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How to Live Stream: Choosing the Right Setup For You

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Live streaming lets you connect with your audience in real-time, but with so many options, choosing the right setup can be confusing... So we've broken down the choices based on equipment, ease of use, and quality. Remember, our pricing is the same for all methods!

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Getting Started:

  • Internet: A stable 5Mbps upload speed is minimum, 10Mbps is ideal (you can check your internet speed here). Hardwired connection is recommended unless using a Phone or GoPro
  • Test Session: Always test your stream before you go live. You can do this through the Vidzing Creator Portal under 'Stream Set Up'
  • Recording Backup: Always record at the source in case of internet issues
  • 12 Hour Limit: Each stream can be up to 12 hours, any longer will need to be split into multiple streams
  • Start Stream Early: Have all equipment set up with 30 mins to go, start stream with 15 mins to go

 

Equipment needed for all methods:

  • Internet
  • A second device to monitor the stream - drops in internet can cause the stream to disconnect/buffer
  • Tripod - recommended for all stand alone cameras

 

Comparing Live Stream Set Ups

There are many factors when it comes to choosing your set up, whether your main focus is cost or high quality streaming, we'll dive into each method:

  Phone Live Streaming Go Pro Camera/Webcam through OBS Camera through an Encoder
Equipment
  • Phone 
  • Larix Broadcaster App (free to download - iOS or Android)
  • GoPro HERO 7 BLACK or newer
  • GoPro Quik subscription
  • Camera: computer compatible OR other camera (e.g. high tech cameras) need a video capture card
  • OBS software (free to download and use)
  • Laptop and cord to connect camera
  • This will only apply if a production company is streaming for you
  • They should have all of the equipment
Best For
  • Affordability 
  • Quick and easy set up
  • Compact and durable
  • Video quality
  • Improved audio with seperate mic
  • More controls for video overlay, holding screens etc.
  • High quality streaming
  • Large scale events
Limitations
  • Requires strong Wi-Fi, can be unreliable
  • Limited sound and light quality
  • Limited battery life without power
  • Requires strong Wi-Fi, can be unreliable
  • Limited sound quality
  • Limited battery life
  • Requires more technical knowledge and equipment
  • Requires professional expertise and equipment, so most expensive

No matter which option you choose, with the right planning and preparation, you can create a super successful live stream. If you need any help, don't be afraid to reach out to Our Team!

 

For detailed instructions on each method see below:

Phone:
  1. Download Larix app
  2. In the Settings menu (top right), click Connections, create a New Connection and name it, enter the URL (which is the RTMP link provided by Vidzing in Stream Set Up) followed by /streamkey (also provided by Vidzing)
  3. In Settings, click Record, Record Stream on for backup
  4. If you have multiple Connections, make sure the one you are live streaming to is connected in the Connections menu
  5. Head back to the Main Page, shoot and film (horizontally)


GoPro
  1. Open GoPro Quik and tap the Camera icon, tap on the blue button in the centre of screen
  2. Scroll through the icons on the bottom of the screen, and tap on Live, followed by Set Up Live
  3. Select RTMP as your live stream platform
  4. Within Set Up a Live Stream, select to connect a WiFi network or your mobile hotspot, enter your RTMP URL (provided by Vidzing), select your stream resolution, tap Set Up Live Stream
  5. Tap Go Live to start Streaming

Camera/Webcam through OBS
  1. Download OBS and plug the camera into the computer
  2. In the Sources box, add a Source, select Video Capture Device, from dropdown choose Camera or Webcam 
  3. Resize the camera to fill the screen if needed, the settings are in Controls
  4. Within Output, for Rate Control select CBR, Bitrate 4000-6000kbs (higher for better internet speed) and set Keyframe Interval to 2
  5. Select Stream, Service is Custom, Server is RTMP Link (provided by Vidzing), enter Stream Key (provided by Vidzing), disable Use Authentication 
  6. Once you start streaming you should see a green box on the bottom right, click Start Recording at the start of the stream as backup
  7. Click Stop Streaming at the end of the stream

 

Camera through an Encoder
  1. Provide your production company with the RTMP Link and Stream Key
  2. It can be a good idea to give them access to your Vidzing Creator Portal so they can do a test
  3. Let your production team take it away!