How to Stream Your Service
From zero to live in under 10 minutes. Works with OBS Studio, vMix, Wirecast, and mobile apps.
Download OBS Studio
OBS Studio is the industry-standard free streaming software used by churches worldwide. It works with cameras, HDMI capture cards, screen capture, and more.
Download OBS Studio (free)Recommended Settings
- • Encoder: x264 or NVENC (if you have Nvidia GPU)
- • Bitrate: 4000–6000 Kbps for 1080p
- • Keyframe Interval: 2 seconds
- • Resolution: 1920×1080
- • Frame Rate: 30 FPS (sufficient for services)
Configure Stream Settings
Navigate to Settings → Stream in OBS Studio.
Custom…rtmp://your-domain.com/liveabc123def456...Never share your Stream Key. Anyone with it can broadcast to your stream URL. Regenerate it from your dashboard if compromised.
Set Encoder Settings
Go to Settings → Output → Streaming and apply these settings for optimal church streaming:
Output Mode
Advanced
Encoder
x264 or NVENC
Rate Control
CBR
Bitrate
4000 Kbps
Keyframe Interval
2s (crucial!)
Profile
main
Tune
zerolatency
Preset
veryfast
The 2-second keyframe interval is critical — it matches the HLS segment duration for lowest latency.
Go Live
Click Start Streaming in OBS. Within 5–10 seconds your stream will be live.
Latency Expectation
Viewers will experience 3–8 seconds of delay. This is normal for HLS streaming and is the trade-off for reliable, CDN-delivered playback across all browsers and devices.
Share with Your Congregation
From your dashboard, copy the Viewer URL and share it via:
If your stream has a password, share it separately from the URL for an extra layer of privacy.
Password Protection (Optional)
Add a password to your stream for funerals or private family services. Viewers will see a password gate before the video player loads.
Copyright Protection: Since streams are private, password-protected, and not recorded, there is no automated copyright detection exposure. Your worship music is safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will viewers need to create an account?
No. Viewers just open the link in any browser — no app, no account, no sign-in required.
What cameras and hardware work with OBS?
Any USB webcam, HDMI capture card (Elgato, Magewell, Blackmagic), IP camera, or your computer screen. OBS supports virtually all video sources.
Can I stream with my phone instead of OBS?
Yes. Apps like Larix Broadcaster (free) or Streamlabs Mobile support custom RTMP and work with LiveStreamR. Use the same server URL and stream key.
Why is the stream delayed for viewers?
HLS streaming has 3–8 seconds of latency by design. This is the trade-off for reliable playback across all browsers and poor internet connections. It is normal and expected.
What happens to the recording after the service?
Nothing is recorded. HLS video segments are deleted automatically every 10 seconds. There is no archive or VOD — only a live stream.
Can multiple people stream to the same account?
Yes — create one stream per event. Each stream has its own unique RTMP key and viewer URL. Only one broadcaster can stream to each key simultaneously.
What internet speed do I need to stream?
Upload speed of at least 8–10 Mbps for 1080p. Run a speed test at fast.com before your service. For 720p, 5 Mbps upload is sufficient.
Can I use vMix or Wirecast instead of OBS?
Yes. Both support custom RTMP. Use the same server URL and stream key settings. The steps are nearly identical.