1. Changing Quality Expectations

To many of today’s Internet users, live streaming has always been a way of life online. Older content producers and consumers know that it’s changed a lot over the years.

In the early days, creating valuable content was the most important and arguably only thing to focus on. People weren’t overly worried about professionalism and video quality. That’s no longer the case. Modern Internet users expect a certain degree of quality, and if they don’t find it, they’ll go elsewhere

Influencers who live stream videos on Instagram, artists who interact with fans on their websites, and advertisers who create content for YouTube all need elive streaming solutions that will allow them to meet their audiences’ expectations

For those new to the game, start by focusing on high-performance video capture and encoding, then keep improving. Audiences will notice.

2. Expectations of Interactive Experiences

Today’s audiences already expect interactive experiences. This live streaming market trend isn’t new. However, the expectations surrounding interactive live streaming experiences continue to change with the times.

Since viewers are no longer satisfied with just watching content, creators have been exploring innovative ways to get their audiences involved.

Some continue to find success with more traditional methods like live polling and Qu0026amp;A sessions. Others are getting more innovative, using interactive games and challenges to make the viewing experience more engaging and immersive.

Interactive streaming is also becoming more popular among advertisers. Recent innovations like shoppable videos and methods for improving customization enhance consumer engagement significantly.

3. Cultural Shift Toward Privacy

On the other end of the spectrum, experts also expect 2024 to bring a shift in how the streaming community views consumer privacy. As users become more aware of how their information gets disseminated and used, there has been increasing pushback

More stringent regulations, including the GDPR and ePrivacy legislation, are already forcing compliance with increased privacy measures. This shift doesn’t mean that advertisers won’t be able to fulfill immersive live streaming expectations, but it does change how they do it.

Popular brands are increasingly reaching out to live streamers with sponsorships. The partnerships formed with celebrities and influencers allow them to target demographics effectively through live streaming without running afoul of regulations or creating a perceived breach of privacy.

4. The Rise of VTubing

Recent changes in how content creators think about interactive experiences aren’t just due to evolving live streaming trends. Technological innovations also contribute to more immersive experiences. They include virtual-reality live streaming, often referred to as VTubing.

For those not in the know, VTubing involves streaming content using a virtual avatar rather than a video image. VTubers often use real-time emotion capture technology to control their avatars, eliminating the bounds of physical limitations and allowing content creators to present their online personas differently.

Last year was the best yet for VTubers, who generated over 1.1B hours watched in 2023. There’s no reason to think the tides will turn on this trend, as more people than ever are embracing it. Much of the trend is likely due to increased popularity and broad acceptance of virtual reality.

As the technology required to support VR and AR streaming continues to improve, it’s also becoming more accessible. Falling prices are attracting more consumers, who then go on to become VR live streaming viewers. They attend virtual concerts, events, and meetings, helping to support the ongoing shift toward VR and AR and increasing the popularity of all forms of VTubing.

As we said at the beginning, the world of live streaming is complex, so it should come as no surprise that the most important trends interact. In this case, virtual reality dramatically changes how live streamers create interactive content.

So far, most VR live streams utilize forms of interactive content similar to those of their more traditional peers. However, VR and AR VTubing create unique opportunities for creative minds. In 2024, expect to see new forms of interactive live streaming leveraged to create connections with viewers, increase attendance at virtual events, and promote products.

5. Greater Attendance at Special Events

Special events hosted by live streamers are becoming more popular. In 2023, they constituted some of the most-watched content on YouTube Live, Twitch, and Kick. Examples of this trend include Ibai’s La Veleda Del Ano 3, WestCol’s Stream Fighters 2, and Squeezie’s GP Explorer 2.

Each of these live streaming special events set new records for peak views on at least one platform. However, that’s not the most important thing to watch when it comes to changing industry trends. People watching market trends are more interested in their year-on-year growth, which has been impressive.

High-value brands are taking notice. They are beginning to sponsor not just individual live streamers or influencers but specific events. Ibai’s boxing event is a fantastic example of this. The first virtual event, held in 2021, had a few minor sponsors, JD Sports and Everlast. In 2023, the third event was sponsored by big names like PlayStation, Samsung, Coca-Cola, and others.

Brands paying attention have noticed how effective these VR events are for advertising. As more household names continue to join in as sponsors, the budgets and the aspirations of the live streamers organizing the events should only grow in 2024.rnrnIf there’s one specific sub-sector of VR special events to watch, it’s awards shows. They attracted much attention in 2023, and experts believe viewership will only rise in 2024. This trend is good news for content creators, who organize virtual events and have the opportunity to reach new audiences by winning prizes.

6. Niche Communities Are Picking Up Steam

As live streaming becomes more popular and goes mainstream, niche communities, and micro-influencers are starting to gain steam. This may seem contradictory, but the rise of influencer culture, brand sponsorships, special events, and other major industry changes that draw in new viewers and consolidate existing audiences has propelled them forward

Content creators who focus on niche audiences can cater to small, specialized online communities with specific interests instead of trying to appeal to as many people as possible simultaneously. The creators and micro-influencers who take this approach build deep connections with audiences and create highly engaged, loyal followings.

The pervasiveness of this trend becomes clear when we look at the numbers. The global niche streaming market saw a 27.4% CAGR in 2023, and recently, 82% of Gen Z viewers indicated that they specifically seek out niche communities with personalized content.

In some cases, these niche live streaming communities exist as part of larger, more mainstream platforms. Others take things one step further and seek out or create niche, entirely separate video platforms. Either way, it creates opportunities for content creators who are just getting started and haven’t yet found ways to reach wider audiences.

7. More Tools for Multistreaming

Multistreaming is nothing new. Content creators have been diversifying their live streaming presence across platforms for years. They often stream on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch, and Kick simultaneously, allowing them to reach broader audiences to maximize exposure.

Even as other trends like niche live streams and micro-influencing continue to gain steam, u003ca href=”https://www.epiphan.com/blog/how-to-multistream/”>multistreaming> is becoming more popular. Of course, part of the reason this trend is still evolving is that constantly new platforms are coming out that either cater to live streaming specifically or incorporate it into other forms of content creation

Part of the reason that more live streamers than ever are multistreaming is also that established platforms continue to offer more tools and integrations that streamline the process. In years past, it used to be a challenge to manage multiple streams simultaneously. Now, as long as content creators have the right hardware and software to do so, they can multistream much more efficiently.

8. Global Markets Are Shifting

More traditional forms of live streaming, including virtual events and interactive streaming, that use standard equipment, have been popular the world over for long enough that every region has its share of creators and influencers. However, the global markets are still shifting in two ways that are important to watch.

The first is that platform availability is changing where the world’s most popular live streamers are doing business. Twitch pulling out of South Korea is a perfect example. When Twitch announced at the end of 2023 that they would cease all operations in the country due to prohibitively high network fees in February 2024, 19 of the top 20 most-watched VTubers were based on the platform.

These creators are independent. They are not affiliated with agencies or brands. At the beginning of the year, they all had to decide which platforms to use as Twitch shut down. Most opted for YouTube Live, AfreecaTV, or the new South Korean platform CHZZK. This influx of content creators and viewers changed the global live streaming landscape

The second way that the global live streaming scene is changing is that some nations’ live streaming sectors are growing while others are falling. China, specifically, appears slated to make big moves in 2024.

Viewers from different regions of the world have unique tastes. In Southeast Asia, the most watched streams are represented by the mobile gaming industry.

China is not the only country with a growing mobile gaming live streaming sector. In 2023, Battlegrounds Mobile India generated 34% more hours watched on YouTube Gaming than it had in 2022, and that trend is set to continue.

9. Evolving Use of AI

Artificial intelligence became popular in the live streaming industry last year. Content creators had already been using assistant bots and media creators. The difference is that now, AI streamers are gaining popularity

Vedal987 is a great example. Also known as Neuro-sama, the AI streamer generated 5.38M hours watched in 2023. The AI can interact with viewers through chat, react to their submitted photos, and create an immersive experience.

Currently, AI streamers are the exception rather than the rule. The primary role of AI in the live streaming industry is as chatbots associated with human live streaming personalities. The bots perfect themselves over time and effectively moderate chats without altering content creators’ brands.

Many industry observers believe that AI will take on a new role in 2024, further increasing the popularity of VTubing. AI can create VTubing avatars for far less than it costs to purchase the expensive 3D models and rigging setups currently used by the most popular VTubers

Because AI is constantly evolving, there’s no way to know how it will be used by the end of 2024. What’s clear is that AI is here to stay and content creators are already finding new and innovative ways to incorporate it into their brands.

1. Determine the Goal of the Live Stream

What do you hope to accomplish with this broadcast? Do you want to bring in new viewers or generate additional leads? Having a goal in mind simplifies the planning process. To boost sales, the live stream might launch a new product or service. To grow the audience, the broadcast could share breaking news in the industry. A well-planned broadcast is easy to repurpose after the event as demand-gen content.

2. Select a Topic

Narrow the options to a single topic the broadcast will cover. Determine what the message of the broadcast should be. When you know the topic thoroughly, you can speak knowledgeably. Your confidence when doing so will come across in the broadcast.

Focusing on one theme allows viewers to associate with the topic. Keep a narrow focus throughout the event. This focus allows you to showcase your expertise and thought leadership. The audience will feel as if they gain value from participating in the live stream.

Determine the format of the live stream. Some topics are well-suited for question-and-answer sessions. When launching a new product, you might do a reveal or a how-to video. Interviews and behind-the-scenes broadcasts also draw people in.

3. Hire a Crew

Many people do live streams on their own using nothing more than a mobile device. These productions typically are of low quality and don’t present a professional image. Don’t make this mistake. Hire a crew to help you produce a quality live stream that attracts viewers for the right reasons.

The crew may engage with viewers throughout the event, man cameras, help with product how-to videos, and more.

At a minimum, spend the money to bring in an event producer and sound technician. Once these individuals are in place, determine if additional crew members are needed. The number of workers required typically correlates with the size of the broadcast.

4. Choose One or More Target Destinations

Some live streams only appear on one marketing channel to increase the fan base on that channel. Other broadcasts appear across multiple platforms and reach a broader audience. Know which channels the target audience prefers to meet them where they are.

Determine when members of the target audience spend most of their time online. Know what barriers exist for these members and how to work around them. Work schedules and time zones are two factors that you need to consider when deciding when to hold the live stream and draw the largest audience.

Experts recommend establishing a consistent schedule for live streams. Viewers know when to expect new content. This information allows them to plan for future broadcasts and to share these events with others who might also be interested in the content.

5. Invest in Quality Streaming Equipment

Viewers won’t stick around if they cannot see or hear the video. Invest in quality equipment for the streaming event to draw viewers in and keep them engaged. Many people believe the best way to live stream is with a phone or mobile device, as they can broadcast anytime and anywhere. However, a live stream that is of low quality makes them appear unprofessional and ill-prepared. High-quality streaming equipment is an investment in the future, so budget for excellent equipment.

A high-quality camera provides better resolution, but you may have a shaky picture if someone holds the camera during the event. Purchase a tripod to prevent this common problem. Upgrade audio equipment for clear sound, and purchase a lighting scheme that allows everyone to be seen in their best light.

Internet bandwidth also plays a role in a successful live stream. Estimate the number of simultaneous viewers and make certain the bandwidth can handle this volume. Update your device and install video compression software to deliver the broadcast. While it may be easier to grab a phone or mobile device and start shooting, doing so could leave viewers with an unfavorable impression. Avoid this by making high-quality equipment a priority.

6. Consider Multistreaming

A person new to live streaming might use one camera for the entire broadcast. Allow your event to stand out by using multiple cameras to provide different angles throughout the show. Purchase a video switcher to move seamlessly between these devices during the broadcast. Adding logo overlays, subtitles, and other computer inputs into the live stream is effortless with this device.

Multiple microphones or a podium mic add a new level to the broadcast. Invest in an audio mixer to send audio to the video stream. Test this equipment before the event to confirm all pieces work together.

7. Create an Outline

One of the most important live streaming tips a person can receive is to prepare an outline for each broadcast. This outline ensures the event follows a logical order. It also helps the host remember all the points they should cover during the broadcast. Focus on building a framework of points rather than writing a script. The script will sound forced and unnatural, which viewers don’t like.

Increase engagement by offering content that cannot be found elsewhere. Use animations to grab a viewer’s attention. Elements such as these ensure the event is memorable to the viewers.

Many people choose to use a storyboard for this outline. This storyboard helps you visualize the sequence of the broadcast. When creating this storyboard, determine which format to use and create frames for each segment of the live stream. Include talking points and engagement cues to keep viewers engaged. List different shots and angles on this storyboard, along with camera movements and transitions. Make adjustments to the board as needed until you have the perfect outline for the event.

8. Build a Set

Create a backdrop for the event to ensure background elements don’t interfere with the delivery of the desired message. A clean and uncluttered workspace suggests to the viewer that you are in control. The first impression sets the tone for the entire relationship, so make certain the set presents the image you want it to.

9. Test the Connection

Never plan a live stream until you have a stable internet connection. No viewer wants to sit through a live stream that constantly buffers. A stable connection remains one of the biggest challenges for hosts. One of the easiest ways to avoid this challenge is through the use of an ethernet cable and a dedicated connection. No other system will connect to the network and interfere with the event. Test the internet speed before going live on the day of the event using a site such as speedtest.net.

10. Promote the Event

People can only view a live stream when they know it is occurring. Promote the event a few days in advance, using multiple channels to do so. Ask guest speakers to do the same, as they can draw more viewers in. When promoting the event, always share the date and time of the live stream along with where viewers may find it. Tease the topic to generate additional interest.

Post the event regularly on social media and through email marketing. People lead busy lives and these reminders ensure they don’t miss the event. Use a hashtag to make sharing the broadcast easy and create buzz. This hashtag makes it easy for followers to interact with the brand and the live stream. On the day of the event, post reminders and teasers to drive real-time traffic to the live stream.

11. Prepare Guests

Prepare guests before the event to ensure a successful broadcast. Confirm their system meets the basic requirements to join the broadcast and provide a calendar invitation that outlines the steps to join the event. Share a list of topics and questions to be asked, so they know what to expect, and invite them to join a dry run of the event. Ask guests to join the event ten minutes before the broadcast goes live to address any issues and prevent delays.

12. Conduct a Practice Run

A practice run is the equivalent of a dress rehearsal. It provides you with the opportunity to confirm all equipment works correctly and practice your delivery. Use this time to uncover any potential problems and find solutions before the event.

13. Add Graphics

Add titles and graphics to provide viewers with a seamless experience. Incorporate the brand colors and logo to increase brand visibility. However, don’t overwhelm the viewers with text. Limit the use of titles and text to the beginning and end of the live stream. You may also use it to introduce new topics or guest speakers, but keep it to a minimum elsewhere.

14. Countdown to the Event

Viewers may wish to join the stream early to guarantee they don’t miss anything. Other viewers might forget about the event if they don’t receive reminders when the event is quickly nearing. Create a countdown timer to generate excitement, provide a gentle reminder of the live stream start time, and help those who live in other time zones know when to log on to watch. This time may begin several hours before the event, or you might start it 10 or 15 minutes before the event launch time. It is a matter of preference.

15. Engage With Viewers

Establish a system where you can respond to comments during the broadcast. Assign a person to monitor the feed and share questions that will add to the broadcast. This engagement helps you build a strong relationship with listeners and will encourage them to return for future events.

16. Conclude the Live Stream

Many hosts allow the screen to fade to black when the event ends. Don’t waste this valuable time when many viewers remain online and focused on the screen. Use the blank space to share information about yourself, your organization, or the event.

17. Collect Data to Improve Future Live Streams

Select a platform that collects data so you gain insight into what works and what doesn’t. Learn who attends these events and how often they play the content. Are viewers dropping out before the stream ends? If so, where do they leave? Discover how much time they spend watching the video and what device they use when doing so. Certain platforms provide information about which brand device the user is viewing the content on and more.

With this information, you gain a better understanding of the viewers’ interests. Qualifying prospects becomes easier and you can learn what viewers like. Bring this information together to make live video streaming events more successful in the future.

18. Extend the Lifespan of the Live Stream

People might miss the live event because they have prior commitments. Offer replays to get more from the broadcast. You may also take pieces from the broadcast and use them as marketing materials or to tease future events. Pull clips from the event and share them on social media to generate interest in future broadcasts and come up with a sizzle reel to post on your website. One live stream can go a long way when you know how to leverage the material.

19. Request Guest Feedback

Guests play an important role in live streams. They take an active part in making the event a success and can provide insight into what worked for them and what didn’t. Their input provides you with a different perspective on the live stream. Use this information to better meet the needs of guests in the future while improving the overall experience for all.

You must prepare for a live stream thoroughly. Any detail overlooked during the planning stage could lead to an event that is a dismal failure. During this broadcast, you connect with real human beings, and the presentation of this event plays a major role in their perception of you or your organization. Never lower your standards when hosting a live stream. No broadcast is better than a live stream with issues.

What is NDI video?

Network Device Interface, or NDI®, lets you transmit and receive broadcast-quality, low latency over existing LANs using cost-effective CAT5/6 cables and the quality is virtually lossless.

NDI allows the flexibility to choose from a wider variety of video input sources. Across the same network, you can access multiple cameras, software on computers, mobile devices, and more on the network using a single LAN port. No expensive multiple-port HDMI switches or SDI routers are needed.

The number of NDI sources you can add to your network is practically limitless. To access NDI devices across subnets, you can manually enter the IP address of devices on those other subnets using NDI Access Manager.

With NDI, taking your video production to a different location is a lot simpler without a whole mess of HDMI and SDI cables to manage. All your video sources are readily accessible from anywhere over the network. CAT5/6 cables are also a lot cheaper than traditional SDI or HDMI cables.

NDI and network bandwidth

High Bandwidth NDI, as the name suggests, uses a lot of local bandwidth to share audio and video. This is because the protocol transmits high-quality, low latency, uncompressed video streams that are virtually lossless. Every pixel captured by the camera’s sensors is sent without any reduction – resulting in a lot of data.

Transmitting uncompressed video, especially at higher resolutions, requires at the very least a Gigabit network, though the ideal transfer speeds ultimately depend on the number of concurrent High Bandwidth NDI streams.

A single 1920×1080@30 fps NDI stream needs approximately 100 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth.

The bandwidth required will change, however, depending on the resolution, framerate, and how much motion is being captured by the camera. For example, a 1920×1080@60 fps NDI stream requires 150 Mbps. Meanwhile, a 4K@30 fps NDI stream is roughly 250 Mbps.

It’s recommended to leave approximately 25 percent of headroom so that the signal remains smooth just in case any unexpected network traffic pops up during production.

So, if you have three PTZ cameras sending their video to an Epiphan Pearl-2 at 1920×1080@30 fps, that’ll cost you approximately 300 Mbps of bandwidth. If the Pearl-2 is also outputting the NDI stream in 4K, that puts your bandwidth at 550 Mbps. Reserving 250 Mbps for the suggested headroom, three sources and one output already totals 800 Mbps, just enough for the Gigabit network to handle the transfer

High Bandwidth NDI vs. NDI|HX

There are two variations of NDI to work with: High Bandwidth NDI and NDI|HX.

Both are great options for transmitting video and embedded audio signals across a local network, the main difference between them being compression and latency.

High Bandwidth NDI is uncompressed and requires a lot of bandwidth to transmit. NDI|HX is the high-efficiency alternative, functioning almost exactly the same way but requiring significantly less bandwidth thanks to the advanced compression  – making it an ideal choice for any environment where bandwidth is limited. The high efficiency of NDI|HX will add some latency compared to the High Bandwidth version, but at most, it’s only a frame or two. Audio is uncompressed in both High Bandwidth NDI and NDI|HX.

Here’s how much dedicated bandwidth is recommended for NDI and NDI|HX:

• A single 1920×1080@30 fps High Bandwidth NDI stream needs at least 100 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth
• A single 1920×1080@30 fps NDI|HX stream needs 8 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth

It’s worth noting that these figures are estimates and the actual bandwidth required will vary based on resolution, framerate, and motion.

NDI|HX allows creators to take advantage of almost identical, exceptional quality without worrying so much about bandwidth availability. Of course, the bandwidth available should always be something to consider, but NDI|HX was designed to work over low-bandwidth networks.

Available NDI tools

More and more software applications like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, NewBlueFX, EasyWorship and others offer native NDI support.

To help spur adoption, there are free NDI plugins for popular applications like VLC and Adobe Creative Cloud. For all the rest, NDI offers simple-to-install free tools. For example, NDI Screen Capture lets you turn a computer into multiple NDI inputs that any other NDI device on the network can access. You can define live video sources like the computer’s webcam, the full-screen display, different windows or combination of windows. Even different software applications running on that computer can be converted into an NDI input.

A couple more options include the NewTek NDI Connect and the NDI|HX Camera app (available for a nominal fee). NewTek Connect makes any camera or device connected to a computer’s capture card (or the local webcam) available to other NDI systems on the LAN. And NDI|HX Camera converts the output from iOS devices and Android phones into NDI video inputs. If you want to take your content further and out onto the WAN, consider using SIENNA Cloud for NDI.

The many free tools and flexible options that are available are definitely helping to drive adoption.

NDI adoption

Adoption of NDI is spreading since its introduction to the public early in 2016. Designing NDI into your AV system is getting easier as more hardware and software options become available. There are also more NDI enabled cameras to choose from companies like PTZOptics, or Panasonic, as well as full-featured video production systems like the Epiphan Pearl-2 that support NDI and NDI|HX. Additionally, Pearl Mini can support up to two NDI|HX inputs, making it a perfect choice to build a small studio.

If you already have existing cameras and AV equipment, NDI is still within your reach. You don’t have to make a huge commitment to switch over all your gear. NDI converters are readily available. These converters connect existing NDI unaware HDMI or SDI video sources to the network – and convert NDI into HDMI signals for your average monitor or video projector. NDI converters range in price and features. For example, the BirdDog Mini offers 1080p60 NDI encoding, 1080p60 NDI decoding, tally, and power over the Ethernet.

Practical NDI applications

Here are some practical ways you can start using NDI.

NDI for live events

Using NDI can offer several advantages when capturing live events such as lectures, conferences, or performances.

NDI eliminates the need for cabling, which can be challenging to set up and manage. By connecting cameras and other devices to an all-in-one production system like the Pearl-2 or Pearl Mini, everything you need to stream or record the live event is acquired in less time and in a much more organized fashion.

If the live event uses presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint, this can easily be added to the LAN using the free NDI Screen Capture or NDI Screen Capture HX. With this app, the presentation computer becomes another NDI input for your video production system to ingest. It can be added to Pearl-2 or Pearl Mini like any other NDI or NDI|HX source, recorded, streamed, and switched between as needed for the production.

Certain venues won’t have the network bandwidth required for an effective NDI production. It is possible to work around this, however. With NDI Bridge, you can securely connect two entirely different NDI networks from anywhere in the world. This is particularly useful for remote production workflows or transmitting signals to other locations.

Adding remote guests to broadcasts with NDI

Adding a remote guest to a live production was once a tricky proposition. However, with the addition of NDI-out to all major video conferencing apps such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Skype, it’s possible to bring the remote guest’s audio and video to your production tool or system of choice.

When enabling NDI-out on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Skype, the feeds can be ingested by Pearl-2, allowing you to switch, record, and stream video with these remote sources as well as any physical input available. Create interesting layouts with NDI inputs using the built-in custom layout editor and add text, custom backgrounds, and transparent images.

NDI and NDI|HX FAQ

Is NDI free?

Yes! NDI is free to use. Costs only come from acquiring the hardware or software licenses. But the ability to access NDI is free.

Should I use a hardware or software encoder with NDI?

While software encoders have advantages, the reliability and performance of hardware encoders make a huge difference when working with NDI.

Software encoding needs computers with state-of-the-art GPUs and ample memory to operate efficiently in an NDI workflow. If the computer doesn’t meet these high standards, it may crash or freeze while trying to process the uncompressed video. Software encoding also has been known to add latency to the NDI feeds.

Hardware NDI encoders, like the Pearl-2 or Pearl Mini, were designed explicitly to encode video, obtaining high-quality video and audio with no additional latency or competing programs.

How do I find my NDI sources?

There are a few ways to find your NDI sources. It depends on the devices being used.

If you’re using an NDI camera, start by logging in to the camera’s interface and making sure NDI is enabled. Once enabled, you can check the stream using NDI Studio Monitor.

The NDI discovery server, available in the NDI Software Developer Kit, can help you find your NDI sources as well. The NDI discovery server automatically discovers NDI sources on the network and provides a list of available sources that can be accessed by authorized users without having to manually search for their exact network location. To make sure each user has the appropriate access to NDI devices on the network, the NDI Access Manager app allows network administrators to set permissions and control access.

How do I connect my NDI sources?

If you’re connecting an NDI source to a Pearl, access the device’s admin panel.

In the Inputs menu, click Add input. The Add input page will open with all available NDI resources listed.

If it’s there, you can press Add and your NDI source will be connected to Pearl. If you don’t see it, enter either the “Group name” if it’s been assigned a group or the IP address of the NDI device in the “Extra source IP addresses” field to discover and receive the signal.

How does NDI transport audio?

Although NDI is commonly associated with video sharing, it can transport both video and audio over networks.

NDI can transport up to 16 channels of uncompressed, high-quality, low latency, 48 kHz, 24-bit audio data in the same stream as video in three ways: embedded audio, analog audio, or digital audio.

The most common way of transporting audio via NDI is by using embedded audio. With embedded audio, the audio data is carried within the video signal, making it easier to keep the audio and video in sync and allowing multiple audio channels to be carried within a single NDI stream.

To transport analog audio via NDI, it must be connected to a physical, NDI-enabled device like a mixing console that converts the analog audio to digital.

Transporting digital audio via NDI can be accomplished with the Audio Direct tool. This set of Virtual Studio Tools (VST) audio plugins allows virtually any audio software to select, receive, and generate multichannel audio.

Wrap up

NDI opens up new opportunities to make your live video production workflow easier and more flexible. You can save money on cables and infrastructure by using the existing Ethernet network and gain easy access to a lot more video sources at broadcast quality. There are free plugins and tools to help you start incorporating NDI into your current AV system right away.

If you’re considering a new AV system and want to start taking advantage of the benefits of NDI, an all-in-one video production system like Pearl-2 makes a lot of sense. Pearl-2 accepts multicast and unicast NDI sources, as well as high-efficiency NDI|HX. Pearl Mini also accepts NDI|HX, allowing to work with any NDI|HX source in low-bandwidth settings.

With Pearl-2 or Pearl Mini, you can bring in video and audio from a multitude of different NDI and NDI|HX sources, such as:

• Remote NDI-enabled PTZ cameras
• Any NDI-unaware HDMI/SDI source using a converter or the free NDI Virtual Input software
• Webcams connected to remote computers using the free NDI Connect application
• Output from iOS and Android mobile devices using the NDI Camera app
• Direct input from NDI-compatible software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, EasyWorship, etc)

NDI output from Pearl-2 is recognized as a webcam and is compatible with other NDI applications and devices that support webcams as an input, like Skype and many more.

Built to adapt to any network conditions

Unlike NDI’s reliance on high-speed, local networks to achieve low latency video, the Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol is designed to deliver broadcast-quality content over any network conditions.

Created with resilient error correction to compensate for packet loss, bandwidth fluctuations, and other connectivity issues, SRT is better suit to share content over the Internet. That’s why Epiphan Connect extracts isolated audio and video feeds from any Microsoft Teams meeting and makes them shareable via SRT.

By using SRT, a protocol that was built to adapt to the unpredictability of public Internet, Connect removes a huge barrier of Microsoft Teams’ NDI-out feature. Once the feeds are isolated, simply place them into any SRT-enabled production tool like vMix and you’re free to start creating. No need to redo your local network infrastructure. Connect is ready to work as soon as you create an account.

Powered by cloud

When using Epiphan Connect to get video and audio from Microsoft Teams to vMix, local hardware and networks aren’t responsible the extraction process. That all happens in the cloud.

The isolated video and audio feeds are securely received directly from Microsoft servers and made available via SRT in your Epiphan Edge account. Because all the heavy lifting is done by servers built for scalability, the resolution of the extracted video is much higher than a standard call: up to 1080p.

Rather than make your computer do all the work generating, acquiring, and streaming, you can rest easy and let powerful servers shoulder some of the heavy load. This frees your system up for better performance for the actual production.

Isolated audio with a single click

Though Microsoft Teams NDI may deliver broadcast-quality audio, the audio feeds leave a lot to be desired. Whether selecting the primary speaker stream or individual users, the incoming audio is always mixed together. A single track for multiple is an audio engineer’s worst nightmare as it’s impossible to mix.

When you use Epiphan Connect to add Microsoft Teams to vMix, you have the option of isolating each speaker’s audio. Simply select the “Isolated Audio” when the extraction begins and then you’re free to start, stop, and mix each participant’s audio inside vMix.

Virtual confidence monitoring

If you have ever joined someone else’s vMix project as a remote guest, you’ve no doubt felt a bit disconnected from the show. Despite a producer’s best efforts to keep you in the loop, nothing quite compares to seeing the finished product right in front of you.

With Epiphan Connect, you can help remote guests stay involved in the action the virtual confidence monitor. By enabling the return feed in Connect’s admin panel, a live look at the broadcast is added directly to the Microsoft Teams meeting. Guests can easily see the layouts, switches, and everything else the audience is seeing to keep the broadcast flowing seamlessly.

A more reliable way to join

vMix users already know that the f has a built-in feature to get guests into a project known as vMix Call. This feature, however, is only available with the HD, 4K, and Pro vMix licenses, which cost $350, $700, and $1,200 USD respectively.

Some users may prefer the native Call feature to live stream with guests, but this method is not without its challenges. For example, vMix Call doesn’t allow participants to share their screens, limiting how guests can contribute to the show. But the biggest issue is actually getting guests to join.

It’s very common for firewalls to block vMix Call. This can be solved if you have time to do extensive testing and loop in the IT department as needed. But the time to test the vMix Call with guests and the IT team may not always be available.

Rather than gamble your project’s success on the IT department’s availability, it’s far safer to lean on Microsoft Teams. It’s an app available on every device and trusted by IT professionals around the world.

Adding a Microsoft Teams to vMix with Epiphan Connect

To take advantage of the stream stability, improved video quality, isolated audio, virtual confidence monitor, and streamlined guest experience that Epiphan Connect has to offer, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to Epiphan Edge, select Epiphan Connect, and add the Microsoft Teams meeting URL.

Has NDI been enabled in Teams?

It may seem obvious, but the most common issue creators have with Microsoft Teams NDI is that it hasn’t been properly enabled. If you can’t find the purple “Broadcast over NDI” button in Teams then this may likely be your issue.

To enable NDI in Microsoft Teams, you – or whoever serves as your organization’s Microsoft administrator – must first access the Microsoft Teams’ client.

Start by entering the Microsoft Teams admin center. Select “Meeting policies” under the “Meetings” tab on the lefthand menu.

In the “Meeting policies” menu, click “+ Add” and scroll down to the “Audio & video” section. Find the “Allow NDI streaming” button and toggle it on. Save the policy.

Once the policy has been saved by the Microsoft admin, you can now go into Teams, select the three dots next to your profile picture and choose Settings. In the Settings menu, select the Permissions tab and toggle on Network Device Interface (NDI).

Start a Microsoft Teams meeting, select More actions and click the purple “Broadcast over NDI” button.

If the option to broadcast over NDI still isn’t available, the issue may be your operating system. The NDI function is not currently supported on M1 Macs.

Are you meeting the hardware requirements?

If you notice frames dropping or your system keeps crashing, it’s possible that your hardware is not powerful enough to run Microsoft Teams NDI. NDI can be extremely taxing for certain systems’ CPU usage. Microsoft support even recommends “…limiting the number of NDI®-out video streams to two or three on any single computer” for maximum performance.

With the right hardware, the NDI broadcast should only be taking up about 50% of your CPU. However, some creators report that running NDI causes their CPU to spike up to 90% usage. When all that memory is being used up, overheating, freezing, and crashes are commonplace. To ensure your record or stream can be completed, keep an eye on how your computer is managing its resources.

To check this, start a Teams NDI broadcast. On a Windows PC, open “Task Manager.” In Task Manager’s “Processes” tab, check to see the CPU usage on Microsoft Teams. If it’s hovering above 50% – your hardware could use an upgrade.

There are a couple of ways you can approach the hardware upgrade. You could shop for a new computer. A PC with an Intel i5 Sandy Bridge CPU or better with integrated NVIDIA discrete GPU with 2 Gb video or more as well as 8 Gb of system memory ought to do the trick.

Alternatively, you could rely on a hardware production system that supports NDI – like the Pearl-2 – to do the heavy lifting. A hardware production system is more reliable than the average computer because it was built specifically to encode and decode all manner of video signals. Whereas the most powerful computer available was built for a variety of tasks, including everything from processing video to keeping dozens of browser tabs open.

Either way, if your CPU is approaching 90% usage when broadcasting NDI from Microsoft Teams, your current setup can’t handle the labor-intensive requirements. If upgrading your hardware is out of the question, you can always look into an SRT-based alternative.

Are you meeting the bandwidth requirements?

If your PC’s CPU usage looks fine and you’re still dealing with dropped frames, freezing, and all-out crashes, then there’s just one culprit left: your local network.

NDI video consumes a lot of local network bandwidth. A single 1920×1080 NDI stream running at 30 fps needs at least 125 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth. And that’s just a single example. Higher framerates, higher resolution, and more streams will require more bandwidth.

Ideally, you should use a Gigabit Ethernet connection when working with any NDI stream. Public Internet or networks just don’t have the stability to handle transporting low-latency video. So, if it’s a bandwidth issue, you may need upgrade the existing infrastructure – look into wiring, switches, and anything else you’ll need to maximize the transfer speeds needed.

If you have the fastest network available, it could be that other people are clogging the network with their own activity. If that’s the case, it may be as simple as telling the other people on the network to cease their uploads and downloads until after the recording or stream concludes.

An alternative to Microsoft Teams NDI: Epiphan Connect

Microsoft Teams’ NDI feature is just one method of getting high-quality, low-latency video signals from the communication app. Another way to get the video you need from MS Teams – which doesn’t require a computer or network upgrade – is Epiphan Connect.

Epiphan Connect is an accessible alternative to Microsoft Teams NDI because the onus is not on your local network or system. The extraction happens in the cloud, freeing up your hardware and bandwidth to do the actual recording or streaming.

Once Epiphan Connect has been added to your Microsoft Tenant by the administrator, you can add it to any Microsoft Teams meeting. Just login to Epiphan Cloud, select the Epiphan Connect button on the left-hand side and click on the green “Connect to a meeting” button. Enter the Microsoft Teams meeting URL, select your audio preferences, and then hit “Connect & Join.”

After Epiphan Connect joins the Teams meeting, each participant’s video and audio will be available as SRT streams. SRT was specifically designed to deliver media across unpredictable public networks. It’s becoming increasingly popular with broadcasters because it’s a cheaper and logistically simpler alternative to satellite trucks and private networks.

The SRTs can be added to any production tool that supports the protocol – which almost all do. Because the extraction performed by powerful servers, the video resolution will be higher than a typical Teams call – up to 1080p. You can control and customize the resolution as desired, as well as select your preference between mixed and isolated audio.

NDI is no longer the end-all and be-all of getting exceptional video signals from Microsoft Teams. Now, thanks to Epiphan Connect, there’s a much more feasible of getting great video and audio from the app. One that doesn’t have such strict hardware and network requirements to work.

An easier way to connect Microsoft Teams and OBS

Before Epiphan Connect, using OBS to capture, record, or stream a Microsoft Teams meeting could be a tricky proposition. There were a few different methods available such as installing virtual camera plugins or ingesting Microsoft Teams’ NDI-out. But these methods had their risks given the strain they put on operating systems and networks.

Thankfully, Epiphan Connect doesn’t rely on local hardware or monopolize network bandwidth to provide OBS users with high-quality, stable signals for their production. All the heavy lifting is done by the cloud, enabling OBS users to focus on the actual content of their recording or stream rather than mitigating technical difficulties. And freeing up your CPU and network to run the actual production is just the start of why Epiphan Connect is a more reliable solution when using OBS and Microsoft Teams together.

But alleviating the load on networks and hardware is just the beginning. Here are three more reasons why Connect is the perfect link between OBS and Microsoft Teams:

Improved video quality

A common complaint about using OBS’s virtual camera to capture Microsoft Teams content and participants is the low video quality. There are typically two explanations for why the virtual camera looks blurry or laggy:

• Your PC lacks the horsepower to run multiple virtual cameras at 1080p or 30 fps along with all the other programs and media supporting the production, causing it to drop frames and compromise quality.
• An issue within your network connection, such as low bandwidth, may be causing packet loss in the incoming video feed, resulting in dropped frames, jitter, or low resolution.

And while you may be able to resolve these issues by adjusting the virtual camera settings, buying a new computer, or calling your Internet service provider about a plan upgrade, Epiphan Connect bypasses these common issues by doing the hard work of extracting a video signal in cloud servers.

Epiphan Connect isolates participant and screen share video feeds in Microsoft Teams and sends them to the cloud. The feeds are received directly from Microsoft servers so at no point in the process are you relying on local hardware or network bandwidth for the signal. This allows Connect to capture a clean image in a much higher resolution than a standard call: up to 1080p. And because the isolated video feeds are sent in Secure Reliable Transport (SRT), you don’t need to worry about packet loss or jitter. Learn more about what makes SRT protocol for streaming a reliable way to send video.

Isolated audio

Clean audio is nearly impossible to achieve when relying on OBS’s Virtual Camera feature to capture Microsoft Teams content. Even with the Virtual Audio Cable plugins available for OBS, it’s only possible to receive a single, mixed audio track featuring all participants. There’s no real way of controlling individual audio feeds, leaving the door open for a crowded sonic experience.

Even if you are working with experienced guests who have developed a keen sense of timing and tact, there’s no guarantee you’ll get a good balance of their audio. You may find yourself mixing the audio live during the stream to compensate for guests who are too loud or too quiet, which can be risky.

Rather than rely on live sound mixing or guests’ audio competency, take control of the audio with Epiphan Connect. It allows you to capture isolated audio feeds from each participant. You can take full control over who the audience hears, balancing their levels perfectly well in advance, in separate tracks. Anyone who works in video will tell you that sound is just as – if not more – important than video, and Connect makes participant audio capture easy.

Virtual confidence monitor

Getting guests to join your OBS project via Microsoft Teams is incredibly convenient. It’s free, familiar, and available on all devices. But when using NDI or OBS’s Virtual Camera to get their Teams feeds them into the production, they can sometimes feel disconnected from what’s happening in the show. This can sometimes lead to guests missing their cues, not realizing they are live, or skipping over important content.

Epiphan Connect can help remote guests stay involved in the action with the virtual confidence monitor. By enabling the return feed in Connect’s admin panel, a live look at the broadcast is added directly to the Teams meeting. Guests can easily see the layouts, switches, and everything else the audience is seeing to keep the broadcast flowing seamlessly.

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility it provides while elevating the production value of any OBS project that features remote guests.

Add MS Teams to OBS in 3 steps with Epiphan Connect

Sign up for an Epiphan Cloud account and register for Epiphan Connect.

Add Epiphan Connect to your Microsoft Tenant. If you are not the Microsoft administrator, get in touch with the person who is and ask them to add Epiphan Connect.

Once Epiphan Connect has been added, follow these steps to use Microsoft Teams with OBS.

Step 1: Add Epiphan Connect to the Teams meeting and copy the SRT URLs.

Live stream together on StreamYard

If you’re new to live streaming, StreamYard is a great way to test out if this medium is right for you and your brand. 

The robust free version gives you the option of 6 on-screen participants, banners, brand colors, screen sharing, and the ability to stream on all major platforms – a great opportunity to test whether your streams get more traction on Facebook, Twitch, or YouTube. And to do all this, all you need is an internet connection and a web browser.

As a bonus, adding a guest to a StreamYard stream is simple. Click “Invite” at the bottom of the screen, which will give you a link you can copy and send to whomever you’ve invited to join via email or text. Once that’s done, sit back, wait for them to click the link, and you’re ready to go live. 

Join a stream with vMix Call

vMix is a production software, enabling users to switch inputs, mix audio, record outputs, and live stream. It’s a powerful tool that adds a level of production value and professionalism to live streams.

You will need to purchase at least the HD lifetime license ($350 USD) to unlock the vMix Call feature to host a single caller. To host four callers, you’ll need the 4K lifetime license ($700 USD). Without vMix Call, you won’t be able to add guests to your live stream.

Once you’ve chosen the vMix license that best suits your needs, go to the bottom left-hand corner of the app and click “Add Input.” This will open the Input Select menu. At the very bottom of the left-hand column, select “Video Call.” Select the green “Host a Call” button. Copy the link generated and send it to your guest via email or text.

After you’ve sent your guest the link, wait for them to join the call, and stream the show to YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook, with the ability to switch and mix on the fly. 

Adding guests via Zoom isolated full screens

If you’ve ever been on a Zoom call and thought, “Can’t I just live stream this?” You’re definitely on to something, but it’s a little bit more complicated to execute with a level of professionalism.

To make an ordinary Zoom call look like a professional live stream requires access to multiple computers, an encoder, and – ideally – an experienced producer.

First, have the producer set up separate computers for each speaker joining the live stream. For example, a stream with two guests and a host will require three separate computers. Send the invite to all participants like you would for any standard Zoom call. 

On each device, the producer must fullscreen and pin each speaker’s individual feed. Once every speaker is pinned, the producer must then run each computer into a hardware encoder or streaming software. The individual computers have essentially been converted into video sources that can now be cropped and laid out for the optimal viewing experience. Once all graphics and layouts have been set up, stream to the CDN of your choice. 

Live stream with guests with Microsoft Teams NDI-out

Using Microsoft Teams as the foundation for your live stream is always a good idea. This familiar app most guests already use daily instantly puts them at ease. 

While Microsoft Teams makes it very simple for guests to join your live stream, there are still a few things you need to do if you’re going the NDI route. 

Before the Microsoft Teams meeting begins, make sure you – or the MS Teams administrator – has enabled NDI streaming in the admin center. When your guests join the Teams meeting, you should see a purple button on the bottom left that reads, “Broadcast over NDI.” Click this and it will generate a primary speaker stream, a local stream, individual user streams, and a screen-sharing stream.

Select the streams you need for the live show and place them in your production tool of choice, enjoying a high-quality, clean video of each guest.

Live stream with guests on Microsoft Teams and Epiphan Connect

Finally, the application that bridges familiarity and comfort for guests with reliability and creative control for producers. 

Epiphan Connect turns any ordinary Microsoft Teams meeting into a virtual studio in a few simple clicks. 

Simply schedule a Microsoft Teams meeting as you normally would, inviting the guests you plan on featuring on the stream. Then paste the meeting URL into Epiphan Connect.

When the meeting begins, the Epiphan Connect bot will join the call and isolate each participant’s video and audio. From the Epiphan Connect dashboard, collect the isolated feeds and place them into your production tool of choice. 

To see it in action, watch how Microsoft Corp was able to leverage Epiphan Connect to elevate its global all-hands event into an engaging video experience without the costs and complexity of typical event productions.

Quick-look comparison

Isolated speaker screen-capture

Effort level: Triathlon

Feasibility: How much gear you got?

Results: Decent, with a high risk of failure

Setting up an isolated full screens:

• Start your Microsoft Teams call
• On separate computers, pin and fullscreen the individual speakers, creating the equivalent of an independent video signal
• Capture the separate speakers’ feeds using a hardware encoder or streaming software
• Crop, mix, and switch between sources, add lower thirds or graphics in your production tool of choice

MS Teams NDI

Effort level: A steep hike

Feasibility: Very doable with admin access and available hardware

Results: High quality in controlled environments  

How to enable NDI in Microsoft Teams:

• Start your Microsoft Teams call
• Check the settings to make sure NDI broadcasting is enabled. Contact your Microsoft Teams administrator if you don’t see it available
• Click the “Broadcast with NDI” button
• Make sure your hardware or software encoder is connected to the local network.
• Add the speakers’ NDI feeds to the encoder
• Crop, mix, and switch between sources, add lower thirds or graphics in your production tool of choice

Epiphan Connect and MS Teams

Effort level: A walk in the park

Feasibility: Cloud efficiency for greater flexibility

Results: Highest quality and vastly simplified setup

How to use Epiphan Connect:

• Create an Epiphan Connect account and pair it to your Microsoft Teams account
• Paste the MS Teams meeting URL in Epiphan Connect
• Epiphan Connect bot joins the meeting
• Connect isolates each participant and screen share into separate feeds
• Pull the participants’ isolated feeds into your production tool of choice (check out Epiphan Unify if you want to produce from the cloud)
• Crop, mix, and switch between sources, add lower thirds or graphics in your production tool of choice

How to stream on Facebook: Web browser

One of the simplest ways to live stream on Facebook is straight from your web browser using a built-in or external USB webcam.

A webcam may be all you need if your only aim is to share your thoughts and engage with your audience in real time. (If you’re in the market for one, be sure to check out our blog on the best webcams for streaming.)

It’s also possible to live stream through your browser with a higher-end camera, such as a digital camcorder or mirrorless camera. To do so, you’ll need a HDMI-to-USB adapter to bring the video signal into your computer. Then Facebook can recognize the camera as if it were a plug-and-play webcam.

Once you’re all set with a camera, here’s how to stream on Facebook through your web browser:

1. 1. Log in to your Facebook account and access Facebook Live from:
      • Your News Feed – Click on the camera icon that says “Live video” below where you’d enter text for a post.
      • A Facebook Page you manage – Click on the “Live” button in the “Create” box near the top of the feed.
   2. Choose whether you’d like to go live now or make an event of it with the “Create live video event” option. If you’re going live now, be sure to toggle “Create a test broadcast before going live” before you hit “Select.”
   3. Choose “Webcam” under “Select a video source” at the top.
   4. If prompted, give Facebook and your browser permission to use your camera and microphone. (If you don’t see this pop-up, you may have to go into your browser settings to enable camera/microphone access.)
   5. Select your camera and microphone from the “Camera controls” box.
   6. Where it says “Add post details” on the right, customize the stream to your liking: give it a title and description, upload a thumbnail image, decide if you’d like to cross-post to any other Facebook Groups (that you manage, or that allow live video), etc.
   7. In the “Create live video” pane on the left, confirm where you’d like to post and when (“Now” to start as soon as you hit the “Go live” button, or “Later” to schedule a stream for another time).
   8. Within the same pane, enter the “Interactivity” submenu and determine if you’d like to use any of the features there (i.e., Polls, Questions, Graphics, Prompts).
   9. Hit “Go live” or “Schedule live video” at the bottom of the pane on the left side of the screen. (If the button is greyed out and unclickable, confirm that your camera is connected and that you’ve filled out your post details.)

That’s it. Remember to press “End live video” at the bottom of the pane on the left side of the screen when you’re done.

Facebook will post a replay to your Timeline soon after. This way, viewers who missed it can play back your live video. You can prevent this by clicking the red “Delete video” text on the session end screen. From the same screen, you can also trim your video or make a clip.

To see and manage all your current, scheduled, and past live videos, click the three-by-three cluster of dots in the top nav and then find “Creator Studio” in the drop-down menu (under “Professional”).

How to stream on Facebook: Mobile device

Mobile live streaming is ideal for spur-of-the-moment audience engagement and dynamic events where freedom of movement is key to a compelling webcast.

Facebook live streaming on a mobile device is pretty simple:

1. 1. Download the Facebook app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
   2. Open the app, log in to your Facebook account, and access the “Create Post” menu from your news feed or a Facebook Page you manage.
   3. Select “Live video” from the list of options below the text field.
   4. Grant any permissions Facebook needs for live streaming (camera, microphone).
   5. If you accessed Facebook Live from your timeline rather than a page, set your audience (public, friends, certain friends, friends of friends) by clicking on the downward arrow alongside the “To:” field in the top-left corner of the screen.
   6. Tap the text field at the bottom of the screen and add a description, tag other users, etc.
   7. Click the hamburger menu at the bottom to add a location to your post, add up to three other users to your stream, and/or set up polls for engagement.
      • You can also create and schedule a live event from here by tapping the calendar icon to the right of the “Go Live” button.
   8. When you’re ready to start, press the blue “Go Live” button.

Now you’re ready for some untethered live streaming. There are a bunch of fun options to explore (filters, masks, etc.), which you can access from the magic wand icon at the top of the screen before the stream starts, or from the ribbon at the bottom while streaming. These are fun to play around with, particularly for social streamers. If you’re not looking to add some visual flair (or chaos) to your live stream, ensure you don’t have any of these options toggled before going live.

When you’re done, hit “Finish” in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Then decide whether you’d like to post a replay to your Timeline. Press “Next” at the bottom of the screen, or hit the bin icon to the right of it to trash the recording. If want to edit the details of your live video replays after the fact, the easiest way is via Facebook’s Creator Studio through your browser.

How to stream on Facebook: Streaming application

Use live streaming software if you want to access extra production features or use multiple cameras or video sources. Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), XSplit, and Wirecast are just a few of your options.

Any streaming software should automatically detect any USB-based cameras connected to your computer. You can also bring non-USB video signal into your computer through a USB capture card. Your streaming software should then recognize the camera as a USB video class (UVC) device.

The exact process of live streaming on Facebook with a software encoder will depend on the software you’re using, but it should look a little something like this:

1. 1. Download and install your preferred streaming software.
   2. Log in to your Facebook account and access Facebook Live from:
      • Your News Feed – Click on the camera icon that says “Live video” below where you’d enter text for a post.
      • A Facebook Page you manage – Click on the “Live” button in the “Create” box near the top of the feed.
   3. Choose whether you’d like to go live now or make an event of it with the “Create live video event” option. If you’re going live now, be sure to toggle “Create a test broadcast before going live” before you hit “Select.”
   4. Ensure “Streaming software” is highlighted under “Select a video source” at the top.
   5. In the “Streaming software setup” box, copy the stream key to your clipboard. (Keep this string of characters private.)
   6. Open your streaming software and paste the “Stream key” — and, if required, the “Server URL” — from Facebook into the appropriate field. Refer to the user documentation for the software you’re using if you’re not sure where to look.
      • If Server URL is required – On Facebook, open the “Advanced Settings” menu under the stream key to find the Server URL. You can also establish a backup stream here using the toggle and then the separate stream key that appears.
   7. Start the stream via your streaming software. Back on Facebook, check that the live video preview looks good.
   8. On Facebook, where it says “Add post details” on the right, customize the stream to your liking. Give it a title and description, upload a thumbnail image, decide if you’d like to cross-post to any other Facebook Groups, etc.
   9. In the “Create live video” pane on the left, confirm where you’d like to post and when (“Now” to start as soon as you hit the “Go live” button, or “Later” to schedule a stream for another time).
   10. From the same pane, enter the “Interactivity” submenu and determine if you’d like to use any of the features there (i.e., Polls, Questions, Graphics, Prompts).
   11. Hit “Go live” or “Schedule live video” at the bottom of the pane on the left side of the screen. (If the button is greyed out and unclickable, confirm that your streaming software is connected and post details are filled out.)
       • If you scheduled your Facebook live stream for later, open your streaming software before the set time and turn on streaming.

End your stream through your streaming app once the show’s over. A replay will appear on your Timeline soon after for anyone who missed your live stream. You can review and manage all your live video replays through Facebook’s Creator Studio.

How to stream on Facebook: Hardware encoder

What’s a hardware encoder?

A hardware encoder is an appliance purpose-built for video streaming, capturing, recording – or all three.

Running your Facebook live stream through a hardware encoder offers a number of advantages over using a web browser or mobile device. These benefits make hardware encoders the best option for businesses shooting high-stakes events (e.g., concerts, sports matchups) and anyone who wants to elevate the look of their live streams.

Essentially, hardware encoders make it easier to produce polished, multi-camera live streams that are sure to impress and engage your audience. How? Flexibility is one of the major benefits. A lot of hardware encoders include multiple inputs for video and professional audio, letting you connect and stream HDMI and SDI cameras, laptops, tablets, XLR or TRS microphones, and more. And as dedicated devices, hardware encoders often perform better than software encoders. That’s because software encoders have to share resources with your computer’s operating system and any active processes. (Check out our post on the advantages of hardware vs. software encoding if you’d like to learn more.

There’s a wide range of live streaming hardware on the market, which makes it impossible to write a definitive guide to making hardware encoders work with Facebook. For that reason, we’ll walk through how to stream on Facebook using our Pearl encoder hardware. If you’re not using a Pearl system, we encourage you to review the user documentation for your appliance or reach out to the manufacturer.

Pearl Nano, Pearl Mini, or Pearl-2

For an in-depth look at how to configure Pearl Nano, Pearl Mini, or Pearl-2 for optimal live streaming, check out our live stream beginner’s survival guide. Also see Facebook’s video format guidelines for live streaming.

Here’s how to live stream on Facebook using an Epiphan Pearl system:

1. Log in to your Facebook account and access Facebook Live from:
   • Your News Feed – Click on the camera icon that says “Live video” below where you’d enter text for a post.
   • A Facebook Page you manage – Click on the “Live” button in the “Create” box near the top of the feed.
2. Choose whether you’d like to go live now or make an event of it with the “Create live video event” option. If you’re going live now, be sure to toggle “Create a test broadcast before going live” before you hit “Select.”
3. Ensure “Streaming software” is highlighted under “Select a video source” at the top.
4. In the “Streaming software setup” box, copy the stream key to your clipboard. (Keep this string of characters private.)
5. Log in to the Pearl web UI. In the side nav, select “Streaming” under the channel you want to live stream.
6. Paste your “Stream Key” from Facebook into the “Stream name” field.
7. Click “Apply.”
8. Back on Facebook, click open the “Advanced Settings” menu under the stream key to find the Server URL. Copy it. You can also establish a backup stream here using the toggle and then the separate stream key that appears.
9. Flip back to the Pearl web UI and paste the Server URL in the “URL” field under the channel you want to live stream.

10. Press “Start” in the top-right corner of the Pearl web UI streaming menu. Return to Facebook and ensure the stream preview looks good.
11. In the “Create live video” pane on the left, confirm where you’d like to post and when (“Now” to start as soon as you hit the “Go live” button, or “Later” to schedule a stream for another time).
12. From the same pane, enter the “Interactivity” submenu and determine if you’d like to use any of the features there (i.e., Polls, Questions, Graphics, Prompts).
13. Hit “Go live” or “Schedule live video” at the bottom of the pane on the left side of the screen. (If the button is greyed out and unclickable, be sure that your encoder is connected and that the post details are filled out.)
    • If you scheduled your Facebook live stream for later, start streaming on your appliance before the set time.

You’re live on Facebook! Select “Stop” on the Pearl web UI when your stream is over.