Twitch has long been regarded as the dominant platform for live streaming, remaining largely unaffected by other competitors such as YouTube Live, Kick, and the now-defunct Mixer. However, an intriguing development is on the horizon with Patreon introducing its native live streaming feature, which promises to eliminate the need for third-party applications.
This will allow creators to broadcast live directly from the Patreon mobile app or website, simplifying the streaming process significantly. With this new feature, creators will have the option to designate their streams as either free or exclusive to paid subscribers.
The live streams will include functionalities such as live chat, moderation tools, and support for popular third-party streaming services, although co-hosting is not currently available and will still require tools like OBS for now. One of the most appealing aspects of Patreon’s new live streaming capability is the flexibility it offers; creators will have the opportunity to stream 24/7 indefinitely.
This stands in stark contrast to Twitch, which only allows streams to last for up to 48 hours, and TikTok Live, which is limited to just one hour. However, creators may face restrictions on the number of videos they can upload based on their subscription plan.
Additionally, there is a provision for locking certain videos behind a paywall, providing another avenue for monetization. Patreon plans to begin rolling out its native live streaming feature to select creators this week, with plans for wider availability anticipated later in the summer.
As this new option becomes accessible, it could significantly alter the landscape of live streaming for creators and their audiences alike.