How do I go live on multiple platforms?

Going live on multiple platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitch etc. all at once can be a great way to increase your reach and viewership as a content creator. However, managing multiple live streams on different platforms simultaneously can be tricky. Here are some tips on how to go live on multiple platforms at the same time:

Use a multi-streaming service

The easiest way to go live on multiple platforms is to use a dedicated multi-streaming service like Restream, StreamYard, Streamlabs etc. These services allow you to stream to multiple platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter etc. from a single source. Here’s how it works:

When you are ready to go live, start your broadcast from the multi-streaming service’s studio or app.
The service will then broadcast your live stream out to all the different platforms simultaneously.
This way you can live stream to Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and more at the same time without having to start separate streams.

Most multi-streaming services also give you analytics on concurrent viewership across platforms, chat integration and more. Some popular services are Restream, StreamYard, Streamlabs and more. They usually offer different pricing plans based on number of destinations and features.

Use a PC live streaming software

If you want more control and customization for your multi-platform streams, you can use PC live streaming software like OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS or XSplit. Here is how you can use these to stream to multiple platforms:

Install and set up the live streaming software on your computer.

Configure multiple outputs in the software for each platform you want to stream to. For example create a Facebook output, a YouTube output etc.
When streaming, turn on all the outputs and your stream will be broadcasted separately to each platform at the same time.
You can fully customize your layout, overlays, recording settings etc. for each platform output.

This takes more effort than multi-streaming services but gives you more control. You’ll need a powerful computer too. Make sure to log in to and authenticate each platform account in the software.

Use an external encoder

For professional level multi-platform live streaming, you can use dedicated external encoders like Teradek Vidiu or Delivr to encode your stream and output separately to various CDNs and platforms.

This setup requires professional grade video mixers, cameras, audio equipment etc. and will involve:

Connecting your cameras, microphones, video switcher etc. to the external encoder.
Configuring multiple platform outputs on the encoder to desired CDNs or destinations.
The encoder will then take the feed, encode and push it separately to each platform you want.

This is a complex but robust way to achieve high quality multi-platform streaming. It does require significant investment and technical expertise though.

Use a hardware device like Castr

Devices like Castr allow you to live stream to multiple platforms by connecting it between your camera and computer. Here is how it works:

Connect your camera to the Castr device via HDMI.

Connect the Castr to your computer via USB.
On the Castr desktop app, add your streaming platforms.
When you go live, Castr will take your camera feed and broadcast it separately to platforms like YouTube, Facebook etc.

This provides an easy hardware based solution without needing a capture card or powerful computer. But features are limited compared to software solutions.

Use multiple smartphones

If you are on a tight budget, you can also simply use multiple phones to stream simultaneously to different platforms. For example:

Use your main phone to stream to a platform like YouTube.

At the same time, use a second phone to stream to Facebook.
You can also use a third phone for Twitch streaming.

Just mount the phones on tripods and position them to capture the same view. Use wireless microphones so your audio feeds to all phones. This is cheap but cumbersome to set up and manage.

Considerations for multi-platform streaming

Here are some important things to keep in mind when streaming to multiple platforms:

Check the terms of service of each platform, some prohibit multi-streaming.
You will need sufficient internet bandwidth to support multiple streams.

Both software and hardware solutions take up CPU and GPU resources from your computer.
Make sure your camera/mic can be detected on all platforms.
Read chat comments from all platforms to respond to viewers.

Managing multiple live streams

When live streaming to multiple platforms, it can be difficult to manage everything at once. Here are some tips:

Have a second display to monitor all your streams and chats.
Use the Restream chat app to see all chats in one place.

Have a team member help you monitor and manage chats.
Plan your show format ahead of time for smooth flow.
Interact with each platform’s audience equally.

Promoting your multi-platform stream

To get the most viewers across all platforms, you need to promote your stream properly. Some tips:

Create custom banners and posts for each platform.
Schedule posts and send notifications ahead of stream.

Share the links to your stream on all platforms.
Run a contest for users to share your stream.
Collaborate with creators from different platforms.

This will ensure your fans on all platforms know about your multi-stream event and can watch it wherever they prefer.

Boosting viewership across platforms

Once you are multi-streaming, you can use some strategies to maximize viewership:

Incentivize viewers to share your stream links.

Suggest viewers to watch on all platforms they use.
Offer exclusive content on specific platforms.
Silently embed Facebook stream on YouTube or vice versa.

Gate contests across platforms to drive engagement.

This will help you get a bump in live viewers and reach new audiences from each platform.

Analytics for multi-platform streaming

Analytics are crucial to track performance of your multi-platform streams. Some key metrics to monitor:

Viewer numbers for each platform stream.
Engagement metrics like comments, shares, likes.
Stream health stats like bitrate, resolution etc.

Concurrency and peak viewership numbers.
Content resonance across platforms.

Use tools like Restream Insights, SullyGnome, SocialBlade etc. to analyze and compare stats across all your streaming platforms in one place.

Going live on multiple platforms with OBS

Here are the steps to go live on YouTube, Facebook and Twitch at the same time using OBS Studio:

Install OBS Studio on your computer
Set up your YouTube stream in OBS
1. Go to Settings > Stream
2. Select YouTube/YouTube Gaming as service
3. Enter your Stream Key from YouTube

Set up your Facebook stream
1. Install the Facebook Live plugin
2. Go to Settings > Stream and select Facebook Live
3. Log in with your Facebook account
Set up your Twitch stream
1. Go to Settings > Stream and select Twitch
2. Log in with your Twitch account
3. Enter your Twitch Stream Key
When streaming, go to Controls and start streaming

All 3 platforms will start receiving your stream simultaneously

Make sure to optimize OBS settings for each platform output. You can stream to up to 6 platforms concurrently with OBS Studio.

Multi-streaming with StreamYard

To multi-stream with StreamYard to Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn:

Sign up for StreamYard
Connect your Facebook page, YouTube channel and LinkedIn accounts
Create your broadcast and enable outputs for all 3 platforms

Add your webcam, brand assets, guests etc.
Click Go Live and StreamYard will broadcast to all 3 platforms together
Monitor comments and analytics for each platform

StreamYard makes multi-streaming easy with no software downloads required. You can invite up to 10 guests and manage everything from their intuitive interface.

Top tips for multistreaming

To summarize, here are some top tips to succeed with multi-platform live streaming:

Use a dedicated multi-streaming service for easiest setup.

Create custom overlays optimized for each platform.
Promote your stream aggressively on all platforms.
Interact evenly with viewers on all platforms.

Analyze comparative stats for all platform streams.
Collaborate with diverse creators to widen reach.
Ensure sufficient internet bandwidth.

Monitor all chats from one dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stream on Instagram and YouTube together?

Yes, you can live stream simultaneously on Instagram and YouTube using a multi-streaming tool like StreamYard. Simply connect your Instagram business account and YouTube channel to StreamYard and go live. The stream will be broadcasted concurrently on both platforms from the same source.

Is multi-streaming allowed on Twitch?

Twitch has certain restrictions on multi-streaming. You cannot use your main Twitch account to stream concurrently to other platforms. However, you can stream simultaneously to Twitch and other sites by using a secondary Twitch account.

Can I stream to Facebook Pages and Groups together?

Unfortunately Facebook does not allow streaming concurrently to a Page and Group from the same account and source. You can either stream just to a Page or just to a Group at a time. Use multi-account setup to stream to both.

How do I see chat comments from all platforms?

Tools like StreamYard allow you to monitor and manage chats from various platforms in one single dashboard. You can also use Restream’s free chat app to aggregate chats in one window even without using their streaming service.

Does multi-streaming require more internet bandwidth?

Yes, live streaming to multiple sites will consume more internet data and bandwidth compared to a single stream. Ensure you have at least 10 Mbps upload speed per platform for HD multi-streaming.

Conclusion

Multi-platform live streaming allows you to reach a wider audience and increase viewership. With the right tools and preparation, you can successfully broadcast your stream simultaneously to various sites. Each platform also brings its own unique community and engagement opportunities. So go ahead and maximize your next event’s reach with multi-streaming.