Multistreaming has become an essential tool for content creators who want to reach a broader audience by streaming simultaneously on multiple platforms.
Whether it’s YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, or other platforms, going live on multiple channels increases your reach and engagement.
While OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a popular tool for streaming, many streamers rely on plugins like the Multi RTMP plugin to multistream.
However, not everyone wants to or can use the Multi RTMP plugin due to compatibility issues, technical constraints, or personal preferences.
The good news is that you can still multistream without using the OBS Multi RTMP plugin. In this article, we’ll explore how to multistream without it.
Why Multistreaming Is Important for Content Creators
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why multistreaming is essential:
- Wider Audience Reach: Broadcasting to multiple platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch helps you expand your viewership and connect with diverse audiences.
- Increased Engagement: A wider audience means more potential interactions, comments, and overall engagement.
- Better Exposure: Simultaneously reaching multiple platforms helps you build a strong online presence and attract followers from different social media and streaming platforms.
- Monetization Opportunities: Some platforms offer monetization tools such as ads or subscriptions, and multistreaming helps you tap into multiple revenue streams.
With that in mind, let’s now look at different ways to multistream without relying on the OBS Multi RTMP plugin.
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How to Multistream Without OBS Multi RTMP Plugin
There are various methods you can use to multistream without the Multi RTMP plugin for OBS. Here are the most effective ways:
1. Use Dedicated Multistreaming Services
The easiest and most effective way to multistream without OBS Multi RTMP is by using a multistreaming service. These services allow you to stream to multiple platforms at once without the need for complicated setup or additional plugins. Some of the most popular multistreaming services include:
- Restream.io: Restream is a popular and powerful multistreaming service that allows you to broadcast live on over 30 platforms at the same time, including Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch. It works seamlessly with OBS, XSplit, and other streaming software.
- StreamYard: StreamYard is a browser-based streaming tool that enables you to stream to multiple platforms directly from your browser. It’s user-friendly, with easy integration for platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
- Wirecast: Wirecast is a robust live streaming software that also supports multistreaming to multiple platforms at once. It’s perfect for more advanced streamers or those who need advanced features for their broadcasts.
- OneStream: OneStream offers the ability to schedule and stream pre-recorded content across multiple platforms. This service is perfect for content creators who want to repurpose content across platforms.
How it works: Once you sign up for one of these services, you’ll need to connect your accounts from the platforms you want to stream to. After linking your accounts, you’ll receive an RTMP server URL and stream key, which you can enter into OBS or any other streaming software. The multistreaming service will handle the distribution of the stream to all connected platforms.
2. Using Multiple Streaming Software
If you’re hesitant to use an external multistreaming service, you can use multiple streaming software to achieve multistreaming.
- OBS and XSplit: You can use both OBS and XSplit to stream to different platforms. For example, you can set up OBS to stream to one platform (e.g., YouTube) and use XSplit to stream to another (e.g., Twitch). You will need separate computers or virtual machines for this method.
- Multiple RTMP Servers: In this approach, you configure OBS or any other software to stream to multiple RTMP servers simultaneously. You need to get the stream key and RTMP URL from each platform and set them up in the streaming software.
How it works: After setting up the RTMP URLs for each platform in your streaming software, OBS or XSplit will broadcast your stream to each platform in parallel. However, this method may require a more powerful computer setup, and a good internet connection to handle multiple streams without lag.
3. Use a Hardware Encoder
Another way to multistream without the OBS Multi RTMP plugin is by using a hardware encoder. These devices are designed specifically for high-quality streaming and allow for streaming to multiple platforms without taxing your computer.
- Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro: A popular hardware encoder that allows for multiple platform streaming. It connects to your computer via USB and provides HDMI inputs for cameras or other devices. The ATEM Mini Pro has a built-in encoder that can stream to multiple platforms simultaneously.
- Epiphan Pearl-2: The Pearl-2 is a versatile hardware encoder that offers multistreaming capabilities, allowing you to stream to several platforms at once. It’s designed for professionals who require reliability and scalability.
How it works: Hardware encoders work by providing an easy-to-use interface to connect to various streaming platforms. You only need to input your platform credentials, and the encoder takes care of streaming to multiple destinations without any technical hassle.
4. Use NGINX RTMP Server
For tech-savvy users, setting up an NGINX RTMP server can be a good option for multistreaming. NGINX is a web server that can be configured to relay a single stream to multiple platforms simultaneously.
How it works: To use NGINX for multistreaming, you will need to set up a dedicated server (local or cloud-based), install NGINX with the RTMP module, and configure the server to distribute your stream to multiple platforms. You’ll configure OBS to stream to your NGINX server, and the server will distribute the stream to multiple platforms using the RTMP protocol.
This method is ideal for experienced users with technical knowledge. Setting up an NGINX server requires careful configuration, but it offers full control over the multistreaming process.
5. Stream with YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch Using Their Native Tools
Some platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch offer native tools for multistreaming to their own network. While this doesn’t allow streaming to multiple platforms at once, it is a good option if you only need to reach specific platforms.
- YouTube: YouTube supports streaming from multiple devices at once, so you can use YouTube’s native tools for streaming.
- Facebook: Facebook also has a built-in multistream feature if you’re streaming to multiple Facebook pages or groups.
Conclusion
While the OBS Multi RTMP plugin is a convenient tool for multistreaming, it’s not the only option available. Using services like Restream.io or StreamYard, streaming software like OBS and XSplit, hardware encoders, or NGINX RTMP servers can help you broadcast to multiple platforms without the plugin. Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-use solution or a more technical setup, multistreaming is within your reach. The key is choosing the right method for your streaming goals and audience.
People May Ask
Can I multistream to Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook at the same time?
Yes, using multistreaming services like Restream.io or StreamYard, you can stream to multiple platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook simultaneously.
Do I need a powerful computer to multistream?
It depends on the method you use. Using a multistreaming service doesn’t require much processing power from your computer. However, if you’re using software like OBS with multiple RTMP servers or hardware encoders, a more powerful setup may be needed.
Can I use free multistreaming services?
Yes, services like Restream.io offer free plans with limitations. However, for better features and no branding, you might need to upgrade to a paid plan.
What is the easiest way to multistream without using the OBS plugin?
The easiest way is to use a multistreaming service like Restream.io or StreamYard, which automatically handles the multistreaming process without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
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