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Upstream vs. StreamYard

StreamYard is known for browser-based live shows. Upstream includes Live Studio too, then adds multistreaming, scheduled pre-recorded broadcasts, 24/7 playback, backups, overlays, and flexible stream slots from the same cloud account. No feature tiers: use each slot however you need.

YouTube Verified Software Encoder

Upstream is a YouTube Verified Software Encoder - meaning your streams meet the highest technical and legal standards, guaranteed. Choose the best for your stream.

Best-in-class Stream Designer

Upstream’s Stream Designer has powerful overlay features. Embed websites & interactive elements, add images & videos, even use custom fonts! Make your stream come alive!

All-in-one live streaming software

Start free with 24 hours every month. Every feature is unlocked: Live Studio, scheduled pre-recorded streams, 24/7 playback, backups, and multistreaming to up to 10 destinations at once.

Compare Upstream & StreamYard

Compare the StreamYard browser studio with the complete Upstream workflow: Live Studio, multistreaming, scheduled pre-recorded streams, 24/7 playback, backups, overlays, and no feature tiers.

Upstream logo

Upstream

StreamYard logo

StreamYard

Flexible stream workflow

Flexible stream slots
true iconUse each slot for live, scheduled, pre-recorded, 24/7, backup, or multistreaming
Browser studio and scheduled events; 24/7 playback is not the core workflow
Recurring automation
true iconDaily/weekly repeat schedules
Schedule up to 365 days ahead; no recurring 24/7 automation found
Live playlist edits while running
true iconUpdate playlists and overlays without stopping
Automatic pre-recorded streams have limited live controls
24/7 and long pre-recorded playback
true iconRun a stream slot continuously from the cloud
Video length limits by plan
One workflow for live, scheduled, pre-recorded, and 24/7
true iconLive Studio, upload, schedule, design, multistream, backup, and 24/7 control in one flow
Browser studio, webinars, and recording; 24/7 playback is not the core workflow

Streaming operations

Multistreaming destinations
Up to 10 destinations per stream slot, including custom RTMP
3 Core / 8 Advanced / 10 Business destinations
Custom RTMP destinations
true iconIncluded for live, 24/7, and scheduled workflows
Paid; RTMP lacks scheduling, chat, and viewer count support
YouTube API connection
true iconYouTube Connect workflow
Connect and schedule YouTube
Backup / failover stream
true iconUse a dedicated stream slot as backup/failover
Recording backups, not a stream-failover workflow
Operator-friendly team roles
true iconTeam roles for stream operations
Team features on higher plans

Production and design

Browser live studio
true iconLive Studio included for live shows
StreamYard Studio
Guest/interview workflow
true iconGuests available in Live Studio
Mature guest/interview tooling
Drag-and-drop stream designer
true iconLayered Stream Designer
Brand overlays and layouts, not a full stream designer
Embed websites in the stream
true iconWebsite layers in the stream canvas
On-Air embeds streams on websites; not equivalent canvas layers
Interactive widgets and alerts
true iconWidgets, embeds, and visual layers
Live studio graphics, less focused on widgets and embedded sources
Custom stream fonts
true iconCustom fonts for branded streams
Custom fonts on Business

Monetization and growth

Custom YouTube ad cue points
true iconCue point control for YouTube monetization
Ad frequency settings; YouTube controls placement
YouTube-first 24/7 streaming operations
true iconBuilt around YouTube stream playout
Strong YouTube live-show scheduling, not 24/7 playout
Destination-first audience growth
true iconSend viewers to YouTube, Twitch, Kick, and RTMP endpoints
Broad destination coverage
Best fit
Teams that need live multistreaming, scheduled streams, pre-recorded playback, backups, and 24/7 in one product
Teams focused mainly on browser studio sessions, webinars, and recording

What sets Upstream apart

All-in-one streaming service built for live, scheduled, pre-recorded, 24/7, and multistream workflows.

Upstream is YouTube Verified

YouTube recommends Upstream on the list of Software Encoders. To become a YouTube Verified 24/7 Streaming Software we had to go through a series of rigorous checks and processes to ensure your data is safe and being broadcast in the best possible quality.

Upstream is YouTube Verified

Embed Websites

Embed websites to add another layer of interactivity to your stream! Simply paste your URL, choose where you want the website to show up, and set the refresh rate!

  • Embed Your homepage, graphs, webcams, news - any embeddable website
  • Add external real-time data to your stream
Embed Websites

Multistream to 10 destinations

Multistreaming is one of the best ways to reach new audiences and start getting followers who simply don’t hang out on your primary streaming platform. Stream to up to 10 destinations – all you need is the RTMP/stream keys!

Multistream to 10 destinations

Embed Interactive Livestreaming Alerts & Widgets

Liven up your stream with real-time notifications, sub counts, donations, chat messages and other elements that motivate your community!

  • Donation notifications
  • Chat highlights
  • New Subs / Sub Count
  • StreamElements Widgets
Embed Interactive Livestreaming Alerts & Widgets

Use Custom Fonts

Use some of our pre-loaded Google Fonts, or load up your own self hosted font via URL!

Use Custom Fonts

One-click Streaming (YouTube Connect via API)

Connect your YouTube and Upstream accounts and start your 24/7 livestreams with one click on Upstream! This brings many benefits:

  • Stop and start streams via Upstream Dashboard (no need to visit YouTube Studio)
  • Monitor viewer stats through Upstream
  • Use YouTube Ad Cue Points
  • Change Title, Description and Thumbnail on Upstream, on-the-fly
  • Launch new 24/7 streams with just a few clicks
One-click Streaming (YouTube Connect via API)

Features that set Upstream apart

More interactivity, better integration and easier control!

YouTube Verified Streaming Software & Dedicated Servers

Our reviews

Hear first-hand from our incredible community of customers.

Start with a real free plan.

Sign up free. 24 hours of live streaming every month. Every feature unlocked, no credit card, no watermark. Upgrade to flexible stream slots when you need more capacity.

  • No credit card
  • 1 stream included
  • 24 hours/month
  • Full functionality

No credit card · 1 stream included · 24 hours/month · Full functionality