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How do I go live with Mixcloud?

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Mixcloud Live is a tool for creators to livestream music and video, legally and ethically.

 

There are now two ways to go live on Mixcloud:

  1. Through your browser using Mixcloud Live studio
  2. Through third party software, like OBS

To learn how to go live through your browser, read our guide here.
To learn how to go live through third party software, keep reading for the steps below.

 

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

You'll need the following:

  • a subscription to Mixcloud Pro. Find out more about this subscription here
  • 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.

To download OBS Studio go here and choose the version that's right for your device.

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?

Once you've chosen your broadcasting software and set up your stream through it, you'll want to connect it to Mixcloud Live. To do this follow the steps below while logged in to your Mixcloud profile:

  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 to your stream will give your fans some info about your stream and can help new viewers to choose to watch your stream. We'd therefore always recommend adding a name and a description to your stream.

    If you do not choose a name, the title of your stream will default to "[Your username] live!"
    Remember the description can contain links in the following format https://mixcloud.com.

    Once you've added stream information once, this will be saved as your new default for future streams.

    Please note that you cannot change the name of the stream, the description or the tags once you've gone live. You will however be able to change them when you are off air.

  3. Do you want your stream to be listed?

    Screenshot_2021-01-27_at_13.12.12.png

    If you wish to stream privately, select "Unlisted stream" before confirming that you're happy with the name and description you've set.
    If you'd rather your stream be visible in the lists on Mixcloud Live, leave this option toggled off.

    For more information about what 'unlisting' your stream means, see our article here.

  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 will 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 to your fans.

    Click the Share Show button to copy a link to your livestream that can be posted on social media to alert your followers that you'll be going live. Remember that the URL of your stream will always be mixcloud.com/live/[your user name] so you can share this far in advance.

 

What's the Mixcloud Server Name?

The Server Name will need to be inputted in your broadcast software settings to connect you to Mixcloud Live. To find out more 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 you can 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 to manage 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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