Start YouTube Live Streaming Today: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Adam on April 24, 2023

Have you ever wanted to share your thoughts, ideas, or talents with the world? Live streaming is a fun way to do just that! In this guide, I’ll explain how to set up a live stream using your MacBook, iPhone, and a few other tools. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple, so beginners can understand too. Let’s start streaming today!

Step 1: Get the Stuff You Need First

You need to gather some equipment. Here’s a list of things you’ll need to get started:

  1. A MacBook*
  2. An iPhone** (with a good camera)
  3. iPhone App with Clean HDMI output (Overviewer)
  4. A Cam Link 4K
  5. A Lightning to HDMI adapter (for your iPhone)
  6. An HDMI cable
  7. A tripod or phone mount (optional, to keep your iPhone steady)
  8. An external microphone (optional, for better sound quality)
  9. A stable internet connection (wired Ethernet is best)

Step 2: Download the Right Apps

Now that you have the equipment, you will need some software to make everything work together. Here’s what you need to download:

  1. OBS Studio for your MacBook: This app helps you create and control your live stream. Download it at https://obsproject.com/download
  2. Overviewer for your iPhone: This camera app will give you a clean video without any annoying stuff on the screen. Download it at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/overviewer/id1528900395
  3. YouTube: You’ll need to sign in to your YouTube account and enable live streaming at https://www.youtube.com/live_dashboard

Step 3: Set Up Overviewer on Your iPhone

Overviewer is the camera app you can use to get a clean video. Follow these steps to set it up:

  1. Open the Overviewer app on your iPhone.
  2. Connect the iPhone to your HMDI adapter
  3. Bonus tip: turn on your phone’s “Do not disturb” status to avoid interruptions.

Step 4: Get OBS Studio Ready on Your MacBook

OBS Studio is the app that helps us create and control our live stream. Follow these steps to set it up:

  1. Open OBS Studio on your MacBook.
  2. Click “Settings” and then “Stream.” Choose “YouTube” as the service and paste your YouTube stream key (found in your YouTube live dashboard).
  3. Click “Settings” and then “Video.” Set the base resolution to match your iPhone’s output resolution, like 1920×1080.
  4. Set the output resolution, frame rate, and bitrate based on your internet connection and desired quality. YouTube has some suggested settings here: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2853702

Step 5: Connect Your iPhone to Your MacBook

To connect your iPhone to your MacBook, follow these steps:

  1. Connect the Lightning to HDMI adapter to your iPhone.
  2. Connect the HDMI cable to the Lightning to HDMI adapter.
  3. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the Cam Link 4K.
  4. Plug the Cam Link 4K into a USB port on your MacBook.

Step 6: Add Your iPhone as a Video Source in OBS

Now you need to add your iPhone’s video to OBS. Follow these steps:

  1. In OBS, click the “+” button in the “Sources” panel and select “Video Capture Device.”
  2. Name the source (like “iPhone Camera”) and click “OK.”
  3. In the “Properties” window, select “Cam Link 4K” from the “Device” dropdown menu.
  4. Configure any additional settings (resolution, frame rate, etc.) as needed and click “OK.”

Step 7: Add an Audio Source (Optional)

If you’re using an external microphone, follow these steps to add it to OBS:

  1. In OBS, click the “+” button in the “Sources” panel and select “Audio Input Capture.”
  2. Name the source (like “External Microphone”) and click “OK.”
  3. In the “Properties” window, select your external microphone from the “Device” dropdown menu and click “OK.”

Step 8: Preview and Arrange Your Stream in OBS

Before you go live, you’ll want to make sure everything looks and sounds good. Follow these steps:

  1. Resize and position your video and audio sources within the OBS canvas as you like.
  2. Use the “Studio Mode” to preview your stream before going live. This way, you can make sure everything is perfect.

Step 9: Start Streaming!

Now that everything is set up, you’re ready to go live. Follow these steps to start streaming:

  • In OBS, click “Start Streaming.”
  • Go to your YouTube live dashboard and check the stream preview.
  • Click “Go Live” in your YouTube live dashboard when you’re ready to start your live video podcast.

Congratulations! You’re now live streaming on YouTube. Remember, practice makes perfect. So, test your setup before your actual live stream to make sure everything works smoothly. With Overviewer as your camera app, you’ll get a clean video feed without any on-screen distractions.

In conclusion, live streaming is an exciting way to share your ideas, talents, and thoughts with the world. With the right equipment and software, you can start streaming today. Just follow the steps in this simple guide, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a live streaming star. Have fun and happy streaming!

* I tested this article on my MacBook, other laptops may work as well.
** I tested this article on my iPhone, other smartphones may work as well.