The Ultimate IRL Stream Setup Guide: Equipment, Tips, and Instructions
“In Real Life” streaming, better known now as IRL streaming, is the most popular way to connect with an audience without being attached to the constraints of your home. IRL streaming allows content creators to showcase their experiences and interactions as they happen, often through platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Instagram. IRL streaming is highly engaging for viewers, as it offers a sense of authenticity, fostering a deeper connection with the streamer’s real-time experiences. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, in this guide you’ll find all the info you need to set up a successful IRL stream
What is an IRL streaming setup?
An IRL live streaming setup is a portable live streaming solution that allows you to broadcast real-life activities using cameras, microphones, and a solid internet connection. Unlike traditional gaming streams, IRL streams focus on everyday moments, such as traveling, socializing, or exploring new places. This form of content offers viewers a more genuine and immersive experience since they can interact with the streamer, ask questions, and participate in the action as it unfolds.
What type of live streaming equipment do I need to start IRL streaming?
Camera:
When it comes to cameras for your live streaming equipment setup, the choice depends on the type of stream you are producing, the quality you’re aiming for, and the environment in which you’ll be streaming. Webcams, smartphones, and action cameras are ideal. For professional live streams, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and camcorders are the best options. TVU One is compatible with DSLR, GoPros, and smartphones, and integrates seamlessly with professional cameras.
GoPro cameras are ideal for action, adventure, and situations where portability and durability are crucial. They’re great for capturing video and quick photos with a basic streaming setup. DSLRs, on the other hand, can record high-quality video but are typically not as optimized for action as GoPros. Many DSLRs offer advanced video features like 4K resolution, manual controls, and cinematic depth of field.
Multi-camera Setup:
For a more dynamic and professional IRL stream, consider a multi-camera setup. This allows you to switch between different angles, perspectives, or locations, giving your audience a more engaging experience. You can combine cameras like GoPros for action shots, DSLRs for high-quality close-ups, and smartphones for portable flexibility. Additionally, cloud production Tools like TVU Producer make it easy to manage and switch between multiple camera feeds in real-time.
Microphone
The type of microphone you use for your live streaming setup will depend on preference. Will you be stationary while you talk to viewers? If so, you may want to use a shotgun-style mic to ensure sound quality. Planning to be on-the-go during your stream? A Lavalier mic will make sure your viewers don’t miss out on your narration while you’re a part of the action. Your video camera may even have a built-in microphone.
If you’re planning to use a live streaming app for your setup, consider apps that offer features to prioritize audio quality alongside video. TVU Anywhere supports crystal-clear, high-quality audio for mobile live streaming directly from a smartphone. Alternatively, many streamers also rely on Hollyland microphones due to their exceptional sound quality, ease of use, and reliability.
Portable Encoder:
A portable encoder for live streaming is a device or software that compresses and converts raw video and audio signals into a digital format suitable for streaming, and it is designed to be mobile and compact for on-the-go use.
These encoders, like TVU One, are essential for live-streaming events in real-time, such as sports, church services, concerts, or news broadcasts, especially when you’re on location and do not have access to a stable or wired internet connection. TVU One has patented IS+ technology, ensuring broadcast-quality live streams with minimal latency, even in challenging network environments.
Power and Battery Solutions:
You’ve got your camera, microphone, and encoder ready to go. Now, you need power.
Portable encoders can run on battery power or external power sources, making them ideal for remote or outdoor environments. TVU One stands alone with its built-in, removable battery. This guarantees efficiency for long IRL streams. TVU One can also be combined with the TVU Powerpac, which guarantees four hours of continuous live broadcast.
Carrying Backpack:
Your streaming backpack is essentially a mobile studio, equipped with everything you need to start an IRL stream for your viewers. It includes all the essential live-streaming equipment mentioned earlier, ensuring you’re prepared for high-quality broadcasts on the go. Additionally, it contains extra cables and accessories to handle unexpected situations, making it a reliable and versatile tool for streaming anywhere.
The TVU One backpack offers an all-in-one professional solution for IRL live streaming with bonded internet and built-in support for multiple network connections including 5G.
Mobile Device:
A dependable cellphone is a must-have for IRL live streaming. Not only can you use it for basic communication, but it’s also your way of reading chats. Whether you’re reacting to viewer comments, keeping an eye on alerts, or answering questions, having a chat is crucial for staying connected and engaging with your audience. If your setup malfunctions or you lose connection unexpectedly, chat will often be the first to let you know something’s off—so keep a careful watch!
Accessories and Extra Gear for Your Live Streaming Setup
While the basic live-streaming setup is essential, adding the right live streaming equipment, accessories, and extra gear can significantly enhance the quality of your stream and give it a more polished, professional look. Here are some accessories and extra gear to consider:
Lighting:
Good lighting is essential for a high-quality stream. Consider investing in a lighting kit or a ring light to ensure your face and surroundings are well-lit, reducing shadows and improving video clarity.
Tripod:
A tripod can help stabilize your camera and prevent shaky footage. Consider investing in a sturdy tripod or a gimbal for a smooth, professional-looking video.
Backdrops:
A backdrop can help create a professional-looking setting for your stream. Consider investing in a green screen or a pop-up backdrop to enhance your visual presentation.
How do I set up my IRL Stream?
You’ve done your research. You’ve got your live-streaming equipment. Now, you’re ready to stream. But how?
Assemble Your Equipment:
Mount your camera to your IRL backpack, gimbal, or the tripod of your choice.
Connect your microphone and test audio quality and levels to ensure your viewers can hear you as clearly as possible.
Set up your encoder, such as TVU One, and configure stream settings.
Configure Your Internet Connection:
Configuring an internet connection by bonding multiple SIM cards and connecting to 5G hotspots is a process used to ensure reliable and high-speed internet connectivity for live streaming, especially in remote areas or locations with weak network coverage.
The goal is to combine multiple cellular data connections into a single, more stable internet connection by leveraging multiple mobile networks. This process is often done using a mobile router or bonding device designed for aggregating multiple internet connections.
The TVU One automatically bonds multiple cellular connections for uninterrupted live streaming, giving you peace of mind during live broadcasts.
Test Your Live Streaming Platform:
Many platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch allow you to stream privately or unlisted. This allows you to test your live streaming setup without going public.
With a product like TVU Producer, you can monitor your IRL stream in real-time, switch between sources, and even add overlays or graphics, all from a cloud-based platform.
Going Live
If you’ve followed these steps, you should be ready to start your IRL stream. Hit the “Go Live” button on your live streaming platform and monitor the stream to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Be sure to engage with your viewers in real-time through chat or audio, ensuring an interactive and enjoyable experience for all.
Feeling overwhelmed by setting up your live streaming equipment? Not sure where to start? TVU One, TVU Anywhere, and TVU Producer make it easy to go live with professional-grade IRL streaming. Simplify your setup and stream with confidence using TVU solutions. Ready to start? Contact us today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best encoder for IRL live streaming?
When it comes to IRL live streaming, the best encoder depends on a few factors, including the hardware you’re using (PC or mobile device), the streaming platform, and the level of control you need over stream quality. Generally, encoders are responsible for compressing and converting your video and audio into a format that can be streamed efficiently over the internet. The TVU One is widely regarded as one of the best encoders for IRL streaming due to its reliability and cellular bonding technology.
Can I stream IRL with just my phone?
Yes! You can absolutely stream IRL using just your phone. Using live streaming apps makes it easy to broadcast without extra equipment, and many streamers rely on them for their simplicity and portability, especially when on the go. A live streaming app like TVU Anywhere allows you to stream directly from your smartphone with professional-quality results, making it an excellent choice for mobile streaming.
Can I use multiple cameras during an IRL stream?
Yes, you can have multiple cameras on IRL stream, but you’ll need streaming software or a platform like TVU Producer or OBS Studio that supports multiple video input sources. These tools allow you to manage and combine feeds from different cameras into one stream.
If you’re using a single-channel streaming backpack, you’ll need an external video switcher (like an ATEM Mini) to combine multiple camera feeds into a single output for the backpack. For multi-channel IRL streaming backpacks, such as the TVU One, which supports both single and multi-channel modes, you can send individual camera feeds directly to the streaming software or platform for advanced multi-camera production setups.
Can you have multiple cameras on Twitch?
Yes, you can use multiple cameras on Twitch, but you’ll need streaming software like TVU Producer, OBS Studio, or Streamlabs that supports multiple video inputs. These tools allow you to seamlessly switch between different camera angles or display multiple feeds at once, creating a dynamic viewing experience that can enhance viewer engagement on Twitch
A great example is Twitch streamer NMPLOL, who used a multi-camera setup while driving from Austin, Texas, to San Diego for TwitchCon. He switched between different camera angles on the fly, delivering a dynamic livestream that was later nominated for a 2024 Streamer Award.
How much will it cost to start streaming?
The cost of starting streaming depends on your needs. For basic setups, you can start with minimal equipment like your smartphone and a free streaming app such as Facebook Live, making it a $0 cost option. To enhance your stream within the $0-$100 range, you can add affordable accessories like a small tripod, clip-on microphone, or portable LED light for better stability, audio, and lighting.
For more advanced budget options, a cloud live streaming platform like TVU Producer, combined with a live streaming app like TVU Anywhere, allows you to create high-quality, multi-camera live streams at an affordable hourly rate, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious creators.
For professional-grade IRL streaming, a cellular bonded solution provides reliable, high-quality streams with advanced features like multi-camera support and enhanced connectivity. These setups, typically range from $5,000 to $40,000, depending on the number of SIMs, modems, and other features. Whether you’re starting small or scaling up, there are flexible options available to fit a variety of budgets and streaming goals.
How do I switch from my computer to my IRL backpack without stopping the stream?
Seamlessly switching between a desktop streaming setup and an IRL backpack can be done using IRLToolkit, which many streamers consider one of the simplest and most reliable solutions for uninterrupted transitions. By connecting your desktop streaming setup via IP protocol to IRLToolkit’s infrastructure, you can switch back and forth in real-time, ensuring your broadcast keeps going without any downtime.
What’s more, TVU Networks has partnered with IRLToolkit to provide easy workflows and lower latency for TVU One owners. This partnership streamlines the process even further, so whether you’re switching from your PC live streaming setup to your IRL backpack or vice versa, your viewers can enjoy a smooth, high-quality stream.
Do I need a streaming software?
Streaming software is a program that allows content creators to broadcast live, high-quality video and audio over the internet to platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live, and more. It helps capture, encode, and broadcast video content in real-time. Streaming software typically provides tools for controlling video quality, adding overlays, switching between different video sources, and interacting with viewers.
Alternatively, cloud-based SaaS platforms provide a powerful option for live streaming without requiring installation on your local device. These platforms enable remote collaboration, reduce the strain on your hardware, and offer greater scalability compared to traditional software, making them ideal for growing or large-scale streaming operations.
What does streaming software do?
Streaming software enables content creators to capture, encode, and broadcast video and audio to platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Live. It streamlines the live streaming process by offering tools for customization, interaction, and efficient video delivery. Key functions include:
- Video Encoding: Converts raw video and audio signals into a digital format that can be streamed efficiently.
- Scene Composition: Allows streamers to create custom layouts with multiple sources (e.g., webcam, game capture, media files).
- Stream Management: Connects to streaming platforms, manages stream settings, and handles broadcasting.
- Overlays and Alerts: Adds graphics, animations, and real-time alerts like donations and new followers to enhance the viewer experience.
- Chat Integration: Displays live chat from viewers on-screen.
What are the top software options for IRL streaming?
When choosing a streaming software or platform, it’s essential to consider factors such as ease of use, functionality, customization options, and whether a cloud-based or traditional software setup best fits your needs. Here are some popular options that cater to a variety of requirements:
- TVU Producer: A cloud-based platform that allows you to monitor your IRL stream in real-time, switch between sources, add overlays or graphics, and manage audio with its advanced audio mixer. It enables remote collaboration, and minimizes resource usage on your local hardware, making it a versatile and efficient option for live streaming.
- OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software): A free, open-source tool that offers extensive customization and supports both hardware and software encoding.
- Streamlabs: A user-friendly version of OBS, popular for stream alerts, overlays, and integrations with services like PayPal and StreamElements.
- XSplit: A paid software with an intuitive interface, offering additional features for professional streamers.
- vMix: A more advanced streaming software for multi-camera setups and professional-quality broadcasts.
- Wirecast: A paid option for advanced streaming needs, including support for live switching between sources.
How much data do I need for an IRL Stream Setup?
The amount of data you’ll need for an IRL stream depends on your stream quality and duration. For example, streaming at 720p (2500 Kbps) uses about 1.1 GB per hour, while 1080p (6000 Kbps) consumes around 2.7 GB per hour. A 4-hour stream could range from 4.4 GB to 10.8 GB, based on your quality settings. These bitrates follow recommendations from platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
If you’re moving around a lot or live streaming from a mobile hotspot, you may need to factor in the network you’re using. Mobile hotspots often have limited data, so managing quality is important.
Cellular Data (Mobile Hotspot):
If you’re using cellular data, you’ll want to stick to 720p or 1080p at 30fps to minimize data usage, especially if you plan on streaming for several hours. If you stream in 1080p for 3 hours, you could easily consume over 6 GB of data, which can add up quickly on mobile data plans.
Wi-Fi (Home or Public Networks):
Wi-Fi connections often provide more stable and unlimited data. However, you should ensure the network is strong enough for a reliable connection.
To give you an idea, here are some rough estimates of data usage for live streaming per hour:
- 720p at 30 fps: ~1.4 GB per hour
- 1080p at 30 fps: ~2.1 GB per hour
- 1080p at 60 fps: ~2.8 GB per hour
- 1440p at 60 fps: ~4.2 GB per hour
If you’re on mobile data, keep in mind that most plans have a cap, so you might want to set limits or use a data-saving mode if available while live streaming.
How Do IRL Streamers Get Internet?
IRL streamers use mobile internet to broadcast their streams. Some IRL streaming backpacks, like the TVU One, have built-in modems and use cellular bonding to combine multiple networks for a stronger, more stable connection. Streamers using IRL streaming backpacks without built-in modem often carry 2-3 external modems or mobile hotspots to ensure reliable internet access.
Alternatively, live streaming apps, such as TVU Anywhere, also utilize cellular bonding technology directly on mobile devices. These apps can combine multiple cellular connections to provide stable streaming without the need for additional hardware, making them a cost-effective alternative for those who don’t want to invest in a dedicated streaming backpack.
Can I use a drone with my IRL Stream Setup?
Yes. Your drone can be used during your IRL stream. TVU One can integrate with drones to elevate your content with unique aerial shots and dynamic angles. However, it comes with some additional considerations, including technical requirements, legal restrictions, and integration with your stream.
For an IRL stream with TVU One, you’ll need a drone capable of streaming live video. Some popular drones for streaming include:
- DJI Air 2S or DJI Mavic Air 2 – They offer good camera quality and long battery life.
- DJI Mini 3 Pro – Lightweight and compact, good for smaller or more mobile setups.
- Autel EVO II – Another high-quality drone with great cameras and live video capabilities.
Make sure the drone you choose has live video transmission (usually via Wi-Fi, 5G, or an app) and a good camera for your streaming needs.
My IRL live stream is lagging. What do I do?
If your IRL live stream is lagging, first check your internet connection to ensure you have a stable upload speed, and consider using a wired connection or mobile hotspot for better stability. Adjust your streaming software by lowering the resolution (to 720p or lower), reducing the bitrate (around 2500-4000 kbps), and switching to a hardware encoder if available. Make sure your device isn’t overloaded with background apps or overheating, which can affect performance. Additionally, verify if the live streaming platform is experiencing issues and close unnecessary apps to free up resources.
