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streamlink

github.com/streamlink/streamlink Media Players & Servers Open-source projectOpen source

Streamlink pipes streams from supported services into a media player through its command-line utility and Python library.

Visit streamlink 24 alternatives
github.com/streamlink/streamlink
streamlink homepage screenshot

About streamlink

Streamlink is a command-line utility and Python library that pipes video streams from supported services into a video player. Its default behavior is to open streams in VLC, and it can also write streams to the filesystem or read stream metadata. Users run it with a stream URL and a quality setting, such as "best".

Support for each service comes from a plugin system, so new services can be added. The project lists most popular streaming services as supported, including Twitch and YouTube, and publishes a full list of included plugins on its plugins page. Streamlink was forked in 2016 from the abandoned Livestreamer project. The source is available under the BSD-2-Clause license, and installation instructions cover Windows, macOS, and Linux and BSD.

Key features

  • Command-line utility that pipes streams from supported services into a video player
  • Python library with an API guide and reference for developers
  • Plugin system for adding support for new streaming services
  • Support for popular services such as Twitch and YouTube
  • Default playback in VLC, with other output methods available
  • Options to write streams to the filesystem or read stream metadata
Best for: Users comfortable with the command line who want to watch or save streams from supported services in their own media player, and developers who want to build on the Streamlink Python library.
Good for
  • Open source under the BSD-2-Clause license
  • Plugin-based design makes it possible to add support for new services
  • Installation covered for Windows, macOS, and Linux and BSD
Watch out for
  • Only services with an available plugin are supported, and the homepage describes support as covering most popular services rather than all
  • Playback defaults to VLC, so other players need to be configured

streamlink at a glance

Type
Open-source project
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Linux, macOS, Windows
Open source
Yes · Source code
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026
open sourcelinuxpythonmedia

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streamlink FAQ

Which media player does Streamlink use by default?
The default behavior is to play streams in the VLC player. Other options and output methods are also available.
Can Streamlink save a stream to a file?
Yes. Writing the stream to the filesystem is listed among the available output methods.
Where can I find which services are supported?
The project maintains a plugins page that lists all plugins currently included.
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Listing maintained by Chris McClure and the WebIndexly editors · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · How we rank