Abstract: Systems and methods for live stream control, including disaster recovery and/or load balancing, are provided including a first video encoding and distribution platform as a primary platform, a second video encoding and distribution platform running in parallel to the primary platform as a secondary platform, which secondary platform uses separate video transmission, independent video encoding, video packing, manifest generation, and an alternate content delivery network (CDN), and an application or module configured to direct playback requests to the primary or secondary platform, dependent upon an operational status of the primary platform.