The short answer
For events where some guests will not scan a QR code, choose a service with text-message uploads: TacBoard (from $49, or $159 with a text number, and a gallery that never expires) or PhotoStream.Live ($49 to $89, with photos kept for 30 days to 1 year). If you need video, look at GuestCam, Fotify, GuestSnap, GuestPix or Kululu, which use QR codes and links. Our method and sources are below.
How we compared them
Every competitor detail below comes from the competitor's own website as published on October 18, 2026, and each one's real strengths are stated plainly. Where a site did not show a price, we say so instead of guessing.
We compared each service on six things that decide whether a live photo stream works at a real event:
- How guests send photos. QR code and link only, or text messages as well.
- The live display. Whether the big-screen slideshow is included and how it runs.
- Video. Whether guests can send video clips.
- Moderation. Automatic filtering, approve-before-display, or neither.
- How long photos are kept. Many services delete photos after a set period.
- Price and plans for repeat events. One-time prices and monthly or venue plans.
Comparison table
| Service | Price | Free plan | Text uploads | Video | Photos kept | Moderation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TacBoard | $49 / $159 per event, or $99/month | Free demo | Yes (US/CA) | No | Does not expire | Auto filter + review queue, all plans |
| PhotoStream.Live | $49 / $89 per event | Not listed | Yes (US/CA) | Yes | 30 days / 1 year | Complete plan only |
| GuestSnap | $45 per event | Not listed | No | Yes | 18 months | Not described |
| GuestCam | $49 / $97 per event | Not listed | No | Yes | 12 / 14 months | Not described |
| Fotify | Free, $29.99, $49.99, $79.99 per event | Yes (50 photos) | No | Premium and up | 7 days to 1 year | AI moderation, optional pre-approval |
| GuestPix | One-time packages (price by currency) | Preview (50 photos) | No | Medium and up | 12 months, renewable | Included |
| Kululu | Free, Plus, Pro (prices not shown) | Yes | No | Yes | Not stated | Pro, optional approval |
Want to see a live photo stream before you pick? TacBoard's demo is free.
Try TacBoard free1. TacBoard: best for texting and photos you keep
TacBoard gives each event its own phone number and a QR code. Guests text photos or scan the code, and the photos appear on a live stream on any TV or projector connected to a laptop. Hosts can preload throwback photos before the event. Plans are $49 (QR only), $159 (text number + QR) or $99/month for an always-on number covering unlimited events.
- Strengths: text-message uploads, unlimited guests and photos, a gallery that never expires, a number active from purchase until 30 days after the event, moderation on every plan, and a published monthly plan for venues.
- Weaknesses: no video uploads, a text number costs more than some rivals' entry plans, texting works only in the US and Canada, and the live display needs a laptop rather than a smart TV app.
- Best for: weddings, awards banquets, memorials, reunions and any crowd with older guests.
2. PhotoStream.Live: lowest-priced texting
PhotoStream.Live gives each event an MMS number (US and Canada) and a QR code, with detailed controls over how the live stream looks. Standard is $49 and Complete is $89. Complete adds custom branding and pre-approval moderation. Photos are kept for 30 days on Standard and 1 year on Complete, and the number accepts posts from 2 hours before the stream until 24 hours after.
Best for: a single event where texting matters and you will download the photos promptly. TacBoard vs PhotoStream.Live
3. GuestSnap: low-cost QR sharing
GuestSnap is $45 per event for unlimited guests, photos and videos, uploaded by QR code or link, with a live slideshow. Guests can upload for 12 months, and galleries are deleted after 18 months.
Best for: budget-conscious hosts whose guests are comfortable scanning QR codes. TacBoard vs GuestSnap
4. GuestCam: original-quality files and multiple galleries
GuestCam's Standard plan is $49 and Premium is $97 (one time, per event). Guests upload photos and videos by QR code or link, a live slideshow is included, and original files are kept. Premium adds up to six galleries with separate QR codes. Storage is 12 months on Standard and 14 months on Premium.
Best for: multi-day events that need separate galleries. No text uploads.
5. Fotify: tiered plans with video and branding
Fotify has a free plan and paid events at $29.99, $49.99 and $79.99. Uploads are by QR code or link, a live photo carousel is included, video starts on Premium, and paid plans add AI moderation with an optional pre-approval mode, branding removal and custom logos. Upload and access windows run from 7 days to a year, depending on the plan.
Best for: branded corporate events that need video and approve-first moderation. No text uploads.
6. GuestPix: packages with video, albums and RSVPs
GuestPix sells one-time packages with QR code and link uploads, a live slideshow, video from the Medium package, albums on Large and a digital invitation with RSVPs. Galleries are hosted for 12 months from the event date, with optional renewal, and "unlimited guests" has a 1,000-guest fair-use cap.
Best for: weddings that want invitations, RSVPs and a gallery in one place. TacBoard vs GuestPix
7. Kululu: a live photo wall with video and a free tier
Kululu offers Free, Plus and Pro event plans and a Professionals offering. Its pricing page did not show dollar amounts when we checked. Guests upload photos and videos by QR code or link, the Live Photo Wall is on every plan, and hosts can require approval before uploads appear.
Best for: events that want a free starting point and video on the wall. TacBoard vs Kululu
Which to choose for your event
| Event | What matters most | Good fits |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding | Older guests, keeping every photo | TacBoard, PhotoStream.Live, GuestPix |
| Awards night or banquet | Professional screen, moderation | TacBoard, Fotify |
| Association conference | Many screens, attendee names | TacBoard, Kululu |
| Celebration of life | Easy for older relatives, privacy | TacBoard |
| Birthday party | Low cost, video | GuestSnap, Fotify, TacBoard QR plan |
| Venue (every weekend) | Flat monthly price, permanent signs | TacBoard monthly plan |
Frequently asked questions
What is a live photo stream app?
A service that collects photos from event guests and shows them on a screen in real time, usually as a slideshow, while saving them to a shared gallery.
Which live photo stream apps let guests text photos?
TacBoard and PhotoStream.Live give each event a phone number that guests text photos to, in the US and Canada. The others use QR codes and links.
Do guests need to download an app?
None of the services in this guide requires guests to download an app. They use texting, or a QR code that opens a web page.
Which app keeps photos the longest?
TacBoard's gallery does not expire. The others keep photos for between 7 days and 18 months, depending on the plan.
Is there a monthly plan for venues?
TacBoard publishes a $99/month plan with an always-on number for unlimited events. PhotoStream.Live and Kululu offer multi-event arrangements on request.
Last reviewed by the TacBoard team.