After Ustream, Inc. exits the market, what real-time video streaming services will consumers and small businesses retain? To put an end to speculation, IBM officially announced the acquisition of streaming media company Ustream for approximately US$130 million.
The acquisition is seen as part of the new cloud video services division that IBM is developing. The CEO of ClearLeap, Inc, Braxton Jarratt, was acquired by IBM in 2015 and has been selected to lead this new cloud services division. The new division will consist of four acquired companies: Ustream, ClearLeap, Cleversafe, and Aspera.
The acquisition aims to improve the company’s video products for corporate customers using the IBM Cloud suite. It is not clear whether the Ustream service will cease after the completion of the acquisition, but if so, the below given are several Ustream alternatives. It can fill the gap.
In today’s age, with the burgeoning growth of digital platforms, live streaming has become an integral part of our online experience. Among the pioneers of this phenomenon was Ustream, a platform that managed to amass a significant user base in its heyday. Let’s delve deep into Ustream’s journey, its offerings, and its transformation over the years.
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What is Live Ustream?
Ustream was a prominent live streaming platform that allowed users to broadcast and watch live video content. Catering to a diverse audience, Ustream provided an avenue for individuals and companies to host live shows, events, and other content.
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8 Ustream Alternatives to Use in 2023
1. YouTube Live Streaming
YouTube may be the last thing you consider when looking for a live streaming alternative service, but this live streaming feature has been around since 2011. After setting up the account, the active user will get a link to publish the program publicly with all the details.
Users can then stream games, news, music, tutorials, sports, or any other content the user wants to share with others. The service also enables broadcasters to interact with viewers, personalize audio/video, monetize programs through advertising, producing reel videos, and many more.
2. Livestream
Livestream LLC enables users to view or stream live video streams. Users can view local real-time news, sports, music, conferences, and other events from all over the world. Users can broadcast live via their smartphones, tablets, connected cameras, laptops or computers, and access the service through live streaming websites or applications to watch live video streams.
Users can also invite others by sending a link through Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc… to enjoy live streaming. Users can use iOS and Android devices and Roku, Inc. set-top boxes to follow people in the live broadcast and receive notifications when they live broadcast. Watch the live broadcast with no restrictions.
3. Twitch
Twitch (Twitch Interactive, Inc.), previously known as Justin. Twitch is now one of the world’s leading social media platforms and communities for gamers. It has 1.7 million independent channels every month, and more than 100 million viewers gather to watch and discuss video games.
Twitch is aimed at game developers, publishers, media, events, casual content creators, and the entire e-sports scene. Twitch provides iOS and Android applications that allow users to watch and chat live or videos on demand.
Users can also use Chromecast to stream live broadcasts from their mobile devices to the big screen. Twitch users can use PlayStation 4, Nvidia Shield, Xbox One, or Xbox 360 to stream games.
4. BamBuser
Bambuser AB is a Swedish company established in 2007. Bambuser provides a platform for real-time streaming video from mobile devices. In 2014, Bambuser shifted its focus to B2B products and provided mobile real-time video for brands, organizations, and application developers.
Bambuser’s headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden. It offers different levels for different streaming media needs, from free personal accounts to levels with different viewing time and audience range and player and page customization.
If you are an iOS or Android application developer, you can use the Bambuser Iris platform, which allows you to integrate live streaming video into your mobile application.
5. Facebook Live
Facebook Live became available for the users from 8th December 2016. It was initially open to celebrities so one can share each day’s sports with their fans. Before the 12 months ended, the live streaming characteristic started rolling out to more significant customers.
Using Live is as clean as updating one’s status. Tap on Update Status, then faucet at the Live Video Icon. Write a brief description of the move, in addition, to pick who can watch your stream.
While streaming, customers can see who’s tuned in, the variety of visitors in addition to real-time comments. Except the Live video is deleted, it will robotically be uploaded to a user’s Facebook Timeline.
Facebook customers will see motion pictures from buddies and public figures they observe on their news feed, and if they just like the stay motion, they can hit the subscribe button so that they get alerted while a brand new video is being broadcast.
6. Periscope
The root of the Periscope app is that it is a real-time resource for those who want to know the latest news about protests and other social events worldwide. Periscope is now owned by Twitter, Inc.,
Enabling users to stream real-time video to other parts of the world and notify users’ supporters as soon as the video goes live. Viewers can also interact with live steamers through comments and sending hearts.
At the end of the live broadcast, users can choose whether to provide videos for later viewing or not. Periscope is available for Apple iOS and Android and is an excellent tool for streaming live video anytime, anywhere.
7. Meerkat
Meerkat enables the users to broadcast live video through their mobile devices. Once registered, the users can connect their Facebook and Twitter accounts and broadcast live to their subscribers as soon as they go online.
The app allows users to stream directly to their Twitter followers. When the user goes online, the subscriber will receive a notification that the live video stream has started. But this app does not allow replays. Meerkat provides playback of programs stored in the Meerkat library.
This will enable viewers to replay any program, and anyone can watch any program on the Internet. Viewers can interact and comment on the real-time video stream, and you can even control the user’s stream as needed. Meerkat is available for iOS and Android.
8. Blab
If you like to watch others talk, Blabby Bebo may be your best choice. It’s best to describe it as a live talk show between friends. The user can start a real-time video call with up to four people on the split-screen, and the audience can follow the conversation.
This may be a top-notch tool to provoke a debate among friends, or only a laugh manner to speak approximately whatever under the sun as others should be a part of the conversation. Blab is present to be had on the iOS platform only.
What happened to Ustream?
Ustream had a successful run for several years before being acquired by IBM in 2016. Post-acquisition, the platform was rebranded as IBM Cloud Video. This transition signified IBM’s push towards integrating advanced video technology with its cloud services.
Is Ustream Still Works?
While the brand “Ustream” no longer exists as a standalone entity, its legacy continues under the IBM Cloud Video banner. The features, interface, and primary functionalities have undergone modifications, but the core essence of live streaming remains intact.
Who is the founder of Ustream?
Ustream was co-founded in 2007 by John Ham, Brad Hunstable, and Gyula Feher. Their vision was to create a platform that democratized live broadcasting, making it accessible to the masses.
Benefits of Ustream:
- Broad Accessibility: Ustream provided a platform that was user-friendly and required no significant technical knowledge, making live streaming accessible to all.
- Diverse Content: From personal broadcasts to corporate webinars, Ustream catered to a wide range of content needs.
- Interactivity: The platform offered chat features, allowing broadcasters to engage in real-time with their audience.
- Monetization Opportunities: Ustream provided content creators with tools to monetize their broadcasts through ads or subscription models.
- Mobile Integration: With dedicated mobile apps, Ustream ensured that users could broadcast or view content on-the-go.
Is Ustream Safe?
During its operation, Ustream implemented various security protocols to ensure the safety of its broadcasters and viewers. This included encryption, secure data transit, and robust access controls. As with all platforms, users were encouraged to adopt best practices, such as strong password policies, to bolster their security.
Is Ustream Free?
Ustream operated on a freemium model. It offered both free access with basic features and paid tiers with advanced functionalities. The paid tiers provided added benefits like HD broadcasting, analytics, and priority support.
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Conclusion
The above given are the eight best alternatives to Ustream in 2023. These are some of the best live streaming websites chosen from the endless streaming services available over there.
Ustream, in its prime, was a testament to the power of live streaming and the possibilities it presented. While the brand itself has evolved into IBM Cloud Video, its legacy stands as a reminder of the strides made in the live broadcasting realm.
Users and content creators alike owe much to platforms like Ustream that paved the way for the live streaming culture we witness today.
