Frequently asked questions

An Android 9+ phone or iPhone (iOS 17+), a Google account with YouTube Live enabled, and decent Wi-Fi or 4G. That's it. No laptop, no capture card, no production crew.

Create or choose a YouTube channel, verify it at youtube.com/verify, then select Create > Go Live in YouTube Studio and follow the activation prompts. First-time activation can take up to 24 hours, so do this before game day. You must be at least 16 and have had no live-streaming restrictions in the past 90 days. Once enabled, sign in to BenchStream with the correct channel and grant access.

BenchStream is being prepared for Android and iOS. Our download page will show a verified store link as soon as each public listing is live.

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.

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.

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.

Pro unlocks 720p through 4K streaming, the scoreboard overlay, custom thumbnails and club branding, sponsor break scenes on air, and BenchStream watermark removal. Free includes unlimited-length 480p/30fps streaming, YouTube scheduling, manual RTMP destinations, default sport thumbnails, and sponsor editing. Free streams carry the BenchStream watermark.

Yes. The Sponsor Library and scene editor stay available on Free, so you can build and keep your sponsor setup. Pro is required only when you put a sponsor scene on air.

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.

The app store does. Google takes payment for Google Play Pro on Android; Apple takes payment for App Store Pro on iOS. The originating store handles applicable taxes and holds your payment details — we never see your card.

No. Google Play Pro works on Android only and App Store Pro works on iOS only. They are separate products and do not transfer between stores. Using Pro on both platforms requires one subscription from each store.

No. BenchStream creates no BenchStream account. Subscription ownership follows the Google Play or Apple account used to buy it, independently of the Google/YouTube account, YouTube channel, or Brand Account you connect for streaming. Changing a channel or Brand Account does not move or cancel Pro.

In an app version where Pro purchasing and Restore Purchases are enabled, use Restore Purchases on the same platform while signed in to the store account that made the purchase. An Android purchase cannot be restored on iOS, and an iOS purchase cannot be restored on Android.

Where offered, eligible new subscribers can receive a 14-day introductory trial when the store displays it for their account. It then turns into the paid plan selected at signup unless cancelled by the deadline the store shows. The store confirms when Pro access ends.

Yes, where the app offers it, and without cancelling first. On Google Play the switch happens straight away in both directions. Monthly to annual charges the full annual price there and then, and whatever was left of your month is added onto the end of your new annual billing period rather than refunded — no money comes back. Annual to monthly charges nothing on the day you switch; monthly billing starts on the date your annual subscription would have renewed, so you keep the time you've already paid for. Google shows the amount and the date before you confirm.

In your store's subscription settings, not in BenchStream — we can't cancel a store subscription for you. On Android: Google Play → your profile → Payments and subscriptions → Subscriptions → BenchStream → Cancel. On iOS: Settings → your name → Subscriptions → BenchStream → Cancel. Pro stays active until the end of the period you've already paid for. Uninstalling the app does not cancel a subscription.

No. Signing out of Google, disconnecting or revoking YouTube access, changing a channel or Brand Account, clearing app data, and uninstalling do not cancel store billing. Cancel through the store where you bought Pro.

Start a refund request with the store that processed the purchase, under its refund process. If you still need help, email [email protected]. Store processes do not limit any statutory rights you may have against BenchStream as the supplier.

BenchStream has no advertising, crash-reporting, or behavioural-analytics SDK. The Android app contacts RevenueCat when you choose to open a billing surface showing subscription prices or trial terms, such as the paywall or plan comparison, and it creates a pseudonymous per-install identifier at that point. Merely starting a broadcast does not contact RevenueCat. RevenueCat never receives your video, audio, or Google/YouTube identity.