Streamlabs Multistream

Overview

Streamlabs Multistream sends one live broadcast to several platforms through Streamlabs’ servers. It is best suited to creators who want a single workflow for reaching multiple audiences, especially across horizontal and vertical formats. Its cloud distribution can spare upload bandwidth, but the free destination cap and desktop requirements may rule it out for some setups.

Key features

Streamlabs servers split an incoming stream into separate feeds, so creators do not need to upload a separate feed for every destination. Supported endpoints include Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Facebook, Instagram, Patreon, X, and custom RTMP destinations. That breadth makes it useful for creators who publish across a mix of social platforms and custom endpoints.

Dual Output offers one horizontal and one vertical canvas, with layout and resolution set independently. Stream titles and descriptions can also vary by platform. The free setup allows one destination per canvas, enough to send each format to one place but not to distribute either format broadly without upgrading.

Multichat combines chat, but its capabilities differ by service: creators can read and post comments on YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Pages, while Kick, X, and Facebook Profiles support reading only. That distinction matters for anyone who needs to reply from a single interface across all destinations.

Stream Shift allows a creator to hand a live stream from a PC to a mobile device or another computer without ending it. Scheduling is also supported. Multistream can be used with Streamlabs Desktop, the OBS Plugin with Ultra, the Streamlabs Mobile app, or other streaming software configured through the Dashboard and RTMP credentials; this gives creators multiple routes in, though the OBS Plugin requires Ultra.

Pricing

Streamlabs uses a freemium model. The free plan includes Dual Output with one destination for each canvas, which suits a creator testing a horizontal-and-vertical workflow or streaming to two destinations. It is a narrow free tier if the goal is simultaneous reach across several platforms.

Starter has custom pricing and includes one vertical destination, one horizontal destination, one guest or camera, and 1 GB of cloud storage. It may suit a creator who needs a modest increase in production capacity, but its destination allowance remains one per format.

Ultra costs $27/mo on monthly billing and includes 3+ destinations, up to 11 guests or cameras, and 10 GB of cloud storage. It fits creators who need more destinations and a larger guest or camera setup. Streamlabs Ultra starts at $15.75/mo and includes multistreaming to multiple destinations, with 3+ destinations. The starting price is lower than Ultra’s monthly price, but the plan description does not include the guest and storage allowances shown for Ultra, so creators weighing those needs should compare the tiers carefully.

Platforms

Streamlabs lists Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. Streamlabs Desktop runs on Windows 10 or later and macOS 12 or later; mobile multistreaming uses the Streamlabs Mobile app. The desktop minimums matter for creators with older computers, while mobile support offers a route for broadcasts that do not depend on a desktop setup.

Who it's for

Streamlabs Multistream is a strong fit for streamers, gamers, and other creators who want to reach several services from one broadcast and tailor horizontal and vertical presentations. It is less compelling for someone who needs free distribution to many destinations, replies in every supported chat, or desktop use on an operating system below the stated minimums.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Cloud forwarding avoids the added upload bandwidth of sending individual feeds to each destination.
• Pros: Separate horizontal and vertical canvases, with per-platform titles and descriptions, support format-specific presentation.
• Pros: Stream Shift can move a broadcast between a PC, mobile device, or another computer without ending it.
• Cons: The free Dual Output setup is limited to one destination per canvas, restricting free reach.
• Cons: Chat posting is limited to YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Pages; other supported chat destinations allow reading only.
• Cons: Streamlabs Desktop requires Windows 10+ or macOS 12+, excluding older desktop systems.

Alternatives

Restream is worth considering for creators who want a freemium alternative with a free tier that supports two channels at once, though that tier includes Restream branding and limits recorded streams to six hours each, with 15 days of recording storage.

OBS Studio is the simpler choice for creators who want free streaming software without watermarks or usage limitations and do not need Streamlabs’ multistream destination features. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

mimoLive is another freemium option for Apple-oriented creators, with a free tier that includes a watermark, its full feature set, an iPhone and iPad remote surface app, and community support.

PRISM Live Studio may suit creators who want a free basic plan or a paid plan supporting up to six channels for $9.99 per month.

XSplit Broadcaster is a Windows-only option whose free tier offers 720p streaming without a watermark and up to four scenes, but no simultaneous multistreaming.

Meld Studio is a free freemium alternative for macOS and Windows that includes multistreaming and 4K recording with multitrack audio.

OneStream Live is worth a look for creators who want a free plan with two multistream destinations, 720p, one team seat, 1 GB of storage, and three scheduled events.

Agora Interactive Live Streaming is an alternative for teams evaluating a freemium interactive live-streaming product.

For broader category comparisons, see Live Streaming Software or Live TV streaming services.

Verdict

Choose Streamlabs Multistream if you want cloud-forwarded broadcasting, format-specific horizontal and vertical outputs, and the option to shift a live stream between devices. Its strongest reason to choose it is the combination of multi-destination distribution and practical production controls; look elsewhere if free reach beyond two destinations, universal chat replies, or support for an older desktop system is essential.