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Multistreaming on YouTube: rules, settings and how to go live

Short answer: Does YouTube allow multistreaming? Yes. YouTube supports going live with the same content on several platforms at once, and suggests an upload speed of 1.5 to 2 times your combined bitrate.

YouTube supports multistreaming openly: its own help calls it simulstreaming and explains how to do it. A YouTube stream keeps working for you after it ends, since the replay is searchable, which is why so many streamers add YouTube next to Twitch or Kick.

This page has the YouTube side of it: how to send your stream there with Multistream Cloud (one upload) or the free Multistream app (from your PC), where YouTube's stream key is, the settings YouTube recommends, and YouTube's rules for streaming to other platforms at the same time.

Method 1: Multistream Cloud (one upload for every platform)

Multistream Cloud takes one stream from OBS and sends a copy to YouTube, Twitch and Kick, and to up to 12 platforms in all. Your internet only uploads that one stream, so adding a platform doesn't need a faster connection. It comes with Pro, $10/mo.

  1. Create your Multistream account, then get Pro on your Account page.
  2. In the Studio, step 1 (Pick platforms), click Add a platform and add each one:
    • YouTube: click Sign in with YouTube and pick your channel's Google account. Multistream Cloud then starts your YouTube broadcast by itself, so it doesn't sit in preview.
    • Twitch: click Sign in with Twitch, then Authorize in the Twitch window. Multistream reads your stream key for you.
    • Kick: click Sign in with Kick, log in and click Allow. Or paste the Stream URL and stream key from Kick's Creator Dashboard → Settings → Stream Key.
  3. Install Multistream for OBS (Windows 10 or 11, OBS 31 or newer) and open OBS. The Multistream dock opens on the right.
  4. In the dock, click Sign in with your browser and approve it.
  5. The dock's pre-flight check looks at your OBS settings, Multistream Cloud, your platforms and where OBS sends. If OBS isn't sending to Multistream yet, click Point OBS at Multistream.
  6. Click Go live on 3. After a 3, 2, 1 countdown, OBS starts streaming and YouTube, Twitch and Kick go live.

If OBS or your internet drops, Pro keeps your platforms live on your BRB clip for up to 30 minutes, and when OBS is back you carry on in the same broadcast, with the same chat. Turn it on under Disconnect protection.

Method 2: the free Multistream app (from your own PC)

The free Multistream app for Windows can send the copies from your own PC instead. Your upload then carries one copy for each platform, and if your PC's internet drops, your platforms drop with it. Run the app's Speed test first to see what your connection can carry, or work it out with the free upload calculator.

  1. Download the Multistream app for Windows 10 or 11 and open it.
  2. Go to Multistream → Go live and set Where the relay runs to This PC.
  3. Open Setup guide and click Add a platform for YouTube, Twitch and Kick. Twitch, YouTube and Kick accounts you've connected in the app add in a click; the others take their stream key.
  4. Install Multistream for OBS and open OBS. Without Pro, the Multistream dock sends your stream through the app on this PC, so keep the app open.
  5. Click Go live on 3 in the dock. Your PC uploads one copy for each platform.

YouTube's stream key and settings

Turn on live streaming first. Your channel needs to be verified, and turning on live streaming can take up to 24 hours the first time, so do it a day ahead.

The stream key is in YouTube Studio under Create → Go live, on the Stream tab. To keep the same key every time, create a custom one with Create new stream key. With Multistream Cloud you can skip it: Sign in with YouTube and Multistream starts your YouTube broadcast by itself, so it doesn't sit in preview.

Settings YouTube recommends (H.264, a keyframe every 2 seconds and never more than 4): 1080p, 60 fps: 6,000 to 17,000 kbps; 1080p, 30 fps: 5,000 to 14,000 kbps; 720p, 60 fps: 3,000 to 8,000 kbps; 720p, 30 fps: 3,000 to 8,000 kbps. Every platform gets the same stream OBS sends, so if another platform recommends less, like Twitch's 6,000 kbps for 1080p at 60 fps, stay within that one's numbers.

YouTube's rules for streaming elsewhere

Allowed. YouTube says you can go live with the same content on several platforms at once, as long as your accounts there are in good standing. It suggests an upload speed of 1.5 to 2 times your combined bitrate, which matters when the free app sends every copy from your PC. With Multistream Cloud, OBS uploads only one.

Vertical goes to the Shorts feed. A vertical live stream is shown to viewers browsing Shorts on their phones. The free Multistream Vertical tool for OBS makes a 9:16 picture next to your main one; add YouTube with Canvas set to Vertical to send it. See Kick and YouTube Shorts.

YouTube with each platform

Step-by-step guides for the most common pairs: Twitch and YouTube, YouTube and Kick, YouTube and TikTok, YouTube and Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Questions, answered

Does YouTube allow multistreaming?

Yes. YouTube supports going live with the same content on several platforms at once, and suggests an upload speed of 1.5 to 2 times your combined bitrate.

How do I keep the same YouTube stream key?

In YouTube Studio, under Create → Go live, on the Stream tab, create a custom key with Create new stream key. It stays the same between streams.

What keyframe interval does YouTube want?

2 seconds is recommended, and it shouldn't be more than 4.

Can I multistream to YouTube for free?

Yes, with the free Multistream app, which sends a copy to each platform from your PC. With Pro ($10/mo), Multistream Cloud takes one upload and sends every copy.

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