Upstream review
A flexible cloud studio with a useful free tier and up to 10 destinations.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Upstream is cloud-based live streaming software for creators, broadcasters, agencies, churches, businesses, and teams. It combines always-on and prerecorded cloud channels with scheduled broadcasts, browser-based production, and multistreaming. Users can upload media, arrange separate audio and video playlists, add overlays and branded scenes, invite browser guests, share screens, and manage playback without keeping a local computer or encoder running. It is a good fit for teams that want recurring or distributed broadcasts rather than a narrowly focused live encoder.
The free plan is unusually broad: it includes the full feature set, one concurrent stream, 24 streaming hours per month, 1080p at 30 FPS, and no credit card requirement. The 1 stream plan costs $30 per concurrent stream per month and adds unlimited streaming while retaining 1080p at 30 FPS, multistreaming to 10 destinations, Live Studio, and scheduling. The 2 streams plan costs $50 per month, the 3 streams plan costs $70 per month, and the 4+ streams plan costs $80 per month. The 10 streams plan costs $200 per month. An annual 1-stream option is listed at $24 per concurrent stream per month equivalent, billed annually.
Upstream’s platform fit is broad, with web and API access plus connections for YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, TikTok, Kick, Rumble, Instagram, LinkedIn, and custom RTMP. Its cloud approach suits organizations that need 24/7 channels, scheduled programming, playlists, overlays, and playback controls across several destinations. The product should appeal to broadcasters and teams that value browser-based collaboration and automation. It is less suitable for users who only need occasional streaming beyond the free plan, since paid capacity is organized around concurrent stream slots and the free tier has a monthly hour limit.
Upstream pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free plan includes the full feature set and one concurrent stream
- Browser Live Studio supports guests and screen sharing
- Multistreams to up to 10 destinations with scheduling support
- Where it doesn't
- Free streaming is limited to 24 hours per month
- Paid plans are priced around concurrent stream capacity
- Advanced annual pricing is not consistent across all listed options
Upstream fact sheet, pricing and score →
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