How to stream videos from Dropbox
Upstream imports videos straight from a Dropbox link, so you don't have to download a large file and upload it again. Once it is in your Media Library, you can stream it once, on a schedule or around the clock, to up to 10 platforms.
- No download or re-upload
- Free plan works
Before you start
- An Upstream account (the free plan is enough to test)
- The video or audio file in Dropbox
- The platforms you want to go live on
Step 1
Get a share link for the file
On dropbox.com, hover over the file and click Share, then Copy link. A view-only link is enough: under Manage, Link for viewing gives one.
Copy a link to the file itself, not to the folder it is in.
Step 2
Import it into your Media Library
In Upstream, open Media Library and press Upload file. Switch to Import from link, paste the link into Paste a cloud storage file link and press Add. Add more links the same way if you have several files, then press Import.
The file is copied into Upstream, so the stream doesn't depend on Dropbox once the import is done.
Step 3
Add it to a stream
Open a stream, or create one with Prerecorded and/or 24/7, and add the video on the Background tab. Audio files go on the Audio tab. Choose Loop continuously for a stream that runs around the clock, or Play once and end for a single showing.
Step 4
Add platforms and start
Add the platforms you want to go live on, up to 10, then press Start stream, or set a schedule so it starts on its own.
Troubleshooting
Upstream says the link cannot be imported
Only HTTPS share links from Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive are accepted, one link per file. Check that the file is shared so anyone with the link can open it.
Upstream says the file type is not allowed
The library you are importing into only takes certain file types. Import videos where videos go and audio where audio goes.
FAQ
Does the stream keep working if I delete the file from Dropbox?
Yes. The import copies the file into your Upstream Media Library, so the stream plays Upstream's copy.
Can I stream it 24/7?
Yes. Set the Background playlist to Loop continuously and the stream keeps playing until you stop it.
Which platforms can I reach?
YouTube, Twitch, Kick, Facebook, Instagram, Rumble, Mixcloud and any service that takes a custom RTMP or SRT stream. See supported platforms.
Is Upstream free?
The free plan includes 24 hours of streaming a month and up to 10 destinations, with no watermark.
Set it up now
The free plan includes 24 hours of streaming a month and up to 10 destinations.