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How to stream on YouTube and LinkedIn at the same time

Short answer: Can you stream on YouTube and LinkedIn at the same time? Yes. YouTube supports streaming the same content to several platforms at once, and LinkedIn Live takes a stream from streaming software through its Stream URL and stream key.

A webinar, a product demo or a talk often belongs on both: YouTube keeps it searchable for years, and LinkedIn puts it in front of the people you work with while it's live. Streaming to both from one OBS means one show, two audiences.

Here are two ways to do it with Multistream: Multistream Cloud, where OBS uploads once and the cloud sends the stream to YouTube and LinkedIn, and the free Multistream app, where your PC sends both copies. LinkedIn works a little differently from other platforms, so read its section before your first stream.

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

Multistream Cloud takes one stream from OBS and sends a copy to YouTube and LinkedIn, 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.
    • LinkedIn: schedule a live event in LinkedIn, open its Manage streams page and click Get URL, then paste the Stream URL and stream key. Each event gets its own, so paste the new ones for every stream.
  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 2. After a 3, 2, 1 countdown, OBS starts streaming and YouTube and LinkedIn 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 and LinkedIn. 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 2 in the dock. Your PC uploads one copy for each platform.

How LinkedIn Live is different

Who can go live. LinkedIn asks for more than 150 followers or connections, an account or Page at least 30 days old, and a good standing record. There's no application. For a Page, only its admins can stream.

Every stream is an event, with its own key. LinkedIn Live streams are scheduled ahead as events. On the event's Manage streams page, click Get URL to see the Stream URL and stream key, and paste them into Multistream. The next event gets new ones, so paste them again each time. You can start from 15 minutes before the scheduled time.

Up to 4 hours, and live only. LinkedIn ends streams at four hours, and its live rules don't allow pre-recorded content.

Settings both platforms accept

Every platform gets the same stream OBS sends, so pick settings both accept. LinkedIn recommends 720p at 30 fps and allows up to 1080p, with a video bitrate of 3,500 kbps recommended and 6,000 kbps at most, a keyframe every 2 seconds and AAC audio at 128 kbps.

YouTube accepts all of that: its own recommendation is a keyframe every 2 seconds, never more than 4. So set OBS to 1080p or 720p at 30 fps, at 6,000 kbps or less, and both platforms are happy.

YouTube's first live stream. Turning on live streaming for your channel can take up to 24 hours the first time, so do it a day ahead.

Questions, answered

Can you stream on YouTube and LinkedIn at the same time?

Yes. YouTube supports streaming the same content to several platforms at once, and LinkedIn Live takes a stream from streaming software through its Stream URL and stream key.

Where do I find my LinkedIn stream key?

Schedule a live event, open its Manage streams page and click Get URL: it shows the Stream URL and stream key. Each event gets its own.

How long can a LinkedIn Live stream be?

Up to four hours. LinkedIn's live rules also don't allow pre-recorded content.

What bitrate should I use for YouTube and LinkedIn?

6,000 kbps or less at 1080p or 720p, 30 fps, with a keyframe every 2 seconds: LinkedIn's maximum, and well within what YouTube accepts.

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