Live streaming is a powerful way to connect with your audience in real-time, boost engagement, and reduce membership churn. Uscreen offers multiple live streaming options to fit your technical comfort level and specific needs.
Live Streaming helps reduce churn and increase engagement by:
Building community
Foster a sense of belonging through real-time interaction
Providing regular value
Scheduled live events give members consistent new content
Diversifying your offerings
Add variety to your content mix
Increasing revenue
Creators who live stream at least once per week see a 2.5x increase in revenue
ℹ️ INFO: Live Streaming is available on all Uscreen plans. Each plan includes a monthly allotment of streaming hours. You can view the full details here.
Live Streaming Options on Uscreen
Uscreen offers several different ways to live stream, each with its own benefits and limitations.
Option 1: Uscreen Live Studio (Recommended for Beginners)
Our native solution lets you go live directly from your browser with just a few clicks.
Pros:
Simple setup with minimal technical knowledge required
No additional software needed
Stream directly from your Uscreen admin area
Integrated viewer list and live chat
Automatic recording of your stream
Cons:
Limited customization options (overlays, transitions, etc.)
Cannot use multiple cameras or advanced production features
🔗 Learn more about Live Streaming with Uscreen Studio
Option 2: 3rd Party Tools via RTMP (Advanced)
Connect external streaming software like OBS Studio for more professional productions.
Pros:
Greater control over your stream quality and appearance
Use multiple cameras, scenes, and overlays
Add graphics, transitions, and professional effects
Mix multiple audio sources
Screen sharing with audio
Cons:
Steeper learning curve
Requires additional software setup
May need more powerful computer hardware
More complex troubleshooting
🔗 Learn more about Live Streaming with 3rd Party Tools
Option 3: Custom CDN Service (HLS Links)
For Plus plan customers who need to stream 24/7 or use their own streaming infrastructure.
Pros:
Support for 24/7 streaming
Use your existing streaming setup
Doesn't count against your monthly streaming hours
Ideal for linear streams and TV-style channels
Cons:
Requires an external streaming provider (like ScaleEngine)
More technical setup
Troubleshooting must be handled by your HLS provider
Only available on Plus plans
🔗 Learn more about Live Streaming using Custom HLS Links
Option 4: Gated Zoom Links
Perfect for interactive sessions where you need to see and hear your members.
Pros:
Two-way communication with members
Familiar Zoom interface for interactive workshops
Doesn't count against your monthly streaming hours
Available on all plans
Cons:
Streams not automatically recorded by Uscreen
Members must have Zoom installed
Limited to Zoom's participant limits
No integrated Uscreen chat (uses Zoom chat instead)
🔗 Learn more about Live Streaming with Zoom
Comparison Chart
Feature | Uscreen Live Studio | 3rd Party Tools (RTMP) | Custom CDN (HLS) | Gated Zoom Links |
Ease of Setup | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Customization | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Two-way Interaction | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
Automatic Recording | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Counts Against Hours | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Equipment Needed | Basic | Advanced | External Provider | Basic |
Go Live from Mobile
If you have iOS or Android apps, you can also go live directly from your mobile device using your Uscreen app.
Pros:
Stream from anywhere with an internet connection
No computer required
Great for on-the-go content or outdoor activities
Simple, intuitive interface
Cons:
Limited production capabilities
Depends on the mobile camera and microphone quality
Requires a stable mobile internet connection
🔗 Learn more about Live Streaming from the Mobile app
Best Practices for Successful Streaming
Technical Setup
Internet Speed
Use a wired Ethernet connection whenever possible with at least:
10 Mbps upload speed for 1080p HD quality
5 Mbps upload speed for 720p quality
3.5 Mbps upload speed for 480p quality
Computer Specifications
Processor:
Intel: i5 10th gen or newer, or i7 8th gen or newer
AMD: Ryzen 5 3000 series or newer, or Ryzen 7 2000 series or newer
Apple: Any Mac with Apple Silicon (M1 to M4 chips)
RAM
At least 8 GB, with 16 GB recommended for more demanding setups
Graphics
Integrated graphics are sufficient for basic streaming
A dedicated GPU is helpful for multiple video sources
💡 TIP: Always conduct a test stream at least 24 hours before your scheduled event to identify and resolve any issues.
Production Quality
Lighting
Use natural light or a three-point lighting setup to avoid harsh shadows
Audio
Use an external microphone for clear sound
Background
Keep your background neat and professional
Engagement
Interact with Chat
Engage with viewers through Live Chat to build community
🔗 Learn more about Live Chat
Preregistration
Enable preregistration to build anticipation and track attendance
🔗 Learn more about Preregistration
Donations
Consider enabling donations to create an additional revenue stream
🔗 Learn more about Donations
Running Your Live Event
Preparation: Set up your event details, including title, description, and categories
Schedule: Set your start date and time
Access: Choose which plans have access or set up one-time purchase options
Features: Enable live chat, donations, and other features as needed
Testing: Test your stream before going live
Going Live: Start your stream when ready
Ending: Properly end your stream when finished
💡 TIP: Start your stream 30-60 seconds before your announced start time to prevent viewers from seeing a black screen.
After Your Live Stream
If you've used Uscreen Studio or connected your stream using RTMP, your live stream will automatically be recorded and added to your content library as an unpublished video. You can:
Edit the recording before publishing
Add it to collections or bundles
Make it available for purchase separately
Use it as a lead magnet
💡 TIP: If you're streaming using a 3rd-Party Tool via RTMP, you can also simultaneously record your stream through your selected software and even replace the automated recording.
🔗 Learn more about Replacing Live Stream Recordings
FAQs
How many streaming hours are included in my plan?
How many streaming hours are included in my plan?
Each plan includes a specific monthly allotment of streaming hours. Check your plan details or contact your account manager for specifics.
Can I make my live stream free?
Can I make my live stream free?
Yes, you can make your live stream free for all users or only for signed-in users. Learn more about making a live stream free.
Will my live stream be automatically recorded?
Will my live stream be automatically recorded?
Yes, for Uscreen Live Studio and RTMP streams. Zoom streams are not automatically recorded by Uscreen.
Can I sell both the live event and its recording?
Can I sell both the live event and its recording?
Yes, you can create a bundle that includes both the live event and its recording. Learn more about selling live event recordings.
Can I stream 24/7?
Can I stream 24/7?
Yes, but you'll need to use the HLS option with a third-party CDN provider like ScaleEngine.
How do I track who attended my live stream?
How do I track who attended my live stream?
Uscreen provides an Attendees Report for your live streams, showing who watched and for how long. Learn more about the Attendees Report