Below are the answers to all the frequently asked questions we've received about Mixcloud Live. If you have any further questions please get in touch at support@mixcloud.com
Is Mixcloud Live a licensed platform?
Yes, Mixcloud is a licensed service that has agreements in place with many rights holder partners around the world including: major record labels, independent record labels, publishers, distributors, performance rights organisations, collective management organisations, and more.
What should I avoid streaming on Mixcloud?
Please avoid anything that breaks our Terms of Use and keep in mind that streaming is under the same limits as shows uploaded to the platform. These limits can be seen here. Additionally anything that is not considered 'live', including music videos.
How good does my internet connection need to be to stream on Mixcloud Live?
We'd recommend using an internet connection with at least 3 Mbps upload speed to ensure seamless streaming of both audio and video. You can check your internet speed using a free tool like fast.com.
Can I stream without using streaming software?
Yes, by using Mixcloud Live studio you can stream with just a webcam and a microphone. To find out more about using Live studio, see our guide here.
What are the best audio and video settings for using Mixcloud Live with a stream key?
The best settings for streaming on Mixcloud Live are:
Audio quality: 320k
Video quality: 720p to 1080p
Bitrate: 2500kbps to 3500kbps and CBR, not VBR
Frames Per Second: 30fps
Visual ratio: 16:9
Keyframe interval: 2s
Are there limits to how long I can stream for?
No there are no limits currently set for how long a stream can be. However, we've seen that streams lasting longer than the usual Mixcloud show tend not to have as many viewers overall.
Also, our system will cut streams at the 8 hour mark to make the system work better, resulting in a refresh every 8 hours. If you are planning to do a stream for longer than 8 hours we'd recommend checking that your broadcasting system will automatically reconnect at this point.
Note that the saving of streams has a limit of 6 hours so shows over 6 hours long will not be completely saved.
Can I stream using an app?
Yes, you can use any app for Android or iOS that allows for the addition of an RTMP.
Can I stream on Mixcloud using a ShoutCast, IceCast or BUTT?
Mixcloud Live needs RTMP to connect. As internet radio streaming services like ShoutCast, IceCast and BUTT don't provide an RTMP connection you won't be able to use them to stream with us.
Can I embed my stream on another site?
Embedding the stream on a different site is something that we are working on, but it is not currently possible at this time.
Does Mixcloud notify my followers I’m going live?
Yes Mixcloud will notify your followers if they are using the platform on either mobile apps or desktop when you go live. However, we'd recommend also sharing the link to your stream (which will always be www.mixcloud.com/live/[your username]) prior to going live.
Does my stream get archived?
Yes, we will save up to 6 hours of the audio from your stream. You can find out more here. Please note that, as a primarily audio platform, we won't be archiving the video content from your stream at any point.
Remember that you can record your stream using your streaming software or your usual Mixcloud show recording software.
Can anyone view my stream?
Anybody with the link to your stream on Mixcloud Live can view it, they won't even need to have a Mixcloud account. For more information see our article here.
Can people view my stream using the Mixcloud apps?
Yes, streams are available via both the iOS and Android apps. For more information see our article here.
Can I stream to my Mixcloud Select subscribers only?
This is not currently possible. However, we are currently working out the possibilities to do this.
Why do my viewers need to log in to write in the chat?
We want to make sure that the chat function on Mixcloud Live is for legitimate viewers only. Logging in to chat means we can better stop spam, trolls and other inappropriate behaviour on Mixcloud. It also allows us to work on bugs more efficiently.