A backup feed for your YouTube stream
Keep a second feed running to YouTube. If the main feed drops, YouTube switches to the backup and returns when it recovers. Upstream also restarts interrupted streams automatically.
A copy of your stream
The backup copies your main stream's settings and re-syncs every minute.
YouTube switches feeds
YouTube takes over switching to the backup and back to the main feed.
One extra stream slot
A backup uses one stream slot for your main destination. The destination must support backup ingest.
A backup on standby
Send a 1:1 copy to YouTube's backup ingest. YouTube switches to it if the main feed drops, then switches back. Settings re-sync every minute. The backup uses one stream slot and covers the main destination.
Each destination retries on its own
Each multistream destination retries 5 times on its own. The backup covers your main destination; it does not cover these extra outputs. Upstream emails you if a destination stays disconnected after its retries.
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Key facts
Backup feeds, retries and alerts
The backup sends a second feed. Upstream also restarts the encoder and retries each destination independently. Here is what happens when a stream stops.
| Mechanism | What it does | Scope or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Backup stream | Sends a 1:1 copy; settings re-sync every minute | Uses a stream slot; main destination only |
| YouTube backup ingest | YouTube switches to the backup and back by itself | Other platforms must support backup ingest |
| Encoder recovery | Relaunches up to five times; stalled output gets a hard reload | An ended YouTube event is recreated |
| Destination retries | Retries each multistream connection up to five times | Independent of the backup feed |
| Email alerts | Reports stops, rejected keys, failed destinations and ended or replaced YouTube events | Automatic recovery and backup streams do not include an SLA |
Backup stream
- What it does
- Sends a 1:1 copy; settings re-sync every minute
- Scope or limit
- Uses a stream slot; main destination only
YouTube backup ingest
- What it does
- YouTube switches to the backup and back by itself
- Scope or limit
- Other platforms must support backup ingest
Encoder recovery
- What it does
- Relaunches up to five times; stalled output gets a hard reload
- Scope or limit
- An ended YouTube event is recreated
Destination retries
- What it does
- Retries each multistream connection up to five times
- Scope or limit
- Independent of the backup feed
Email alerts
- What it does
- Reports stops, rejected keys, failed destinations and ended or replaced YouTube events
- Scope or limit
- Automatic recovery and backup streams do not include an SLA
Platform session limits still apply to a backup. Count your channels and check each platform's output settings before choosing stream slots.
Before you start
Before you add a backup
Check the destination
YouTube has backup ingest. On another platform, a backup only works if that platform supports it. See YouTube primary and backup RTMP .
Allow a slot for the backup
The main stream and its backup each use a stream slot. Extra multistream destinations have their own recovery: each retries up to 5 times.
Check your files and session limits
Review file checks and platform session limits. A backup does not remove those limits.
The value you get per dollar is amazing. Many features are available at no cost when other similar services charge for them or do not have them available at all.
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FAQ
Questions about backup streams
Related features
Set up the playlist and graphics for the stream you want to back up.
Add a backup to your stream
Allow a stream slot for the backup and check that your main destination supports backup ingest.
