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Live Encoding

Live encoding is the first step in every live streaming workflow. A live encoder takes your camera or screen signal, compresses it in real time (typically using H.264/AAC) and sends it to nanoStream Cloud via an ingest protocol such as RTMP, SRT or WHIP. Once received, nanoStream Cloud distributes the stream worldwide with ultra-low latency.

On this page you will learn what your encoding options are, the recommended settings, and how to connect with the most common encoders.

Live Encoding Options​

nanoStream Cloud works with browser-based, software-based, and hardware-based encoders:

  • Browser Encoder: nanoStream Webcaster
  • Software Encoder: OBS Broadcaster Software, Wirecast, VMix, ffmpeg
  • Hardware Encoder: JVC Connected Camera, Videon, Teradek, and others

Supported Formats​

EncoderVideo CodecAudio CodecContainer
nanoStream WebcasterH.264OpusWebRTC
Software/Hardware EncodersH.264AACRTMP
On RequestH.265, SRT, RTSP-–

Encoder Setup​

In this section, we have outlined the setup for the most commonly used encoders, nanoStream Webcaster, OBS, and Osprey Talon.

The nanoStream Webcaster is a browser-based encoder that requires no installation or plugins. It is ideal for quick broadcasts live streaming setups.

You can stream directly from your browser by going to dashboard.nanostream.cloud/webcaster and creating a new stream or by selecting an existing one. Alternatively, it is possible to manually append the stream ID to the URL at any time, e.g. dashboard.nanostream.cloud/webcaster/YOUR-STREAM-ID.

Steps:

  1. Open the Webcaster via Dashboard → Webcaster
  2. Select or create a Stream
  3. Choose camera and microphone
  4. Click Start Broadcast

To learn more about how to set up the webcaster and process the stream, simply refer to our dedicated docs: Ingesting with the nanoStream Webcaster.

If you prefer to assemble the nanoStream Webcaster yourself, you can find all available methods in our Webcaster API.

Screenshot: nanoStream Webcaster Screenshot: nanoStream Webcaster

Encoder Configuration​

The visual quality of a live stream is determined primarily by two variables: resolution and bitrate. Resolution defines how many pixels are transmitted (e.g. 1280×720), while the bitrate defines how much data per second is available to represent motion and detail (e.g. 500 kbit/s). Both settings must be in balance, especially for low-latency environments.

Live streaming behaves differently from file-based video. Lower latency means less buffering, which reduces tolerance for unstable networks. Because of that:

Configuration Description
Avoid changing resolutions during a streamFor live streams, a constant pixel resolution is required, as most streaming and playback environments do not support changing resolutions while streaming.
Mobile networks require lower bitratesMobile networks have limited bandwidth and usually lead to a quality impact of a stream. If you set a high bitrate for your stream, which cannot be delivered through the network, your clients will experience buffering and stream freezes during the playback.
High-motion content needs more bitrate than static contentVideo Encoding Quality is very much dependent on the content. Static content with little movement and structure is much better to compress than moving content.
Test your content

It is highly recommended to run your own tests based on typical content, and approve by your own quality expectations.

General Recommendations​

nanoStream Cloud works with a wide range of live encoder configurations. In general, there are some common recommendations for ultra-low latency:

SettingRecommendation
Frame rate25 or 30 fps, not 60
Encoder GOP Size~2 seconds (e.g. 50-60 frames for 25/30 fps)
BitrateChoose as low as possible, as high as necessary
Camera ResolutionConfigure the camera with the max. resolution you would like to use for streaming, not higher. Don't capture 1080p if you stream with 720p
UpscalingAvoid upscaling, it wastes bandwith and reduces quality
Resolution ChoicePrefer 720p for ultra-low latency use cases

Standard Resolutions​

  • 640x480 (4:3)
  • 640x360 (16:9)
  • 240p (424x240)
  • 360p (640x360)
  • 432p (768x432)
  • 480p (848x480)
  • 576p (720x576 or 1024x576, "SD")
  • 720p (1280x720, "HD")
  • 1080p (1920x1080, "Full HD")
ResolutionRecommended Bitrate
≤ 576p (up to 720x576)≤ 300-500 kBits/s (medium), ≥ 1000 kBit/s (high)
720p HD (1280x720)600-1000 kBits/s (low/medium), ≥ 1000-2000 kBits/s (high)
1080p Full HD (1920x1080)≥ 2-3 MBit/s
4K (4096x2160)≤ 6 MBit/s
Low-bandwith tip

If you expect to have audiences in bad network environments (e.g. mobile or public Wi-Fi), we suggest to reduce the bitrate to far below 1 MBit/s - (1000 kBits/s), for example 500 kBits/s.

Stream Configuration​

RTMP is the default ingest format for nanoStream Cloud. You receive your RTMP ingest URL via Dashboard or API and enter it into your encoder. Any RTMP-capable encoder can be used.

Getting Started

To learn how to retrieve the ingest information and successfully start a stream, we have written a detailed guide. There you will once again find instructions for the most common encoders (including the nanoStream Webcaster, OBS and Osprey Talon).

Data Traffic (Bandwith Usage)​

Data traffic depends and grows with the bitrate sent from the encoder and the bitrate received for every viewer. You can estimate the required upstream or downstream traffic per hour as:

bitrate(kbit/s) × 3600 / 8 = MB per hour

Example

BitrateApprox. Data per Hour
500 kBits/s~225 MB / hour
1000 kBits/s~450 MB / hour

Adaptive Bitrate / Multi-Bitrate Live Streaming​

To adjust to network conditions, certain adaptive bitrate (ABR) configurations are available.

  • Dynamic Upstream: Automatic adjustment of live encoder bitrate (dependent on your live encoder)
  • Multiple Bitrates (MBR): To support multiple video quality levels, you can send multiple streams in multiple bitrates (e.g., 2000 + 500 kbit/s). You can send your own MBR stream or use our live transcoding service.
  • Downstream: ABR Playback: Automatic adjustment of the quality on the player side

For ABR Playback, several live streams need to be running at the same time with different quality levels. These streams can either be created on the encoder side or on the server side by live transcoding, based on one incoming stream.

Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) and Live Transcoding with nanoStream Cloud
  • Learn what adaptive bitrate playback and live transcoding are and how you can set them up in the nanoStream Cloud Dashboard, by clicking here.
  • To understand how stream switching and ABR work on the player side, visit the player docs.

Additional resources​

See the links below for recommendations by apple, youtube, vimeo and adobe:

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