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Live Streaming FAQ

How it works

Upstream is a cloud‑based, 24/7 live streaming tool. It is the easiest way to stream to YouTube, Twitch, Kick – or any other streaming or social media platform / RTMP destination – around the clock, using pre‑recorded video and audio. You don’t need any specialist skills in video editing, graphic design or server management – everything technical is handled for you through our intuitive stream builder software.

Yes, you can turn off your computer after starting a stream. Upstream is web-based. You can set up a stream in minutes, close your browser, turn off your computer, and the stream will continue, until you decide to stop it (manually, or by scheduling).

Create a new stream in your dashboard. Upload a pre‑recorded video or GIF, choose optional background music and sound effects, and go live. When your video or audio reaches the end, we automatically loop it to keep your stream running continuously until you decide to stop. You can also alternatively schedule shorter streams. Check out our Quick Start Guide!

No. Upstream is designed for anyone who wants to stream 24/7 and reach a wider audience – content creators, gamers, brands, yoga teachers, businesses, non‑profits, schools or hobbyists. If you are have a big back-catalogue of content, upstream makes it simple to stream your existing videos in a looping playlist.

A regular video is recorded and then uploaded as a fixed file. Once it’s online, you can’t change it without uploading a new version. A live stream, by contrast, is broadcast in real time. Viewers join while it’s happening, and platforms like YouTube often highlight live streams, giving them broader reach. Livestreaming is one of the best things to do to keep your audience engaged by building a vibrant community around your content and in your stream’s chatbox!

While you can stream directly to YouTube from your device, Upstream simplifies the process and offers many significant advantages:

  • 24/7 YouTube Live streaming without having to leave a device running. We handle the hardware and server management,
  • Best‑in‑class stream builder with multi‑channel audio, custom overlays and other professional features to add your logo, embed websites or even embed another video,
  • On-the-fly control: queue multiple videos, add new content while live,
  • Live Studio – so you can appear in person and invite guests (RTMP Ingress / OBS / Webcam)
  • Separate Video and Audio Playlists,
  • Secondary Audio Channel for atmospheric sounds,
  • Ease of use: no software installation or technical knowledge required,
  • Schedule your streams START and STOP times at any specific time,
  • Multistreaming to 10 platforms,
  • Monetization Control: Set Ad Cuepoints / Ad slots,
  • Upstream is a YouTube Verified software encoder so you can be sure your streams are in good hands.

No. You are renting a live streaming server from Upstream – all server infrastructure is included with your subscription. You simply log in, upload your content, and start streaming, expand your reach and get that watch time you’re missing out on!

Unlike general streaming tools, Upstream is purpose‑built for 24/7, continuous streaming. Our stream builder allows you to create a customized stream with layered graphics, multi‑channel audio and pre‑scheduled content – without the need for editing or design skills.

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a desktop application that allows you to broadcast live from your own device. Upstream is a cloud service that streams on your behalf. While OBS is a great tool, you need to keep your computer turned on for the duration of the stream, and ensure you have a stable and strong internet connection at ALL times. With Upstream, your stream continues even if you shut down your device and go offline. Also, we provide built‑in features like content scheduling, looping, stream designer, website embeds, interactive widgets and custom fonts, among others. Upstream is everything you need – in an intuitive interface.

Yes, you can multistream / multicast to 10 platforms simultaneously.

Yes! Our plans are based on the number of 24/7 livestreams you can run at once – if you want to start multiple streams, you can subscribe to a plan with the appropriate number of streams, and you are all set!

Yes! You can stream as long as you want to, you can stop your stream any time you would like, and start a new one. There is no limit to the amount of times you can start and stop a stream – that’s completely up to you!

Experience

Setting Up & Managing Your Live Stream

From your dashboard, select Create Stream and choose the platform you want to broadcast to. You can choose to connect manually using your stream key, or use our one-click connection to YouTube: YouTube Connect. We provide step‑by‑step instructions, complete with screenshots, to link your accounts, in our helpdesk.

Less than five minutes. As soon as you create your account, we create your streaming server automatically. After uploading your pre-recorded videos and setting up your playlist, your stream goes live almost immediately.

Yes. Upload any image, video or audio file. Our system supports multi‑channel audio, so you can mix ambient sounds, music and effects to craft a unique atmosphere – whether it’s a snowy mountain scene with crackling fire, busy city sounds or gentle ocean waves.

Yes. Upstream allows you to swap out videos, backgrounds or audio files on the fly without interrupting your broadcast. This makes it easy to adjust for time of day, weather or special events. An automated version of this feature is in development.

Anyone who needs a constant stream presence: streamers wanting to maintain channel activity, YouTube creators needing a 24/7 broadcast, catalogue holders, record labels, businesses or brands looking to display content around the clock, as well as schools, institutions and non profits…

No. Live simply streaming pre-recorded videos is not considered duplicate content by YouTube. With Upstream you can enrich your content with overlays, shuffle and dynamic setups in the stream designer, making each second of your stream unique.

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Billing

Payments and plans.

Upstream offers multiple plans based on the number of streams you can run simultaneously. You can find more information about our pricing plans here.

Your order will be processed immediately. You will be charged immediately and your subscription will start immediately. You can stream in seconds.

Yes, We offer a free trial, no credit card needed, activated as soon as you sign up! it lasts between 2 and 48 hours, depending on available resources. The trial period may be extended or shortened at our discretion.

You can change your subscription plan at any time. Simply go to your dashboard and click on the “Manage Subscription” button to change your subscription plan.

You can cancel your subscription at any time. Simply go to your “Manage Subscription” page and click on the “Cancel Subscription” button.

You can delete your account at any time from your user account settings. Deleting your account automatically cancels your subscription, so you don’t need to cancel separately. Although we we’d be sad to see you go, we understand that sometimes things don’t work out. If you need assistance, please chat with us by clicking the purple chat button in the bottom right corner, or email us at contact@upstream.so – we’d be happy to help!

Security, Passwords & GDPR Compliance

Everything you need to know about your account

Log in, click on My Account, and select Change Password. You can update your password at any time.

You can always set your password manually in the My Account page or you can reset it via www.upstream.so/forgot-password.

Yes. Our company is based in Europe, and we fully comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For more details, see our privacy policy.

Yes, you choose to set up 2 Factor Authentication to log in!