Streaming live to YouTube should normally work very well. But there can still be some hiccups. If you're having difficulties, here are some things to look at.
For step-by-step instructions on setting up a YouTube live broadcast, see the article linked below.
Internet connection
For YouTube live broadcasting to work:
- Your SlingStudio unit must be connected to the Internet, either via its Wi-Fi, or via an Ethernet cable connected directly to the SlingStudio (using the USB-C Expander).
- You can connect to Wi-Fi using via the Internet settings panel in the lower-right of SlingStudio Console for Mac.
- To connect to a network using an Ethernet cable, use the Ethernet port provided on the optional SlingStudio USB-C Expander.
When you're done:
- The Internet LED indicator on the SlingStudio should be glowing green.
- If it is glowing amber, then your SlingStudio is connected to your network but not to the Internet itself. You'll need to investigate your network to determine the problem.
- If the Internet indicator is off, then double-check the Wi-Fi connection process or Ethernet cable.
YouTube account
Be sure that you are properly signed on to your YouTube account with a Gmail account (via a web browser on your computer) and that YouTube is ready to accept the live broadcast from the SlingStudio. You need to set up a new event in YouTube before you do anything else.
Within SlingStudio Console for Mac, you can log into YouTube in the Project Settings dialog box when you set up your project. (You can also do that at any time later, by choosing Project Settings from the Project menu when your project is open.)
- Choose either Recording and Broadcasting or Broadcasting Only.
- Click Show Settings to reveal additional options.
- Click Select a Destination and then log in.
Check upload speed
A good upload speed is critical for successful streaming. You can use SlingStudio Console for Mac to check the upload speed that's available to you with your network:
- Connect SlingStudio Console for Mac to your SlingStudio.
- With your project open, choose Project Settings from the Project menu.
- Choose either Recording and Broadcasting or Broadcasting Only.
- Click Show Settings to reveal additional options.
- Under Upload Speed click Speed Check. Wait a moment for SlingStudio to determine the currently-available upload speed. Note: It's best if your network has an upload speed of greater than 8 Mbps.
Check program output bit rate versus upload speed
It is important that the Program Output Bit Rate that is chosen for the YouTube broadcast is lower than the upload speed of your network connection; otherwise, the YouTube broadcast is likely to have quality problems.
To check video bit rate settings:
- Follow the steps above to determine the current Upload Speed that's available to you. Make a note of it.
- Choose Project Settings from the Project menu.
- Click Show Settings to reveal more options in the dialog box.
- Check: Is the current PROGRAM OUTPUT BIT RATE lower than the current upload speed? If not adjust it.
You're ready to broadcast!
Want to review Internet connectivity quality as you stream video?
You can do that in either of two ways.
First, make sure that you're streaming video. Then:
- Along the bottom edge of the Program window, click the word QUALITY.
The Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator opens. - You can also access the Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator from the Dashboard:
- Click the Dashboard icon in the lower-right corner of the Console main window.
Or choose Dashboard from the Window menu.
The Dashboard opens. - In the lower-left corner of the Dashboard, you see the LIVE BROADCASTING section.
- Click Stream Quality (in blue type).
The Live Broadcasting Quality Indicator opens.
For more information about the Live Broadcast Quality Indicator, see the links below.
