Live stream events are a great way to engage your audience and foster real-time connections with your members.
๐ Uscreen now makes hosting your live stream events more convenient by streaming directly from your mobile device!
That's right! You can now stream or ๐ฑ Go Live from Mobile, directly from your app, using your phone's camera.
Requirements
Your mobile app must be version 3.14 or later
You must have admin access to your Uscreen account
You must create the live stream event first in your Uscreen admin area
๐ Learn more about Requesting an App Update
โน๏ธ INFO: To stream from the mobile app, first create your live stream event in the Uscreen dashboard. Once itโs set up, you can easily go live on mobile.
Starting your Live Stream on Mobile
Open your mobile app
Navigate to the More tab
Select Content
Select Go Live (only visible to admins)
Choose your preexisting live stream
Allow necessary permissions for the camera and microphone
Tap Go Live! when ready to begin streaming
๐ NOTE: Only admins will see the Go Live option. Your mobile audience does not see this option in your app.
Features
Support for both landscape and portrait orientation
720p streaming quality at 30fps
Camera flip functionality
Mute/unmute audio
View live chat messages
Respond verbally, as typing is not available during streaming
๐ Learn more about the Live Chat
๐ก TIP: You can also Go Live from your Web Browser!
Before You Go Live: Setup Tips
Connectivity
A stable connection is the single biggest factor in stream quality.
Here's what to know before you hit Go Live:
Wi-Fi (Recommended)
๐ NOTE: Wi-Fi is strongly recommended over cellular for live streaming. Cellular connections, even on 4G LTE or 5G, are more prone to fluctuation, especially if you're in a busy area or moving around.
Stay close to your router during the stream
Ask others on the network to avoid large downloads, video calls, or other heavy usage while you're live
Run a speed test from your phone at the exact location where you plan to stream and not just anywhere in the room. You need at least 5 Mbps upload for a stable 720p stream (preferably 10 Mbps upload speed or higher)
๐ Learn more about the Technical Requirements for Live Streaming
๐ก TIP: Use a free mobile app like Speedtest by Ookla to check your upload speed from your streaming spot before going live.
Cellular (4G LTE or 5G only)
If Wi-Fi isn't available:
4G LTE or 5G is required: 3G is not sufficient for live streaming
Stay stationary. Moving between cell towers mid-stream causes drops and buffering
Be aware of your data plan: a 30-minute stream at 720p can use 1โ2 GB of data
Avoid streaming in areas with a weak signal (basements, rural areas, crowded venues) as much as possible
Battery & Heat Management
Live streaming is one of the most battery-intensive things your phone can do, as it runs the camera, encodes video, and uploads continuously all at once.
โ ๏ธ WARNING: Do not start a live stream on battery alone if you can avoid it. A long stream can drain a full battery in under an hour.
Plug in your device before going live whenever possible.
If your phone gets hot during a long stream, it may throttle performance or shut off the camera automatically, and this can interrupt your stream
Keep your phone out of direct sunlight and in a ventilated spot
Consider removing your phone case during long streams, as phone cases can trap heat
๐ก TIP: Enable Airplane Mode + Wi-Fi before going live. This keeps your internet connection active while turning off the cellular radio, which reduces battery drain and heat, especially useful if you have a weak cellular signal in your streaming location.
Stability
Handheld streaming for more than a few minutes is tiring and produces shaky video that's hard to watch.
Use a tripod, phone mount, or gimbal for a stable shot
If a tripod isn't available, prop your phone against a stable surface (a stack of books, a shelf, a wall)
If you must hold your phone, brace your elbows against your body to minimize movement
๐ก TIP: Lock your phone's orientation before starting your stream. If your phone rotates mid-stream, it can disrupt the video feed for your viewers. On iOS, swipe into Control Center and enable the rotation lock. On Android, pull down the notification shade and tap Auto-Rotate to turn it off.
Audio
Your phone's built-in microphone is omnidirectional, so it picks up everything around you, including room echo, background noise, and handling noise if you're holding the phone.
If streaming in a noisy environment, use a clip-on (lavalier) microphone or a directional mic that plugs into your phone's headphone jack or Lightning/USB-C port
Bluetooth microphones are an option, but test thoroughly before going live. Bluetooth audio can introduce noticeable delay between your lips and your voice
Streaming in a quiet, soft-furnished room (carpet, curtains, cushions) naturally reduces echo without any extra equipment
โน๏ธ INFO: If you're using a Bluetooth mic or headset, connect it and test the audio at least 5 minutes before going live to catch any sync or connection issues.
FAQs
Can I create a new live event directly from my mobile device?
Can I create a new live event directly from my mobile device?
No, you must first create the live event in your Uscreen admin area. The mobile app only allows you to start streaming preexisting events.
Can I respond to chat messages while streaming?
Can I respond to chat messages while streaming?
You can see chat messages during your stream, but you'll need to respond verbally as typing functionality isn't available while streaming. Alternatively, you can log in with another admin account on another device to respond to the chat.
What if I need more advanced streaming features?
What if I need more advanced streaming features?
For more streaming options, consider using Uscreen's Live Studio from your browser or connecting external software like OBS Studio through RTMP for more advanced functionality.

