The embodiment of the invention provides a content distribution network node switching method and apparatus, and relates to the field of Internet live broadcast. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining video blockage information uploaded by at least one audience terminal accessing the same direct broadcasting room through the same content distribution network CDN node and link quality information of the audience terminals accessing the direct broadcasting room through the same CDN node and the CDN node; accessing bullet screen information uploaded by the audience terminals accessing the direct broadcasting room through the CDN node, and evaluating the video playing smoothness of the direct broadcasting room; determining whether the CDN node is abnormal according to the video blockage information, the link quality information and the evaluated video playing smoothness; and if the CDN node is abnormal, switching all audience terminals accessing the direct broadcasting room through the CDN node to a first standby CDN node. By adoption of the content distribution network node switching method and apparatus provided by the embodiment of the invention, the risk defense ability of the live broadcast system can be improved, and the influence of CDN faults to the live broadcast is reduced.