What is EarthCam?
EarthCam is a network of live webcams that the company owns and operates at landmarks and public places, such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Bourbon Street in New Orleans and Abbey Road in London. Founded in 1996 and based in New Jersey, it also publishes construction time-lapses and hosts My EarthCam, where other camera owners share their own live streams. The site is supported by advertising and by licensing its webcam content.
For researchers the cams are a source of current, public views of well-known places, useful for checking weather, crowds or conditions at a location right now, or for comparing a viral clip against a live view. You can save a still from the player and share it, and EarthCam asks that its watermark stays visible and that images are credited. Its live feeds may not be rebroadcast without permission.
Main Features
- Live streaming cams at landmarks, skylines, beaches and ports
- World map and directory for finding cams by place
- Construction and event time-lapse videos
- My EarthCam streams shared by other camera owners
- Snapshot button to save and share a still from the player
- EarthCamTV channel with a curated rotation of cams
- Apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and TV devices
How to Get Started with EarthCam
- Open earthcam.com and browse the featured cams or the world map.
- Search for the city or landmark you want to see.
- Watch the live stream and use the camera icon in the player to save a still if needed.
- Credit "Courtesy of EarthCam" and keep the watermark when you share an image.
EarthCam Pricing
Watching cams on earthcam.com is free and supported by ads. The mobile Webcams app is free to download with an in-app purchase to unlock all cameras, and the EarthCamTV 2 app offers a Premium All Access Pass for $19.99 a year with a watchlist and the past 24 hours of footage. Licensing for broadcast or embedding is arranged with EarthCam directly.
Who Should Use It?
- Journalists checking current conditions at a well-known public place
- Fact-checkers comparing viral footage with a live view of the same spot
- Travellers and armchair tourists
- Broadcasters looking for licensable live views
- Anyone who enjoys live views of cities and landmarks
EarthCam Alternatives
- SkylineWebcams: a large network of live HD cams at squares, beaches and volcanoes, mostly in Europe.
- Zoom Earth: a live weather and satellite map for checking conditions anywhere.
- North Star: a research platform for journalists with a globe of public cameras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EarthCam free?
Yes, watching EarthCam cams on the website is free and supported by ads. The apps offer paid upgrades, such as unlocking all cameras or a Premium All Access Pass in EarthCamTV 2.
Can I use EarthCam images in my reporting?
EarthCam allows sharing stills from its player if the EarthCam watermark stays visible and the image is credited "Courtesy of EarthCam". Rebroadcasting or embedding live feeds needs permission or a licence from EarthCam.
Are EarthCam cameras private cameras?
No. EarthCam cams are cameras that EarthCam or its partners install and publish on purpose, pointed at public landmarks and tourist spots. They are not hacked or unsecured private cameras.