vMix live streaming setup with Upstream
vMix can stream to up to five places by itself, but each one is a separate stream leaving your PC. Sending one stream to Upstream instead keeps your upload to a single stream, and Upstream copies it to up to 10 platforms.
Every vMix edition can do this, Basic HD included, because it only needs one Custom RTMP Server destination. You paste in a server address and a stream key, the private code that ties the stream to your Upstream account. Set vMix to 1080p at 30 frames per second, or 60 if your Upstream stream is set to 60 fps (paid plans).
- vMix for Windows, any edition
- One output, up to 10 platforms
Before you start
- An Upstream account (the free plan is enough to test)
- vMix on a Windows PC (any edition)
- The platforms you want to go live on
Step 1
Get your server URL and stream key from Upstream
In Upstream, press Create stream, choose Multistream from OBS (it works for any RTMP app or device) and add your platforms, up to 10. The stream opens in Live Studio with the RTMP input on. For a stream you already have, open Live Studio, Source and set Live Source to RTMP.
- RTMP Server URL
rtmp://ingest.upstream.so:1935/live- Stream Key
- Unique to each stream. Copy it from Upstream and keep it private.
Step 2
Paste the details into vMix
In vMix, click the cog next to the Stream button to open Streaming Settings. Set Destination to Custom RTMP Server, paste the RTMP Server URL into URL and the Stream Key into Stream Name or Key, then click Save and Close.
Step 3
Set the stream quality
Click the cog next to Quality in Streaming Settings to open Streaming Quality. vMix takes the frame rate from your production settings, so set that to 30 fps in vMix Settings, or 60 if your Upstream stream runs at 60.
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Encode Size | 1920x1080 1080p is a starting point. Upstream input follows the resolution selected on your stream, up to 4K on a plan that includes it. |
| Format | H264 The video format Upstream takes in. |
| Keyframe Frequency | 2 In seconds. A keyframe is a full picture, and 2 is vMix's default. |
Each platform also caps bitrate and stream length on its side. See the live streaming limits for YouTube, Twitch, Kick and more.
Step 4
Start the stream, then go live
Start the stream in Upstream first, then start streaming from vMix. Live Studio switches from Not connected to Excellent, Good or Poor connection when the feed arrives, and Upstream sends it to every platform on the stream.
vMix destinations or one stream to Upstream
vMix shows destination buttons 1 to 5 when Application is set to FFMPEG, and you could set up one per platform. Each of those is its own stream from your PC.
With Upstream you only need destination 1. Point it at Upstream and add the platforms in Upstream instead, up to 10. vMix also turns off Multi Bitrate when more than one destination is in use, so a single destination keeps that option open.
Troubleshooting
I can't see the destination buttons 1 to 5
Set Application to FFMPEG in Streaming Settings. vMix only shows the numbered buttons with FFMPEG selected. For Upstream, fill in destination 1 and start it with Start 1.
Multi Bitrate is greyed out
vMix turns it off when more than one destination is in use. Use one destination for Upstream and add your platforms in Upstream instead.
I changed Streaming Quality but it still streams 60 fps
Streaming Quality has no frame rate of its own. Change the production frame rate in vMix Settings to 30 fps.
For connection problems that aren't specific to vMix, such as Not connected, a poor connection or a leaked key, see the full RTMP troubleshooting list.
FAQ
Does vMix work on Mac?
Can vMix Basic HD stream through Upstream?
Yes. Every vMix edition can stream, and Basic HD goes up to 1920x1080, which Upstream accepts. You don't need 4K, Pro or Max for a Custom RTMP Server output.
How do I stream vMix to Facebook and YouTube at the same time?
Send vMix to Upstream, then add Facebook and YouTube to the stream in Upstream. YouTube connects by signing in, and Facebook takes the persistent stream key from Live Producer.
Checked against vMix streaming settings, vMix streaming quality and the Upstream app, October 2026.
Set it up now
The free plan includes 24 hours of streaming a month and up to 10 of 30+ supported platforms.