Stream across platforms

You can go live with the same content across multiple platforms at the same time. This general process is also known as simulstreaming, and lets you reach viewers no matter where they prefer to watch your streams.

Simulstreaming

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Stream on multiple platforms

To go live on multiple platforms at the same time, follow these best practices:

1. Verify your YouTube channel

   Ensure your YouTube channel is verified and has live stream enabled.

Note: Enabling your first live stream will take at least 24 hours after your first request.

2. Manage your accounts on other platforms

   Keep in mind that you will need active accounts in good standing on all channels and other platforms. You will also need to know how to locate the Stream Key and RTMP Server URL for each, unless your encoders don’t require the need. When in doubt, check the platform’s respective help documentation.

3. Make sure you have sufficient internet upload speed

   For high-quality simulstreaming, sufficient internet upload speed is critical for the live streams to work properly. Recommended setting ranges are based on video ingestion codec, video ingestion resolution and frame rate. Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions.

   To make sure you have sufficient upload speed for your simulstream:

   1. Estimate your ideal bitrate by adding up the target bitrates for each live stream. For example, if you use 6 Mbps for Stream 1 and 4 Mbps for Stream 2, your combined target is 10 Mbps. To ensure stability, especially on shared connections, aim for an upload speed 1.5 to 2 times that total, meaning 15 Mbps to 20 Mbps for a 10 Mbps target.
   2. Perform a realistic speed test (including audio and video with typical movement) to confirm your available bandwidth.
   3. Go live .
   4. During your live stream, monitor live stream health indicators on the alerts in the stream health tab within the Live Control Room.

4. Choose the right hardware or software for encoding

   To truly unleash the power of simulstreaming, you'll need the right setup for encoding your live streams. You have two main choices for encoders, and knowing how to pick the right one is crucial. Create a live stream with an encoder.
   1. Local hardware or software encoder

      Your device's main processor (CPU) handles the demanding task of converting video into a streamable format. This processing occurs directly on your computer or mobile device and supports multiple simultaneous streams.

      When to know if a local hardware or software encoder is for you:

      • You want the absolute highest possible quality for your streams.
      • You prefer complete control over your setup.
      • You have a powerful computer with a robust CPU.
   2. Cloud service encoder (relay services/cloud mirroring platforms):

      How a cloud service encoder works: Send one high-quality live stream to a cloud service, and they handle distributing it to all your desired channels, resolutions, or platform. While this option often involves a subscription, many services offer free plans with varying limitations, alongside paid options that unlock enhanced features and capabilities.

      When to know if a cloud service encoder is for you:

      • You're looking for simplicity and ease of setup.
      • You need a solution that's light on your computer, especially if your computer is older or tends to slow down. This ensures smooth, lag-free live streams.
      • You plan to stream to more than two channels.

Regardless of your choice, once you've set up your encoding method, you have the option to configure your encoder to send data to the specific live stream event you've created on YouTube. You can also choose to repeat this process to broadcast multiple live streams at once on YouTube.