The beloved Periscope live-streaming platform had a great run but, like all things, it came to an end. Maybe that’s why you are here: to look for a Periscope alternative to fill the void. What apps measure up to (or even succeed) the beloved platform? Here are our recommendations for the best ones in 2022.
Inside This Article
What Is Periscope?
The Periscope app is a prominent live-streaming mobile platform that allows users to stream video. It was kind of similar to Twitch but not as big. However, what made it truly stand out from the competition was all of the unique features it offered.
It had tons of great features like on-demand mobile live-streaming, interaction from likes and chat, and more. The app even had a map view for exploring video streams according to locations. Moreover, it allowed not only watching replays of streams but also downloading them for safe-keeping if you were a creator. It also had great Twitter integration and provided limited-time content similar to Snapchat and Instagram Stories.
It’s no wonder a lot of people looked for Periscope streaming guides to jump on the bandwagon. The app was great, intuitive, and fun to use all around. However, like Mixer streaming, the app was discontinued last year and is no longer usable. That’s why many people have been scrambling for a Periscope alternative to compensate for the loss. Lucky for you, we have a list prepared just for that purpose. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
15 Best Periscope Alternatives on Mobile
Here are the top 15 best Periscope alternative apps in 2022 (listed alphabetically).
1. Afreeca TV
One of the biggest Periscope alternative apps hails from South Korea and it’s called Afreeca TV. It’s one of the nicest options if you’re especially keen on streaming games. However, it’s also good for several other live-streaming/broadcasting content like vlogs, talent videos, and performances.
The app stands for “Any FREE broadCasting” and is a peer-to-peer service just like Twitch. It initially started as a TV broadcasting service but has since expanded and evolved with the market. Nowadays, you can find not only TV broadcasts but also artist performances, mukbangs, Kpop content, and even taxi driver monitoring. It also broadcasts esports tournaments for games like Tekken and Overwatch.
Apart from these, you can also host videos and create content on the app yourself. These include broadcasting live videos and uploading premade ones. You can even engage in discussions or live-chat with users to keep your followers engaged.
For a full rundown of the app, check out our guide on how to Stream on Afreeca TV.
Download on Afreeca TV Google Play Store
Download Afreeca TV on App Store
2. Bigo Live
A good Periscope alternative is one with a large user base, and that’s exactly Bigo Live’s claim to fame. This live-streaming platform has over 400 million users from over 150 countries worldwide, so there’s a potential for a wide reach. Through the app, you can watch both professional performances and personal live streams from anyone in the app. You can also broadcast almost anything from singing to cooking and everything in between.
However, what makes the app special is that it provides monetization options that encourage users to create more content. You can send gifts to your favorite content creators as well as receive some from your fans. To build your engagement, you can even engage in real-time chat or use the multi-guest room to play games.
Moreover, it has a unique “PK” feature that puts two live-streamers together for a live competition. All you need to do is select a category and you can start competing to win within the time limit. The winner is decided through diamonds and gifts given by the audience during the competition. Care to give it a go? You can get Bigo Live at no cost on the Play Store or App Store.
Download Bigo Live on Google Play Store
Download Bigo Live on App Store
3. BlueJeans Video Conferencing
If you want apps like Periscope that are more catered to professionals then we recommend BlueJeans Video Conferencing. Through the app, you can create cloud-based video conferences and broadcast from several places. You can even organize the whole event or integrate the conference with other streaming platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
Alongside live chats, you can also use BlueJeans’ polls, analytics, quizzes, Q&A, and surveys to engage with your audience while you are streaming. It also offers features for playback and recording, with the resolution being 4K (streaming) or 1080p (recording).
What makes BlueJeans even more special is how well it can integrate with professional platforms like Slack or Salesforce CRM. With the app, you’ll certainly have all you need without having to clunkily switch between different apps. All these premium features don’t come for free, however. BlueJeans offers monthly subscription tiers depending on the number of attendees.
Download BlueJeans on Google Play Store
Download BlueJeans on App Store
4. BuzzCast (Formerly FaceCast)
Another great Periscope alternative is BuzzCast (formerly called FaceCast). With the app, you can broadcast live videos or watch content from other people. What’s makes it great is that there are no audience limitations to broadcasting. Hence, your videos can reach an infinite number of users without hitting a ceiling.
Apart from this, it is also a little like TikTok in that you can also upload 15-second videos. You can make them, share them, and expand your influence and following all through the app. It also provides a handy chat feature so you can boost your engagement.
Lastly, what makes BuzzCast great is how far-reaching the app is being available in several languages. These include English, Hindi, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and more. The only drawback is that it’s Android-only so iOS users can’t participate.
Download BuzzCast on Google Play Store
5. Facebook Live
Looking for a convenient Periscope alternative without needing to stray too far from familiarity? If so then we recommend trying out Facebook Live. As the name implies, all you need is the Facebook app to start a live stream or begin watching content.
Through Facebook Live, you can broadcast videos to your audience personally or professionally through a company page. It has most of the functionality other streaming platforms have like live chatting, reactions, and other common Facebook interaction features.
Above all, it’s convenient, free, and can reach a large audience easily because of the platform’s large user base. All you need to do is download the Facebook app on your Android or iOS device.
Download Facebook on Google Play Store
Download Facebook on App Store
6. Instagram Live
One of the best Periscope replacement apps that works both as a live-streaming and social media app is Instagram Live. Through the feature, you can broadcast a live video to share with your followers and strangers alike. All you need to do is tap the “Live” option and you can start filming.
What’s great about this is that Instagram is already an established platform. Hence, you don’t need to scour the app to build an audience or download a separate app to begin. Moreover, the live-streaming feature notifies your followers to ensure they don’t miss a broadcast. However, what makes it distinct from Facebook Live (despite being from the same company) is that replays are limited-time only.
Apart from this, pretty much everything in Instagram Live is the same. You can engage in live chats, interact with your audience, boost your influence, and build a following. If you fancy the app, you can download it for free on iOS or Android.
Download Instagram on Google Play Store
Download Instagram on App Store
7. LinkedIn Live
LinkedIn is certainly one of the largest professional social platforms – there’s no doubt about it. However, did you know that apart from connecting you to jobs, the app also allows users to host live streams?
That’s right: LinkedIn Live is a Periscope alternative – and a great one at that. Through it, you can broadcast videos and interact with people in real-time. Of course, it still has that air of professionality to it as it’s mainly used to link businesses to individuals. Nonetheless, it’s a great feature if you want to market your company, products, or services. You can even host webinars or interviews through the app.
If the app has piqued your interest, you can install it on iOS or Android. However, do note that you have to meet certain criteria before you can use the live broadcasting feature.
Download LinkedIn on Google Play Store
Download LinkedIn on App Store
8. Livestream
If you want one of the best Periscope alternative apps when it comes to video quality, then we recommend Livestream. Through the app, you can discover, watch, and host HD videos directly from your mobile device without qualms. Perhaps this is why most of the user base uses the app for professional videos.
Regardless, the app provides everything you need for a live-streaming service. You can use it to discover videos on various topics, live-stream, or even connect them to your website or Facebook. However, there is a catch to the app — its paid subscription plan.
That’s right. The app isn’t free and will cost you anywhere between $75 to $199 monthly. The app comes with a 30-day free trial if you’re up for trying it before diving in. Nonetheless, it’s a pretty high asking price for most people. If you want to try it anyway, you can install it on your iOS or Android device.
Download Livestream on Google Play Store
Download Livestream on App Store
9. MeetMe
MeetMe is a Periscope alternative that provides tons of great features. These include live-streaming, voice calls, texting, and video calls. Using the app, you can connect with friends, garner an audience, or meet new people all at the same time. What’s more, the app is easy to use so it shouldn’t be too hard to get started.
Apart from these, the app also provides nifty monetization options which might encourage users to produce content. Specifically, fans can send you digital gifts or “diamonds” that are convertible to cash.
Download MeetMe on Google Play Store
10. Tango
Tango is a great Periscope alternative if you want to host, view broadcasts, and earn a bit of cash. Like other apps, most users aim to build up their following through their content and by engaging them via chat.
You can post almost anything, from your quirky, unique talent or your singing voice to creative dance videos. You can even use it to broadcast yourself playing games – pretty much any safe content is acceptable.
As for the earnings, users can expect to earn money by getting gifts from fans. Of course, you can eventually redeem what you get in cash. Moreover, you can use it just like a regular social media platform. You can do everything from sharing photos and videos to posting updates. If you’re interested in the app, you can install it without paying a dime on iOS or Android.
Download Tango on Google Play Store
11. Twitch
Twitch is perhaps the top Periscope alternative for users who like to live-stream or broadcast content. This is because the app is specifically built for that purpose and it’s well-known all around the world, too. You can use it to stream games, art, music, and almost everything else.
What’s more, the app has great interactive features like live-chatting. You can also receive money by streaming through the platform via ad revenue or gifts and subs from your fans. Moreover, the subscriber requirement for you to earn ads is pretty low, making it great for beginners. It’s certainly the best app to use if you want to get ahead in the streaming industry.
If you’re interested in the app, you can install it all for free on your Android or iOS device. You can also check out our full Twitch streaming guide if you don’t know where to begin.
Download Twitch on Google Play Store
12. Twitter Live
It’s no secret that Twitter has become one of the world’s top social media platforms worldwide. Recently, it also made big moves by introducing Twitter Live, the app’s Periscope alternative for live-streaming.
That’s right. You can now broadcast live videos right on the app itself. With this feature, you can create content, engage your followers, and even reach a wider audience if you want. However, we will say that the social media platform’s attempt at making a Periscope alternative is less-than-ideal.
Overall, the feature is more of a neat add-on than it is a full-fledged competitor to other streaming apps. Nonetheless, it comes at no cost and is easily accessible if you already use Twitter.
Download Twitter on Google Play Store
13. YouNow
While YouNow is not as popular as the other Periscope alternative apps in here, it’s certainly a solid contender. That’s because it offers great social networking features that provide all you need for live-streaming.
Through it, you can showcase your talents or show off anything creative in real-time. You can also enjoy other people’s live content to kill some time or engage in chat forums. Moreover, you can even share the streams you create with other social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter. If you want to give it a try, you can download the app on the App Store or Play Store.
Download YouNow on Google Play Store
14. YouStreamer
Whether it’s to promote your business, become an influencer, or simply engage in social media, YouStreamer serves as a great Periscope alternative for live-streaming. Through the service, you can broadcast your live stream via multiple social networks like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.
Whether it’s gaming, art, cooking, or even dancing and singing content, the app’s a great starting point for beginners. Above all, it’s free so you don’t need any capital for it. However, do know that it has downsides like any other app. For example, the user base is smaller so there’s not as much video traffic. Moreover, it’s only available on Android, so iOS users will have to use other Periscope alternative apps.
Download YouStreamer on Google Play Store
15. YouTube Live
Lastly, we have YouTube Live, one of the top Periscope alternative apps that’s tough to beat. The feature fits perfectly well in the already-established video-based platform. Through it, you can broadcast yourself or your videos to millions of global watchers.
Of course, it’s gonna take some work for your videos to gain popularity. However, the app does have a neat Google-powered search engine which should somewhat help. On the other hand, the feature isn’t always accessible on mobile and is only for users with over 1000 subscribers.
YouTube certainly has a higher barrier for smaller creators. Nonetheless, it’s a great way to monetize live streams if you’re already comfortable with the app. Moreover, established YouTubers will benefit from the service as they won’t need to switch to 3rd-party apps.
Download YouTube on Google Play Store
The Bottom Line
Periscope might be saying goodbye forever but that doesn’t mean users who liked live-streaming through it are left without options. There are tons of Periscope alternative apps out there – many even more popular than the beloved app. Each one has unique features and many do have monetization options with low barriers to entry. However, regardless of the software you pick, you’ll have to do the work of growing your audience. Once you have that down, you can monetize and even use multiple apps simultaneously if you wish.
