So, you’ve decided to do your first live show online with OnJam. This guide will help you make it a great success.
STEP 1: Schedule your livestream
First, set up your livestream. In your Artist Dashboard, select “Schedule a show” and then “live broadcast.”
From there, you will follow the steps to add your stream’s information, including what time and day it will start.
At this stage you should also add a cover image and “content” for your ticket page and different types of tickets.
When you are ready to sell tickets, set your settings to “Published”. If you are not ready yet, you can keep the show as a “draft” and it will not be visible to anybody but you.
Once you’ve published your show, you should start telling people about it. For our tips on marketing and how to sell more tickets to your online shows, read our guide.
STEP 2: Check your set-up to optimise quality and stability of the stream
There are a few things you need to set up before you embark on your first livestream. You should do these checks at least 48 hours before your stream, in case you need to make any last-minute adjustments.
Ethernet internet connection: Make sure you are connected to the internet via ethernet cable (not WiFi). You will get a stronger and more reliable connection by being plugged in.
Internet speed: To stream reliably, you need an upload speed of at least 5 Mbps. You can check your internet speed here: https://www.speedtest.net/
Microphone or camera: OnJam supports high definition (HD) livestreaming, but the quality of your stream depends on the quality of your inputs.
There are many reasonably-priced HD cameras on the market, and ways to rent equipment. If this isn’t an option, you can also get a high quality picture from a webcam (e.g. Logitech HD Pro C922 or the Razer Kiyo) and a newer iPhone model can also capture in HD.
Again there are many microphones on the market. Our artists frequently recommend the Zoom H4n Pro, and Blue Yeti X or the Blue Yeti Nano are good value for money. Again, a recent model of iPhone can capture surprisingly good sound.
Software Encoder: OBS Studio is the most popular choice for OnJam artists, and used by many streamers around the world.
Lighting and space: Don’t forget about the lighting, layout and aesthetics of your livestream. Good lighting can make it much easier to capture a professional-looking video, even with an average camera.
STEP 3: Locate your RTMP key
After you have published your show, your RTMP key will be automatically generated.
To find it, open your show in the Artist Dashboard and click “Broadcast Studio”.
If you've sold tickets we'll automatically generate your RTMP key 1 hour before your show. Otherwise, you can manually generate the RTMP key by clicking on the button up to 8 hours before your show.
Once you have it, copy the RTMP key and paste it into OBS or your software encoder of choice.
Note: the RTMP key is unique per show. So if you've already streamed with us, make sure you're using the latest RTMP key.
STEP 4: Sound check on the day
On the day, it’s worth creating a test stream (unlisted - nobody but you needs to see it) to ensure your stream sounds and looks stable.
We also recommend doing another internet speed check, we recommend a minimum 5 Mbps upload speed.
STEP 5: Video Settings
We support 1080p video @ 30FPS and a maximum bitrate of 10 Mbps. With high quality live broadcasting there is a 10-15 second delay with what you see on screen. Also, if you're suffering from really low frame rate it may not be possible to display a picture.
STEP 6: Start the stream
A few minutes before the stream is due to begin, you need to let in your audience!
Double check you are ready to go live (RTMP and stream keys are connected to OBS).
Then, go to your “Broadcast Studio”. You will see your stream input. Your server and stream key details are on the same page, in case you need them.
When you are ready, click “Allow audience in”.
At your scheduled start time, the audience will be able to see you. Have a good show!
Please note, it’s normal for there to be a 10-30 second delay in the broadcast.
STEP 6: Stop the stream
At the end of your show, you have to… end your show.
Go back into your Broadcast Studio and click the “End show” button.
OnJam automatically records your livestream so your fans can watch it on catch-up if they miss it. If you’d like this to happen, there’s no need for you to do anything at all.
If you’d prefer your show to be live only, and for people who missed it to see another video (perhaps you filmed your livestream and made some edits), then you can upload the video to OnJam and connect it to your show by selecting “Edit Show” and “Video”.
For help, visit our ‘how to upload a video to OnJam’ article.
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