FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Getting started
An Android 9+ phone or iPhone (iOS 16+), a Google account with YouTube Live enabled, and decent Wi-Fi or 4G. That's it. No laptop, no capture card, no production crew.
Go to youtube.com/features in a web browser and enable Live Streaming. It can take up to 24 hours for YouTube to approve. Once enabled, BenchStream can create and manage broadcasts on your behalf.
Yes. BenchStream is available on both Android and iOS. Download it from Google Play or the App Store.
Streaming
No. BenchStream signs in with Google OAuth and talks to YouTube on your behalf. Your phone sends video to YouTube's ingest servers directly.
Yes. Use the Manual Stream option to paste any RTMP or HLS ingest URL and stream key. BenchStream sends video to any destination that accepts standard ingest.
BenchStream automatically retries up to 5 times with exponential backoff. You'll see clear status like "Reconnecting (2/5)". If it can't recover, you get specific instructions on what to fix.
Yes, if your phone supports it. BenchStream detects your phone's capabilities and only offers resolutions your device can encode reliably. Free includes 480p; Pro unlocks 720p through 4K.
BenchStream watches YouTube's ingest state in real time. You only see the GO LIVE button when YouTube confirms it's receiving your video. No guessing.
Audio
Tap "Calibrate to this room" in mic settings. BenchStream listens for 10 seconds, measures the loudest peak, and recommends a level that leaves headroom for cheers and whistles without clipping.
Yes. BenchStream supports USB microphones, USB headsets, wired headsets, and Bluetooth LE audio. Select your input in the mic settings panel.
Scoreboard
Tap +/– on the scoreboard rail while streaming. The overlay updates on your YouTube broadcast in real time. No need to pause or restart the stream.
Yes. In stream settings, use the position picker to place the scoreboard in any corner or edge of the frame.
Yes. The scoreboard works for any two-team sport. BenchStream ships preset thumbnails for hockey, basketball, football, soccer, tennis, and canoe polo.
The scoreboard overlay is part of BenchStream Pro, along with 720p–4K streaming and custom thumbnails. Free includes unlimited-length 480p streaming, YouTube scheduling, manual RTMP destinations, and default sport thumbnails.
YouTube
BenchStream creates and manages broadcasts on your YouTube channel. Monetization settings are controlled in YouTube Studio, just like any other live stream.
Yes. BenchStream pulls in your scheduled YouTube broadcasts. Configure quality and scoreboard, then go live when you're ready.