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How do I go live with Mixcloud?

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Mixcloud Live offers creators the opportunity to live stream music and video content legally and ethically. There are two ways to go live on Mixcloud:

  1. Through your browser using Mixcloud Live studio (our help guide can be found here).
  2. Through third-party software, like OBS (to learn more, keep reading this article).

 

What do I need to broadcast live on Mixcloud using third-party software?

You'll need the following:

  • a subscription to Mixcloud Pro.
  • a computer capable of live streaming.
  • a steady internet connection.
  • streaming software. See our guide to these here.
  • a webcam if you want visuals as well.

 

What streaming software do I use?

There are lots of different types of streaming software that can be used to stream live on Mixcloud.

We recommend Open Broadcast Software (OBS) as it's free and easy to get set up. You can download OBS Studio here. We recommend watching a tutorial on setting up OBS Studio for Mixcloud Live here or going through the steps here.

Other broadcast software that is commonly used include:

How do I connect my stream on Mixcloud?

After choosing your broadcasting software and configuring your stream, connect the software to Mixcloud Live using the following steps.

  1. Click on Create at the top of Mixcloud and select Go Live.

    Screenshot_2022-06-21_at_15.45.47.png 

  2. Name your Live Stream and add a description and tags.


    Screenshot_2021-02-24_at_13.00.00.png

    Adding a name, description, and tags for your stream gives your fans insights into your content and helps new viewers decide whether to join your stream. Therefore, we strongly advise including both a name and a description.

    Name
    If you don't choose a name, your stream's title will automatically become "[Your username] live!".


    Description
    Remember that the description can include links using the format https://mixcloud.com.

    Once you've entered stream information, it'll be stored as the new default for future streams. Please note that you cannot change the name, description or tags once you've gone live. However, you'll be able to change them again off-air.

  3. Do you want your stream to be listed?


    Screenshot_2021-01-27_at_13.12.12.png

    When you toggle the "Unlisted" option before you hit that start button, here's what happens:

    1. Hidden from public view: Your live stream won't appear on any browse pages (such as https://www.mixcloud.com/live/) or your Mixcloud profile.

    2. No notifications: Your followers won't receive notifications that you're live. 


    This feature comes in handy for a couple of scenarios:

    • Testing ground: If you're trying to fine-tune your stream settings or run a quick tech check without an audience.

    • Exclusive audience: If you want to share your livestream with a select group? Unlisted streams allow you to host exclusive sets.

     

    To grant access to your unlisted stream, simply share the stream's URL with your chosen audience. The URL for an unlisted stream is always structured as www.mixcloud.com/live/[your username]. Anyone with the link can tune in, whether they're using the desktop or mobile app versions of Mixcloud.

  4. Copy the Stream Key and the Server Name into your streaming settings on your broadcast software.

    StreamKey.png

    Since your stream key is reusable, you'll only need to copy this the first time you go live. However, you might want to double-check this information is correct in your streaming software. Remember not to share this Stream Key with anyone.

    For help with this, see our tutorial to OBS here.

  5. Click the Start Streaming button on your streaming software.

    Your stream will start connecting and you'll see it on your stream page.

  6. Share your stream with your fans.

    To alert your followers that you'll be going live, click the Share Show button, copy the link to your livestream and post it on social media. Remember that the URL of your stream will always be mixcloud.com/live/[your username], so feel free to share this far in advance.

 

What's the Mixcloud Server Name?

The Server Name will need to be entered in your broadcast software settings to connect you to Mixcloud Live. To find out more about setting up your streaming software, see the tutorial here.

The Server Name is:
rtmp://rtmp.mixcloud.com/broadcast.

 

How do I finish my stream on Mixcloud?

How you finish a show can be as important as how you start it and the same goes for live streaming. Remember that your followers are watching and listening to you, so take this opportunity to connect with them even after you're done playing music.

To end your stream on Mixcloud, click the End Stream button on your streaming software.

 

Any tips on what to do to make the stream better?

  1. We recommend not changing the audio and video settings in your streaming software. Changing these settings may stop you from being able to stream properly through Mixcloud Live.

  2. Post a welcome message in the chat. You may not be able to read through the chat continually but it's best to post a message welcoming your followers and maybe giving an introduction for those who stumble across your stream.

  3. Pick up the mic. If you've never spoken during a show before, now is the time. Whether it's saying hi to a follower, giving detail about what you're playing or just having a chat, your viewers will appreciate it.

  4. Plan what you're going to do before you go live and how long you'll be live for. This will help with publicising the stream and managing the expectations of your followers.

  5. Add some Mixcloud assets to your stream using overlays on OBS. You can find Mixcloud-specific assets here.

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