How to Stream to Multiple Platforms at Once

To stream to multiple platforms at once, send one stream to a multistreaming service that copies it to YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, LinkedIn and any custom RTMP server, or run a separate output for each platform from your own encoder. The service route needs the upload bandwidth of one stream; the direct route needs one stream's worth per platform. If the video is recorded in advance, a cloud service can run the whole broadcast from its servers while your computer is off.

Streaming to several places at once is also called multistreaming or simulcasting. This guide covers the setups, the settings that work on every platform, and the platform rules that catch people out.

Three ways to multistream

Relay service. Your computer does the same work as for one platform. The service handles the copies, so adding a fourth destination costs you no extra upload. You still need a stable connection for the whole event, because the stream starts on your computer.

Direct from your encoder. Every destination is a separate upload. Three platforms at 6,000 kbps need 18 Mbps of steady upload plus headroom, and if your encoder encodes each output separately, the CPU or GPU load multiplies too. In exchange, you can give each platform its own settings.

Pre-recorded from the cloud. Nothing runs on your side during the event. You upload the file once, choose the platforms and the start time, and the service streams it. Pre-recorded Live Stream sends one video to up to 6 destinations plus a custom RTMP server, at up to 1080p and for up to 3 hours per stream. The recorded live stream guide walks through that setup.

Settings that work on every platform

When one stream goes to several platforms, it has to fit the strictest one. These values sit inside the published limits of YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and LinkedIn:

The bitrate guide has each platform's full table, with sources. If you stream to YouTube alone, you can go higher: YouTube recommends 10 Mbps for 1080p30.

For a pre-recorded video, these are the settings of the stream, not of your file. Export the file at good quality (H.264, the same resolution, the frame rate you recorded) and let the streaming tool encode the stream. The video pre-flight checker reads your file in the browser and flags anything YouTube, Facebook or Twitch would reject.

How to set up a multistream

1. Turn on live streaming on each platform, days before. YouTube requires a verified channel with no live streaming restrictions in the past 90 days. LinkedIn Live is only open to members and Pages that meet its access criteria; you can request a review from LinkedIn's help pages.
2. Connect each destination. Many services connect YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and LinkedIn by signing in to your account. For any other platform, paste its RTMP server URL and stream key. Treat a stream key like a password: anyone who has it can stream to your channel.
3. Create the event on each platform. Write a title and description that fit each audience. Scheduling the event in advance gives each platform a page you can share and, on YouTube, a place for viewers to wait. On LinkedIn, the stream URL and key appear one hour before the scheduled start (two hours for verified Pages), and you can go live from 15 minutes before the start time.
4. Set the encoder to the values in the table above.
5. Run a test. Stream privately or to a test event, then watch every destination on a phone using mobile data, not your Wi-Fi. That is the only way to see and hear what viewers get.
6. Plan the chat. Each platform has its own comments. Many multistreaming tools merge them into one feed. Reply by name and say which platform the comment came from, so viewers on every platform know you see them.

Platform rules to check

Sources: Twitch Simulcasting Guidelines FAQ, Facebook Live policies, Facebook Live requirements, LinkedIn Live encoder settings, YouTube: get started with live streaming.

The Facebook rule matters most for a pre-recorded stream. Say in the title or description that the video was recorded, and take part in the chat live. Viewers still get the scheduled start, the chat and the replay; they are not misled about what they are watching. The Facebook Live guide covers Facebook's setup in more detail.

Rules change. Check each platform's current terms before a large event.

Multistreaming a pre-recorded video

A recorded webinar, class or product launch is the easiest content to multistream, because the difficult part (a stable stream from your location for the whole event) moves to a server.

1. Record and edit the video. Export it as MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio.
2. Check it in the video pre-flight checker.
3. Upload it to the cloud service and connect your destinations.
4. Pick the start time. You can do this days or weeks ahead.
5. At the start time, the servers stream the video to every platform. Join the chats from your phone or laptop and answer questions while it plays.

Your computer can be off during the event, and a problem with your home internet does not stop the stream.

When something goes wrong

Common questions

Does multistreaming use more internet?

Only if your own computer sends each copy. With a relay service or a cloud service, your connection carries one stream (or, for a pre-recorded video, one file upload before the event).

Can Twitch Affiliates and Partners multistream?

Yes, under Twitch's Simulcasting Guidelines, unless they have a separate agreement with Twitch that requires exclusivity. Keep the Twitch picture as good as on other platforms and do not direct Twitch viewers elsewhere.

Can I multistream a video that I recorded earlier?

Yes. Upload it to a cloud service that streams pre-recorded video, choose the platforms and a start time, and mark it as pre-recorded where the platform requires it. See the plans and limits for how many destinations and hours each stream allows.