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14 answers
What do I need for my first broadcast?
Create a workspace, connect a supported Linux VPS, upload one source video, and save a destination’s RTMP or RTMPS publishing details. Prepare a prerecorded broadcast, start it manually, and verify the platform preview.
Is a cloud server included in the Free plan?
No. IAmAStreamer uses a server you arrange and pay for separately. The Free plan allows one registered server, one concurrent output, 5 GB of hosted storage, and 10 GB of monthly measured output transfer in the current catalog. Free video output includes a watermark.
Can I use an existing Lightsail, OVH, or other VPS?
Yes, provided it meets the supported Linux and architecture requirements. The source-build installer supports Ubuntu or Debian on amd64 and arm64 with systemd. You install the agent on that VPS; no cloud account credentials or SSH private keys are requested in the dashboard.
Why can’t my remote VPS connect to localhost?
On the VPS, localhost means the VPS itself. A remote agent needs a public HTTPS API address with valid certificate verification. A development-only loopback option exists for an agent running on the same local machine.
Does connected mean ready to stream?
Connected means a recent authenticated heartbeat was recorded. Review the measurement freshness, detected FFmpeg availability, source video, destination details, and network conditions separately before starting a broadcast.
Does Refresh status ping the server?
No. It refreshes recorded heartbeat and metrics information from the API. It does not send an ICMP ping, network probe, or live agent round trip.
Can I send the same video to multiple destinations?
Yes, within the selected plan’s per-broadcast and concurrent output limits. Each destination has a separate FFmpeg output process. A failed output can be investigated and retried independently.
Does a running output prove viewers can watch?
No. The agent reports the local FFmpeg process and progress. Open the destination platform’s preview to check incoming video and audio, and use any final publishing controls required by that platform.
Do scheduled broadcasts start automatically?
No. The Schedule page stores planned times and timezones, with editing and cancellation. Automatic execution is future work; start and stop broadcasts manually from Live streams.
Can playlists run as a continuous channel?
Not yet. You can save playlist order and loop intent, but the current broadcast form selects one uploaded video. Automatic playlist execution is not implemented.
What counts toward monthly transfer?
The application totals cumulative FFmpeg output-byte reports across outputs. One GB is 1,000,000,000 bytes. Month-boundary allocation is estimated, and asynchronous quota stops can overshoot. This does not measure every network byte or replace your VPS provider’s invoice.
How are destination keys handled?
Destination stream keys are encrypted in application storage and omitted from normal API responses. The authorized agent receives the publishing details it needs for a run. Keep setup files and destination credentials private, and rotate exposed credentials.
Can I purchase a paid subscription here?
The current build displays the active plan catalog, but production checkout and payment-provider lifecycle handling are not ready. Registration creates a workspace; it does not charge you or activate a paid plan.
Where is the setup guide in my workspace?
Choose Getting started in the dashboard top bar. The five-step guide links to Servers, Media library, Destinations, and Live streams, and remembers your last step during navigation in the current session.
Still working through a question?
Find the relevant guide or prepare a clear description of your setup on the contact page.