Owncast

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Livestreaming · Vendor site 2026-10-04

Owncast is free, open source livestreaming software you run on your own server using standard streaming protocols. It includes built-in chat with moderation tools, custom branding on your domain, follower notifications, and fediverse integration without subscriptions, viewer caps, or forced advertising.

Updated 2026-10-04View sources

Official website

Category: Livestreaming
Free access: Site describes the software as free and open source with no subscriptions or viewer limits.
API access: Not confirmed

Is Owncast right for you?

A good fit for

Creators, communities, and organizations who want self-hosted live video with chat and branding control.

Before you choose

You supply and operate the streaming server infrastructure; Owncast itself does not host channels as a paid SaaS.

Own your live stream

Owncast gives broadcasters open source tooling for self-hosted streams, integrated chat, branding, notifications, and fediverse reach without platform lock-in fees.

What it can do

Features & capabilities

Unknown is different from unavailable. Each fact carries its own evidence.

Capability	Value	Evidence	Checked
Self-hosted streaming	Homepage states Owncast runs on your server with standard streaming protocols and no subscriptions.	Facts sourced	2026-10-04
Built-in chat	Marketing highlights real-time chat, moderation tools, custom emotes, and authentication.	Facts sourced	2026-10-04
Fediverse support	Site mentions ActivityPub and Mastodon integration for broader discovery.	Facts sourced	2026-10-04

Understand the total cost

Owncast pricing & plans

Free

Site describes the software as free and open source with no subscriptions or viewer limits.

Access: Site describes the software as free and open source with no subscriptions or viewer limits.

Explore pricing & history

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The practical questions

Frequently asked questions

What is Owncast used for?

Does Owncast have a free plan?

Site describes the software as free and open source with no subscriptions or viewer limits.. This record lists ongoing free access; check the plan limits before starting.

How much does Owncast cost?

No paid monthly price is listed; this record treats the product as free to start. See the plan cards for entitlements, billing commitments and seat minimums.

Can I use Owncast through an API?

Not confirmed. API access and subscription access may have different terms; consult the linked sources.

What should I check before choosing it?

You supply and operate the streaming server infrastructure; Owncast itself does not host channels as a paid SaaS.

Price history

No retained pricing changes yet. A current price alone does not establish a historical trend.

How this profile is supported

Identity and profile

Reviewed vendor source

Read original source ↗

2026-10-04

Facts apply to the named version and check date. Send a sourced correction if something changed.