StreamLink
Extract streams from services and send them to a video player of choice with Streamlink, a command-line utility.
About StreamLink
StreamLink is a command-line utility that extracts video streams from various online services and passes them to a video player of the user's choice. The homepage says its default behavior is to play streams in VLC, and it names mpv as another example of a player. Its stated purpose is to avoid resource-heavy and unoptimized websites while still letting users watch streamed content.
Streamlink is built on a plugin system, and the homepage lists plugins for services such as Twitch and YouTube, with a full list on its plugins page. It also offers a Python API for developers who need access to stream data. The project is a fork of Livestreamer, which the homepage says is no longer maintained. The homepage describes it as free software under the Simplified BSD license. Support for a given service depends on its plugin, and the homepage says most popular services are supported rather than all of them.
Key features
- Extracts streams from supported services and sends them to a video player
- Default playback in VLC, with mpv named as another supported player
- Plugin system for adding support for new services
- Plugins listed for services including Twitch and YouTube, among others
- Python API for developers who need access to stream data
- Command-line interface and library API described as its two parts
Best for: Users who want to watch streams from supported services in their own video player, and Python developers who need access to stream data.
Good for
- Intended to avoid resource-heavy and unoptimized websites while still allowing streamed content to be watched
- Includes a Python API for developers who need access to stream data
- Described on the homepage as free software under the Simplified BSD license
Watch out for
- Operated as a command-line utility, as described on the homepage
- Support depends on individual service plugins, and the homepage does not claim all services are supported
- The project forked from Livestreamer, which the homepage says is no longer maintained
StreamLink at a glance
- Website
- streamlink.github.io
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Media Players & Servers
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for Media Players & Servers
StreamLink alternatives
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StreamLink FAQ
Which video player does StreamLink use by default?
The homepage says the default behavior is to play streams in the VLC player, and it names mpv as another example of a player.
Which services does StreamLink support?
The homepage says most popular streaming services are supported, such as Twitch and YouTube, and that a list of all included plugins is on the plugins page.
Is there a way to use StreamLink from code?
Yes. The homepage says there is a Python API available for developers who want access to the stream data.
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