar Games Launcher is a proprietary video game digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications service created by Rockstar Games. It allows users to purchase and play Rockstar games on PC.Some key features of the Rockstar Games Launcher include:Access to purchase and download Rockstar games for...

Nonolive

Nonolive is an open-source software application that provides professional-grade capabilities for live streaming and video recording. It can be used as an alternative to popular streaming software such as OBS Studio.Some key features of Nonolive include:Cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, and LinuxFlexible scene configuration with multiple video/audio...

Zelly Live

Zelly Live is a real-time polling and feedback software used to engage audiences and get their perspectives on different topics. It allows presenters, event organizers, teachers, and other facilitators to easily create polls, surveys, word clouds, and Q&A sessions to make their events more interactive.Some key features of...

Red Bull TV

Red Bull TV is a free digital video service owned and operated by Red Bull Media House. It focuses exclusively on airing content related to adventure sports and high-adrenaline events.The service features both live event broadcasts as well as a vast on-demand video library. Content spans across various adventure...

Vaughn Live

Vaughn Live is a live streaming platform created in 2014 that allows users to broadcast live videos, events, and podcasts. It has an emphasis on supporting video game streaming and esports events, but also hosts other types of content like creative, music, sports, and talk shows.The platform provides streamers with...

Tiltify

Tiltify is a robust fundraising platform built specifically for livestream fundraisers and gaming marathons. It integrates directly with streaming platforms like Twitch to allow streamers and event organizers to easily collect and manage donations in real-time during their events.Some key features of Tiltify include:Customizable donation pages with support...

Blackarts Mobile

Blackarts Mobile is a cloud-based mobile app development platform that enables anyone to build high quality native iOS and Android apps, without coding. It features an intuitive drag-and-drop visual interface to assemble mobile app designs using pre-built components and templates.Key features include:Drag-and-drop app builder to visually design the...

Uplive

Uplive is a live streaming platform launched in 2016 that allows users to broadcast themselves live to viewers across the world. It has features designed to create an interactive viewing experience, including virtual gifts that fans can send to streamers, chat rooms where viewers can talk to broadcasters in real-time, and...

Piczel.tv

Piczel.tv is a social video platform that allows users to watch, share, and engage with video content as part of an online community. Some key features of Piczel.tv include:Video watching - Users can search for and watch videos that have been shared to the platform, including original...

Open Streaming Platform

Open Streaming Platform (OSP) is an open-source video streaming server software designed to enable scalable, reliable and extensible video streaming services. It allows you to set up both live and video-on-demand streaming platforms with advanced features.Some key capabilities and benefits of OSP include:Support for MPEG-DASH and HLS for...

Omnia Livestream

Omnia Livestream is a feature-rich software solution designed specifically for live video streaming and webinars. It makes it easy for businesses, organizations, and individuals to broadcast live events, presentations, trainings, or discussions to any size of online audience.With Omnia Livestream, you can easily create professional live streams complete with...

YouTube Gaming

YouTube Gaming is a video gaming-focused platform offered as part of YouTube. Launched in 2015, YouTube Gaming aims to bring together all gaming content in one destination and help gaming creators reach more targeted audiences.On YouTube Gaming, users can:Watch live streams of games from popular creators and esports tournamentsDiscover...

SBoxstream.tv

SBoxstream.tv is a live streaming and video hosting platform launched in 2021 that focuses on gaming and entertainment streaming. It allows individual streamers and content creators to broadcast live streams of their gameplay, discussions, performances and more to audiences across the world.Key features of SBoxstream.tv include:Streaming platform...

Veoh

Veoh is an online video platform and streaming website that allows users to watch, share, and discover video content. It was launched in 2006 and offered a platform for users to upload their own videos as well as watch videos shared by others.Veoh set itself apart from other video sharing...

Caster.fm

Caster.fm is a podcast hosting platform and recording studio that makes it easy for anyone to start their own podcast. Some key features of Caster.fm include:Intuitive online recording studio - Caster.fm provides an easy-to-use web-based recording studio for recording podcasts with features like video recording, remote...

StreamingVideoProvider

StreamingVideoProvider is a subscription-based video streaming platform that gives users access to an extensive library of movies, TV shows, sports, documentaries, and more. It allows viewers to instantly watch video content on an internet-connected device without needing to download files.Some key features of StreamingVideoProvider include:Works across devices like...

SonicBox

SonicBox is an open-source media server application that is designed to help you organize, manage, and stream your personal media library to various devices. It supports a wide range of audio, video, and photo formats and allows you to access your media over a local network or remotely over the...

Picarto.TV

Picarto.TV is a free online platform designed specifically for visual artists to livestream their creative process. It allows artists to broadcast themselves painting, drawing, crafting, and more in real-time to an audience.Some key features of Picarto.TV include:Built-in chat so streamers can interact with their viewersSpace for...

BlogTV

BlogTV is a live video streaming and chat platform launched in 2007. It allows users to broadcast live videos while interacting with their audience through an integrated chat room. BlogTV facilitates creating and sharing video blogs, shows, and live events with other users in real-time.The platform is aimed at independent...

Bethesda Launcher

The Bethesda Launcher is a video game digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications service created and developed by Bethesda Softworks. It allows users to purchase and play Bethesda games on PC.The Bethesda Launcher was launched in 2016 along with Bethesda's games Fallout 4 and Fallout Shelter for PC. It...

TVPlayer

TVPlayer is an online TV streaming platform that offers live streaming access to an extensive catalog of freeview channels from the UK, US, Canada and other countries. It provides both free ad-supported streaming as well as paid subscription options to unlock more features.The free version of TVPlayer provides streaming...

Brime

Brime is a free, open-source software application for live streaming content on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Gaming, and more. It serves as an alternative to paid solutions like Streamlabs OBS Studio with similar core functionality for broadcasters.Some key features of Brime include:Scenes and sources - Add different...

DLive

DLive is a live streaming platform launched in 2017 that runs on the Lino blockchain network. It was created as an alternative to existing centralized platforms like Twitch or YouTube Live that take large revenue cuts from creators.A key differentiator of DLive is its decentralized design - video content and...

Own3D.tv

own3D.tv was a live streaming video platform that launched in 2010 and was focused on gaming content and eSports tournaments. The website allowed gamers to easily broadcast footage of their gameplay live, while viewers could watch popular gaming personalities and competitive events in real-time.own3D.tv pioneered the...

StreamMe

StreamMe is a live streaming and video hosting platform designed for content creators to broadcast live streams and upload pre-recorded video content. Some key features of StreamMe include:Live streaming functionality with options for different quality levels and latency settings.Video uploading and hosting for pre-recorded videos in various formats...

Facebook Gaming

Facebook Gaming is a gaming video platform owned and operated by Facebook. It allows users to live stream their gameplay, watch other gamers stream, and connect with gaming communities.Some key features of Facebook Gaming include:Live streaming platform for gamers to broadcast their gameplay to viewersGaming video page for...

Glimesh

Glimesh is a free and open source live streaming platform launched in 2020 that allows content creators to broadcast gameplay, art, music, cooking, and more to an online audience. It features a chat system so streamers can interact with viewers.The platform is positioned as a community-focused alternative to dominant players...

Spoon Radio

Spoon Radio is an internet radio app and music discovery platform that provides users with an easy way to create personalized radio stations based on their musical tastes. The app has an intuitive interface that allows users to pick songs, artists, albums, or genres as the starting point for a...

Mobcrush

Mobcrush is a live streaming platform designed specifically for streaming mobile games. It allows mobile gamers to broadcast gameplay from their iOS or Android devices live to viewers watching on the Mobcrush website or apps.Some key features of Mobcrush include:Technology optimized for mobile game streaming - Mobcrush uses...

StreamMyGame

StreamMyGame is a game streaming software that allows users to stream games from their gaming PC to other devices like phones, tablets, smart TVs or other PCs either locally over the home network or remotely over the internet. It works by capturing the video and audio output of games running...

InstaLively

InstaLively is a browser extension available for Google Chrome and Firefox that provides live previews of links posted on popular messaging platforms like Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams, and more. Without having to click on links or open new tabs, InstaLively shows a thumbnail preview of web pages, videos, documents, images...

Trovo

Trovo is a live streaming platform that launched in 2020. It is focused primarily on gaming content and aims to provide an interactive experience for both streamers and viewers.Some key features of Trovo include:Interactive tools like polls, predictions, and channel point rewards that allow streamers to engage with their...

Facebook Live

Facebook Live is a live video streaming service provided by Facebook. It allows Facebook users to broadcast live video streams for their friends and followers to view in real-time. Some key features of Facebook Live include:Ability to go live from your phone or desktop and stream video to your...

Virtual Fan Video

Virtual Fan Video is a software solution developed specifically for sports leagues and broadcasters to address the challenge of playing games without live spectators in the stands due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses cutting-edge computer graphics and video processing technology to digitally insert simulated fans into live video feeds...

Niche Video Media

Niche Video Media is a comprehensive video creation and editing suite designed to streamline the process of producing high-quality, niche-focused video content for business, marketing, and educational purposes. Its standout features include:Hundreds of professionally-designed video templates for all major niches and industries like technology, beauty/fashion, cooking, arts & crafts...

I-Flicks

i-Flicks is a feature-rich digital video library manager and media organizer for Mac. It helps you track, organize, and get the most out of your personal video collection.With i-Flicks, you can catalog all your home movies, TV shows, music videos, and video clips. You can tag videos, rate them...

VYDA

VYDA is a user-friendly video and audio editing application suitable for beginners and professionals alike. Its simplicity sets it apart from complex tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, making it easy for anyone to start editing media projects.Despite its straightforward interface, VYDA still packs professional-grade editing tools. You get a...

Amber.dog

Amber.dog is an AI-powered writing assistant software that helps writers at all levels generate ideas, improve their writing, and boost productivity. It works by integrating directly into popular writing apps like Google Docs, Word, Slack, and more as an add-on.Some key features of Amber.dog include:Content ideas...

Camcada

Camcada is a free and open-source computer application designed for organizing, viewing, and sharing digital photos, videos, and music on a computer. It has a range of features to help manage large media libraries:- Import photos/videos from folders or external devices like cameras and phones- Tagging support with...

Meerkat

Meerkat is a mobile live streaming video application launched in 2015. It allows users to easily broadcast live video streams from their mobile phones to followers and other viewers in real-time. Meerkat quickly gained popularity due to its simple, intuitive interface that allowed anyone to become a broadcaster.Some key features...

UZoom

uZoom is a video conferencing and web meeting software designed for small and medium businesses. It allows users to host online meetings with HD video, screen sharing, messaging, recording and other essential features needed for team collaboration.Some key features of uZoom include:HD video calling - Host meetings with...

SwerveCast

SwerveCast is a cloud-based video hosting and streaming platform aimed at businesses, marketers, sales teams and other professionals.Key features include:Ability to upload, store and organize a video library in one central locationUser-friendly video editor to trim, arrange clips and add intros/outrosVideo hosting on SwerveCast's CDN for fast...

Docler TV

Docler TV is a subscription-based internet television service owned and operated by Luxembourg-based telecommunications company Altice. It offers users access to live television channels and a catalog of on-demand movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more.Some key features of Docler TV include:Access to over 100+ live HD channels including major...

MetaCDN

MetaCDN is a content delivery network (CDN) designed to improve website performance. It works by distributing static website assets like images, CSS, JavaScript, and more across a global network of edge servers located closer to website visitors.Some key features MetaCDN provides include:Caching - Frequently accessed static assets are...

Azubu

Azubu is a live streaming and broadcasting platform originally created for streaming eSports gaming content and competitions. It was founded in 2012 with the goal of providing high-quality, smoothly running live streaming capabilities specifically for eSports.Some key features Azubu offers include:High-definition, low latency video technology to ensure smooth streaming...

CamWave

CamWave is a free, open source software application for Windows that allows capturing video and taking photos using a webcam or other video input device. It supports most USB webcams as well as capture cards and devices connected to a computer.With CamWave, users can adjust webcam settings like resolution...

ShaChat

ShaChat is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted chat application developed by Sha Corporation. It is available on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.ShaChat focuses heavily on user security and privacy. All communications through the app, including messages, files transfers and calls, are protected by end-to-end encryption. This...

BitTorrent Live

BitTorrent Live is a proprietary peer-to-peer live streaming platform launched in 2019. It allows users to broadcast video content to an unlimited audience in real-time using peer-to-peer technology to distribute the stream.Some key features of BitTorrent Live include:Ability to stream to an unlimited number of viewersLow latency streaming with...

DoclerMusic

DoclerMusic is a premium music streaming service that gives you on-demand access to over 90 million songs without ads. It offers high quality audio with music available to stream or download for offline listening. Key features of DoclerMusic include:Ad-free listening experienceHigh quality audio streaming up to lossless qualityAbility to download...

StreamCraft

StreamCraft is a feature-rich, open-source live streaming software designed to make streaming easy and accessible for all users. With an intuitive and flexible UI, StreamCraft allows streamers to customize their scenes, manage multiple sources like webcams, capture cards, images, browser windows, etc., and add transitions, animations, text, alerts, and more...