How To Set Up and Use a Laptop for Live Streaming
Julia EskinUpdated You can use your laptop and its webcam to live stream with EventLive. How you do it depends on the laptop:
- MacBook: use EventLive for Mac, a free app. There's no extra software to set up.
- Windows laptop: use EventLive for Windows, a free app. There's no extra software to set up either.
- Any laptop: you can also use OBS Studio, free broadcasting software. The setup is more complicated than using a phone or tablet and takes some manual steps.
On a MacBook: EventLive for Mac
- Download EventLive for Mac from eventlive.pro/mac, drag it to Applications and sign in with your EventLive account.
- Open your event, choose How to Go Live → This Mac (Recommended) and click Go Live, or Start free test for a free test.
- Check the camera and microphone in the Studio, then click Start (Start Test for a test event).
You can use the built-in camera, a USB or HDMI camera or your iPhone, and switch between them while you're live. For details, see How to Go Live from Your Mac.
On a Windows laptop: EventLive for Windows
- Download EventLive for Windows from eventlive.pro/windows, open the Setup file and sign in with your EventLive account. If Windows says Windows protected your PC, click More info, then Run anyway.
- Open your event, choose How to Go Live → This PC (Recommended) and click Go Live, or Start free test for a free test.
- Check the camera and microphone in the Studio, then click Start (Start Test for a test event).
You can use the built-in camera or a USB camera, and switch between them while you're live. EventLive keeps the laptop awake while you're live, but closing the lid still puts it to sleep, so keep the lid open and the laptop plugged in. For details, see How to Go Live from Your PC.
With OBS Studio
If you prefer OBS Studio, these steps work on Windows and on a Mac.
What You Need
- A laptop with a webcam (built-in or external)
- A stable internet connection
- OBS Studio (free broadcasting software)
- Your EventLive RTMP link and stream key (available after payment or in a free test)
Step 1: Install OBS Studio
- Go to the OBS Studio website and download the version for your operating system.
- Install OBS Studio by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 2: Get Your EventLive RTMP Link and Stream Key
- Sign in to your EventLive account on your laptop.
- Create your event
- In the How to Go Live tab you will find the server info and Stream key for your event.
- For testing, please use the Start free test button and a stream key that starts with TEST.
Step 3: Set Up OBS Studio
- Open OBS Studio.
- Add your webcam as a video source:
- Click the "+" button under "Sources."
- Select "Video Capture Device."
- Choose your webcam from the list.
- Set up your stream settings:
- Click "Settings" in the bottom right.
- Go to the "Stream" tab.
- Set "Service" to "Custom."
- Paste your EventLive RTMP link into the "Server" field.
- Paste your EventLive stream key into the "Stream Key" field.
- Click "OK" to save.
Step 4: Start Streaming
- Click "Start Streaming" in OBS Studio.
- Go back to your EventLive event page to check if your stream is live.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Video or Audio: Make sure your webcam and microphone are selected in OBS Studio.
- Stream Not Showing on EventLive: Double-check that you copied the RTMP link and stream key correctly.
- Laptop Overheating: Streaming can be demanding. Make sure your laptop is on a hard surface and well-ventilated.
- Internet Issues: Use a wired connection if possible. Wi-Fi can be unstable and cause interruptions.
Important Notes
- OBS Studio is more complicated than using a phone, a tablet, EventLive for Mac or EventLive for Windows. We recommend someone familiar with OBS Studio monitors the live stream at all times and can adjust the settings during the live stream.
- The simplest way to stream from a laptop is EventLive for Mac on a MacBook and EventLive for Windows on a Windows laptop.
- Don’t forget to click "Start Streaming" in OBS Studio. Your event will not go live until you do.
- Always test your setup before your actual event. Use a free test to check your laptop, internet, and settings.
Additional Tips
- Phones, tablets, EventLive for Mac and EventLive for Windows are easier to use and handle all settings automatically.
- For more details, see our full guide: How to Live Stream with EventLive and OBS Studio
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.