Comparing the Music Streaming Apps: Which One is Right for You?

Comparing the Music Streaming Apps: Which One is Right for You?

When you think about live video streaming for professionals, there's plenty to be aware of. However, as a high-end live streaming service is a highly effective media tool that service providers regularly update, it can be challenging to locate reviews and comparisons with all the required details. In addition, when you consider the vast amount of live-streaming platforms available, picking one could be difficult.

For new broadcasters who want to enter streaming, choosing the best provider for live streaming could take time and effort. 

We will discuss what a live music streaming app development is and the attributes to consider when evaluating streaming platforms for professional and business organizations. We will also discuss the most effective streaming platforms and prices in 2024 and beyond. 

Let's get started! 

Read Also: What You Need to Know About Custom Music Streaming App Development?

What Are Live Streaming Apps? 

Live music streaming app development permits viewers to connect with public officials, social media influencers, experts in the field, and other creators. They connect the creators to their viewers and offer the opportunity to earn money by monetizing their live streams through advertising, partnerships, and other monetization strategies. 

Music streaming app development solutions below feature some of the most popular social sharing websites. Read on to find out which platforms have the most beneficial streaming features for creators. 

Read About: Top Music Streaming Apps

Top Music Streaming Apps

Going on a musical trip has always been challenging due to the multitude of available music streaming app development. From soul-soothing tunes to foot-tapping beats, this world is revealed through a seamless mix of technology and creativity. 

After connecting via the internet, users can listen to the song they love using the app. The existence of dedicated platforms to stream music has increased the demand for custom iOS app development and Android application development. Users can save music offline with the music streaming app. 

Let's explore the top cross-platform music streaming app development and discover the apps that appeal to the varied preferences of music lovers across India. 

1. Spotify

Spotify is one of the top live music streaming services, having launched in 2008. It has exploded worldwide and provides users with instant access to music. 

It allows users to listen to their preferred artist's music. The most remarkable feature is that users cannot purchase the music. Spotify offers a free subscription service so that its customers can enjoy a seamless music experience. 

Paid users get extra benefits such as unlimited skipping through music tracks, no pop-up advertisements during tracks, and the possibility to turn off the music they enjoy. Users can also browse the playlists that Spotify customizes to locate songs or artists. 

Spotify allows users to discover new artists from all over the world and allows all record companies to present their artists through one platform. 

The wide-ranging popularity of Spotify can open the door to music streaming app development services in android. In addition, it reveals an area of study that seeks to satisfy an enormous market for songs. 

Specifications-

  • The quality of the free tier: up to 160 kbps

  • Library size 70 million+

  • Platforms include iOS and Android apps, desktop applications, web player applications for smart TVs, and connected speaker support cars.

  • Free/ $9.99-$14.99 per month

  • Ratings: Google- 4.5/Apple store- 4.8 

2. Shazam

The technology behind Music streaming app development solutions has changed in the past ten years. Nowadays, you can Hire Music Streaming App Developers who want to let their customers download their apps for free so that they can enjoy a memorable musical journey. 

With this service, you can't ignore the name Shazam. Shazam is one of the most popular music streaming apps, which enables you to listen to songs you heard in an establishment or during an event. 

It displays the track's name and the artist's. Users can choose to share the song or listen to it on Spotify, as well as music videos on YouTube. The site also provides information about the artist's tour, including discography, album information, and tour reviews.

Every song discovered by the application will be saved as a tag. Users can share the tag with their friends and view it. Users can also view the lyrics of the tagged music with Shazam. 

Users can also create accounts and then browse their entire music collection on Shazam via their personal computer. People can use Shazam using Android gadgets, iPhones, and iPads, as well as Android Wear, macOS, and Apple Watch. 

Specifications- 

  • Quality of the free tier The quality of the free tier is not available.

  • Size of the Library not available

  • Platforms include Android, macOS, iOS, Wear OS and watchOS

  • Free/ $6.99/PS6.99 monthly (Shazam Encore)

  • Ratings: Google- 4.5/Apple store- 4.8 

3. iHeartRadio

Since its debut at the end of 2013, iHeartRadio has proven to be a leader in the constantly evolving digital and audio landscape. 

The unique platform provides free, all-in-one digital music streaming, live radio streaming, podcasts, and entertainment services. iHeart has been embraced by 1.2 million registered users. It's a music app that works on users' mobile phones, providing music lovers with an opportunity to listen to their favorite artists. 

One of the main features that makes it unique is that users can also view an artist's biography. iHeartRadio apps are compatible with iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 10, iPad Touch, and other devices such as Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Echo, gaming consoles, wearables, and vehicles.

It increases the scope of live music streaming app development to be a viable solution by using a non-identical method for finding similar songs and providing suggestions. 

Specifications- 

  • The quality of the free tier Quality of free tier: Not Available

  • Library size: not available

  • Platforms include iOS as well as Android apps, desktop applications, web players, smart TV apps, connected speakers, and cars.

  • Free/ $4.99-$9.99 per month

  • Ratings: Google- 4.6/Apple store- 4.8 

4. Tidal

Tidal is leading in high-quality streaming. However, it recently introduced several adjustments regarding its cost structure, which will make it more accessible by offering lossless 16-bit 44.1kHz audio streams as part of its basic plan. You can now sign up for the service starting at PS10, $10, or AU$12. 

Tidal is now separating itself from the crowd by introducing initiatives to give artists directly paid settlements (from HiFi Plus subscribers only) that reflect the individual's listening habits instead of being assigned by the aggregation process. 

If you're a discerning music lover seeking the most high-end streaming experience, including a vast catalog, a variety of content, comprehensive device support, and improved discovery capabilities (and you still need to get involved in an Apple environment),Tidal is unquestionably it. 

Specifications 

  • Cost: From PS10/$10/AU$12 up to PS20/$20/AU$24 per month.

  • Quality: 160kbps (free),1411kbps,

  • CD-quality streaming, 24-bit/96kHz

  • Files: FLAC, AAC

  • Library size: 100 Plus songs 350k Plus videos

  • Platforms include iOS along with Android apps, desktop applications, Web player 

5. Google Play Music

With the numerous top music streaming app development solutions, Users are hopeful about the possibility of more feature-rich applications. If users want to stream their music library without advertisements or music streaming, with no radio stations, Google Play Music plays a crucial role. It lets users upload music onto their Google account and allows everyone access anytime. 

They can build customized playlists that play music with Shuffle mode or opt for certain songs to play without any limitations. The quality feature "I'm feeling lucky mix" lets users play music from their collection according to what they typically listen to.

The feature is also an excellent option for subscribers to pay an ongoing fee per month to discover new songs and then save them to their accounts. Google Play Music is a fantastic app for music lovers. Google Play Music app can easily be downloaded for iPad, Android, and iPhone devices. 

Specifications- 

  • Platform: Android, web

  • library size: up to 50K songs can be uploaded

  • Cost: $9.99/month (individual plan) and $14.99/month (family plan)

  • Free Trial Sure (30 days)

  • Quality 4: Quality: 320 Kbps

  • Per Account 6 users

 6. Apple Music

It was launched in 2015. The Apple Music Application provides both on-demand music and live radio. It was previously only available to iOS users; however, after much thought, the application is available in the Google Play store for $9.99-$14.99 each month. 

While it has been one of the most popular music streaming app development solutions since its release, it has mixed critiques. However, it has swiftly become one of the top live music streaming app development available. 

The application lets listeners glimpse their favorite artists' everyday lives and what they're doing on the app. 

There are a variety of plans to choose from, such as one-time monthly plans, a low-cost student monthly plan, and the family plan that includes six people in one subscription. 

Specifications- 

  • Platforms iOS as well as Android apps and web player

  • Library- 30 Million

  • Price: $9.99-$14.99 per month

  • Scores: Google- 4.7, Apple store ratings: Apple store - 4.5 

7. Deezer

It is one of the most popular and best Cross-Platform Music Streaming App Development with 43 million songs worldwide. The application is similar to its competitors and offers fantastic audio features, including playlists, stations, recommendations, and Flow, an individual soundtrack feature. However, the most impressive feature is the Hi-Fi streaming option, with 16-bit FLAC quality at $19.99 monthly. 

Specifications

  • The quality of the free tier is 128kbps

  • Library size 56 million

  • Platforms include iOS along with Android apps, desktop applications, and web player

  • Price: Free $9.99-$19.99 per month

  • Scores: GoogleRatings: Google 4.7 / Apple Store 4.5 4.7 (Google) / Apple Store 4.5 

8. YouTube Music

It's one of the most popular live music streaming app development offered by YouTube and offers a wide range of options for streaming music. The app's interface design is stunning; however, free users will not stream music when the app is reduced. 

This is one of the app's disadvantages for those who need to pay. However, YouTube compensates with an all-inclusive subscription plan. If you also have YouTube, you can pay the premium price for the video-sharing app and use the subscription for the music-streaming app. This is feasible as long as both YouTube and the YouTube Music apps have identical Google accounts. The subscription plan for YouTube premium services costs $6.99 and is payable monthly. 

9. Amazon Music Unlimited

Music Unlimited is compatible with tablets and smartphones through Android and iOS apps, computers, and Macs through its desktop or web player. TVs and Fire tablets are also compatible. Some audio devices and systems in the car (including Amazon Echo and Sonos speakers) are also compatible with the service.

The mobile application looks nice on tablets and smartphones; however, it's not as user-friendly and reliable as the ones offered by Apple and Spotify. The competing services also have the edge in discovering music and providing curated recommendations, but Amazon offers lots of suggestions for guidance that let you browse the catalog without much effort and discover new music. 

Specification 

  • Cost: from $$9 to PS17/$16/AU$19/month

  • Quality: 3730 Kbps (HD)

  • Files Size: N/ALibrary: 100 million

  • Platforms iOS, as well as Android apps desktop app web player, supported speaker connectivity cars

10. TuneIn Radio

TuneIn is a definite contender, one of the top music streaming and radio applications. While it doesn't offer the option of streaming music, it does offer a variety of podcasts and radio stations, including live sports (in its premium edition, of course). 

The list also includes the 600 non-commercial radio stations, including FM and AM stations. Each radio station is specifically accessible on this site.

However, streaming music is not as extensive, so if you're interested in live podcasts, sports news radio, etc., TuneIn Radio might be the best option for you. In addition, if you wish to create an app similar to TuneIn Radio, you can get help from a mobile app development firm.

Specifications

  • The quality of the free tier N/A

  • Size of the library Library size: N/A

  • Platforms iOS as well as Android apps, web players, smart speakers, cars, wearables, smart TVs, and game consoles

  • Free/ $9.99 per month $99.99 per year

  • Ratings: Google- 4.6/Apple store- 4.8 

Read Also: The A-To-Z Guide on Music Streaming App Development in 2024

Key Features of Live Music Streaming App Development 

The limitations and features associated with streaming services can significantly affect how viewers can access your content. Make sure you research the capabilities of each streaming platform that you're considering for your content. Below is a list of seven top features you should look at over streaming platforms. 

Adaptive Bitrate Streaming

Adaptive bitrate streaming offers users a smooth streaming experience regardless of the quality of their connection. Anyone with weak internet connections may experience jerky buffering during streaming, and specific viewers may not view videos if the buffering occurs excessively often.

Platforms that support adaptive bitrate streaming can provide a real-time assessment of the viewers' connection and system resources to offer them the best streaming experience with the best quality. Users with better connections can enjoy better quality content, while viewers with weaker connections can enjoy their content without having to worry about buffering. 

Multi-Bitrate Streaming

The most reliable live music streaming app development platforms utilize automated transcoding, allowing you to stream your content on different HTML5 devices at various connection speeds. Other versions of the content are made from the video files you have uploaded for adaptive bitrate streaming throughout your multi-bitrate live streaming. This is an essential feature for those who don't have much expertise in technology or transcoding. 

HTML5 Video Player

Be sure that the platform you select to stream your content is the HTML5 video player. This player is replacing the Adobe Flash Player as the standard video player for all platforms. This HTML5 video player works with every device and system and is the best adaptable player available. Live music stream app development platforms using the HTML5 video player make your content available to viewers on any device or browser at any speed. 

HLS Video Streaming

HLS video streaming regulates how your system distributes your content to viewers' devices. The HLS protocol, also known as HTTP Live streaming, is the method used to transfer audio and audio content via the internet. It is integrated with your HTML5 media player and allows you to offer viewers an unrivaled live-streaming experience. HLS video streaming utilizes code to speedily transfer your content to viewers with the highest quality.

RTMP Ingest

Find out if the streaming application you're looking at is compatible with RTMP technology. Your video files must be encoded before streaming on the internet, and the RTMP protocol is the most efficient method to achieve this. The RTMP technology allows large file transfers via the internet at a low rate for a smooth streaming experience for viewers.

M3U8 Links

If your content is accessible via any HTML5 streaming player, that stream will contain an m3u8 URL with security tokens. These security tokens connect to the servers running the streaming application to ensure that the security measures you've put on your content, including the protection of passwords and age limits, are enforced. Ensuring your content is secure is crucial for live streaming to be a source of revenue for you.

Mobile Broadcasting Support

Are you looking to stream on the go? The advancements in technology make phones great cameras that are affordable to use as webcams to stream video content. The top live music streaming app development platforms include an app for mobile that lets you stream video from anywhere. Music streaming app development solutions give users more flexibility to create content and stream immediately whenever the mood strikes them. 

Must Read: Comprehensive Guide to Music Streaming App Development for 2024

What is the Best Live Streaming App? 

The ideal live music streaming app development depends on the budget you have set, whether or not you require streaming on mobile devices, and whether you intend to make money from your content. Each streaming service has its own policies and limitations for making profits from your work. If you are planning to make money from your content, ensure you know the method you will use for your content before choosing which option is right for you. 

Certain live music streaming app development are best suited to specific categories or niches of content. Learn which streaming platforms users utilize to stream your content and find the best niche-specific live streaming applications. 

Read Also: How to Build a Music Streaming App Like Spotify

How To Live Stream Music?

Live music streaming app development involves streaming that simultaneously records and streams video content in real time. It is similar to an actual live TV broadcast. Some colleges have even been forced to switch to full live-streaming classes online to maintain their programs. But how you live stream is an even bigger issue. Let's find the answer to this query below. 

Streaming Equipment

The first question you will likely ask is, "What kind of equipment do I need?" With everything happening around us, new technology, streaming services, and live-streaming lessons appear from the ground daily. The wide array of options makes deciding what you'd require for your live music streaming setup difficult. What you need may be a surprise to you. 

It's not too difficult. You only need a phone or computer, a webcam, audio equipment, and perhaps an app that streams music, such as OBS and Ecamm Live. You can start live-streaming performances with only the idea of it and your phone. 

Computer

The rule of thumb is that the more powerful the computer, the smoother your live streaming will be. If you've got a high-quality home music production PC or Mac, you should be in order. Even the latest phones can be used to stream an excellent live stream. 

Webcam

Most smartphones and computers come with a webcam. However, I recommend you consider upgrading your camera. A 10-80 pixel HD resolution webcam is a fantastic option to appear more professional and impress your customers. 

Music Equipment

Streaming live events or DJ sets requires the equipment you usually utilize. Consider your vocal microphones, instruments, and microphones to record the entire set, and then send it to your computer using the mixer. 

Streaming App

One of the best free solutions is OBS. Open Broadcaster Software has been used predominantly by gamers for the past few years. It has dramatically improved since its inception and is now available on all platforms. 

Streaming Platforms

Streaming platforms are channels you use to create your stream and where the audience can stream live concerts. There are many possibilities for all of them. To simplify the decision, these four streaming platforms are your top choice for live music streaming app development. If you want a successful event, choose the one with the most significant following. So, your fans will be alerted to your live broadcast, and they can view it on the platform they are on.

Conclusion 

To stream live music, you'll need the required streaming equipment: a computer or mobile phone, webcam or microphone, music production equipment, and streaming software. The most common ways to earn money from live streams are subscriptions, donations, revenue from advertising, brand deals, and merchandise. The five most popular streams for artists include YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Instagram Live, TikTok LIVE, Twitch, and Mixcloud.