If you are searching for a periscope app alternative, you need to know that the original Periscope live video streaming app was officially shut down by Twitter in March 2021. Its core live-streaming technology was not lost, but was instead folded directly into the main X (formerly Twitter) app, meaning the standalone app no longer exists.
What happened to the Periscope app?
The Periscope live video streaming app was discontinued by Twitter in March 2021. The company decided to sunset the standalone service and migrate its live-streaming capabilities into the main X platform. All existing Periscope broadcasts and user data were either deleted or transitioned, and the app was removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The technology that powered Periscope now powers the live video features inside X.
What was Periscope?
Launched in 2015, Periscope was a mobile-first live streaming app owned by Twitter. Its defining features included a map view that let users discover live streams from specific geographic locations, the ability to broadcast instantly from a smartphone without any special equipment, and 24-hour replay availability for broadcasts before they disappeared (though public broadcasts could remain in a read-only archive). It emphasized personal, unscripted content, like vlogs done live, rather than gaming or professional productions. Users could interact with viewers through a live chat and heart reactions, and the app was deeply integrated with Twitter for automatic sharing of streams. Periscope can eat up a lot of your bandwidth. You need a good internet connection if you want to run it properly. You can limit the number of people who can see your stream. There are settings that allow you to make your stream private or limited to a number of people. You have the option of enabling or restricting chat functions before going live.
How to go live now: Periscope's direct successor
X (formerly Twitter) is the direct successor to Periscope, using the same underlying live-streaming technology. To start a live broadcast from the X app:
- Open the X app on your mobile device.
- Tap the compose button (the plus icon or the feather icon).
- Select the "Live" option from the menu.
- Add a title and description for your stream.
- Tap "Go Live" to begin broadcasting to your followers and the public.
Your live stream will appear in the timelines of your followers, and viewers can interact with you in real time through comments and reactions. This is the simplest way to replicate the Periscope experience today.
Top Periscope app alternatives for live streaming
Several verified alternatives have filled the gap left by Periscope, each suited for different types of content and audiences.
YouTube Live is best for creators who want a broad audience, long-form content, and the ability to save streams as permanent videos. It offers robust monetization options through ads and memberships.
Facebook Live is ideal for reaching an existing social network audience, especially for personal updates, events, and business pages. Streams can be saved to your profile or page.
Instagram Live works well for short, spontaneous broadcasts to your followers. Streams disappear after 24 hours unless saved to IGTV, and you can go live with a guest.
BIGO LIVE is a global live streaming platform focused on entertainment, virtual gifts, and social interaction. It is popular in many regions for casual streaming and has built-in monetization through virtual gifting.
Is there a Periscope app for PC or TV?
No. The standalone Periscope app for PC, TV, Android, and iOS is defunct and cannot be downloaded or used. For live streaming on a computer or television, you should use the web and TV apps of the alternatives listed above. For example, you can stream or watch live content via the Twitch app on smart TVs, Roku, or Apple TV, and through the YouTube app on virtually any streaming device. For mobile streaming, the X app on Android and iOS is the direct replacement. You can also watch Periscope on PC by going to pscp.tv.
If you are looking for other ways to watch video content on your devices, you might be interested in the 15 best free TV streaming apps that are legit and safe, which provide legal access to television shows and movies without subscription fees. Similarly, the top 16 free movie apps you should try out offer a wide selection of films that you can stream legally on your phone, tablet, or smart TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still download my old Periscope broadcasts?
No. Twitter deleted all Periscope data, including broadcasts and account information, after the shutdown in March 2021. If you did not request a download of your data before the closure, those videos are no longer available. You can request a download of your live streams through your account data settings. After downloading your data archive, you can access your broadcast files and re-upload them. Your interactions will not be found in your stream. There won't be any chat logs in the downloaded stream.
Does X (Twitter) have the same map view feature that Periscope had?
No. The map view that showed live streams from specific locations was a unique feature of the Periscope app and was not carried over to X. Live streams on X appear in timelines and the "Live" tab, but not on a geographic map.
Can I earn money from live streaming on X like I could not on Periscope?
X has introduced monetization options for creators, including ad revenue sharing and tips, which were not available on Periscope. However, these features are still evolving and may require eligibility criteria such as a verified account or a certain number of followers.
Which Periscope alternative is best for streaming without any equipment?
Instagram Live and X's live feature are the most straightforward for streaming directly from a smartphone with no additional gear. Both apps let you start a broadcast with a single tap using your phone's built-in camera and microphone.
Are there any apps that combine Periscope's map view with live streaming today?
No mainstream live streaming app currently offers a dedicated map view for discovering broadcasts by location. Some social apps like Snapchat have location-based features, but they do not provide the same live streaming map experience that Periscope had.
For the wider topic, see 15 best free TV streaming apps that are legit and safe.
