What do I need to get started with Switchboard?
Lucky for you, you don't need much to start Switchboard!
- A Live Streaming Encoder - like OBS, Switcher Studio, Ecamm Live, Vmix, Live U, etc.
- Social Channels and destinations - Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, LinkedIn, Hopin, Airmeet, etc.
- Steady Internet connection with a quality bandwidth.
How do I add a Title and Description to my live broadcast?
You can add or change the title of your live-streamed video by creating and applying templates to your destination groups. Follow the steps in this support article to create one.
Where can I find the RTMP information for my Switchboard Account?
Every Switchboard Account workflow has its unique combination of Server URL and Stream Key. It is located below the Switchboard Confidence monitor. Make sure to select the "Source Tab" to display the information.
Check out this resource to learn How to connect your Switchboard account via RTMP.
Or watch this video on YouTube.
How long can I live stream?
Please check out our pricing page to learn more about the plans that fit your needs.
Can I have guests and multiple people in one stream?
Guests are a great way to leverage your brand and social channels. Having guests participating in your stream depends on your broadcast setup. The type of camera and the live streaming encoder you are using to go live.
Did you know you can also stream the broadcast to their social channels?
You can use our Viral StreamShare™ feature to send a link and go live on their social channels simultaneously.
Can I GO LIVE with two different encoder workflows at the same time?
Yes! You can go live with two (or more) different encoder workflows simultaneously.
Each encoder workflow has its own RTMP information ( the server URL and stream key).
Use the information for each encoder workflow to connect to a specific encoder.
Read the steps in this resource to learn how to add multiple encoder workflows to your Switchboard Account.
How many devices can connect to my account?
You decide how many devices (a live streaming application like OBS, Ecamm Live, Switcher Studio, or Stream Yard) you want to connect with Switchboard.
Scenario 1. You can create multiple workflows and assign each to its encoder ( live streaming application).
Each workflow has its unique Server URL and Stream Key combination.
Scenario 2. Use one workflow for all of your devices. If you are using this type of setup, remember that you can only send content from one encoder at a time.
Read the steps in this resource to learn how to add multiple encoder workflows to your Switchboard Account.
How do I use the StreamShare™ Feature?
Please follow the steps in this support article to learn How to Send a StreamShare™ invite.
How do I add destinations that have been shared with me?
Destinations will automatically show up in your Viral StreamShare™ group.
However, you can move destinations out of the Viral StreamShare™ group to a different destination group by following these steps.
How do I stream to sites that are not listed?
You would do so via Custom RTMP. As long as the destination supports RTMP, you will be able to send your stream to that destination.
Can I Go Live on TikTok?
Yes! You can stream directly to TikTok via custom RTMP. Follow the steps in this support reference to learn how to go live on TikTok: Go live to TikTok.
Does Switchboard Support live streaming in the vertical( portrait) 9:16 aspect ratio?
Yes. We recommend starting your stream in a vertical format on the live streaming encoder.
Follow the steps in this article to learn How to Go Live in a Vertical( portrait) 9:16 Format with Switchboard.
Can I stream in 1080p?
Yes, you can live stream in 1080p with Switchboard. Keep in mind that the live stream settings depend upon various factors, such as the internet quality and the type of content you deliver to your audience. Please check out this link to learn about the general recommended settings for live streaming into Switchboard.
What operating systems does Switchboard Live support?
Can I use Switchboard on my phone? - Yes!
Can I use Switchboard on my iPad or tablet? - Yes!
Can I use Switchboard on my Chromebook? - Yes!
Switchboard is a cloud-based application, meaning that it is not software that is downloaded and installed. You can access and use your Switchboard Cloud account on your phone or any mobile device with a web browser, i.e., Chrome, Safari, etc.
Can I Go Live on Telegram?
Yes! You can go live on Telegram via custom RTMP. Follow the steps in this support reference to learn how to go live on Telegram.
I am trying to stream live to my Facebook profile, three Facebook pages, and one group.
Can I do this with Switchboard?
Yes! You can stream to all of the Facebook destinations simultaneously using Switchboard.
Go live to Facebook profile, page, or a group with Switchboard.
Does Switchboard work with NDI?
Switchboard Cloud can connect with various encoders (third-party live streaming platforms) that use NDI. For example, Vmix, OBS, and Ecamm Live are a few examples of encoders that you can use to connect with Switchboard.
Check out these resources to learn more-
- About NDI
- How to use OBS-NDI Toolkit with Twitch Studio
- Using NDI inputs - Ecamm Live
- Using NDI with Vmix
Does Switchboard offer RTMP Pull or SRT PUSH?
Switchboard does not offer RTMP Pull or SRT PUSH.
Can I Go Live on Twitter?
Yes! You can stream directly to Twitter; follow the steps in this support reference to learn how to go live to Twitter: Go live to Twitter with Switchboard.
Can I add a team member (users) or colleague to access my Switchboard Account?
Yes! We understand that live streaming can be a total production at times! Having a trusted friend or colleague to help manage your Switchboard account is a smart idea. An invited team member's role is "Administrator," and your role will be "Owner".
Read this reference to learn how to invite a trusted friend or colleague to become a team member of your Switchboard account.
Will the Switchboard Cloud logo show up on my live stream video?
NO, the Switchboard Live logo will not appear on any live stream videos, even during the trial phase.
Can I edit my video using Switchboard Cloud?
Switchboard Live is a streaming platform that broadcasts live content to multiple destinations. "Studio-like" features are not available on our platform. However, we can connect to a wide variety of encoders that have studio-like features. Use this link to see a brief list of encoders that connect with Switchboard - Which Encoder Should I use with Switchboard?
Can I use pre-recorded videos?
Of course, you can use pre-recorded videos!
Currently, Switchboard does not store pre-recorded videos. You will need to ensure that the encoder (OBS, Ecamm, and Switcher Studio all support this) you are using supports streaming from a pre-recorded video. Once that is set up, you can quickly stream from your encoder to Switchboard and Go Live.
How do chat integration and comments work when broadcasting to these various systems?
We do not support comment aggregation at this time. You will need to monitor the comments on their corresponding platforms.
Does your program allow screen sharing and two-way communication at the same time?
No, our program doesn't have screen-sharing capabilities. We can connect to a wide variety of encoders that have screen-sharing features. Once that is set up, you can quickly start streaming from your encoder to Switchboard and Go Live.
Can your platform ingest an HLS or DASH stream? Or only RTMP?
Currently, our platform only supports RTMP ingest.
Are the live streams saved to the individual social networks when they are concluded?
Yes, they are saved to the individual networks when they are concluded.
Switchboard does not store or archive your video.
What is the maximum amount of destinations you can have in a single workflow?
The maximum number of destinations that you can have in a single workflow is 30.
My YouTube stream will not GO LIVE; instead, it is scheduling streams.
You may be missing a stream title inside the active template. It is best to stop the stream, update the YouTube title in the designated field, and follow the steps in this support reference: YouTube won't connect.
How do I Embed my video stream onto my website?
You can purchase one of our video embed players (Business Unleashed subscription) as an add-on feature to your plan. Please feel free to contact Sales if interested in doing so. Alternatively, if you use YouTube as one of your destinations, you can use the embed from your channel and add it to your website.
Can the video thumbnail be added to a template before going live within Switchboard?
No, currently, there isn't a way to add the thumbnail to a template before going live within Switchboard. However, we have plans to add this feature.
How do I change my encoder?
We purchased a new encoder - I am not ready to set it up yet, but when I am - can I change it out without changing my subscription plan?
Yes, you can change the encoder connected to your Switchboard account anytime. Depending on the encoder type, you'll need to grab the Server URL and Stream Key, then paste them into the settings of the new encoder.
This support reference explains the steps: How do I delete or change the name of my current encoder workflow?
Can I use Switchboard on MAC or Windows?
Yes, you can use either of those platforms. You can access and use your Switchboard Cloud account on your phone or any mobile device with a web browser.
Can I stream to LinkedIn?
Yes, you can stream to LinkedIn. LinkedIn must approve you before going live on your LinkedIn individual or company page. Use this link to Apply to Become a LinkedIn Live Broadcaster.
Follow the steps in this support article to learn how to add LinkedIn as a destination in your Switchboard account. Go live to LinkedIn with Switchboard.
What are the recommended stream settings for LinkedIn?
The recommended stream settings can be found here:
LinkedIn Live recommended video specifications.
Help, I have received the error message on my Twitter destination:
"Start Failed. Received InternalServerError From Twitter's Users/Sources:"
You may have too many sources saved inside of your Twitter channel. You'll need to log into Twitter Studio and remove a bulk of the sources to Go Live.
Follow the steps here to learn how to fix it. Twitter Source Limit
Public API?
We have built our web application Switchboard Cloud on our API. We have matured it enough so third-party application developers can leverage what we built to add multistreaming functionality to their apps. Please email dev@switchboard.live to connect with a team member to learn more.
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