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How do I use YouTube to host the online stream for my event?

Whether you want to add a stream to a free or paid event, Brushfire Online gives you options to create an enhanced, customizable streaming experience for your online attendees. 

All you need is your existing streaming URL (for pre-recorded content) or embed code (when broadcasting live) from the streaming service you use and add it to content in a channel in Brushfire Online.

If you do not make use of a current streaming service, here is a simplified guide to setting up a live stream using YouTube to connect to Brushfire Online.



Checklist
  • Equipment to capture audio and video of your event (it could be as simple as a smartphone and a tripod or a laptop with a webcam or multiple cameras and audio gear).
  • Equipment to combine your video and audio feeds to provide the video feed you want to stream.
  • A hardware or software encoder that converts your video and uploads it to a server in real-time.
  • A Google Account so you can set up your YouTube channel. 
  • Please note that it takes 24 hours before you can live stream after configuring your account for live streaming.
  • Alternatively, you can upload pre-recorded videos to play in different channels on your Brushfire Online page (Simulated Live Streaming).

 

Cost: Free
Requirements: 
A Google Account. 
If you use external audio/video hardware, you will need to use a video encoder. (More information about encoders at the end of this article)
Summary
Use your Google account to create a video channel for your organization.
Follow the instructions on the Videos Tab of your Channel Dashboard to enable your account for live streaming. (Verification takes about 24 hours)

 

Enabling_Live_Videos.png

 

Click on the CREATE button at the top right of your dashboard to access the Go Live portion of YouTube Studio. Give your Browser (Google recommends using Chrome or Firefox) permission to access your camera and audio.

 

Schedule_your_stream.png

 

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Give your Browser permission to access your camera and audio.
Create a stream. Schedule it for later.

 

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After creating your stream, you will be prompted to connect your streaming software to YouTube, or use an existing camera. Learn more about setting up your live streaming encoder here: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2907883?hl=en

 

Screen_Shot_2020-03-20_at_1.54.12_PM.png

 

Update your privacy settings etc in your live dashboard and schedule your streams here: https://www.youtube.com/live_dashboard 
Copy the Stream EMBED CODE from the share icon at the top right of your screen and add your Embed Code (If you are streaming live) to your Brushfire Online Dashboard.

 

 

Brushfire Online provides a home for your event stream, with multiple channels, moderated chat features, links to related content and other customizable features, ALL IN ONE PLACE. Learn more about signing up here.
More information.
Many recommendations are available online for hardware that allows your existing live production team to encode your video feed to online streaming services like these and Content Distribution Networks. Some free open source software encoders are available. e.g. Open Broadcaster Software https://obsproject.com/.

 

YouTube and Brushfire Online are a great combination! While we recommend you research YouTube’s articles in regards to live streaming here are some common FAQs with Brushfire Online.

For in-depth information on how to run a YouTube livestream please click here. 

 

YouTube FAQ

Q. Why isn’t my livestream appearing in Brushfire Online?

A. Most often this has to do with the settings in YouTube. Please double check that your stream is set to “Allow Embedding”.

Q. Why is my video blank in Brushfire Online?

A. Please double check your url. The easiest way to make sure your url is correct is to go to YouTube and right click on the video. Select “Video URL” and make sure that is the correct one in Brushfire Online!

Q. Am I able to run multiple streams at once?

A. There are limitations with this with YouTube. Please confirm with YouTube that your account allows for this.

Q. Which privacy setting should I choose?

A. Choose “Unlisted”. Private videos cannot be viewed by anyone besides you. 

Q. Can I remove the YouTube logo from my embedded video?

A. If you feel comfortable experimenting with some advanced features of embedding, you can reference this help document from YouTube to see options available with their service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCiV7IPDWfQ

 

Learn how to set up pre-recorded content from YouTube for Brushfire Online here.

Here are some recommendations by our friends at Hillsong Technology and Google.