OpenBroadcaster

Free plan APILinuxSelf-hostedWebWindows

What OpenBroadcaster is

OpenBroadcaster is free, open-source software for operating an internet radio or television station. It automates continuous broadcasting with playlists, scheduling, and dynamic content rotation, then sends audio or video streams to audiences globally. The media library accepts audio, video, and images, organizing them with metadata, playlists, categories, and smart search. A browser-based control panel manages the station, while the JSON API can connect players, websites, and automation tools. Its built-in encoder streams to Icecast and Shoutcast servers. The project also lists Twitch chat integration and a WordPress plugin for displaying now-playing information. OpenBroadcaster can run on a server or broadcast workstation and offers Windows and GitHub downloads. Linux installation instructions cover Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or later; Windows requirements list Windows 10 or later. The project is based in Yukon Territory, Canada. Its CC BY-NC 4.0 license prohibits commercial use under its stated terms.

Who it suits

It suits broadcasters needing free station automation, streaming, and browser control. It is also relevant to users who can operate self-hosted software and accept the license’s noncommercial restriction.

What it does well

Free plan available
24/7 playlist scheduling and automation
Audio, video, and image library
Icecast and Shoutcast streaming
JSON API and browser control

What to know first

CC BY-NC license prohibits commercial use
Self-hosted server or workstation deployment
Linux instructions target Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or later

Verdict

OpenBroadcaster combines station automation, media organization, streaming, and web control in a free open-source package. Check the licensing terms and deployment requirements before using it for a broadcast operation.

Facts from OpenBroadcaster's own pages

API: The product page says its JSON API can integrate players, websites, and automation tools. · openbroadcaster.org, 13 Oct 2026
Automation: It supports 24/7 broadcast automation with playlists, scheduling, and dynamic content rotation. · openbroadcaster.org, 13 Oct 2026
Control panel: The product has a browser-based interface for controlling a broadcast station. · openbroadcaster.org, 12 Oct 2026
Deployment: The product page says to deploy it on a server or broadcast workstation. · openbroadcaster.org, 13 Oct 2026
Download: The site offers a Windows installer and a GitHub download link. · openbroadcaster.org, 12 Oct 2026
Headquarters: Yukon Territory, Canada · openbroadcaster.org, 28 Sept 2026
License limit: The project README lists a CC BY-NC 4.0 license, which prohibits commercial use under its stated terms. · github.com, 13 Oct 2026
Linux: The project README documents Linux installation for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or later and lists Windows 10 or later as its Windows requirement. · github.com, 13 Oct 2026
Media library: Its media library supports metadata, playlists, categories, and smart search. · openbroadcaster.org, 13 Oct 2026
Media types: The site says users can add audio, video, and images to the media library. · openbroadcaster.org, 12 Oct 2026
Open source: The site describes the platform as open source and customizable. · openbroadcaster.org, 12 Oct 2026
Other integrations: The project README lists Twitch chat integration and a WordPress plugin for showing now-playing information. · github.com, 13 Oct 2026
Purpose: OpenBroadcaster is described as an open-source tool for running an internet radio or TV station. · openbroadcaster.org, 13 Oct 2026
Streaming: It supports broadcasting audio and video streams to audiences. · openbroadcaster.org, 13 Oct 2026
Streaming integrations: The project README says its built-in encoder streams to Icecast and Shoutcast servers. · github.com, 13 Oct 2026
Support: The README directs users to GitHub Issues for bugs and feature requests and to Discussions for the community forum. · github.com, 13 Oct 2026
Web control: A browser-based control panel is provided for controlling a broadcast station. · openbroadcaster.org, 13 Oct 2026
Windows: The official site links to a Windows installer. · openbroadcaster.org, 13 Oct 2026

Where OpenBroadcaster stands on Freedom251

Live Streaming Software#79 of 137