🎥 Live streaming is one of the most powerful tools in a creator's arsenal.
It builds real-time connections with your audience, drives membership engagement, and keeps members coming back. Creators who go live at least once a week see a 2.5x increase in revenue.
Whether you're hosting a fitness class, a coaching session, a live Q&A, or a full-scale production, Uscreen gives you multiple ways to stream so you can choose the setup that fits your style, your gear, and your audience.
ℹ️ INFO: Live Streaming is available on all Uscreen plans. Each plan includes a monthly allotment of streaming hours. Exceeding your allocation doesn't interrupt your streams, and you'll simply pay for overages.
What You'll Need
Before you dive in, make sure you have the basics:
✅ A stable internet connection
✅ A computer, phone, or tablet
✅ A camera and microphone (built-in is fine to get started)
✅ A Uscreen account with live streaming enabled
🔗 Learn more about the Recommended Specifications for Live Streaming
Streaming Methods at a Glance
Feature | Uscreen Live Studio | Stream Software (RTMP) | Custom CDN (HLS) | Zoom |
Best For | Beginners & all-in-one streaming | Advanced streamers using OBS or similar | Large-scale or enterprise broadcasts | Hosts already using Zoom |
Ease of Setup | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Customization | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Two-Way Interaction | Uscreen Live Chat | Uscreen Live Chat | Uscreen Live Chat | Zoom Team Chat |
Automatic Recording | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Counts Against Hours | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Equipment Needed | Basic | Advanced | External Provider | Basic |
💡 TIP: Not sure yet? Start with Uscreen Live Studio! It's the easiest way to go live with zero software required.
Choose Your Streaming Method
Use this flowchart to find your match in under 2 minutes:
Choose your method and follow the dedicated setup guide:
Best for: Beginners, quick setup, no extra software
Best for: Professional productions, overlays, multi-cam
Best for: Interactive sessions, coaching, two-way video
Best for: On-the-go streaming from your iOS or Android app
Best for: Hardware encoders (ATEM, etc.), 24/7 streams, advanced setups
Setting Up Your Event
Regardless of which method you choose, all live events start the same way in Uscreen:
Step 1: Create Your Live Event
Navigate to Content > Live Streaming
Click Add New
Choose your streaming method:
Uscreen Live Studio: Recommended for beginners
Stream Software | RTMP: For OBS and other advanced third-party tools
Zoom: Stream directly from the Zoom app
Step 2: Configure Event Details
Fill in your event information:
Title and Description
Categories
Start date and time
Purchase options (subscription access and/or one-time purchase)
Step 3: Set Up Preregistration
Preregistration allows viewers to sign up for your event in advance:
Under the Preregistration card, toggle Send email notification when event starts (optional)
Click Edit to customize the email notification if enabled
Non-logged-in users will see a form to register
Logged-in users will see an I'll be there button
🔗 Learn more about Live Stream Preregistration
Step 4: Enable Player Options (Optional)
Customize your viewer experience by toggling on any of the following under Player Options:
Live Chat:
Allows viewers to interact with you and each other in real time during the stream
🔗 Learn more about Live Chat
Donations:
Let viewers send tips during your event; requires Live Chat to be enabled first
🔗 Learn more about Live Stream Donations
💡 TIP: Make sure Live Chat is enabled before turning on Donations.
Rewind:
Allows viewers to rewind and replay portions of the live stream as it's happening
📝 NOTE: Rewind is not recommended for live streams longer than 4 hours, as it may impact performance.
Preparing Your Stream
Before going live, make sure everything is set up and tested.
For Uscreen Live Studio
Test your internet connection (at least 10 Mbps upload speed recommended)
Use a wired Ethernet connection if possible
Set up proper lighting and sound
Have your content materials ready
For OBS Studio or Other 3rd-Party Tools (RTMP)
Copy your Stream URL and Stream Key from the event settings
Paste them into your software's stream settings
Configure your scenes, audio sources, and output settings
Run a test stream to verify the connection
⚠️ WARNING: Double-check that your Stream URL and Stream Key are correct before going live. Using an incorrect or expired Stream Key will prevent your stream from connecting to Uscreen.
For Zoom Link
Open the Zoom app and confirm your scheduled meeting is ready
Test your camera, microphone, and audio settings
Admit any co-hosts or panelists as needed
💡 TIP: Start your Zoom meeting 30–60 seconds before clicking Start Live Stream in Uscreen to prevent viewers from seeing a black screen.
Going Live
Uscreen Live Studio
In your Uscreen event, click Enter Live Studio
When ready, click Go Live
Your stream will begin broadcasting immediately to your members
Stream Software (RTMP)
In your streaming software, click Start Streaming
In Uscreen, open your event and click Start Live Stream
📝 NOTE: The live stream must be started in both Uscreen and your streaming software for the broadcast to go live successfully.
Zoom
Make sure your Zoom meeting is already running
In Uscreen, open your event and click Start Live Stream
Members will see a Join on Zoom button on your storefront and can join the meeting directly
📝 NOTE: The live stream must be started in both Zoom and Uscreen for the broadcast to go live successfully.
Ending Your Stream
Uscreen Live Studio
Click End Live in the studio interface to stop broadcasting
Confirm your decision in the prompt that appears
Your stream will immediately stop for all viewers
The system will begin processing your recording automatically
💡 TIP: If you accidentally close the studio window without ending the stream, return to the event in Content > Live Streaming, find your active event, and click Finish Event.
Stream Software (RTMP)
In your streaming software, click Stop Streaming
In Uscreen, click Finish Event to end the live stream
⚠️ WARNING: Make sure to end the stream in both Uscreen and your streaming software to ensure proper recording.
Zoom
In Zoom, click End and select End Meeting for All
In Uscreen, click Finish Event to close the live event
📝 NOTE: Zoom streams using Gated Zoom Links are not recorded by Uscreen. If you want a replay, record the session manually in Zoom and upload the recording to Uscreen afterward.
After Your Live Event
Managing Recordings
If you used Uscreen Live Studio or RTMP, your live stream will automatically be recorded and added to your content library as an unpublished video.
💡 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.
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
🔗 Learn more about Live Stream Recordings
📝 NOTE: Do not delete live event recording files, even if the duration shows a small amount (e.g., 10 minutes). Allow 24–48 hours for transcoding in case of delays.
Best Practices for Successful Events
📅 Schedule regularly: Creators who live stream at least once per week see a 2.5x increase in revenue
📣 Promote in advance: Use email broadcasts and social media to build anticipation
🧪 Test thoroughly: Always run a test stream at least 24 hours before your actual event
💬 Engage with viewers: Acknowledge comments and questions to build community
📧 Follow up: Send a thank-you email to attendees and share the recording if available
Production Quality Tips
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
Framing: Position your camera at eye level for a natural, professional look
Understanding Latency
Latency is the delay between when you stream and when viewers see the broadcast:
Mode | Delay | Best For |
Standard latency | 20–30 seconds | Most stable; recommended default |
Reduced latency | 10–15 seconds | Better balance of delay and stability |
Ultra-low latency | 5–10 seconds | Least delay; may cause buffering on weak connections |
📝 NOTE: Standard glass-to-glass latency for RTMP ingest is around 20–30 seconds. While reduced latency options are available, they may impact stream stability.
🔗 Learn more about Live Stream Latency Modes
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 it free for all users or only for signed-in users. 🔗 Learn more about Making Livestreams Free
Will my live stream be automatically recorded?
Will my live stream be automatically recorded?
Yes, for Uscreen Live Studio and RTMP streams. Uscreen does not automatically record Zoom streams.
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. 🔗 Learn more about Offering Livestreams and Recordings
Can I stream 24/7?
Can I stream 24/7?
Yes, using the HLS/Custom CDN option with a third-party provider like ScaleEngine. This doesn't count against your monthly streaming hours.
What should I do if viewers see "The stream is currently not active"?
What should I do if viewers see "The stream is currently not active"?
Double-check that you've started the stream in your third-party tool, entered the correct streaming key, and clicked Start Live Stream in Uscreen (or Go Live in Live Studio). 🔗 Learn more about Troubleshooting Livestream Issues
How do I track who attended my live stream?
How do I track who attended my live stream?
Uscreen provides an Attendees Report showing who watched and for how long. 🔗 Learn more about the Attendees Report