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Open source software for running your own live stream

It runs on your server and works with standard streaming protocols. There are no subscriptions, viewer limits, or forced ads. Flexible, customizable, and it's as private or public as you want it to be.

Community

Built-in chat

Real-time chat included, no third-party services required. Moderation tools, custom emotes, and user authentication included.

Branding

Custom branding, your domain

Stream from your own domain with your own look and feel. Create your own UI, truly owning the experience.

Custom branding, your domain
Engagement

Notifications

Notify followers via various channels when you go live. Never miss an opportunity to connect with your audience.

Notifications
Social

Fediverse support

Encourage engagement and reach new viewers across the fediverse. Connect with Mastodon and ActivityPub platforms.

Developer

Extensible

Integrates with existing tools, and supports your own plugins or use the on top of the web API.

Extensible

Compatible with your favorite broadcasting tools

Point your broadcast at your new Owncast server and you'll be live using a server you control.

OBS StudioStreamlabsFFmpegBlackmagic Design

Why Owncast?

There are many different reasons for using Owncast. Here are some common ones.

Customized appearance and domain

Quickly pick colors, or go completely custom by writing your own CSS to style your Owncast page to look any way you like. It runs on your own domain, so it has your identity.

Software you own, not a service you rent

Download it without any registration or sign-up, and it's yours to run anywhere you like. It can be your existing corporate infrastructure, a cloud provider, or even your own computer at home. Once you download it, we're no longer involved.

Works where public platforms can't

Not every live stream's goal is to get maximum exposure. Owncast lets you stream privately or to a limited audience, perfect for corporate events, private gatherings, or sensitive content.

Watch on different devices and players

Because Owncast is built on open standards, you can watch your stream on a variety of devices and media players. Including custom applications you build yourself for mobile, the web, smart TVs, and more.

Privacy focused

No tracking, no accounts required, no data harvesting. You and your viewers can stay anonymous while still being part of the community. When you run your own services, you don't have to identify yourself.

You're on the Fediverse

Owncast integrates with the Fediverse, allowing you to connect and interact with a broader community across decentralized social networks.

Who is Owncast for?

Owncast works for all kinds of streams. Here's some of who's using it.

Independents

Creators who want full control over their streaming presence.

Groups

Organizations that want a space they own to connect and broadcast together.

Builders

Developers who want to self-host and customize their streaming.

Enterprises

Businesses powering events, apps, and broadcasts with live video.

Install in seconds. Stream in minutes.

Built to be run quickly.
We won't expect you to clone a git repo, install dependencies, and understand the development environment it was built with by making you fight with npm, pip or ruby gems.
Choose how you want to install it.
Use our installer, download the single file yourself, or spin up a Docker container. Otherwise, sign up for a hosting provider that will install it for you automatically.
Start simple. Increase complexity as you need it.
If you're jumping in for the first time, start with a simple setup. As you get more comfortable, you can explore advanced configurations and optimizations.