Intro

Streaming with multiple cameras can significantly enhance your streaming experience and production quality — from hosting interviews to streaming music jams and product showcases. Let’s find out how you can easily set up your multi-camera live stream.

In this article we will also walk you through some basic questions, like the definition of multiple cameras in live streaming, why they are important, and where they are used. So without further ado, let’s dive into this topic!

👀 What is multi-camera live streaming?

Multi-camera live streaming is when you capture what’s happening with several cameras. During your live streams, you can switch between your cameras in real time or even combine different angles so your viewers can visualize the full scope of a scene.

Multi-camera streaming makes your broadcasts more engaging and interesting than a one-camera stream. It saves you time, as you don’t have to make transitions or compile scenes. When using a multi-camera setup, the quality of the live stream will be determined more by the creative and organizational components than by the cost of your equipment.

A common event for multiple cameras is a music concert, where the general shot of one camera is combined with dynamic close-ups of another camera. Usually, one camera is in constant motion, periodically focusing on the performers and their instruments, and the other camera is used for wide shots.

But this is not the only area where live streams with multiple cameras are used. Let's take a look at some other popular use cases.

Where is multiple-camera streaming used?

We’ve made a short list of cases for which a wide-angle view from several cameras is important when streaming:

  • Virtual events and conferences. Nowadays, live conferences, webinars, and virtual events play a key part in our society. Despite recurring worldwide lockdowns, people are still eager to learn new things, share their experiences, and meet new people. Using multiple cameras for these events helps viewers feel connected and able to participate in what’s happening.
  • Art tutorial live streams. It is impossible to show the viewer all the movements and actions in detail when streaming with just one camera.  Multiple camera angles allow artists to show their hand positions and detailed techniques to facilitate their explanations with ease.
  • Music live streams. Bands and solo performers alike often use multi-camera setups to highlight their unique images, venues, and instruments. Multiple cameras help in attracting more people to a performance by showing many cool details. Multi-camera streaming is also useful for music teachers to demonstrate instrumental techniques.
  • Unboxing. When unboxing, it is necessary to show what is inside the parcel: equipment, quality of materials, and the appearance of the item from different angles. Unpacking is accompanied by comments, emotions, and obligatory close-ups.
  • Religious services and gatherings. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, churches around the world have experienced a decline in attendance. Therefore, many began to interact with their congregations through social networks, and especially through live streaming. In most cases, this requires a couple of cameras to get a meaningful picture.
  • Workout live streams. This type of live streaming especially became more popular during the Covid-19 pandemic. A trainer demonstrates a movement with the multi-camera setup showing different angles during live streaming without the need to compile the footage. The same goes, for example, for yoga and pilates live sessions at home.
  • Online sales. No matter what you sell online, from smartphones to cosmetics, the multi-camera setup comes in handy. Online sales look more professional when broadcasted from different angles, thus attracting more potential clients.

👉 Pre-steps for multi-camera streaming

You can start multi-camera streaming by following these simple steps:

1. Choose basic equipment

To start streaming multiple live video cameras you need at least two cameras. Yes, it’s that simple. You can even use your laptop camera and buy one more, such as the Logitech StreamCam. You can find more great options in our guide 👉  best webcams for live streaming.

2. Use the appropriate software

To connect and control your cameras and a microphone in one hub you’ll need multi-camera live streaming software known as an encoder. It will combine the video and audio from your equipment, transmitting it to your streaming platform. Let’s get straight to business and learn the easiest multi-camera live streaming solutions.

Read later: Streaming setup for beginners 📍

🔥 A guide to set up a multi-camera live stream

Restream allows you to cover more audiences by live streaming simultaneously to several platforms. It also collects all chats into one for easy communication and gives the possibility to plan your streams. And with Restream Studio you can create professional live streams in a matter of seconds! Moreover, you can combine all the useful features of OBS Studio and Restream Studio to receive a functional and simple tool for multi-camera streaming. Let’s take a look at how you can set up your multi-camera streams with Restream Studio.

How to create multi-camera streams with Restream Studio

So far, Restream Studio does not directly support the multi-camera function yet, but there is an alternative solution for which you need a device with a camera, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer:

  • Log into Restream.io and give all the required permissions to use your camera and microphone in your Dashboard.
  • Next, go to your Live Studio and click on My Guests. Copy the link and send it to your other device.
  • Now, join your stream from another device, such as a smartphone or computer, and then your second camera will appear on the right table as an additional guest on the stream.
  • You can toggle it in and use the maximize feature to switch between cameras at any time. You can also use other layouts if you want to show both angles during the live stream.
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How to set up OBS Studio and Restream Studio with RTMP Source

You might want to have some specific features or more control over your camera during live streams. That’s where Restream’s RTMP Source feature and OBS Studio come in handy. Let’s take a look at how you can set up your multi-camera broadcasts with the help of this method:

  1. In your Restream Studio, click on the “Add source” icon, select the RTMP source, and copy your RTMP URL and stream key. Important note: your RTMP URL and stream key are unique for each stream. You should copy them every time before going live.
  2. Now go to your OBS Studio settings and choose the Stream category.
  3. Choose the streaming service as “Custom” and paste your RTMP URL and stream key from Restream Studio.
  4. Now you can start streaming in OBS, and the stream will appear in Restream Studio. All that is left to do is to simply toggle it on in Restream Studio to make it appear.
  5. Everything is set! You can now press "Go Live" in Restream Studio to start broadcasting to your selected channels!

If you are new to OBS Studio, you can learn more on how to set up and use OBS Studio in our support guide.

Final thoughts

Much has already been written about multi-camera streaming, and we have delved into this topic too. An interesting fact is that the uses of multiple cameras are not limited; we have listed only the most popular ones. It's quite easy to start multi-camera streaming with OBS Studio, but combining it with Restream.io brings so much more to the table. Restream offers a wide range of benefits and tools. All you need to start multi-camera live streaming, including multistreaming, is your basic equipment and Restream Studio.