For all of my streams or video recordings that involve a remote guest, I use Switcher Studio. Switcher is great because no external software needs to be downloaded for guests to participate.

However, just like with most live streams, issues can arise. For example, I’ve found that if a guest is logged into any sort of virtual private network (VPN) for work, they have trouble accessing the video chat room. There seems to be a level of security that gets in the way of allowing them access.

The other day, I ran into a situation where a remote guest was not able to access the video chat room within Switcher. For whatever reason, he had to be logged into his VPN in order to have internet access at all.

After going through some troubleshooting, we just couldn’t get it to work. However, he regularly used Zoom for work, so we knew it was at least possible to get him on camera. Thankfully, this video was going to be recorded and streamed “live” at a later date. We really only needed to record his video, which I could then import to Switcher later.

I, too, have access to Zoom, so we quickly hopped on that platform, recorded the video, and we were all set.

My point is that you don’t have to force yourself to stick with just one streaming platform. Each platform has their strengths and weaknesses. For example, Switcher is excellent with graphics and b-roll integration, and of course being able to use iPhones and iPads as cameras is great. However, Zoom tends to have better video quality when it comes to remote guests. They also allow you to bring in a lot more guests at the same time.

If graphics or b-roll video isn’t essential to you, then Zoom may be a fine choice.

Of course, it’s great to test. I’ve been trying out Ecamm Live and Streamyard lately, and I’m loving their remote guest capabilities. I’ll be looking more into them, for sure. With Ecamm, you can actually tweak your guest’s camera – adjusting things like brightness, contrast, etc. Amazing.

The costs are relatively cheap, given the capabilities of these platforms. Below are the current yearly subscription costs for the ones I mentioned above:

• Switcher Studio Standard: $588
• Streamyard Pro: $468
• Ecamm Live Pro: $384
• Zoom Pro: $149.90

Weigh the pluses and minuses of each, but don’t necessarily limit yourself to one if you don’t have to.

What platforms are you trying or using these days? I’d love to know.