Webcams (webcams) are very useful because they can broadcast live video to people all over the world. Whether you want to use a webcam to stream television shows, vlogs, or live feeds of your cat, here are some easy ways to achieve high-quality live streaming via a webcam.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Live Streaming with Online Platforms
Step 1. Find an online streaming platform that meets your needs
The streaming platform can do all your heavy lifting. You don't have to worry about coding or the technical sciences. There are several free and paid streaming services that can provide user-friendly tools. That way, you can stream your webcam without the hassle of installing an encoder or hosting it yourself. Enter the keywords "live stream platform" in your favorite search engine. The search results will show you many options that you can choose from.
- Determine what you need from the platform. Do you want a large audience, HD (high quality) streaming, mobile device compatibility and an ad-free platform? If so, look for a paid service. On the other hand, if you only need basic streaming for a small audience and don't care about ads, we recommend looking for a service that's free.
- If you decide to use a free platform, enter the keywords "live stream platform for free" into a search engine. Don't forget that there are not as many free platforms available as paid ones.
- You can try different platforms for free before making your choice. Many paid platforms also have a free trial that you can take advantage of.
- Some of the popular streaming services include: Ustream (paid, free trial), DaCast (paid), Livestream (free, free trial), and Bambuser (free).
Step 2. Create an account once you find the desired platform
Each service requires you to create an account. There is usually a button in the upper right corner to create your account.
- Sign up for a premium account which provides a larger audience, better quality, and is ad-free. Premium accounts are quite expensive, usually exceeding millions of rupiah a month
- Sign up for a free account if you don't need all of the above facilities or can't afford them.
Step 3. Log in your account to use streaming services from the platform
Usually, you can find a "Go Live" or "Broadcast Now" button. This button lets you stream the webcam directly without downloading software
Step 4. Allow the platform to access your webcam
You only need to do it once if you check the box that says remember that appears. You may have to update your version of Adobe Flash.
- Your camera light should be on. If the platform can't access your webcam, there may be a problem with the device (and you'll need to buy a new one) or the webcam drive needs updating.
- For better quality, upgrade (upgrade) your webcam software, or buy a new one.
Step 5. Start streaming
Now that everything is ready, broadcast your webcam to the world. Each site has a variety of easy-to-use tools and instructions. Click the broadcast button to enable and disable streaming.
- Once you've started streaming, you'll have your own channel or room for viewers to watch. You can share the broadcast link to your social media or blog. You can also name or organize channels to suit your needs.
- You can also embed your broadcast into a personal site. Your stream has an embed code that can be put in the site code so it can always be broadcast. If you cannot access the site code, contact your web developer. Most sites and blogs have an intuitive embedding feature.
Step 6. Download broadcasting software from the platform to improve your streaming quality
Some sites offer it for free, and some don't. You can also take advantage of the third-party software Open Broadcaster Software which is free to use. Thus, you are no longer too dependent on your platform and wifi. Method 3 will provide information regarding the encoding software (encoding).
Method 2 of 4: Go Live on YouTube
Step 1. Go to YouTube's features page
Make sure you're signed in to the Google+ account you want to use for broadcasts.
Step 2. Click "Enable" next to "Live Events"
Your account must be in good condition to activate it.
Read the Terms and Conditions and click " I Agree " to continue
Step 3. Click the "Create Event" button
From there, you can name the stream title, add a description, or start the broadcast right away!
Select the desired privacy setting from the drop-down menu. If your broadcast is open to the public, everyone can see your stream. On the other hand, private streaming can only be watched by certain accounts
Step 4. Select "Quick" instead of "Custom" to enable Google Hangouts on Air
This allows the Hangouts plug-in to access your webcam.
The Custom option should only be used for people who are proficient in coding as it requires you to use your own coding program
Step 5. Click "Go Live Now"
This button activates the webcam and launches Google+ Hangouts. Therefore, you will be prompted to install the Google+ add-on if you don't already have one. You will also need to allow Google+ to access your webcam.
The Hangouts window will appear, but you'll still need to wait for the video to finish buffering. Once the video has finished buffering by a few percent, streaming can begin. You should only have to wait about a minute
Step 6. Click "Start Broadcast" to start webcam live broadcast
Confirm by clicking "OK" and your streaming will begin! You have eight hours to broadcast.
Use the " Control Room " option to manage your audience. With this option, you can mute or expel annoying viewers
Step 7. Share and embed your broadcast
Click "Links" at the bottom of the Hangouts window to access the broadcast embed code and shareable link. Your stream will automatically appear on the YouTube Channel.
Method 3 of 4: Encoding Your Live Broadcast
Step 1. Download and install the encoder program
The encoder program converts the webcam's video feed into a customizable livestream that is usually of better quality than the online streaming platform's built-in encoder. Use your own encoder for more options and better video and sound quality. If you want complete control over your broadcast, we recommend using an encoder. Here are some of the best encoder programs you can use:
- Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free and open-source encoder program that is easy to use and has extensive setup options, although it is not as professional as other similar programs. You can stream broadcasts to popular hosts like Twitch, YouTube, Hitbox and so on easily. Open Broadcaster is one of the best options for a free encoder.
- Flash Media Live Encoder (FMLE) is also a free program and offers many high-quality features such as OBS. However, these programs tend to consume a lot of computer resources. Therefore, you need a powerful computer to be able to run this program with good performance consistency.
- Wirecast is a professional encoder that also works as a video production replacement. That is, this program has more features than OBS and FMLE. Despite having a lot of features, Wirecast is also more efficient and simpler. The downside, this program is priced around 5 million rupiah for the most basic version.
- Windows Media Encoder (WME) is specifically for PCs, which is both a positive and a negative side to this program. This encoder is quite simple and is optimized for PC. However, many people do not have access to a PC or want an encoder that can be used on both platforms. If you're using a PC, WME is a solid choice because it's free and can be used to encode many media types. That means you don't need a webcam to use it.
- Whatever encoder you use, the manufacturer should provide a guide for downloading and installing the program.
Step 2. Specify the platforms you want to link to the encoder
You'll still need to have live streaming platforms as discussed in Method 1. These platforms have a built-in encoder, but you'll get better results if you use your own encoder. Follow the steps in Method 1 to set up your account and channel.
Step 3. Determine the connection speed of the computer
Use your favorite search engine in your browser and search for "connection speed test." Choose one of the various options available. Run a test and write down the upload speed for future reference.
Upload speed must be in Mbps (Megabits per second)
Step 4. Go to the encoder settings and optimize the performance
The purpose of the encoder is to push the direct stream to its limit.
- Set the bitrate to 64 percent of the internet upload speed. The test results show that this is the optimum level of balance between flow quality and compression. Bitrate determines the amount of information in each frame (frame) of video. So, higher bitrate results in better quality. If your upload speed is 5 Mbps, set the bitrate to 3.2 Mbps. You can increase it to 80 percent, but be aware of compression artifacts that can appear when forcing high bitrates.
- Set the buffering level to equal the bitrate.
- Set the base resolution to be the same as your desktop. You can check it in your computer's settings or properties.
- Set the output resolution based on your bitrate: 480p for 1-2 Mbps, 720p for 2-3 Mbps, 1080p for 3-5 Mbps, and 1080p HQ for speeds over 5 Mbps.
- Set the FPS (Frames Per Second) to 60 if possible. Check your streaming service as some services only allow 30FPS.
- Test your streaming in various settings to get the quality and speed you want.
Step 5. Connect the encoder with the streaming platform
Most encoders list most platforms as usable streaming services. If your encoder doesn't appear in the list, select “custom.” Your encoder will provide a stream key to copy and paste into the platform which will link the encoder to your live broadcast.
Every encoder and platform does it differently. You are usually given a stream key or URL to copy and paste into the streaming service. If you have trouble finding it, go to the " Help " section of the encoder
Step 6. Start broadcast from encoder first, and then broadcast from streaming platform
Your broadcast isn't live if it's only streamed from the encoder. You also need to start broadcasting from the streaming platform once the encoder is connected to the platform.
- Make sure the streaming encoder is working properly before starting broadcast on the platform.
- You can change the stream source in the encoder settings. If you want to broadcast your webcam, make sure you have selected " Video Capture Device " or something similar.
Method 4 of 4: Broadcasting a Webcam Using an App
Step 1. Look for an app to stream your webcam
This is the easiest way to set up streaming, but the options are also very limited. These apps usually don't have as many features, simpler customization, and lower quality than streaming platforms or encoders. Streaming using the app is hard to get to an audience or channel, but it's perfect for home or business monitoring because it's simple, easy to use, and reliable.
- My Webcam Broadcaster for Mac and Yawcam for PC are two of the most popular applications for webcam streaming. Both are free and easy to use!
- Many of the online streaming platforms mentioned in Method 1 also have computer and mobile applications that they can take advantage of.
Step 2. Download and install the desired app
Step 3. Let the app access your webcam
Again, Flash may need to be updated for the app to work.
Step 4. Start streaming
The app should have a " Go Live " button which streams your webcam to the video player at the specified URL. You can open this URL in a browser or via a mobile device app.
Adjust the application settings to get the desired video quality and resolution. Be aware that the streaming quality of the application is not as high as the encoder or streaming platform. However, the quality is quite reliable
Step 5. Share the URL on social media to invite audience to your stream
The advantage of mobile applications is their ease of use. Download, install, stream and share. You can broadcast in just a few minutes.
- Like any other stream, you can see who's watching and even banish those who aren't allowed to watch the broadcast.
- You also have the option to make the stream view-only for yourself.
Tips
- Do a few trials before starting the live broadcast. Do a private broadcast first before making sure everything is working as intended.
- If you want to get more audience, keep sharing your link and alluding to it while chatting with family or friends. Let your broadcast spread through links and word of mouth.
- Adjust your streaming settings for desired performance and quality.
- Practice what you want to stream before starting the live broadcast so you don't make too many mistakes.
Warning
- Feel free to evict users who interfere with your broadcast. This broadcast is yours and you have the right to decide who can watch it.
- Be careful what you share on your broadcast. Everyone can watch it so don't share personal information or behave inappropriately for the general public to see. Pretend that your boss or family is watching, and don't do anything they can't see.
- Be careful when you download something on the internet. Make sure the download comes from a trusted source to reduce the risk of your computer getting malware.
