10 Best Video Streaming SDKs in 2024

Video content has emerged as a powerhouse on the internet, proving to be not just effective but also immensely popular. Nowadays, businesses are harnessing the potential of video streaming not only to market their products but also to integrate it as a pivotal feature.  

There are for sure a lot of video streaming tools out there. However, navigating through these seemingly similar providers can be challenging. In this blog, we embark on a journey—from defining video streaming SDK to outlining crucial criteria in selecting one. 

We've curated a list of the top 10 video streaming SDKs for 2024, aiming to streamline your decision-making process. Let's dive in.

What is a Video Streaming SDK?

A Video Streaming SDK (Software Development Kit) is a collection of tools, libraries, and documentation provided by a software development company to facilitate the integration of video streaming capabilities into applications, websites, or platforms. This SDK includes pre-built components and functions that simplify the process of incorporating video streaming features, such as video playback, broadcasting, and other related functionalities.

Key features of a Video Streaming SDK may include:

1. Player Components: Ready-made components for building video players capable of streaming content.
2. Encoding and Decoding: Tools for encoding and decoding video streams.
3. Streaming Protocols: Support for various streaming protocols like RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) or HLS (HTTP Live Streaming).
4. APIs: Application Programming Interfaces that enable developers to interact with and control the video streaming SDK.
5. Documentation: Comprehensive documentation offering guidance on using the SDK and integrating it into different platforms.

Long story short, SDKs are tools wrapped in a box to save you time and effort in the development process. With these little helpers, building your video-on-demand services, live broadcasting platforms, or video conferencing applications will be much easier.

What is video streaming?

Before choosing the best video streaming SDK, it is better that we establish a clear knowledge on the idea ‘video streaming’ first. We all know it is the technology that allows users to watch video content over the internet in real-time, without the need to download the entire video file before playback, but the key components behind it that make the miracle happen attracts lesser attention.

key components and concepts associated with video streaming include:

1. Streaming Protocols: Video streaming uses various protocols to transmit data over the internet. Common streaming protocols include HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH), Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), and WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication).
2. Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR): ABR is a technique used in video streaming where the quality of the video adapts dynamically based on the viewer's internet connection speed. It ensures a smooth viewing experience by adjusting the bitrate and resolution of the video stream in real-time.
3. Live Streaming: Live streaming involves broadcasting video content in real-time as it happens. This is commonly used for events, sports, news, and other live broadcasts.
4. Video-on-Demand (VOD): VOD allows users to choose and watch video content at their convenience. Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu use VOD to offer a wide range of videos that users can access anytime.
5. Content Delivery Networks (CDN): CDNs play a crucial role in video streaming by distributing video content across multiple servers worldwide. This reduces latency and ensures a faster and more reliable streaming experience for users.
6. Buffering: Buffering is the process of preloading a portion of the video content to ensure a continuous playback experience. It helps compensate for variations in internet speed and prevents interruptions.
7. Encoding and Transcoding: Video content is often encoded into different formats and resolutions to accommodate various devices and internet speeds. Transcoding is the process of converting video from one format to another on-the-fly.
8. Digital Rights Management (DRM): DRM technologies are used to protect copyrighted content by controlling access to it and preventing unauthorized distribution.

Understanding these components will greatly help you see what key features and capabilities you need to look for in a robust video streaming development kit.

Key Considerations in Choosing a Video Streaming SDK

Now that you have a better understanding about the working principles of video streaming, you will see why these following key factors are more important:

1. Compatibility and Integration: Ensure the SDK seamlessly integrates with your existing tech stack and supports the platforms and devices you plan to target. A versatile SDK that effortlessly fits into your project environment minimizes development hurdles.
2. Scalability: Opt for an SDK that grows with your project. A scalable solution accommodates increasing user demands and evolving features, ensuring your video streaming application can handle both current and future requirements.
3. Video Quality and Compression: Assess the SDK's video quality and compression capabilities. Look for advanced algorithms that strike a balance between delivering high-quality content and optimizing bandwidth usage. This is crucial for providing a smooth streaming experience across diverse network conditions.
4. Adaptive Streaming Support: The ability of the SDK to support adaptive streaming is essential. This feature ensures seamless playback by dynamically adjusting video quality based on the viewer's internet connection, contributing to a consistent user experience.
5. Security Features: Prioritize security measures within the SDK. Encryption protocols, secure authentication methods, and content protection mechanisms are vital for safeguarding your streaming content and user data against potential threats.
6. Customization Options: Look for an SDK that allows for customization to align with your brand and user interface requirements. The ability to incorporate your branding elements enhances the overall user experience and ensures a cohesive look and feel.

By carefully considering these key factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a Video Streaming SDK that aligns with your project goals and ensures a robust and efficient streaming experience for your users.

Top 10 Video Streaming SDKs you should try in 2024

Maybe you're still uncertain about which one to choose, even after understanding these key factors. No worries – that's what we're here for. Below, we've listed the 10 best video streaming SDKs that we've carefully selected to meet your every need. Take a look, explore, and choose your favorite hassle-free:

Tencent RTC Live SDK

Tencent RTC provides Live SDK to help you quickly integrate the high-quality interactive live streaming feature into your applications at low cost.

In addition to its core live streaming capabilities, Tencent RTC Live SDK provides essential components that enrich the user experience such as UIkits, screen sharing, on-cloud recording, etc.

Highlights:

1. Real-Time Interaction: Achieve global end-to-end latency below 300 ms, providing a near-instantaneous connection.
2. Quick Output and Page Loading: 
   1. Leveraging Tencent's audio/video system architecture for rapid image output and swift room entry/exit, reducing waiting times. 
   2. Elimination of black screens before image rendering ensures a smooth interaction experience.
3. HD Sound Quality:
   1. Support for 48 kHz full-band sampling and 192 Kbps end-to-end encoding ensures a high-definition sound experience.
   2. Dual-channel stereo and Hi-Fi sound reproduction enhance audio quality, coupled with AI noise reduction for crystal-clear sound.
4. High Video Quality:
   1. Tencent RTC supports up to 1080p resolution with flexible resolution and bitrate switching options.
   2. Advanced video encoding and network control algorithms from Tencent deliver superior image quality at reduced bitrates, optimizing the viewing experience.
5. On-Cloud Recording: 
   1. Tencent RTC Live SDK ensures comprehensive on-cloud recording of the entire real-time audio/video interaction process. 
   2. The recorded content serves diverse purposes such as playback, content moderation, evidence collection, and quality inspection.
6. Video on Demand:
   1. VOD provides one-stop VPaaS (Video Platform as a Service) solutions for audio/video capture, upload, storage, automated transcoding, and accelerated playback, as well as media asset management and audio/video communications.

dacast Video Player API

dacast is a live and on-demand video streaming platform that allows businesses and individuals to broadcast video content over the internet. Its Video Player API provides a comprehensive set of tools and features for streaming, monetization, and content delivery. 

Highlights:

1. Live Streaming: daCast allows users to broadcast live video content, making it suitable for events, webinars, conferences, and other live streaming needs.
2. On-Demand Video: Users can upload and manage on-demand video content, making it accessible to viewers at their convenience.
3. Monetization: daCast supports various monetization options, including pay-per-view, subscription-based models, and advertising, enabling content creators to generate revenue from their videos.

Wowza Streaming Engine

Wowza Streaming Engine is a robust and customizable media server software designed for streaming live and on-demand video and audio content over the internet. It provides the infrastructure and tools necessary for organizations and individuals to build and deliver high-quality streaming experiences. 

Highlights:

1. Live Streaming: Wowza supports live streaming for a wide range of applications, including online broadcasting, live events, webinars, and more.
2. On-Demand Video Streaming: Users can deliver pre-recorded video and audio content on-demand, enabling viewers to access content at their convenience.
3. Multi-Protocol Support: Wowza supports various streaming protocols, including HTTP-based protocols like HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), MPEG-DASH, RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol), and more. 

Kaltura Video Platform SDK

Kaltura provides live and on-demand video SaaS solutions to thousands of organizations around the world, and its SDK (Software Development Kit) allows developers to integrate Kaltura's video capabilities into their own applications, websites, or platforms.

Highlights:

1. Live Streaming: Kaltura supports live streaming, and the SDK provides tools for integrating live video broadcasting and streaming features into applications or websites.
2. Video Playback: The SDK enables developers to integrate video playback functionalities, allowing users to watch videos seamlessly within their applications.
3. Video Upload and Management: Developers can leverage the SDK to integrate video upload capabilities, manage video content, and organize media libraries.

JW Player Web Player API

JW Player is known for providing video solutions that enhance the streaming experience and support various devices and platforms. JW Player Web Player API can enhance the functionality of your video embeds and implement rich page-level video interactions. 

Highlights:

1. Live Streaming and more: JW Player supports live streaming, VOD, offline DRM, SVOD and TVOD to adapt different needs.
2. Ad Integration: The SDK includes features for integrating advertisements into video content. This can include pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll ad placements, as well as support for various ad formats.
3. Analytics and Reporting: JW Player provides analytics tools to track viewer engagement, gather insights into video performance, and monitor user behavior.

Muvi Player SDK

Muvi Player SDK is a comprehensive solution designed to enhance your video experience and captivate your audience. By focusing on creating compelling content, Muvi Player SDK ensures seamless video playback for your viewers. 

Highlights:

1. Adaptive Video Streaming Support: Muvi Player SDK supports adaptive streaming technologies such as HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) and DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP). 
2. Cross-Platform Compatibility: The SDK is designed to offer cross-platform compatibility, functioning smoothly across different devices, operating systems, and web browsers.
3. Advanced Playback Features: Muvi Player SDK enhances the user experience with advanced playback features, including playlist management, closed captions, video quality selection, and interactive overlays. 

Vimeo Player SDK

Vimeo focuses on the delivery of high-definition video across a range of devices. The Vimeo Player SDK enhances the platform's capabilities by providing developers with a toolkit to integrate Vimeo's advanced video player into their applications and websites.

Highlights:

1. Interaction with Embedded Players: The Vimeo Player SDK allows developers to seamlessly interact with embedded Vimeo players directly through code in their web pages.
2. Modification of Default Player Behavior: Developers have the flexibility to modify the default behavior of the Vimeo player. This includes adjusting settings such as AutoStart and looping.
3. Custom Functions in Response to Events: The SDK enables the execution of custom functions in response to various playback events.

Ziggeo Video SDK

Ziggeo's feature-rich platform encompasses a wide array of functionalities, making it a comprehensive solution for video recording, playback, and management. 

Highlights:

1. WebRTC and Flash Backup: Ziggeo's API supports WebRTC for efficient real-time communication, ensuring a seamless video experience. Flash is employed as a backup when necessary, emphasizing a modern and reliable technology stack.
2. Integration with YouTube and Vimeo: Ziggeo facilitates the automatic launch of captured videos to popular platforms like YouTube, streamlining content sharing.
3. Instagram-Like Filters and Effects: Ziggeo introduces Instagram-like filters, offering users the ability to transform videos instantly with effects like black and white or cartoon filters.

Brightcove Video Cloud APIs and SDKs

Brightcove Video Cloud APIs and SDKs offer a robust set of tools for developers, empowering them to create, customize, and seamlessly integrate video content across a variety of applications and platforms.

Highlights:

1. Integration with Third-Party Technologies: Brightcove's APIs enable seamless integration with third-party technologies, including Content Management Systems (CMS) services and Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems. 
2. Custom Video Player Templates: With Brightcove Video Cloud SDKs, developers have the flexibility to create custom video player templates. Tailor the appearance and behavior of the video player to match the unique design and branding requirements of your applications.
3. Seamless Access and Control: Brightcove Video Cloud APIs provide a comprehensive solution, allowing easy access to streaming content, associated metadata, and valuable analytics data.

Mux Video API

Mux Video API offers a unified and flexible solution, putting developers in control of their video platform with built-in expertise, global scalability, and an efficient workflow from capture to playback.

Highlights:

1. Low-Latency Live Streaming: With LL-HLS, Mux enables live streams with impressively low latency, achieving as low as 5 seconds of delay between the live event and its delivery to viewers.
2. Video Encoding: Mux introduces "just-in-time encoding," that doesn't make users wait for transcoding, offering the fastest video publishing possible. Videos are encoded while the first viewers watch them, making it available to watch in just a few seconds after upload.
3. Support Multiple Input File Formats: Mux supports a multitude of input video files, encompassing hundreds of codecs and covering all contemporary video formats such as H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), VP8, VP9, and OPUS.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has served as a valuable guide in helping you choose the suitable video streaming solution.

Tencent RTC provides powerful tools to create immersive and seamless video experiences. Whether it's low-latency live streaming, adaptive bitrate streaming, or advanced analytics, Tencent RTC Live SDK empower developers to shape the perfect video communication and streaming applications.

If you have any questions or need assistance, our support team is always ready to help. Please feel free to Contact Us or join us in Discord.