Live Streaming Solution

Broadcast Live Streaming

Live streaming is one of the most popular forms of online content today and continues to grow. Although you may watch live streams regularly, the thought of broadcasting live videos yourself can be daunting. That’s why we wrote this beginner guide to building a live streaming setup.

We’ll go through why you should live stream, the absolute basic equipment and tools you need to start, and how to choose the right streaming platform for you.

What is a basic streaming setup?
As a beginner, you need five basic things to go live: a camera, streaming software, a microphone, a computer and a good internet connection. You can also add accessories that will drastically improve the quality of your live stream without too much effort.

Camera

Start with the webcam on your laptop, or upgrade to a more powerful webcam without breaking the bank. The Logitech C922 Pro is a standard for live streamers, and the Mevo Plus helps streamers stay mobile.

Streaming software

Streaming software, also called an encoder, takes the video and audio input from your computer and transmits it to the streaming platform of your choice. Hardware encoders are also an option, but software is free and much more user-friendly. There are lots of streaming software options out there, but one of the easiest to use is Restream Studio.

If you’re going live with a software like Restream, you don’t need a complex setup — you don’t even have to download Restream Studio because it runs directly from your web browser. All you need is a webcam, microphone and an internet connection. Restream has all the features you need in a powerful streaming software, such as:

Video recording and editing
Adding video and audio sources
Multistreaming
Customizing live videos with graphics and overlays
Uploading and streaming a video file
Multiple screen layouts
Inviting guests to the stream
Playing local video files from your computer
Managing the live chat from multiple platforms in one dashboard
Live stream analytics

Microphone

Depending on your setup, you could get a standing/shotgun mic if you’re sitting at your desk, or a lav mic if you’re getting up and moving around a lot. The Shure SM7B delivers high-quality audio and the Blue Yeti USB mic is a popular choice among streamers.

Read our overview of the best microphones for streaming to learn more about what to look for in a microphone and how to find the best one for your needs.

Computer

You will need a device to stream from and a laptop or desktop computer are usually your best options. You can also stream from a smartphone, but the wireless internet connection might not be as stable. It’s also easier to connect an external webcam and mic to a computer.

Your computer should be powerful enough for streaming — if you’re streaming a video game, you’ll need even more power. Also, use an ethernet cable to connect to the internet when streaming, rather than Wi-Fi.

Good internet connection

If you’re uploading video and audio to transmit in real time, you’ll need a solid internet connection. If you’re gaming while streaming, you’ll need a great internet connection.

Check which upload speeds are required for streaming to see if your internet is fast enough.
Accessories and extra gear
Accessories are extra. They’re not necessary to go live, but they boost the quality of your stream. When you’re ready to upgrade from the basic setup, check out these accessories:

Lighting:

Inexpensive, well-placed lighting can drastically improve the quality of your video, even if you’re using your laptop’s built-in webcam. Check out our guide to video lighting to learn more.

Green screen:

Green screens let you replace your real background with a virtual one. You’ll need a webcam and streaming software that accommodate this feature, however. We rounded up the best green screens for streamers if you’re interested in getting one.
Headphones: If you have guests on your live broadcasts, headphones are a must to eliminate echo and ensure you can hear everything. Learn how to find the right pair for you with our list of the best headphones for live streaming.

Capture card:

Capture cards let you capture and stream footage from a wide range of devices, such as a computer, game console, camcorder or DVD player. Check out our roundup of the best capture cards in our full guide.

Audio mixer:

An audio mixer allows you to take multiple sources of audio and mix, balance and combine them into one signal. They’re ideal for streamers using more than one mic or playing music. We found the best audio mixers for streamers to help you choose one.

Video switcher:

A video switcher lets you switch between multiple cameras during your live stream. It’s a must if you have more than one camera for your live video. Learn more about how to use a video switcher in our guide to the best video switchers.