Top Flutter Live Streaming and Real-time Communication packages

Last updated: April 2, 2024

Live streaming or Realtime communication is a mode of communication in which one or more users can exchange information instantly or with negligible latency or transmission delays. This means that there is no delay between when someone speaks and when the other person hears what they said. It is useful for voice over IP (VoIP), video streaming, teleconferencing, video calling, file sharing, screen sharing, multiplayer gaming, etc.

Flutter ecosystem provides various packages that can help you add the following features in your Flutter app: 1. Real-Time Video Streaming: Seamlessly integrate live video streaming capabilities into apps. 2. Interactive Chat and Messaging: Real-time chat functionality for users to communicate during live streams with support for text, emoji, and multimedia messages. 3. Multi-Platform Support: 3rd party SDKs and APIs for integrating the real-time communication across web, mobile (iOS and Android), and desktop applications. 4. Customizable UI Components: Pre-built UI components for video player, chat interface, and user controls. Customizable themes and styling options to match the app's design. 5. Audience Engagement: Feeds, Polls, Q&A sessions, and interactive features to engage the audience during live streams. Integration with social media sharing for broader reach. 6. Multi-Host Collaboration: Support for multiple hosts or presenters in live streams, enhancing panel discussions or collaborative events. 7. Recording and Playback: Ability to record live streams for later playback and on-demand viewing with the option to store recordings locally or on cloud storage. 8. Real-Time Notifications: Push notifications to alert users about upcoming live streams or when their favorite creators go live. 9. Low Latency Streaming: Ultra-low latency streaming options for real-time interaction between hosts and viewers. 10. Screen Sharing and Presentation: Screen sharing functionality for presentations, demonstrations, and collaborative work. 11. Third-Party Integration: Integration with popular platforms, APIs, and services for enhanced functionality (e.g., integrating with social media platforms, analytics tools, payment gateways).

This is usually accomplished using WebRTC or WebSocket that are the two most widely used Realtime communication protocols. The WebSocket protocol shares many similarities with WebRTC. Both protocols can also be used together to maximize efficiency in some cases such as WebSocket can assist WebRTC in ensuring high-level real-time connectivity with fully covered software dialogue. But, it is also important to note the differences between the two while choosing an optimal solution for your Flutter project. WebRTC is a peer-to-peer communication method, where the WebRTC signaling server can facilitate a direct connection between peers and isn't required to participate in the communication loop. Whereas, WebSocket utilizes a server per session method for communication, where the WebSocket communication is always routed through the server between clients, increasing the resources needed to ensure connectivity.

By using Flutter packages, you can simplify the complex process of integrating live streaming and real-time communication features into your app which will lead to reduced development time, enhanced user engagement, and the ability to create dynamic and interactive experiences within your applications.

The complete list of Flutter packages provided below can help you add Real-time Communication or Live-streaming capability to your Flutter app directly or via 3rd party APIs such as Twilio, Jitsi, etc.