Can I Livestream Using Devices Other Than a Phone?
Julia EskinUpdated Yes, you can livestream with devices other than a phone using EventLive. While the EventLive app is designed for easy streaming from your phone, you can also use a Mac, a Windows laptop or desktop, or multiple cameras.
How to Livestream from a Mac
On a MacBook, iMac or Mac mini, use EventLive for Mac, a free app from eventlive.pro/mac. It streams from the Mac's built-in camera, USB and HDMI cameras or your iPhone, and lets you switch cameras and microphones while you're live. You don't need OBS or a stream key. See How to Go Live from Your Mac.
How to Livestream from a Windows Laptop or Desktop
On a Windows laptop or desktop, use EventLive for Windows, a free app from eventlive.pro/windows. It streams from the PC's built-in camera or USB cameras, and lets you switch cameras and microphones while you're live. You don't need OBS or a stream key. See How to Go Live from Your PC.
How to Livestream with OBS Studio
If you prefer broadcasting software, you can use OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software), which is free and works on Windows and Mac.
Steps to Livestream with OBS Studio
- Download and install OBS Studio from https://obsproject.com/.
- Follow the instructions in our guide:
How to Live Stream with EventLive and OBS Studio - Set up your webcam or connect your camera to your computer.
- Enter your EventLive stream key and server URL into OBS Studio as shown in the guide.
- Start streaming from OBS Studio.
Important Notes
- Streaming with OBS Studio is more complicated than using the EventLive app, EventLive for Mac or EventLive for Windows.
- You will need to adjust video and audio settings manually in OBS Studio.
- The EventLive app automatically handles camera and microphone settings for you, which is easier for most users.
Using Multiple Cameras or Devices
If you want to livestream using multiple cameras or devices, you have a few options:
Using Several Phones or Tablets
One phone streams to an event at a time, unless you add an extra camera angle. Each extra camera costs extra ($35 in the US) and lets another phone or tablet stream the same event at the same time, while guests switch angles on your one event link. See Add Another Camera Angle. On a business account, add rooms instead: see Multi-Room Events.
Using Professional Cameras
- On a Mac, connect your cameras (for example through HDMI capture devices) and switch between them in EventLive for Mac.
- On a Windows PC, connect USB cameras (including HDMI capture devices that work as a USB webcam) and switch between them in EventLive for Windows.
- On any computer, you can also connect multiple cameras and use broadcasting software like OBS Studio to switch between them.
- To send several feeds at the same time over RTMP, use multi-room streaming: each room has its own unique stream key, so each encoder or computer streams to its own room. See Multi-Room Events.
Using Multiple iOS Devices
- You can use Switcher Studio (additional fees apply) to connect multiple iPhones or iPads and stream to EventLive.
- Switcher Studio only works with iOS devices (iPhones and iPads).
- Learn more at https://www.switcherstudio.com/.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your phone is older, it may still work well with the EventLive app. Try it before setting up a more complicated system.
- Make sure your internet connection is stable. You can use WiFi or 4G data.
- If you have issues with OBS Studio, check your camera and microphone settings in the software.
Warnings and Important Notes
- One phone streams to an event at a time with the EventLive app, unless you add an extra camera angle (it costs extra).
- Streaming with OBS or with multiple cameras requires more setup and technical knowledge.
- Switcher Studio is only for iOS devices and has extra costs.
Additional Tips
- For most users, the EventLive app on your phone is the easiest and most reliable way to livestream.
- If you have special needs or want to use professional equipment, contact us for more help.
- Test your setup before your event to make sure everything works smoothly.
If you have more questions or need help, please reach out to our support team. We’re here to help!
Choose settings for your connection
For best results, use a wired internet connection. With professional equipment or streaming software, you are responsible for choosing settings your internet connection can sustain. If the stream is unstable, lower the video bitrate and, if necessary, the resolution in your encoder, then test again. The EventLive app, EventLive for Mac and EventLive for Windows adjust their streaming bitrate automatically. If you cannot get your encoder setup working reliably, use the EventLive app on a phone, EventLive for Mac or EventLive for Windows instead.