Summarize this article with:
Periscope shut down in March 2021. And honestly? Nothing has perfectly replaced it.
That tap-and-go live broadcasting experience, the raw real-time video from strangers across the world, the comments flying in as events unfolded. Twitter killed it because platforms like Instagram Live, TikTok Live, and YouTube Live had absorbed most of its audience. But none of them feel exactly the same.
So if you’ve been searching for apps like Periscope, you’re not alone. Millions of former users still want that simple, spontaneous live streaming experience without jumping through hoops.
This guide breaks down the best Periscope alternatives available right now. Each one gets a honest look at its features, pricing, who it actually works for, and where it falls short. Whether you want to go live from your phone, build a streaming community, or broadcast to multiple platforms at once, there’s an option here that fits.
Apps Like Periscope
Instagram Live
What It Is
Instagram Live is a real-time video streaming feature built directly into the Instagram app. Meta owns it. You don’t need a separate download or account. If you already use Instagram, you can go live in seconds.
It launched as a Stories add-on and quickly became one of the most used live broadcast tools on any social media platform.
Key Live Streaming Features
- Co-host streams with up to 3 guests in split-screen format
- Q&A stickers, polls, and pinned comments for real-time audience engagement
- Automatic notifications sent to followers when you go live
- Save broadcasts to Reels or Stories for replay
- Badges for viewer monetization (available in select regions)
The interactive elements here go beyond what Periscope ever offered. Pinning comments, filtering questions, and adding guests mid-stream all happen without leaving the app.
Platform Availability and Pricing
Available on iOS and Android. Completely free to use.
Desktop streaming is possible through third-party tools like OBS Studio, but the core live experience is mobile-first. As of August 2025, you need at least 1,000 followers to go live.
Who It’s Best For
Content creators, small businesses, and influencers who already have an Instagram following. If your audience lives on Instagram, this is the most frictionless way to broadcast live video.
It works well for product launches, behind-the-scenes content, and casual Q&A sessions with your community.
How It Compares to Periscope
Periscope was built for spontaneous, anyone-can-go-live broadcasting. Instagram Live is similar in spirit but tied to a specific social network.
The main difference? Periscope let anyone with an account stream immediately. Instagram now requires 1,000 followers. That barrier didn’t exist on Periscope.
But Instagram Live has much better discovery. Your stream shows up at the front of the Stories bar and can appear in the Explore tab, giving you exposure Periscope couldn’t match.
Drawbacks Worth Knowing
The 1,000-follower requirement locks out new users and beginners. That alone kills the “go live right now” vibe Periscope was known for.
Also, there’s no standalone live streaming app. Everything runs through the main Instagram app, so the experience competes with Reels, Stories, DMs, and everything else happening in the interface. It can feel cluttered.
If you’re looking for other ways to connect with people through video, you might also want to check out alternatives to FaceTime for more personal one-on-one calls.
YouTube Live
What It Is
YouTube Live is Google’s live streaming platform built into YouTube. It lets creators broadcast in real time to the largest video audience on the internet.
Unlike Periscope’s temporary streams, YouTube automatically archives every broadcast as a regular video on your channel. That alone changes the game for content longevity.
Key Live Streaming Features
- Super Chat and Super Stickers for viewer-funded monetization
- Live chat with moderation tools and pinned messages
- Automatic stream archiving as on-demand video
- Multi-camera support and screen sharing via streaming software
- Premiere feature for scheduled live content drops
YouTube also supports adaptive bitrate streaming. Your viewers get the best quality their connection can handle, which is something Periscope struggled with back in the day.
Platform Availability and Pricing
Available on iOS, Android, web, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Free to stream and watch.
Monetization requires joining the YouTube Partner Program. You need 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views in the past 90 days.
Who It’s Best For
Creators who want their live streams to have a shelf life. Gamers, educators, musicians, and businesses running webinars or product demos all do well here.
If you already publish video content on YouTube, going live is a natural extension of your existing workflow.
How It Compares to Periscope
Periscope was quick and casual. YouTube Live is more structured.
The biggest upgrade is the archive. Periscope streams disappeared after 24 hours unless you saved them manually. On YouTube, every stream becomes a permanent video that can keep generating views and revenue for years.
The trade-off? YouTube Live takes more setup. You’ll likely need OBS or similar streaming software for anything beyond a basic mobile broadcast. Periscope was tap-and-go.
Drawbacks Worth Knowing
The learning curve is steeper than most live video apps. Mobile streaming works fine for simple broadcasts, but if you want overlays, multi-camera setups, or branded layouts, you’re investing time in external tools.
Discovery can also be tricky. YouTube’s algorithm favors pre-recorded content. Live streams sometimes get buried unless you already have an established subscriber base. And for viewers who just want to browse free video content, there are plenty of streaming apps similar to Tubi worth checking out too.
Facebook Live
What It Is
Facebook Live is Meta’s live video broadcasting tool integrated into the Facebook app and website. It lets you stream to your profile, Pages, Groups, or Events.
It launched in 2016 and quickly became one of the most widely used live streaming services, mainly because of Facebook’s massive existing user base.
Key Live Streaming Features
- Stream to personal profiles, business Pages, or private Groups
- Real-time reactions (not just hearts like Periscope, but six different emoji reactions)
- Cross-posting to multiple Pages simultaneously
- Live Producer for desktop streaming with encoding software
- Scheduling live broadcasts in advance with countdown reminders
Platform Availability and Pricing
Available on iOS, Android, and desktop (via web browser). Free.
Business features like branded content tools and Stars monetization are available for eligible creators through the Meta monetization program.
Who It’s Best For
Businesses, community organizers, local news outlets, and anyone whose audience primarily uses Facebook. If you run a Facebook Group with an active community, going live inside that group can drive serious engagement.
How It Compares to Periscope
Facebook Live gives you instant access to people who already follow you, without needing them to download another app. Periscope required a separate install. That was always a friction point.
The audience reach potential on Facebook is larger, but the live content discovery is weaker. Facebook’s algorithm doesn’t prioritize live video the way it used to. Streams can get lost in the news feed noise.
Drawbacks Worth Knowing
Organic reach on Facebook has declined significantly over the years. Going live doesn’t guarantee visibility the way it once did.
The platform also skews older demographically. If your target audience is Gen Z or younger millennials, they’re probably not finding your live broadcasts here.
Twitch
What It Is
Twitch is the world’s largest dedicated live streaming platform, owned by Amazon. It started as a gaming-focused service and has expanded into music, art, talk shows, cooking, and the popular “Just Chatting” category.
As of January 2025, Twitch had around 167 million monthly active users and remains the dominant force in interactive live video.
Key Live Streaming Features
- Real-time chat with custom emotes, Bits (tipping currency), and channel points
- Subscription tiers at $4.99, $9.99, and $24.99 per month
- Raids and host features for community building between streamers
- Clips system for sharing broadcast highlights
- Extensions and overlays for interactive viewer experiences
- 1440p streaming (open beta for Affiliates and Partners in 2025)
Twitch recently rolled out dual-format streaming, so your broadcast can display in both vertical and horizontal layouts depending on the viewer’s device. That’s a big deal for mobile audiences.
Platform Availability and Pricing
Available on iOS, Android, web, Windows, macOS, Xbox, and PlayStation. Free to watch and stream.
Monetization starts at the Affiliate level (25 followers, 4 hours streamed, 4 broadcasts, 3 average viewers). Partners get access to higher revenue splits, with some channels earning a 70/30 split.
Who It’s Best For
Gamers, creative streamers, and anyone building a live content community around a specific niche. If you want deep viewer interaction tools and are willing to stream consistently, Twitch rewards that effort.
Also good for people who enjoy browsing different live content. The category system makes it easy to find streamers by topic, similar to how you might explore platforms like Steam for gaming.
How It Compares to Periscope
Periscope was general-purpose. Twitch started niche and grew outward.
The community features on Twitch are far more developed. Channel points, subscriber badges, custom emotes, and raids create a loyalty loop that Periscope never had. But Twitch also demands more consistency from creators. Casual, one-off broadcasts don’t get much traction here.
Drawbacks Worth Knowing
The standard revenue split is 50/50, which is lower than some competitors. Growing as a new streamer is tough because the platform is crowded with established creators.
Twitch also doesn’t have great video-on-demand features. VODs expire after 14 days for non-Partners, and the clip system, while useful, doesn’t replace a proper archive like YouTube offers.
TikTok Live
What It Is
TikTok Live is a live broadcasting feature inside the TikTok app. It lets creators stream directly to their followers and, if the algorithm picks it up, to a much wider audience through the For You page.
TikTok’s short-form video algorithm is the secret weapon here. A live stream that catches fire can reach people who’ve never heard of you before.
Key Live Streaming Features
- Virtual gifts that convert to real money (Diamonds currency)
- Live Q&A with on-screen question prompts
- Multi-guest streams with up to 5 co-hosts
- Live shopping integration for direct product sales
- Keyword filtering and moderator controls for chat
Platform Availability and Pricing
Available on iOS and Android. Free.
You need at least 1,000 followers to go live. Monetization through gifts is available once you meet TikTok’s eligibility requirements, which vary by region.
Who It’s Best For
Younger creators and brands targeting Gen Z audiences. If you already make TikTok content and want a direct, real-time connection with viewers, Live is the obvious next step.
It’s particularly strong for entertainment-style content. Think talent showcases, live reactions, and casual hangouts rather than polished webinars.
How It Compares to Periscope
TikTok Live has something Periscope never did: a powerful recommendation algorithm. Your live stream can get pushed to thousands of non-followers if engagement is high. Periscope relied mostly on Twitter’s network for distribution.
The feel is different, though. Periscope attracted a more news-and-events crowd. TikTok Live skews heavily toward entertainment and personality-driven content.
Drawbacks Worth Knowing
The 1,000-follower barrier again. If you’re starting from zero, you can’t go live.
Stream quality and stability can be inconsistent on mobile, especially in areas with weaker connections. And the audience attention span on TikTok is short. People scroll fast. Keeping viewers locked in during a live broadcast takes real effort.
X (Twitter) Live
What It Is
X Live (formerly Twitter Live) is the live video feature on X, the platform that originally acquired and integrated Periscope. When Periscope shut down in March 2021, its core live streaming functionality was absorbed directly into X.
So in a way, this is Periscope’s actual successor.
Key Live Streaming Features
- Go live from the X app’s compose button
- Real-time comments from X users tied to the broadcast
- Broadcasts appear directly in the X timeline
- Audio-only Spaces for live conversation (like Clubhouse)
- Integration with X’s existing follower and notification system
Platform Availability and Pricing
Available on iOS, Android, and web. Free.
X Premium subscribers get additional features like longer video uploads and enhanced analytics, but basic live streaming is free for everyone.
Who It’s Best For
Journalists, commentators, and anyone whose audience already lives on X. If you’re covering breaking news, live events, or want to broadcast quick updates to a following, this is the closest thing to what Periscope originally offered.
How It Compares to Periscope
It literally replaced Periscope. The integration is tighter now since there’s no separate app to install. Your live video shows up right in people’s X feeds.
But it lost something in the transition. Periscope had its own dedicated community and discovery features. On X, live video competes with every other type of content in the feed. It doesn’t feel like a live streaming platform. It feels like a feature inside a social network.
Drawbacks Worth Knowing
Live streaming on X doesn’t get the same algorithmic push as it does on TikTok or Instagram. Your broadcast can easily get buried under regular posts and trending topics.
The tools are basic compared to dedicated live streaming apps. No co-hosting on video, limited monetization, and the chat experience is just regular X replies. If you want full community features around your live content, this falls short.
Bigo Live
What It Is
Bigo Live is a mobile-first live streaming app owned by Singapore-based BIGO Technology. It has over 600 million users worldwide, with the majority of its traffic coming from Asian countries like Singapore, Turkey, and South Korea.
Think of it as a social entertainment platform built entirely around live video. It’s big on talent showcasing, virtual gifting, and casual social broadcasts.
Key Live Streaming Features
- Multi-guest rooms with up to 12 participants
- PK battles (head-to-head competitions between streamers)
- Virtual gifts that convert to real earnings
- AI-powered content recommendations
- Live game streaming for mobile titles
- Video chat rooms for group conversations
Platform Availability and Pricing
Available on iOS, Android, and PC. Free to download and use.
In-app purchases for virtual gifts range from $0.99 to $129.99. Streamers earn a portion of the gifts they receive, though the exact revenue split varies.
Who It’s Best For
Creators who want a global, mobile-first audience. Singers, dancers, comedians, and people who enjoy spontaneous social broadcasting will feel right at home here.
If you’re looking for a Periscope alternative where going live is just tap-and-go with no follower minimum, Bigo Live is one of the closest matches. For other social apps that focus on connecting with new people, check out apps similar to Badoo as well.
How It Compares to Periscope
Bigo Live captures the spontaneous, mobile broadcasting spirit of Periscope better than most alternatives on this list. No complex setup. No follower requirements to go live. Just open the app and start streaming.
The monetization through gifting is way more developed than anything Periscope had. Some users treat it as a full-time income source.
Drawbacks Worth Knowing
Privacy concerns are real. The app collects a significant amount of personal data, and transparency around how that data gets used has been questioned by users and reviewers alike.
Content moderation is inconsistent. You’ll find high-quality streams alongside questionable content, and the platform hasn’t always been quick to address reports. Lag can also be an issue during popular broadcasts.
YouNow
What It Is
YouNow is a live streaming and social network platform focused on real-time broadcasting and community interaction. It’s been around since 2011, which makes it one of the older live video platforms still operating.
The vibe is intimate. Smaller communities built around specific interests. Think vintage synthesizers, chess strategy, cooking tutorials, and book discussions.
Key Live Streaming Features
- Instant live broadcasting with no follower minimum
- Fan-powered virtual gifting system (Bars currency)
- Trending section for content discovery
- Tag-based browsing by topic and interest
- Guest invitations for collaborative streams
Platform Availability and Pricing
Available on iOS, Android, and web. Free.
YouNow subscriptions for supporting creators cost $4.99/month. Viewers can also purchase Bars to send virtual gifts during broadcasts.
Who It’s Best For
Hobbyists and niche community builders. If you stream about a specific topic and want an engaged (if smaller) audience that genuinely cares about your content, YouNow delivers that experience.
New creators who don’t have thousands of followers elsewhere will appreciate the low barrier to entry.
How It Compares to Periscope
YouNow is probably the closest match to Periscope’s original feel. Anyone can go live immediately. The community is smaller, but the engagement per viewer tends to be higher. People on YouNow actually watch and interact, rather than scrolling past.
The discovery features work differently. Instead of relying on a social network like Twitter, YouNow uses its own trending and tagging system to surface broadcasts.
Drawbacks Worth Knowing
The user base is significantly smaller than Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. Growing a large audience here takes patience.
The app’s design feels dated compared to newer platforms. And monetization options, while present, don’t compare to what’s available on Twitch or YouTube. If you’re a creative type looking for platforms similar to Wattpad to share stories or ideas with a niche community, YouNow has a somewhat similar community-driven feel.
StreamYard
What It Is
StreamYard is a browser-based live streaming studio that lets you broadcast to multiple platforms at once. Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitch, and more. All from a single interface.
It launched in 2019 and quickly gained popularity because it removed the complexity of traditional streaming software. No downloads. No OBS configuration headaches. Just open a browser tab and go.
Key Live Streaming Features
- Multi-platform streaming (simulcast to several destinations)
- Guest invitations via shareable link (no account needed for guests)
- On-screen comment display from connected platforms
- Custom branding with logos, overlays, and backgrounds
- Screen sharing and presentation mode
- Recording and local download of broadcasts
Platform Availability and Pricing
Browser-based, works on any desktop operating system. No mobile app for streaming (viewing only).
Free plan allows streaming to one destination with StreamYard branding. Basic plan at $20/month removes branding and adds multi-destination support. Professional plan at $39/month includes full HD, custom RTMP, and more.
Who It’s Best For
Podcasters, interview hosts, webinar creators, and anyone who wants a polished broadcast without learning complex software. If you do panel discussions, remote interviews, or branded corporate streams, StreamYard makes the whole process painless.
How It Compares to Periscope
These are very different products. Periscope was casual, mobile, and spontaneous. StreamYard is structured, desktop-focused, and production-oriented.
Where they overlap is the live audience interaction. StreamYard pulls in comments from all connected platforms and lets you display them on screen. That creates viewer engagement similar to what Periscope’s heart-and-comment system offered, just in a more professional package.
Drawbacks Worth Knowing
No mobile streaming option. If going live from your phone was the thing you loved about Periscope, StreamYard won’t replace that.
The free plan has noticeable limitations, including the StreamYard watermark on every broadcast. And at its core, StreamYard is a production tool, not a social platform. It doesn’t have its own audience or discovery features. You still need to bring your viewers from somewhere else.
Kick
What It Is
Kick is a live streaming platform that launched in 2022 as a direct competitor to Twitch. It’s backed by the founders of Stake.com, a cryptocurrency casino, which explains its aggressive spending on creator deals and its generous revenue model.
By Q2 2025, Kick had over 1 billion hours watched and was listed as the fourth most watched live streaming platform globally.
Key Live Streaming Features
- 95/5 revenue split on subscriptions (creators keep 95%)
- 100% of tips go directly to creators with no platform fee
- Clips and VOD archiving (30 days for verified users)
- Category browsing similar to Twitch
- Drops system for in-game viewer rewards (launched late 2025)
- No exclusivity requirement, so you can stream on multiple platforms
Platform Availability and Pricing
Available on web, Android, and iOS (iOS app still rolling out). Free to watch and stream.
Partner Program requires 25 subscribers and 250 followers. Affiliate status has a lower threshold, giving access to subscriptions and basic monetization.
Who It’s Best For
Streamers who want to maximize earnings per subscriber. The 95/5 split is the best in the industry. If you’re a mid-size creator frustrated by Twitch’s 50/50 cut, Kick is worth testing.
Also good for creators who want less competition. The platform is still growing, so standing out is easier than on Twitch or YouTube. For people exploring other ways to earn through apps, options like Mistplay offer a different angle on app-based income.
How It Compares to Periscope
The use case is different. Periscope was about quick, casual broadcasting. Kick is for dedicated live streamers building a following and generating income.
But both share a “less corporate” feel. Kick’s looser moderation and creator-first ethos remind me of Periscope’s early days when the platform felt like it was run by people who actually used it.
Drawbacks Worth Knowing
The connection to Stake raises legitimate questions about the platform’s long-term financial stability. If Stake’s revenue dips, Kick’s creator payouts could be affected.
Content moderation is looser than Twitch or YouTube, which means you’ll encounter gambling streams and content that wouldn’t fly on other platforms. The feature set is still maturing too. No console apps, limited analytics, and the clip system isn’t as polished as Twitch’s. The platform held about 11% market share in Q2 2025, which is solid growth but still a fraction of Twitch’s audience.
FAQ on Apps Like Periscope
Why did Periscope shut down?
Periscope was discontinued in March 2021 due to declining usage and high maintenance costs. Most users had moved to Instagram Live, Facebook Live, and other platforms that built live streaming directly into their existing social networks.
What is the closest app to Periscope?
YouNow is the closest match. It offers instant live broadcasting with no follower minimum, real-time audience interaction, and a community-driven discovery system. X (Twitter) Live is also a direct successor since it absorbed Periscope’s core technology.
Can I still watch old Periscope broadcasts?
No. All Periscope archives were removed when the app shut down. Some broadcasts were saved to Twitter before the shutdown, but the standalone Periscope replay library no longer exists. Anything not downloaded is gone permanently.
Which live streaming app pays creators the most?
Kick offers a 95/5 revenue split on subscriptions, the highest in the industry. Twitch typically splits 50/50, while YouTube takes around 30%. Bigo Live and TikTok Live pay through virtual gifting systems with variable rates.
Do I need followers to go live on these apps?
It depends. Instagram Live requires 1,000 followers. TikTok Live also needs 1,000. But platforms like Bigo Live, YouNow, and Kick let you broadcast immediately with no follower minimum at all.
What is the best free live streaming app for beginners?
Instagram Live or Facebook Live are the easiest starting points if you already have a social media presence. For a standalone experience closer to Periscope’s original feel, YouNow is free and beginner-friendly with zero setup required.
Can I stream to multiple platforms at the same time?
Yes. StreamYard and Restream let you simulcast to YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitch from one browser window. Kick also allows multi-platform streaming since it doesn’t enforce exclusivity contracts on creators.
Which Periscope alternative works best on mobile?
Bigo Live and TikTok Live are built entirely around mobile broadcasting. Both apps let you go live from your phone with minimal setup. Instagram Live is also solid but requires navigating the full Instagram app first.
Is Twitch only for gamers?
Not anymore. Twitch now has categories for music, art, cooking, talk shows, and the popular Just Chatting section. Gaming still dominates, but non-gaming content has grown significantly since 2023. Anyone can find a niche there.
Are these live streaming apps safe to use?
Major platforms like YouTube Live, Instagram Live, and Twitch have strong moderation tools. Smaller apps like Bigo Live have faced criticism over inconsistent content moderation and privacy concerns. Always review an app’s data policies before broadcasting.
Conclusion
The apps like Periscope covered here each solve a different problem. Some prioritize mobile broadcasting. Others focus on monetization or multi-platform streaming.
There’s no single replacement that does everything Periscope did. But the live streaming landscape in 2025 gives you more options than Periscope ever offered on its own.
If you want raw, spontaneous broadcasts, YouNow and Bigo Live come closest. For building a long-term streaming career with real revenue, Twitch, Kick, and YouTube Live are stronger picks.
Pick based on where your audience already hangs out. That matters more than any feature list.
And don’t lock yourself into one platform. Tools like StreamYard and Restream make it easy to broadcast live video across multiple destinations at once. Test a few, see what sticks, and go from there.
Many of his resources are available on various design marketplaces and for free on Codepen.
Over the years, he's worked with a range of clients and contributed to design publications like Design Your Way, Designmodo, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, and Speckyboy, and Slider Revolution among others.
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