How to publish a pre-recorded video as a live stream

These pre-recorded videos are well-pre-edited content for very precise and polished delivery. Unlike live streams, pre-recorded videos allow for adjustments on the visual elements, audio, and transitions to give a high-quality production. This flexibility makes them apt for various industries, such as:

‍Webinars and training: Deliver consistent, flawless tutorials accessible anytime.‍

Virtual events: Use pre-recorded sessions to avoid technological risks in live streaming.‍

Product launch: Display products with better graphics and fuller narratives. Elimination of live uncertainties pre-recorded videos have the aim of enhancing viewers' experiences with dependable and engaging presentations.

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Why use pre-recorded videos for live streams?

Pre-recorded videos streamed live combine control, quality, and reliability in a way that is hard to achieve with live broadcasts. From a technical standpoint, here are some advantages:
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Bandwidth optimization: Pre-recorded streams take advantage of Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR). This means pre-encoding content into different quality levels and adjusting the resolution and bitrate that the player will use during playback in real-time by matching what's available, thus giving a better buffering experience.

Reduced CPU and encoding load: Pre-recorded content is encoded offline as opposed to live streaming that has real-time encoding. As such, this will bring down the computational requirement when transmitting. This further means reducing the risk of a drop frame or overheating of such systems with reduced processing abilities.

Improved resource utilization: The pre-recorded streams can be hosted and delivered through Content Delivery Networks. This will reduce latency and quicken the load time for viewers everywhere in the world. Since the upload bandwidth of the host system is not used heavily, it is very much suitable for high-traffic events.

Error-free delivery: With the preparation of a video in advance, errors associated with live streaming are taken care of before the go-live date, such as audio levels that are variable, poor lighting, or connection issues.

Pre-recorded live streams combine the best of both worlds: flexibility and control of offline editing, along with the reach and engagement potential of live broadcasts. They, therefore, represent an efficient way to deliver high-quality, scalable content.

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A step-by-step guide to setting up pre-recorded streams using FastPix

1. Prepare your video content

• Record your video in advance using any video recording software.
• Ensure the content is well-edited, with smooth transitions, clear audio, and polished visuals.
• Save the video in a compatible format like MP4 or MOV for seamless integration.
  

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2. Log in to the FastPix dashboard

• Go to dashboard.fastpix.io.
• Create an account if you don’t already have one.
• Navigate to the Live Page and click Create Live Stream.

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• Once the stream is created, copy the RTMPS URL and stream key from the Details Page for use in OBS.

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3. Set up OBS studio

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What is OBS studio?

OBS Studio is a free, open-source software used for live streaming and video recording. It lets you broadcast high-quality content on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. Its customizable features and performance optimizations make it a go-to choice for professionals and casual users alike.

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Why choose OBS studio?

• Cost-effective: Free and open-source with no hidden fees.
• High performance: Optimized for minimal CPU usage, ensuring smooth streams even during resource-intensive tasks.
• Customizable: Offers extensive options for layouts, media sources, and effects.

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4. Configure OBS for pre-recorded streams

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Step 1: Download and Install OBS

• Visit obsproject.com to download OBS for your operating system.

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Step 2: Create a new scene

• Open OBS and locate the Scenes section (bottom left).
• Click the + icon to create a new scene, naming it based on your content (e.g., Product Demo)

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Step 3: Add your video as a media source

• In the Sources section, click the + icon and select Media Source.
• Name the source for easy identification, then browse and upload your video file.
• Enable settings like looping or restart playback based on your streaming needs.

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Step 4: Configure stream settings

• Go to Settings > Stream in OBS.
• Select your streaming platform in the service (Custom) option and enter the FastPix's RTMPS URL and Stream Key.

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5. Test your setup

Testing is crucial to ensure your stream runs smoothly.

• Click Start Recording to preview your video’s playback quality.
• Check for issues like lag, audio-video sync problems, or glitches.
• Adjust video positioning, audio levels, or other settings as needed.

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6. Going live: How to start your stream

• Once everything is set up, it's time to go live: ‍
• Final checks: Ensure your scenes and sources are correctly configured. ‍
• Start streaming: Click Start Streaming in OBS.
• Go to your stream dashboard to monitor your stream's performance and interact with viewers.

7. Optimizing OBS settings for stream

To ensure a smooth streaming experience, it's important to optimize your OBS settings:

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Settings > Output settings:

1. Set your video bitrate to 2500-6000 Kbps (depending on your internet speed).
2. Choose the encoder: Select hardware (NVENC) if you have an NVIDIA GPU or software (x264) for CPU encoding.
3. Set the audio bitrate to 160 Kbps for clear audio quality.

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Settings > Video settings:

1. Set the base (canvas) resolution to your monitor's resolution.
2. Set the output (scaled) resolution to 720p or 1080p.
3. Set the common FPS values to 30 or 60 FPS.

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8. End and review the stream

• Once the video finishes, click Stop Streaming in OBS.

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Best practices for streaming pre-recorded videos

To ensure a seamless and engaging experience when streaming pre-recorded videos, adhere to these best practices with technical insights:
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Conduct comprehensive testing

• Perform a dry run to check for audio-visual synchronization, encoding settings, and network stability.
• Use monitoring tools like OBS's stats panel or third-party analytics to detect potential frame drops, CPU overloads, or bandwidth issues.
  

Optimize video quality

• Utilize tools for video compression to maintain high quality while reducing file size.
• Choose the appropriate codec (e.g., H.264 for compatibility or HEVC for efficiency) and resolution (720p or 1080p) based on your audience's devices and bandwidth.
• Ensure proper keyframe intervals for smoother adaptive bitrate streaming, typically every 2 seconds.

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Strategically schedule streams

• Analyze audience data using tools like analytics or platform-specific insights to identify peak engagement times.
• Account for global time zones if targeting international viewers, scheduling streams to maximize attendance.  

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Leverage post-stream engagement

• Extract highlights or key moments from the stream using FastPix clipping features.  
• Share short clips or teasers on social media platforms to keep the audience engaged and drive traffic to your full content.
• Use captions and hashtags to improve discoverability and accessibility.  

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Use advanced video settings

• Set optimal bitrate levels for different resolutions to balance quality and bandwidth efficiency (e.g., 4500–6000 Kbps for 1080p at 30 FPS).
• Enable closed captions or subtitles for accessibility and wider reach.

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By implementing these practices, you can ensure that your pre-recorded streams maintain technical excellence, engage your audience effectively, and leave a lasting impression.

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Benefits of simulated live streams

Simulated live streams combine the polish of pre-recorded content with the interactivity of live events, making them a versatile solution for various industries. Here are tailored examples highlighting their potential:
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• Gaming: Stream pre-recorded gameplay walkthroughs or tutorials as live events, providing a seamless viewing experience. During the stream, use real-time chat or Q&A sessions to engage with viewers, answer questions, or offer gameplay tips, enhancing community interaction.
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• Education: Deliver pre-recorded lectures, ensuring consistent, high-quality content delivery across sessions. Complement this with a live chat feature or moderated Q&A to address student queries in real-time, promoting a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.
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• Marketing and Product Demonstrations: Showcase pre-recorded product demos to ensure every detail is presented flawlessly. Incorporate live polls, surveys, or Q&A sessions during the stream to capture audience feedback and gauge interest levels, enabling data-driven insights into customer preferences.
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Simulated live streams provide the flexibility to curate polished content while maintaining the interactive elements that make live broadcasts engaging, making them a powerful tool for industries prioritizing both quality and viewer engagement.

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Conclusion

Streaming pre-recorded videos as live events offers the perfect balance between polished content and audience engagement. Experiment with various formats and schedules to discover what resonates best with your viewers, and use feedback to refine your approach.
‍FastPix's Live Streaming API simplifies this process, allowing you to broadcast high-quality video to your audience seamlessly. With support for RTMP and SRT inputs, adaptive bitrate streaming, and automatic recording for on-demand playback, FastPix ensures a professional and engaging streaming experience.