Live Streaming
Owncast

Owncast

4.5
Rating
7Views
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 1:05 PM

Quick Info

Pricing
Free
Tags
live streaming
self-hosted
open-source

About Owncast

Your Own Independent Live Streaming Platform

Owncast is a free and open-source self-hosted live streaming and video chat server that gives you full control over your content and audience. Whether you are a content creator, organization, or business, you can build your own independent streaming platform without relying on third-party services.

Key Features

  • Self-hosted live streaming: Use familiar broadcasting software like OBS with RTMP support.
  • Integrated video chat: Interact with your audience via WebRTC without additional plugins.
  • Customizable web interface: Adjust the look and branding to match your identity.
  • Social integration: Use ActivityPub to interact with platforms like Mastodon.
  • Advanced automation: Use REST API and webhooks to integrate with your tools.

Owncast is perfect for those who want independence and privacy in live streaming, with an active community and continuous support.

AI Tools Oasis Team Review: Owncast

Owncast is a powerful solution for those seeking independence in live streaming. It gives you full control over the viewing experience, with excellent customization and integration support. Although setup may be complex for beginners, the results are worth the effort. We highly recommend it for content creators who want to move away from centralized platforms.

✍️ This review was produced with AI assistance and human editing

We use AI to gather and draft content, and our team reviews accuracy before publishing. Our editorial policy

Key Features of Owncast

Feature 1

Self-hosted live streaming with RTMP support

Feature 2

Integrated video chat using WebRTC

Feature 3

Customizable web interface with themes and branding

Feature 4

Federation with ActivityPub (e.g., Mastodon) for social features

Feature 5

REST API and webhooks for automation and integration

Pros and Cons of Owncast

Pros

  • Full control over data and content.
  • Completely free and open-source.
  • Highly customizable interface and branding.
  • Supports integration with decentralized platforms.

Cons

  • ✕Requires technical knowledge to set up the server.
  • ✕No official managed hosting service.
  • ✕May require significant server resources for high-quality streaming.

Frequently Asked Questions about Owncast

1Is Owncast free?
Yes, Owncast is completely free and open-source, and you can use it at no cost.
2Can I use Owncast with OBS?
Yes, Owncast supports the RTMP protocol, so you can use OBS or any broadcasting software that supports RTMP.
3Do I need a powerful server to run Owncast?
It depends on the number of viewers and stream quality. It is recommended to have at least 2GB RAM and 2 CPU cores to start.
4Does Owncast support text chat?
Yes, Owncast includes a built-in text chat, as well as video chat support via WebRTC.

Supported Platforms

web
linux
mac
windows
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Pricing Information

Free
Owncast is completely free and open-source. You can download and use it at no cost, with the option to donate to support the project.
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