Choose the right browser
We recommend the Google Chromebrowser for streaming . Chrome is up-to-date and equipped with all the necessary technologies for livestreams. This browser supports you in transmitting the best possible picture and sound quality to your viewers.
Alternatives are the Edge and Opera browsers. You can also use Safari on iOS.
| The Firefox browser is not suitable for streaming. Currently, this browser does not support the required technologies. This will result in quality loss for your viewers. |
Video quality and connection
Some webcams offer the possibility to adjust settings for the streamed video. If streaming software like OBS is used with a virtual webcam, it is also possible to define which properties the whole video has.
If you have the ability to make these settings, the following tips will help you get the most out of your stream.
- The maximum video format size is 720p (HD) - for example, 1280 x 720 pixels for a standard 16:9 monitor. Larger video formats also work, but do not provide any further increase in quality. The transmitted audio bitrate is 320Kbps
- The frame rate is fixed at 30 frames per second (fps). Transferring more frames is therefore not necessary.
- The minimum upload rate requirement is 350Kbps - the more, the better the video quality. There is no such thing as "too much", as long as the Internet connection has enough reserves. We recommend at least 1 Mbit/s upload rate for good transmission quality.
- If you notice fluctuations or quality drops, please deactivate programs you don't need and any running downloads.
- If possible, use a LAN connection (Internet via cable), since WLAN connections fluctuate strongly and the bandwidth can be too low.
- If you use WLAN, make sure that there are as few obstacles as possible, such as walls or furniture, between the router and your end device.
As a general rule, the more complex the system, the more susceptible it is to interference - we recommend keeping your stream setup simple!
Changing cameras in the stream
If you want to use different cameras in your stream (e.g. main camera and selfie camera on the mobile device), the button for switching cameras is available in the stream.
If you press this button, the available cameras will be switched alternately. You can perform this switch as often as you like while streaming.
| On iOS, you may have to explicitly approve the use of the main camera and enable its use. Once this is done, the camera switch is available in the livestream and you can set the desired camera. |
Why does the livestream stop when I switch tabs?
Most browsers have a built-in protection against accidental or unwanted transmissions. Therefore, if you switch browser tabs during your livestream, your stream will go into pause mode.
In pause mode, your viewers won't see any video or hear any audio. This does not end the stream. Your viewers will see a notice to that effect. When you return to the tab, the stream will automatically resume.
Can I stream with OBS / Streamlabs OBS?
It is basically possible to do a live stream with OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) by using a so called Virtual Webcam.
Image and sound of the OBS stream are transmitted to the webcam interface. The live stream in JOYclub is then started normally after the virtual webcam has been defined as the source in the browser. The newer versions of OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS have a built-in Virtual Webcam feature.
To save bandwidth, we recommend limiting the video size of the outgoing webcam stream to 720p, as this is also the maximum output size in our livestreams.
We currently do not offer a direct interface from OBS to JOYclub.