Riverside.fm vs. StreamYard

While Riverside.fm is good for creating videos, it's less well-positioned to create audio-only shows.

Incentivized

We usually recommend it to those that want to start streaming their podcasts LIVE and don't have much bandwidth for learning new software. Its simplicity is perfect for beginners. That being said, if the person we are talking to wants to be able to download high-quality video and audio files after the stream is over -for post-production reasons- we usually refer them to different software.

Incentivized

• very easy to use
• great to have all video files in one location automatically
• the backup audio files are perfect to download and make sure all files are synced up for editing
• it's easy to get on as a producer and be there to help everyone else who is recording without being recorded myself.

Incentivized

• Easy access to stream to multiple locations at the same time
• Simple and intuitive user interface.
• Self-explanatory. Small learning curve to be able to master it.

Incentivized

• Unable to upload multiple files at once
• For the beginner, while the layout looks good it is somewhat opaque as to how to get started
• Free account features an immovable tile asking for $15/month.

Incentivized

• I would like to be able to change default layout via admin in some instances because for example, it’s a cropped layout for 2+ speakers by default.
• I would like the opportunity to copy comments from the comments section (even if we need to paste it to private chat).
• I would like the opportunity to share the link to download video with guest speakers.

Incentivized

There are a couple of small technical issues that can effect the quality of the videos produced that is keeping me from giving it a 10. It is far superior to any other tool to get a high quality video recording with multiple people over the internet, so it is hands down the best tool I have found for this use case, but I know it can be better.

Incentivized

You don't need to be an expert and you don't have anything to install.

Incentivized

I have not needed to use the Riverside.fm support that much, which in itself is a good sign of how good their product is, but when I have had to use their support it was prompt, and helpful, and the people were very kind. I am glad to know there is someone there to help quickly if I am having a problem.

Incentivized

Riverside is far better than trying to record on Zoom or Skype because on both of those platforms you are recording others' videos from over the internet, so you get any glitches that come from inconsistent connections that either you or your guest has. Riverside records locally and then uploads separately, so everyone's video quality is much greater.

Incentivized

The StreamYard interface is more functional and easy to understand for participants, speakers, and team members. StreamYard also allows managing live streams in the app without the need to go to social media for checking comments, replying to them, etc. Simultaneously, StreamYard has many more options compared to other similar tools. For example, it allows sharing slides from different PowerPoints and screens, adding videos, visuals, and live comments with one click. Due to these options, we save time on managing live sessions and our broadcasts look much more professional and engaging.

Incentivized

• Since I need their platform, which again is actually pretty good, I had to waste money to sign up again, so that I had a workable password.
• from experience, wasted weeks of going back and forth with their support team - throwing off my podcast schedule.

• It has increased the reach rate and the number of followers on social media pages, for example, on our Youtube page, the number of followers increased by 2 times the original amount.
• It has reduced the amount of time our communications team spends on editing videos.
• More team members are able to use StreamYard by themselves, which has allowed us to reduce the time our communications team spends on managing live sessions before.

Incentivized