How can I test my stream without going live?

Broadcasting on Twitch is fairly simple, but at the same time, there are regularly technical difficulties that can stymie a content creator. 

Running a test stream and using Twitch’s “Inspector Tool” is a good way to assess your stream quality and make sure that your broadcast will run properly when you go live for the masses. Doing this can allow a streamer to focus more on their content when they broadcast instead of worrying about whether they’re dropping frames or have some sort of connection issue.

To run a test stream and look at your stream quality, the first thing you need to do is go to Twitch’s Inspector Tool at inspector.twitch.tv. 

From there, you’ll be asked to log in and you can “run a stream test.” It’s not as easy as just clicking the purple button in the middle of the screen, though. You’ll have to follow a few instructions and edit the text area of your operating broadcast system (like OBS or Streamlabs).

First, you’ll want to get your stream key from your Twitch dashboard. After that, you’ll need to go into your broadcasting software to edit your stream key and add “?bandwidthtest=true.” 

By adding that last part, your software won’t push your channel live for viewers. Instead, you’ll only be running a test. And by referencing the inspector tool, you’ll be able to check for any potential technical issues with connectivity.

Twitch has a few requirements for video and audio settings for streams, including a 4,500 to 6,000 kbps bitrate and 60 or 50 fps framerate, but its website also has a number of tools and guides for understanding and analyzing stream tests to make sure your first live broadcast goes off without any hiccups.

To learn more about how to read Twitch’s Inspector Tool, you can check out the platform’s guide to broadcast health.

Are you getting ready to go live with your next big stream but feel a little anxious about what could happen? Maybe this is your first time going live, and you want to make sure you know how to live stream? Don't worry; we've all been there! In this article, we'll share three simple ways to run a test live stream without going live.

This will help ease your nerves and ensure that everything goes smooth when it's time for the actual show.

Why Run A Test Live Stream Ahead of Time?

There are a few reasons you might want to run a test live stream before going live. For example, maybe you're not sure if your internet connection is stable enough to handle a live stream? Or you don't know if you have the recommended upload speed?

Whether it's your first live stream or you have produced hundreds of shows, it is always best to test your webcam, microphone, and internet connection beforehand. It helps ensure everything is working as it should be.

By testing things out ahead of time, you can avoid any potential problems creating unnecessary stress.

Let's look at the easiest ways to run a test live stream ahead of time without going live.

How To Run A Test Live Stream: 3 Easy Ways

1. Create A Record-Only Live Stream

The first way to run a test live stream is to create a new broadcast in StreamYard.

Instead of adding a destination, click on “Record Only”.

Give your recording a title and hit “Create broadcast”.

Now, enter the broadcast studio and go through the motions from your run of show.

Whenever ready to run a test live stream, click “Record” on the top right.

When you are finished, click on “End broadcast” on the top right.

You can then download the recording by going to your “Past” broadcasts and clicking the three dots beside your test live stream. Next, select “Download recording” and review the audio and video quality to check if you need to fix anything before your live broadcast.

Pro Tip: You don't need to go through the entire live stream production. It's best to test for 10 to 15 minutes to check your internet, workflow and more.

2. Private Or Unlisted YouTube Live

Another way to test your live stream is by creating a new broadcast in StreamYard.

This time, you'll want to add YouTube as a destination.

If you don't want the stream to be public on your YouTube channel, you'll want to choose either Private (only people who are invited can watch it) or Unlisted (anyone with the link can view it, but it doesn't show up on your channel).

Just like when doing a record-only test live stream, you'll go through the motions of your broadcast.

When finished, end the broadcast.

You can then view it on your YouTube channel by selecting “Past” from your broadcast dashboard and clicking the three dots beside the test live stream. Then select “View on YouTube” from the drop-down.

3. Stream To Facebook

Another way to test your live streams ahead of time is to stream to a Facebook Profile or Group.

If you want to test a live stream using your profile, pick “Only me” as the privacy setting.

Go to Facebook Live Producer and on the left side toolbar, click the greyed-out privacy setting below the “When are you going live”? box.

Then, select “Only me” from the list and start your live stream as usual.

You can also create a Test Broadcast on Facebook to run a test live stream without actually going live.

FAQs

Do I Need To Go Live To Run A Test Live Stream?

It depends on the method you choose to run your test live stream. You don't have to go live if you use StreamYard's “Record-only” feature. If you test a live broadcast using Facebook's “Only me” privacy setting and YouTube's “Private” setting, you will be going live, but only you'd be able to watch the live broadcast. If you use YouTube's “Unlisted” setting, then anyone with the link can watch your test live stream if. they have the link.

Should I Test My Live Stream On Every Platform I'm Going To Go Live On?

No, you don't need to test on every live streaming destination. Instead, testing your live stream using one of the above methods should be enough to review your live broadcast's settings. This article mentions a handful of ways to run a test live stream on StreamYard, YouTube, and Facebook. However, the process is similar for Twitch, LinkedIn, etc.

The Takeaway

If you still have questions about testing your live stream without going live, watch this video on creating a practice live stream, to learn additional tips when testing a live stream.

Remember, it doesn't matter if this is your first live stream or 500th; you'll always want to test your live stream ahead of time to ensure you're ready for your upcoming broadcast.

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