Owncast
Owncast is free, open source software for running a live video and web chat server with existing broadcasting software.
About Owncast
Owncast is open source software for running a live video and web chat server. It runs on the user's own server and works with existing broadcasting software using standard streaming protocols.
It includes built-in real-time chat with moderation tools, custom emotes and user authentication, custom branding on the user's own domain, follower notifications, and connection to Mastodon and ActivityPub platforms. The source states there are no subscriptions, viewer limits, or forced ads.
Key features
- Runs on user's own server with standard streaming protocols
- Built-in real-time web chat without third-party services
- Chat moderation tools, custom emotes and user authentication
- Stream from own domain with custom branding and UI
- Notify followers through various channels when going live
- Connect with Mastodon and ActivityPub platforms
Best for: People who want to operate a live stream and chat from their own server and domain.
Good for
- Runs on own server with own domain and branding
- Built-in chat with moderation and authentication without third-party services
- Stated to have no subscriptions, viewer limits, or forced ads
Watch out for
- Requires hosting on your own server
- Needs separate broadcasting software that uses standard protocols
Owncast at a glance
- Website
- owncast.online
- Type
- Online tool
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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