Item: StreamYard
Rating: 8
Author: Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with StreamYard

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Within my organization, we use StreamYard for several purposes. Colleagues first began using the platform to record video case studies with customers who use our software solutions. I'm now using it to record episodes of a video podcast we've begun producing this year. I share a link via email with guests, and then we "meet" in the online recording studio (I have a dedicated one set up solely for the podcast).

Pros and Cons

Pros

As someone with no video production experience, I appreciate that StreamYard was easy to get started with.
The customizable branding features are useful.
It's reassuring to know that recordings are saved locally on each partcipant's device, in case the quality of internet connections wavers occasionally.

Cons

It's been a number of months since I tried using the feature, but when I tried using StreamYard's AI clips feature, I didn't love the results. I personally got better suggestions by uploading the recording I made in StreamYard to a more specialized platform. Using the two products in tandem has been a good solution. That said, it's very possible StreamYard's AI features have advanced in the interim.
There are a few features that aren't compatible with certain browsers. I believe that's due to limitations of those specific browsers (and not the fault of StreamYard), but it's good to be aware of so you can advise guests in advance, just in case.
I can't recall exactly what the issues were now with the transcripts StreamYard produced when I tried downloading the ones they created this spring, but I wound up deciding to use the more AI-focused platform I mentioned above for my transcripts.

Return on Investment

It has allowed a video novice to get up to speed in a non-painful way! That was a huge help in making a role I didn't have previous experience with easier to get going with. I referred to several of their FAQs and appreciated all the documentation.
Recording the first 4 episodes was something I was able to do quickly.
Its simplicity from the guest's point of view gives me confidence that even non-technical folks are unlikely to face problems getting started. That helps to expand the pool of guests I feel comfortable inviting to participate.

Usability

I only use a portion of StreamYard's features and honestly can't speak to what it's like from a frequent / pro user's point of view. From reading I've done, I understand that it's seen as a great solution for many of those folks.

I found the interface simple to use, which was a huge plus. The fact that it's browser-based is a real boon.

I was a bit disappointed with the transcript-related options and the AI capabilities, but they may very well have advanced since I tried them.

That said, specialization is a thing and I don't think it's realistic to expect every software package to be the top choice on every dimension.

Alternatives Considered

Descript

I've already covered this in other responses. The key reasons I wound up using Descript for certain elements of my process was the better usability of its transcripts and the more-robust AI capabilities it offers. Its suggestions for strong clips seemed more on-point, and it offered functionality like chapter suggestions.

Key Insights

Do you think StreamYard delivers good value for the price?

Not sure

Are you happy with StreamYard's feature set?

Did StreamYard live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of StreamYard go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy StreamYard again?

Yes

Likelihood to Recommend

Because it's browser-based, StreamYard is especially well-suited for a situation like mine, where I'm unlikely to have repeat podcast guests very often. It's great that guests don't have to download special software just for a one-time appearance!

I haven't personally used StreamYard for livestreaming, but based on its name and reputation, I imagine it's especially well-suited for that use case.

Comments

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Easy to get started with for recording podcast episodes