Live streaming has become more popular than ever, with creators from gaming, music, education, and other fields using it to connect with their audiences in real time. Each platform offers its own set of features, monetization options, and unique characteristics that shape how creators interact with their followers and earn money. In this guide, we’ll explore the top live streaming platforms for 2025, breaking down their strengths and what makes each one stand out.

The Big 3

YouTube Live
YouTube Live is the live streaming branch of YouTube, the massive video-sharing platform that was founded in 2005 and bought by Google in 2006. Launched in 2011, YouTube Live has since become a popular destination for creators across various fields, including gaming, music, cooking, and virtual conferences. With its vast user base and integration with Google’s tools, YouTube Live is a go-to platform for creators seeking wide exposure.

Monetization:

• Super Chat & Super Stickers: Fans purchase stickers or highlighted chat messages during streams. YouTube takes a 30% cut, with the creator keeping 70%.
• Channel Memberships: Subscribers pay a monthly fee for exclusive perks. The split is generally 70/30 in favor of the creator.
• Ad Revenue: Creators earn 55% of ad revenue from pre-roll and mid-roll ads.
• Merchandise Shelf: Channels can display products below live streams, making it easy to integrate e-commerce.

Why YouTube Live?

• Access to billions of monthly users and powerful discovery tools.
• Supports a variety of content, from gaming to talk shows.
• Detailed analytics and post-stream videos allow for continued engagement.
• Multiple ways to monetize, including memberships, ads, and Super Chats.

Twitch
Founded in 2011 as an offshoot of Justin.tv, Twitch has become synonymous with live streaming, particularly in the gaming community. While it still excels in gaming content, it has expanded into talk shows, music, art, and more. Acquired by Amazon in 2014, Twitch has grown into a global platform known for its community-focused features, including real-time chat, emotes, and interactive elements like hype trains.

Monetization:

• Subscriptions: Viewers can subscribe to channels at various tiers, with Twitch typically taking a 50% cut, though top partners may earn a 70% share.
• Bits: Viewers send virtual currency to “cheer” during streams. Creators earn about $0.01 per Bit.
• Advertising: Ad revenue varies based on viewer count and region.
• Sponsorships: Creators often work with brands, gaining additional income through sponsorships.

Why Twitch?

• A large, established audience ensures plenty of discovery potential.
• Strong focus on gaming and eSports, but also hosts talk shows, live music, and more.
• Interactive features like chat, emotes, and hype trains create a tight-knit community.
• Amazon integration adds perks like Twitch Prime subscriptions for members.

TikTok Live
TikTok Live, the live streaming extension of the hugely popular short-form video app, lets creators connect with their audience in real-time. TikTok’s algorithmic discovery pushes streams to a wider audience, helping creators grow their reach beyond just their followers.

Monetization:

• Virtual Gifts: Viewers send gifts during live broadcasts, which creators can convert into real-world money.
• Live Shopping: In certain regions, creators can sell products directly during their streams, earning commissions.
• Brand Partnerships: Influential creators can secure brand deals, though the exact revenue share varies.

Why TikTok Live?

• Tap into TikTok’s global user base and algorithm-driven discovery.
• Interactive features like live chat, polls, and Q&A stickers keep viewers engaged.
• Streamlined integration with TikTok’s short-form content helps increase visibility.
• E-commerce features let you sell products directly to your audience.

The Up-and-Coming Platforms

Kick
Kick, launched in late 2022, has positioned itself as an alternative to Twitch and YouTube Live. It promises a better revenue split for creators and a more relaxed approach to content moderation, attracting streamers frustrated with Twitch’s policies.

Monetization:

• Subscription Model: Kick offers a 95/5 split on subscriptions, with streamers keeping 95% of the earnings.
• Tips and Donations: Streamers receive 100% of tips.
• Ad Revenue: While the exact split is unclear, Kick includes ads on streams.

Why Kick?

• Generous payout structure with 95% of subscription fees going to the creator.
• Relaxed content rules compared to other platforms, allowing more freedom.
• Quickly growing visibility as an alternative to Twitch.
• Strong community focus with minimal interruptions from ads.

Rumble
Rumble, founded in 2013, is a video platform known for its focus on free speech and open expression. While it originally catered to pre-recorded videos, Rumble has expanded into live streaming. It has become particularly popular among creators who feel that platforms like YouTube over-regulate content.

Monetization:

• Advertising Revenue: Rumble shares ad revenue with creators, though the exact split is not publicly disclosed.
• Content Licensing: Creators can license their videos to third parties for additional income.
• Live Stream Ads: Streamers can earn through ad insertions during live broadcasts.

Why Rumble?

• Appeals to creators who want less content moderation and more freedom.
• Direct content licensing allows for extra income streams.
• Less competition in certain niches compared to larger platforms.

Nimo TV
Nimo TV is a spin-off of Huya Live, one of China’s largest live-streaming services. The platform focuses on gaming content and has gained popularity in Southeast Asia and Latin America, where mobile gaming is particularly dominant.

Monetization:

• Virtual Gifts: Viewers send virtual gifts during streams, providing creators with direct income.
• Advertising: Ads are occasionally shown, with income shared between Nimo TV and streamers.
• Brand Partnerships: Some creators work with gaming sponsors or e-sports organizations.

Why Nimo TV?

• Popular in emerging markets, particularly for mobile gamers.
• Focused on gaming content, with a supportive community for streamers in those niches.
• Multiple ways to earn, including virtual gifts and brand collaborations.

CHZZK
Launched in late 2023, CHZZK was created by Naver, South Korea’s leading internet company, after Twitch announced its exit from the Korean market. CHZZK has quickly become a popular choice for gaming and e-sports streams in Korea, offering a platform familiar to Twitch users.

Monetization:

• Cheese Currency: Viewers purchase virtual gifts with Naver Pay to send to streamers.
• Advertising: As the platform grows, creators may earn from brand promotions or ads.
• Brand Collaborations: Leveraging Naver’s ecosystem, CHZZK facilitates local sponsorships.

Why CHZZK?

• Tailored for Korean audiences with strong integration into Naver’s ecosystem.
• High-quality streams with minimal latency.
• A familiar interface for creators and viewers displaced by Twitch’s exit.

Can I Stream on Multiple Services at Once?

Restream
Restream offers a unique service, allowing creators to stream simultaneously on multiple platforms, such as YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Gaming, and LinkedIn. This helps expand reach without the hassle of managing multiple streams.

Monetization:

• Creators earn revenue from the platforms they stream to (e.g., YouTube ads, Twitch subs).
• Restream offers subscription plans, but it does not handle direct viewer subscriptions or ad revenue.

Why Restream?

• Stream to multiple platforms at once, increasing potential viewers.
• All chats are centralized in one interface for easier engagement.
• Provides valuable analytics to track performance across platforms.

Final Thoughts

The best live streaming platforms for creators in 2025 offer a range of features, revenue opportunities, and audience engagement tools. YouTube Live and Twitch are still dominant for creators looking for maximum exposure, while Kick appeals to those seeking higher revenue cuts and fewer restrictions. Platforms like Rumble and Nimo TV offer niche opportunities, and Restream enables multi-platform streaming. Ultimately, the platform you choose will depend on your content, audience goals, and monetization preferences. Each one provides a unique set of advantages, so it’s important to find the one that aligns with your streaming vision.