Ultra.
There was a time when broadcasting live from a remote location required a lot of expensive and bulky equipment. However, thanks to the advances in technology, live streaming has become more accessible in recent years via internet-enabled mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets. Mobile live streaming allows anyone to broadcast whenever and wherever they want easily.
Chances are, you already have a live streaming platform on your phone, as most social media platforms offer live streaming features directly in their mobile apps. Many people choose to live stream to social media because it gives access to an existing audience. However, live streaming through native apps is limiting because you can only stream to that social platform and have few customization options.
Fortunately, the Streamlabs Mobile App (for iOS and Android) allows you to customize your stream’s look and feel plus stream from your mobile device to different social media destinations simultaneously (available for Ultra subscribers only). This blog will break down how to live stream from mobile using the Streamlabs Mobile app, a mobile live streaming app trusted by creators and professionals alike.
Summary:
- Mobile Live Streaming Checklist
- Android Live Streaming Instructions
- Apple/iOS Live Streaming Instructions
Prepping for Mobile Live Streaming
Add these items to your checklist before streaming on a mobile device.
Fully Charge Your Phone: Nothing’s worse than having a good live stream going until it’s rudely interrupted by a dying battery. Before starting your mobile live stream, be sure your phone is fully charged.
You may not want to run the risk of charging your phone while streaming, which may put a bit of strain on your phone battery (e.g., overheating). Instead, you should keep a charger nearby so you can quickly plug in your phone if needed while live streaming.
Close all open apps: This will ensure that your device is running as fast and smoothly as possible. Avoiding running apps in the background will reduce potential lags or crashes during your stream.
Turn off phone notifications: In order to keep your audience’s attention, you need to make sure your stream isn’t interrupted by incoming alerts or calls. If you have a mobile device featuring a “do not disturb” option or similar function, consider using it while streaming.
Review Community Guidelines: Any content that is deemed inappropriate or illegal might get your account suspended on both the platform and software you used to stream. Review these terms before your first stream and stay up to date with any changes to community guidelines that may come about.
How to Live Stream on an Android Device
Step 1: First, download the Streamlabs mobile app for your Android device from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Open the Streamlabs Mobile app and sign in with the credentials of your preferred social media platform for streaming (this will be right after the welcome screen).
We suggest using a Streamlabs ID, which allows you to log into various Streamlabs tools with a single account. This includes access to Streamlabs Desktop, Podcast Editor, and premium stream overlays.
Step 3: Next, choose your stream layout. You can stick with the Default layout or customize your stream via the Scenes settings, where you can add widgets, overlay themes, custom images, and much more. If you plan on playing and sharing games while live streaming, please be sure to add a screensharing element to your scene.
For detailed instructions on how to customize your layout, visit our blog post about editing scenes in the Streamlabs Mobile app.
Step 4: After you’ve set up your layout, make sure to enable your camera and microphone.
Step 5: Next, you'll find yourself on the main screen (camera view) of your live stream. To start your live broadcast, tap the Go Live button.
Also, your stream layout should already be set up to share your screen (for mobile gameplay streams) or to use your camera while streaming (from setting up your scenes in the earlier steps).
Step 6: Select the platform where you want to stream. FYI, Streamlabs Ultra members can multistream to two or more platforms at the same time.
Step 7: Finally, add a title and description for your stream. And that's it! You are now live and ready to share your content with the world!
How to Live Stream on iOS Device
Step 1: First, download the Streamlabs mobile app for your iOS device from the app store.
Step 2: Open the app and log in with your credentials for your preferred social platform for streaming (the window after the welcome page). We recommend using Streamlabs ID, which allows you to have one account login for a host of Streamlabs tools and features, including Streamlabs Desktop, Podcast Editor, and premium stream overlays.
Step 3: Next, select your stream layout. You have the option of using the Default layout or customizing your stream from your Scenes settings to add widgets, overlay themes, custom images, and more.
For an in-depth tutorial on customizing your layout, check out our blog on editing scenes on the Streamlabs Mobile app.
Step 4: Once you’ve finished editing your layout, enable your camera and microphone.
Step 5: Now, you should be on the main screen (camera view) of your live stream. When you are ready to start broadcasting, click on the Go Live button.
Step 6: Choose whether you want to share your screen (e.g., when live streaming mobile gameplay) or your camera.
Step 7: Choose the platform you want to broadcast to. FYI, Streamlabs Ultra members have the option to multistream to two or more platforms simultaneously. This means expanding your reach while live streaming.
Step 8: Next, give your stream a title and description. That’s it! Now you’re live and ready to share your content with the world!
If you haven’t tried mobile live streaming, what’s stopping you? If you need some tips for streaming from your mobile device, check out our helpful guide.