Game streaming viewership is expected to cross 1.4 billion monthly active viewers by 2026 and 1.8 billion by 2030. These statistics show how rapidly streaming users are growing. Most interestingly, live game streaming revenue is expected to reach US$15.32bn by the end of 2025.
However, Twitch remains the top platform among users who watch and play games, followed by YouTube Gaming and Facebook Gaming. With this rise in numbers, there are many game streaming platforms that connect with fellow gamers and audiences online.
But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is best for you? In this guide, explore the 10 best game streaming platforms that provide the best features for both streamers and viewers.
📊 Key Stats About Game Streaming (2025)
✅1.4+ billion people watch live game streams monthly (globally).
✅Twitch leads the market with over 40% share, followed by YouTube Gaming (~25%) and Facebook Gaming (~15%).
✅Live stream gaming revenue is projected to reach $15.32 billion in 2025.
✅70% of Gen Z gamers say they watch game streams weekly.
What is Live Streaming Gaming?
Live streaming gaming is when gamers broadcast their gameplay in real-time over the internet. Viewers can watch, comment, and interact live with the streamer.
This interactive experience has turned gaming into a full-fledged form of entertainment, similar to watching sports or movies.
Popular content types include:
- Live gameplay walkthroughs
- Competitive eSports matches
- Let’s Play sessions
- Gaming Q&A and tutorials
- Streamer reactions and commentary
Top 10 Game Streaming Platforms
List of Best Game Streaming Platforms
1. Twitch
2. YouTube Gaming
3. Facebook Gaming
4. Kick
5. Trovo
6. DLive
7. GeForce Now
8. Nimo TV
9. Steam Broadcasting
10. OBS + Custom RTM
1. Twitch
Twitch is the most popular game streaming platform in the world. Owned by Amazon, it’s the go-to place for gamers to stream and watch live content.
You can connect with a large community of gamers and viewers through Twitch who share interests. You can easily stream video games live, interact with your audience in real-time, and build a loyal following.
One of the reasons Twitch stands out is its monetization options. Streamers can earn through subscriptions, bits (virtual tips), and ads. The platform also supports affiliate and partner programs that allow for more income opportunities.
Pricing:
Free to use (optional subscription plans for viewers and affiliate/partner options for streamers)
Pros:
- Huge audience reach
- Partner and affiliate programs for monetization
- Tools and extensions
- Active community
Cons:
- High competition
- Strict content rules
- Requires consistent streaming for growth
2. YouTube Gaming
YouTube gaming is a part of the main YouTube platform. It is another popular game streaming platform that gets almost 2.5 million logins every month.
Your stream can easily reach massive audiences across all types of content due to its SEO friendly search algorithm.
One of the biggest benefits of YouTube Gaming is that your live streams automatically get saved as videos on your channel, which gives you extra exposure and the ability to earn from views over time.
However, it is completely free to use and comes with monetization options like ads, channel memberships, and Super Chats during live streams.
Pricing:
Free to use
Pros:
- Large global audience
- Streams stay saved as videos
- Strong monetization options (ads, super chats, memberships)
Cons:
- Harder for small streamers to get discovered
- Less focused gaming community than Twitch
3. Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming is an emerging platform with a strong focus on casual and mobile gamers. It’s one of the best game streaming platforms for beginners who already have a Facebook following.
While Facebook Gaming doesn’t have as large a gaming-only audience as Twitch or YouTube, it’s growing steadily.
Therefore, in August 2022, Meta announced that it was shutting down the standalone Facebook Gaming app, but users can still access gaming content through the main Facebook app.
Pricing:
Free to use
Pros:
- Easy to grow if you already have Facebook followers
- Monetization through Stars and fan subscriptions
- Built-in social sharing
Cons:
- Lower visibility compared to Twitch and YouTube
- Gaming community is still growing
- Some privacy concerns
4. Kick
Kick is a newer platform in the world of live streaming video games, but it’s quickly gaining popularity due to its creator-friendly revenue model. Unlike most other platforms, Kick offers a 95/5 revenue split, meaning streamers keep 95% of their earnings, which is one of the best in the industry.
The platform is more user-friendly than other platforms and even supports esports games. However, it still does not have a large user base, but it’s growing due to its relaxed rules and support of casino content and live chatting.
It is perfect for those who want to monetize their content effectively without the tight rules seen on older platforms.
Pricing:
Free to use
Pros:
- 95/5 revenue split (creators keep 95%)
- Growing fast with gaming and casino content
- Fewer restrictions
Cons:
- Smaller audience base
- Not as polished as Twitch or YouTube
- Some controversial content policies
5. Trovo
Trovo is a game streaming platform similar to Twitch, backed by Tencent. It focuses on interactive streaming. You can experience and enjoy its features like live interaction, viewer engagement, and monetization.
It allows monetization, and streamers can earn through Elixir (Trovo’s in-app currency), Spells, and subscription plans.
One of the key benefits of Trovo is that it actively promotes new and mid-level streamers, which helps them grow faster than they might on larger, more competitive platforms. Also, Trovo helps audiences find streamers and vice versa. It features a “Boost Rocket” to get streamers on the front page.
Pricing:
Free to use
Pros:
- Easy to use interface
- Good support for small streamers
- Monetization through Elixir and Spells
Cons:
- Smaller audience
- Less known platform
- Limited advanced features
6. DLive
Dlive is another game streaming service that empowers both creators and viewers with a unique rewards system. Although it is not very popular but most gamers still use this platform due to its user-friendliness and unique features.
One of the unique things about Dlive is that it rewards both viewers and streamers with cryptocurrency, making it unique among game streaming platforms. DLive is free to use and takes no cuts from streamer earnings, which means creators keep 100% of their revenue.
Pricing:
Free to use
Pros:
- Low fees for creators
- Built-in cryptocurrency rewards
- Decentralized platform
Cons:
- Crypto-based system may confuse new users
- Smaller audience
- Limited support and tools
7. GeForce Now
GeForce Now is a cloud gaming service by NVIDIA that allows you to stream and play demanding PC games on devices like your laptop, desktop, Mac, TV, and Android or iOS devices.
The service connects to your existing digital game store accounts, such as Steam and the Epic Game Store. So you can stream the games you already own. One of the best things it not allows you to stream games but also provides a way to play high-end games with excellent performance and graphics.
Pricing:
- Free
- Performance: This tier costs $8.99 per month.
- Ultimate: A six-month subscription for $29.99 instead of $49.99.
Pros:
- No downloads or updates
- Powerful hardware
- Private or public streaming options
- Portability
Cons:
- Limited availability of games
- Lack of transparency
8. Nimo TV
Nimo TV is popular in Asia and Latin America and supports both professional and casual game streamers. It focuses on HD game streams and live shows with idols.
You can engage with a community where users can watch free HD game events, exclusive videos, and chats. It is more ideal game streaming platform for mobile users as they can directly stream on their smartphones.
The platform also offers tools that allow anyone to become a streamer with just one click, and it can automatically record games on a user’s phone to start a live broadcast.
Pricing:
Free to use
Pros:
- Good monetization for small streamers
- Mobile-friendly
- Targeted at international markets
Cons:
- Smaller in North America and Europe
- Less stable than big platforms
- Fewer tools for streamers
9. Steam Broadcasting
Steam Broadcasting is a simple way to stream video games directly through the Steam platform. If you’re already playing games via Steam, you can easily broadcast your gameplay to friends or the public with just a few clicks. It is best suited for gamers who want to share their gameplay with friends or small communities.
Therefore, it lacks the advanced features and monetization tools of dedicated streaming platforms. Also, it is not a full-featured platform, but it still counts among the best game streaming platforms for quick, hassle-free sharing of gameplay.
Pricing:
Free to use
Pros:
- Low latency streaming
- Easy to use
- Focused on social interaction
Cons:
- Limited features
- Smaller audience
- Few monetization options
10. OBS + Custom RTM
OBS is free, open-source software that allows you to stream video games to any platform that supports RTMP. It is ideal for advanced users who want full control over their game streaming experience.
This method requires some technical knowledge, but it gives you flexibility in how and where you stream. There are no built-in monetization tools, but you can integrate third-party services.
Pricing:
OBS is free; RTMP server hosting may cost extra
Pros:
- Full control over stream settings
- Great for tech-savvy users
- No platform restrictions
Cons:
- No built-in audience
- Requires setup and maintenance
- No built-in monetization
Sum Up
Well, these are some best game streaming platforms to stream or watch games online. Each of the platforms has its own type of audience and users. Also, each platform has its own rules and features.
So, it depends on users choice, goals, audience, and personal perference to choose the right game streaming platform depends on your goals, audience, and personal preferences.
For those looking for better revenue or a new community, Kick or Trovo might be the way to go. If you are still confused to know which is best, try a few and see which one fits your style best.
People Also Ask
Which is the best game streaming platform for beginners?
Twitch and YouTube Gaming are great for beginners due to their massive audiences and built-in tools. Facebook Gaming is also beginner-friendly if you already have a strong social following.
Can I make money by streaming video games?
Yes, you can earn money through ads, viewer donations, subscriptions, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Kick offer multiple ways to monetize your content.
Is it free to stream on these platforms?
Most game streaming platforms are free to join and use. However, premium features (like higher-quality streams or priority server access) may require paid plans — such as YouTube channel memberships or Twitch Turbo.
What equipment do I need to start streaming games?
At a minimum, you’ll need a gaming device (PC, console, or smartphone), a stable internet connection, and streaming software like OBS Studio. For better quality, consider adding a webcam, microphone, and green screen.
Which platform pays streamers the most?
YouTube is often considered the best platform for generating income, with 28.6% of creators surveyed identifying it as the top earner.
Can I stream to multiple platforms at once?
Yes, using tools like Restream or Streamlabs, you can stream to multiple platforms (Twitch, YouTube, Facebook) simultaneously. This helps reach a wider audience and test where your content performs best.