Livestreaming has transformed how we connect with audiences, turning real-time interactions into immersive experiences. But as the digital world pushes forward, a new trend has emerged 24/7 livestreaming. Whether it’s round-the-clock news coverage, live animal cams, or constant glimpses into someone’s daily life, this always-on approach is capturing attention like never before. But what’s driving this surge in continuous broadcasting? More importantly, is it truly the future of livestreaming, or does it come with hidden challenges?
In this article, we’ll explore the rise of 24/7 streams, from the platforms and industries pioneering the trend to the complexities of non-stop broadcasting. We’ll also see how FastPix, can helps you avoid the pitfalls of 24/7 streaming while delivering high-quality, streams to keep your audience engaged. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Industries benefiting from 24/7 livestreaming
You'd be surprised by the variety of people and organizations that have jumped into this 24/7 streaming trend. Here are a few groups leading the way:
News channels: News channels are a major player in the 24/7 livestreaming trend. Networks like CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera offer continuous live coverage of global events, breaking news, and real-time analysis, ensuring that viewers can stay informed around the clock.
CNN 24/7 news
Radio stations & podcasts: Internet radio stations have adopted continuous streaming as well, mixing music, interviews, and talk shows into non-stop shows. This creates a seamless content flow, always catering to audiences.
Nature and animal cams: Livestreams of animals and natural environments have gained significant popularity. Websites like Zoolife offer 24/7 streams from ethical zoos and sanctuaries, allowing viewers to see animals like lions, koalas, and gorillas in their habitats, while platforms like Explore.org and EarthCam offer live views of wild bears, elephants, and even underwater creatures like manatees.
IRL streamers: Some content creators broadcast their entire lives in real time, a trend similar to reality TV. Viewers can watch their daily routines completely unscripted anytime. This raw, continuous footage has grown in popularity on platforms like Twitch.
These diverse uses of 24/7 streaming reflect how different industries are leveraging it to engage with audiences, attract attention, and create new kinds of interactive experiences.
How popular is 24/7 livestreaming?
You might be wondering: just how common is 24/7 streaming? While exact numbers are tough to nail down, here’s a rough estimate for 2024:
The majority (80%) of live streamers stick to traditional schedules streaming during set times for events, shows, or gameplay.
Around 10% experiment with longer streams, such as charity events or weekend marathons, but don’t quite make it to 24/7.
The remaining 5-10% of live streamers are embracing full-time, round-the-clock streaming, driven by automation tools and pre-recorded content to keep things running.
Though still niche, 24/7 streaming is growing, particularly as more creators explore ways to stay connected with their audiences when they can’t be live in person.
Cut Video Cloud Costs by 8X, No Performance Loss
Whether On-Demand or Live, Spend Less to Stream Video
Thinking of diving into the 24/7 livestreaming trend? Whether you’re a business looking to keep your audience engaged all day long or a content creator exploring new ways to grow your channel, setting up a continuous stream can be exciting but it also requires careful planning. Streaming non-stop is not as simple as just hitting "go live" and walking away. There’s a bit more to it.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Let’s walk through the key steps you need to take to get your 24/7 livestream up and running.
1. Choose your platform
First things first where do you want to stream? Each platform has its pros and cons, so choosing the right one is crucial. If your content is focused on gaming or interactive entertainment, Twitch might be your go-to. For broader audiences and more discoverability, YouTube offers solid tools for 24/7 streams, and it’s also great for repurposing content with its video archives. Facebook is another good option if you’re looking to engage with communities through groups or fan pages.
Pro tip: Consider where your audience already hangs out. There’s no point in streaming non-stop on a platform where no one’s watching!
2. Set up your stream key and OBS
Once you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time to get your broadcasting software ready. OBS Studio (Open broadcaster software) is a popular, reliable choice for 24/7 streams. It's free, open-source, and packed with customization options. But before you can go live, you’ll need your stream key a unique identifier that links OBS to your streaming platform. You can find this in your platform’s settings.
Once you’ve got your stream key, plug it into OBS, and you’re halfway there.
3. Stable internet is your lifeline
If you think your regular internet is enough, think again. Streaming 24/7 requires a rock-solid internet connection. At a minimum, you’ll want an upload speed of 10 Mbps but ideally, more, especially if you're streaming at higher resolutions like 1080p or 4K.
Backup plan? Absolutely! Have a second internet connection on standby (maybe a mobile hotspot or another ISP) in case your primary connection goes down. The last thing you want is your stream to drop unexpectedly.
4. Invest in reliable hardware
Make sure your setup can handle the continuous load. A powerful PC with good cooling is essential, especially for handling video encoding over long periods. High-quality cameras and microphones are also important, as they’ll be running non-stop. Don’t skimp on equipment if you plan to livestream long-term!
You’ll also want to ensure you have proper lighting if you're streaming yourself or a physical space. Consistent, clear visuals are key to maintaining viewer engagement.
5. Content scheduling and automation
Let’s be real no one can be on camera 24/7. This is where automation and content scheduling come into play. Pre-record some content like highlight reels, looping videos, or even music playlists to play when you're not live. With OBS, you can set up scene transitions to seamlessly switch between live content and pre-recorded material.
This will keep your stream fresh, even when you're catching up on sleep or away from your setup. You can also incorporate live elements, such as automated chat interactions or AI-based chatbots, to keep viewers engaged around the clock.
6. Monitor your stream constantly
Once you go live, the work doesn’t stop. Constant uptime means constant monitoring. You’ll need to keep an eye on your stream’s health things like network stability, bitrate, and video quality. Tools like Streamlabs can help with real-time alerts, monitoring your stream’s performance, and moderating chat.
Pro tip: Use a second device, like a tablet or phone, to monitor the stream without bogging down your main streaming setup.
7. Backup power: Stay online no matter what
A sudden power outage can kill your 24/7 stream in seconds. The solution? Invest in a UPS (Uninterruptible power supply). This handy device provides a buffer of power during short outages, giving you enough time to resolve the issue or gracefully shut down your stream without losing everything.
Disadvantages and challenges of 24/7 livestreaming
Streaming 24/7 might sound like the ultimate way to engage with your audience, but it's not without its hurdles. Let's break down some of the biggest challenges you'll face when going live around the clock.
High costs: Running a stream continuously requires more than just a good internet connection. Power bills, equipment wear-and-tear, and the need for upgraded hardware can all add up quickly. Plus, if you’re using a paid streaming service or a CDN (Content Delivery Network) for added reliability, costs can escalate even further.
Mental and physical strain: Streaming is fun, but streaming all the time? That’s a different story. The mental and physical strain of managing a 24/7 stream can lead to burnout. Even with automation, you’re still responsible for ensuring things run smoothly, responding to chat, and keeping your content engaging.
Risk of low engagement: Just because you’re streaming non-stop doesn’t mean you’ll have an audience 24/7. In fact, you might see large portions of your stream with minimal or no viewers. Too much repetitive or uninteresting content could harm your engagement levels in the long run, making it critical to maintain a balance between stream quantity and quality.
The security risks of 24/7 livestreaming and how to mitigate them
If you’re broadcasting live, especially from your home or a personal space, security should be top of mind. Here are some key risks to consider:
Privacy invasion: Streaming continuously increases the chances of accidentally sharing personal details whether it's revealing your location or exposing sensitive information. It’s easy to forget that the camera is always rolling, so be extra careful about what’s visible on your stream.
Cybersecurity threats: An always-on stream can make you more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Hackers could exploit weaknesses in your system, so ensure you're using strong passwords, VPNs, and firewalls. Regularly update your software and keep your security tight.
Trolling and harassment: The longer you’re live, the more exposure you have to trolls and harassment. A strong moderation system is critical for maintaining a positive environment. You can set up automated filters for inappropriate comments, but having live moderators who can manage your stream chat is even better.
12-Hour livestream with FastPix
If you’re ready to jump into creating high-quality, effective livestreams, FastPix makes it simple. Follow these steps to set up your first 12-hour stream.
Sign up for FastPix: If you're new to FastPix, begin by signing up for an account at https://dashboard.fastpix.io. Once you’ve completed the signup process, you'll be redirected to the FastPix dashboard, where you’ll receive a warm welcome and can start exploring the platform.
Try a 5-minute livestream: Before diving into a full 12-hour stream, FastPix offers new users the opportunity to experience a 5-minute livestream during the trial period. This short livestream gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the platform and experience the smooth, high-quality streaming FastPix offers.
Upgrade to the pro plan:
After you’ve tried the 5-minute stream, it’s time to unlock the full potential of FastPix by upgrading to the Pro plan. Here’s how to do it:
Open your account settings by clicking on the icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.
From there, select the "Billing and payment" option.
On the next page, choose "Upgrade now" and enter your payment details.
Once your payment information is confirmed, your Pro plan will be activated, giving you full access to FastPix's advanced features, including usage-based pricing, so you only pay for what you use!
Note: FastPix offers usage-based pricing, so you only pay for the time you stream. See Pricing in detail.
Create Your 12-Hour Livestream
Now that you've upgraded to the Pro plan, you’re ready to set up your 12-hour stream. Simply head over to the "Create live stream" section in the FastPix dashboard. From there, set the streaming parameters based on your requirements, such as stream title, privacy options, and video quality. Once you've configured everything to your needs, click "Run request" to create your 12-hour livestream.
As we discussed earlier, FastPix offers both private and SRT streaming options. To stream privately, set the access policy to private while creating your livestream, ensuring that only authorized viewers can access it. For SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) streaming, retrieve the SRT URL and SRT passphrase from the livestream detail page after the stream has been created.
It all depends on your specific use case whether you prioritize privacy or need the reliability and low latency of SRT streaming. FastPix gives you the flexibility to choose the option that best suits your needs, ensuring secure and high-quality livestreams tailored to your audience.
NOTE:
If you’re interested in streaming for more than 12 hours, don’t worry! FastPix offers flexible streaming durations. Simply raise a support ticket with your specific requirements, and we’ll provide an extended streaming solution tailored to your needs
Why choose FastPix live streaming?
At FastPix, we understand the allure of 24/7 livestreaming, but we also believe in a more balanced, efficient approach. While the idea of non-stop broadcasting sounds exciting, it comes with significant challenges that can outweigh its benefits for many content creators and businesses. This is where FastPix’s 12-hour streaming service shines. Here’s why it might be the smarter choice:
Security and privacy:
Private streaming for added control: FastPix also offers a private streaming option, allowing you to control who has access to your content. Whether you're hosting exclusive events, running paid memberships, or streaming sensitive business information, our private streaming feature ensures that only your intended audience can view your content.
Secure reliable transport (SRT) for stability: FastPix leverages SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) technology, ensuring a smooth, high-quality stream even in challenging network conditions. SRT offers low-latency, secure video transmission, making it a perfect choice for creators who want to ensure their content reaches their audience with minimal delay and maximum reliability.
Comprehensive support and resources:
At FastPix, we’re committed to your success. Our platform provides a wealth of resources to help you make the most of your streaming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, our team is here to assist you every step of the way. You can even take advantage of our trial plan to experience streaming firsthand, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the platform’s features and capabilities before committing fully. Our dedicated support team is always ready to help with any questions or challenges you may encounter, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable livestreaming journey.
Flexibility for future growth:
With our 12-hour streams, you can easily adapt your content strategy as your audience grows. You’ll have the flexibility to experiment with different formats, themes, and engagement strategies without the pressure of maintaining a constant stream. This adaptability can lead to richer content and deeper audience connections over time.
Start broadcasting with OBS and FastPix
Now that you've set up your 12-hour stream and customized the streaming parameters to fit your needs, it's time to start broadcasting! Follow these steps to get your stream live using OBS:
Configure OBS for FastPix
Open OBS and navigate to Settings > Stream.
In the "Stream Type" dropdown, select Custom.
Enter FastPix’s server URL: rtmps://live.fastpix.io:443/live.
Paste your unique stream key, which you received from FastPix when setting up the stream.
Set up your scene
Create a new scene by clicking the + icon under the "Scenes" panel and name it (e.g., "My Stream").
Add sources to your scene, such as your video capture device (camera) and microphone, by clicking the + under the "Sources" panel.
Optimize OBS settings
Adjust the Output and Video settings in OBS according to your streaming requirements. Make sure to balance quality and performance based on your internet connection and hardware capabilities.
Once you've set everything up, click Start streaming and your broadcast will go live through FastPix!
Conclusion
24/7 livestreaming is a powerful way to keep audiences engaged, used by industries like news, nature cams, and IRL streamers. However, it comes with challenges like high costs, security risks, and burnout.
FastPix helps solve these issues by offering reliable, high-quality streaming solution. With secure and easy-to-use features, FastPix makes it easier to deliver great content without the hassle of managing nonstop streams.
.png)
.png)
