IRL Streaming

Streamrun provides a reliable setup for IRL streaming as a cloud-based streaming server. You can create custom pay-as-you-go configurations tailored to your workflow, or use Streamrun Go, a flat-priced option. Both include disconnect protection, automatic failover to a video or image if the connection drops, and AI-based noise cancellation to keep audio clear during the stream.

Streaming Apps

Streamrun works with any streaming app that can publish RTMP or SRT. We recommend the following apps, which are commonly used by professional IRL streamers:

• Moblin for iPhone: App Store
• IRL Pro for Android: Play Store

In these apps, you can insert the Stream URL and Stream Key automatically by tapping the small triangle in the Streamrun's "Stream URL & Key" dialog. In other apps, the URL and key must be copied and pasted manually.

Which streaming protocol to choose

Streamrun supports RTMP, SRT, and SRTLA protocols, each suited for different streaming scenarios.

• RTMP is the simplest option and works with almost all streaming apps, but it is sensitive to packet loss and unstable mobile networks, making it less reliable for IRL use.
• SRT is designed for unreliable networks and handles packet loss and jitter much better than RTMP, making it a good default choice for mobile streaming when supported by the app.
• SRTLA is an extension of SRT optimized for unstable connections. It supports sending traffic over multiple bonded networks, which improves reliability on mobile networks, at the cost of higher latency and complexity. SRTLA is not part of the official SRT specification and has limited documentation and support, making it best suited for adventurous and technically experienced users.

SRT is the best starting point for mobile streaming when supported by the streaming app. Both Moblin and IRL Pro support SRT.

Codecs and bitrates

For IRL streaming, network stability matters more than raw video quality, so prefer lower bitrates if they improve reliability. Use the HEVC (H.265) video codec, as it delivers similar visual quality to H.264 at significantly lower bitrates, which helps on mobile networks.

As a rule of thumb, set your video bitrate to a maximum of 70% of your upload bandwidth, as tested with a service like speedtest.net. Mobile upload speeds fluctuate constantly, and using the full measured bandwidth leads to packet loss and disconnects.

Rough guidelines for setting video resolution and frame rate at different bitrates

• Below 2500 kbps: 720p at 30 fps
• 2500–4000 kbps: Full HD at 30 fps
• Above 4000 kbps: Full HD at 60 fps

These guidelines assume a stable connection. On highly variable mobile networks, using a lower bitrate with reduced resolution and frame rate often results in a more reliable stream and a better viewer experience.

If you have a moderately fast connection, use Full HD (1920×1080) at 30 fps with HEVC encoding and a bitrate of around 3000 kbps.

Step-by-step guide to start IRL Streaming

1. Sign up to Streamrun For the easiest setup, sign up with Twitch or Kick so your stream key is fetched automatically. New users get a 14-day free trial with up to 2 hours of daily streaming, making it easy to try Streamrun risk free.
2. Install Moblin or IRL Pro These apps run on your phone and use your phone’s camera to stream to the Streamrun server. Streamrun adds features like disconnect protection to your stream and forwards it to your selected destinations, such as Twitch or Kick.   Moblin for iPhone: App Store IRL Pro for Android: Play Store
3. Open your Streamrun Go control page
4. Add the Stream URL and Stream Key in Moblin or IRL Pro by tapping the small triangle in the “Stream URL & Key” dialog. See the top of this page for a screen capture of this step. Use Input 1 if you have only one streaming device.
5. Enable the outputs you want to stream to at the bottom of the Streamrun Go control page. If you didn’t sign up with Twitch or Kick, link your platforms to Streamrun using stream keys provided by each platform.
6. Click Go Live and start streaming with built-in disconnect protection, automatic failover, and noise cancellation.