Configure Streaming
Set up your camera, lighting, and streaming preferences for a professional, reliable live show.
Good streaming quality comes from a stable internet connection, a well-configured camera and audio setup, consistent lighting, and correct encoder settings. This guide walks you through recommended hardware, camera settings, network and encoder configuration, and tips for live sessions.
Recommended Hardware
- Smartphone with 1080p capable camera or webcam (720p minimum)
- DSLR/Mirrorless or dedicated webcam for best quality
- Tripod or stable mount to avoid shaky footage
Camera Settings
- Resolution: 1280x720 (720p) or 1920x1080 (1080p)
- Frame rate: 30 fps is standard; use 60 fps for fast motion content
- Exposure & white balance: lock where possible to avoid flicker
- Focus: use fixed/manual focus to prevent autofocus hunting
Framing & Composition
Position the camera at eye level or slightly above. Use the rule of thirds — leave some space ahead of the subject. Show product close-ups when demonstrating.
Basic Lighting Setup
- Key light: primary light source facing the subject (softbox or ring light)
- Fill light: reduces harsh shadows (reflector or secondary soft light)
- Back / hair light: separates subject from background for depth
Practical Tips
- Avoid strong backlight unless you use fill lighting up front
- Use diffusion to soften harsh LEDs
- Match color temperature (e.g., all 5600K daylight or all 3200K tungsten)
Recommended Microphones
- Lavalier (clip) mic for close speech
- USB condenser or dynamic microphone for desktop setups
- Use an audio interface for XLR microphones when possible
Settings & Best Practices
- Set input gain so loud speech peaks around -6 dB (avoid clipping)
- Use noise reduction and a high-pass filter to remove low rumble
- Monitor audio with headphones and run a quick soundcheck
Recommended Bitrate & Resolution
- 720p @ 30fps: 2500–4000 kbps
- 1080p @ 30fps: 4000–6000 kbps (higher reliability connection required)
- Use CBR (constant bitrate) for stable streams
Encoder Options
- Hardware encoder (NVENC or QuickSync) for lower CPU usage
- Software encoder (x264) with CPU preset tuned for your machine
- Keyframe interval: 2 seconds (standard for streaming)
Stream Key & Security
Keep your stream key private. Regenerate your key if it has been shared or leaked. Use unique stream keys for scheduled events when possible.
Minimum Network
For stable live streaming, we recommend at least 5 Mbps upload for 720p and 10+ Mbps for 1080p.
Best Practices
- Use wired Ethernet when possible
- Prioritize your streaming device on the router (QoS)
- Avoid heavy uploads/downloads on the same network during streams
- Run a network speed test before going live
Network Test
Overlays & Branding
Add logos, price tags, chat overlays, and product callouts to your stream canvas. Keep overlays unobtrusive and readable on mobile screens.
Scenes & Hotkeys
Prepare scenes for introduction, product demo, close-up, and Q&A. Use hotkeys to switch scenes smoothly during the broadcast.
Notifications
Configure on-screen notifications for purchases and chat highlights — test them before going live.
- Camera positioned and focused
- Lighting balanced (no harsh shadows)
- Audio levels checked and monitored
- Network speed test passed
- Stream key configured and private
- Overlays and scenes tested
- Products or demo items prepared and within reach
Common Issues
- Video stutters → lower bitrate or switch to wired connection
- Audio echo → enable monitoring only on headphones or mute desktop audio
- Auto-exposure flicker → lock exposure or switch to manual
During the Stream
Keep a spare phone or device ready for backup and communicate with viewers if you need to pause or restart. Save recordings for highlights and post-stream content.
Post-Stream
Review stream recordings to spot quality issues and optimize settings for next time.
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