How to Multistream With the Switcher App

A multistream is a livestream that simultaneously broadcasts to multiple destinations. For example, you can set up a livestream to broadcast to both Facebook and YouTube at the same time. Using the ability to multistream allows Switcher Studio users to increase their reach and allows viewers to view using their preferred platform.


In this article:

Understanding How Multistreaming Works

A cloud, or network of servers, is used to distribute streams to multiple destinations (i.e. Facebook, YouTube) when multistreaming. Because the extra work of reproducing the stream happens on the cloud in real-time, no additional bandwidth is required for Switcher Studio users on location. For this reason, users are able to maintain high-quality livestreams without the need for more costly internet equipment or subscriptions. See the Cloud Recordings article for more information.

Platforms Available as a Multistreaming Destination

With integrated platforms like Facebook and YouTube, your platform account must be connected to Switcher Studio before selecting the Multistreaming output. For information on how to connect your accounts, see Streaming to Facebook with Switcher Studio and Streaming to YouTube with Switcher Studio.

Facebook

Multistreaming can be posted to Facebook Timelines and Pages. When prescheduling a multistream, Facebook will generate a post with the Title, Description, and Scheduled Post Cover Image from the Switcher Studio app. The livestream feed itself, however, will not begin on Facebook until the scheduled start time.

YouTube

YouTube is available as a multistreaming destination. When prescheduling a multistream, YouTube will display the livestream the moment you begin recording, even if it is before the scheduled start time. When using vertical video mode, keep in mind that YouTube will add pillarboxing, or black bars, to the sides of vertical video (9:16) since the default aspect ratio for YouTube is 16:9. Multiple YouTube channels and accounts can also be streamed to by utilizing the Custom RTMP feature below.

Twitch

Twitch is an available destination for use with the multistreaming feature. Keep in mind that Twitch restricts Multistreaming for Twitch Affiliates per their Affiliate Agreement. Switcher Studio is not responsible for any agreements violations made by Twitch Affiliates.

Custom RTMP

Custom RTMPs are available to be configured and used as a destination when Multistreaming. Any RTMP settings must be configured using the Custom RTMP broadcasting section of the outputs tab prior to creating a multistream. See the Custom RTMP Setup in the Switcher Studio App article for more information.

Video Collection

Video Collections allow you to stream to your own web player which can also be embedded onto your website. Collections make up your Video Catalog. Video Catalog and Video Collections are available for Switcher Studio Business and Plus plan subscribers. Selecting Video Collections as destinations does not count toward your multistreaming destination limit. Check out Video Collection Overview for more information.

Multistreaming Destination Limits

The number simultaneous destinations available for a Multistream is based on a user's type of subscription.

Free Trial: Up to 2 simultaneous destinations

30 Day Pass: Up to 2 simultaneous destinations

Studio: Up to 2 simultaneous destinations

Business: Up to 20 simultaneous destinations

Merchant: Up to 30 simultaneous destinations

Plus: Up to 30 simultaneous destinations

Note: Crossposting to Facebook pages does not count against the Multistream limit.

Live Comments Integration

The Live Comments feature is compatible with Multistreaming and can display comments from viewers on both Facebook and YouTube. The logo of the platform the viewer is using (i.e. Facebook) will appear with the on-screen comment. Additionally, the viewer's name will be color-coded according to the platform they are using, with blue for Facebook and red for YouTube.

Note: Live Comments are not available using Custom RTMPs.

Setting Up a Multistream Using the Switcher Studio App

Step 1: Select Livestreaming as the Broadcast Mode

  • Tap the Outputs tab in the Switcher app. (box and arrow icon)
  • Tap the dropdown menu next to Broadcast Mode and select Livestreaming.
  • Tap the orange New Event button or (if there is already an event created) tap Change>New Event.

Step 2: Select the destinations

  • Tap the first destination (e.g. Facebook).

  • Tap the first destination location (e.g. Timeline > My timeline).

  • Tap to select any number of concurrent destinations allowed by your plan's Multistreaming limit.

Note: If you haven't already, you will be prompted to connect your Facebook , YouTube or Twitch account.

  • Tap Next once all destinations have been chosen.

  • You will be taken to the Event Details page.

Step 3: Configure the Destination Settings

  • Enter the Event Details.

    • Scheduling: Go live now or Schedule for later

    • Title

    • Event Description

    • Stream Quality: 270p, 360p, 540p, or 720p (when selecting video resolution, you will also have an opportunity to run a speed test)

    • Start Time (scheduled streams only)

    • Scheduled Post Cover Image (for scheduled Facebook and YouTube streams only)

  • Configure the platform Destination Settings.

    • Facebook

      • Share with: Everyone, Friends, or Only Me

      • Content Tags (on/off)

    • YouTube

      • For Kids (on/off)

      • Allow Embedding (on/off)

      • Event Privacy: Private, Public, or Unlisted

  • Tap Create Event.

    • A pop-up will indicate that the platforms have been successfully connected,

  • Tap Create Event.




Step 4: Going live

  • Tap the record button (◉) when you are ready to start the Multistream.

Setting up a Multistream Using the Switcher Studio Dashboard

Step1: Select Livestreaming as the Output

  • Go to the Switcher Studio Dashboard.
  • Click Platforms in the navigation bar.
  • Click Manage or Connect next to Livestreaming.
  • Click Create a New Livestream.

Step 2: Select the destinations

  • Click the first destination (e.g. Facebook, YouTube).

    • Click the first destination location (e.g. My timeline > My timeline).

  • Click the second destination (e.g. Facebook, YouTube).

    • Click the second destination location (e.g. Page > Page Name)

  • Business & Plus plan users may repeat this process to add up to 5 total destinations.

Note: If Facebook or YouTube are greyed out, you will need to connect (or reconnect) your Facebook or YouTube account to Switcher Studio.

  • Click Continue once all destinations have been chosen.

  • You will be taken to the Multistreaming Event Creator page.

Step 3: Configure the destination settings

  • Enter the Event Details.

    • Scheduling: Go live now or Schedule for later

    • Title

    • Event Description

    • Stream Quality: 270p, 360p, 540p, or 720p

    • Time (scheduled streams only)

    • Scheduled Post Cover Image (for scheduled Facebook streams only)

  • Configure the Destination Options.

    • Facebook

      • Share with: Everyone, Friends, or Only Me

      • Content Tags (on/off)

    • YouTube

      • For Kids (on/off)

      • Allow Embedding (on/off)

      • Event Privacy: Private, Public, or Unlisted

  • Click Create.

Step 4: Going live

  • Open the Switcher Studio iOS app.

  • Tap the Plus (+) icon (iPhone only).

  • Tap New Livestream then Horizontal or Vertical

  • Using the bottom toolbar, scroll and tap the Outputs tab.

  • Tap Multistreaming.

  • Tap the record button (◉) when you are ready to go live.

Start Time Handling Differences By Platform

While Facebook starts the stream the moment the scheduled time begins, YouTube will broadcast the live feed when you press record, even if it is before the scheduled time. In order to ensure the broadcast is displayed from the moment the production begins, we suggest beginning livestreams with a "Starting Soon" display or countdown timer. This allows a time buffer to ensure viewers are able to begin streaming from the beginning of the broadcast, without missing any content.