How To Stream Live From an Apple iPhone in 6 Easy Steps

Apple iPhones continue to have some of the best cameras on the smartphone market, making them a solid portable live streaming device. From 2007 to early 2018, over 2.2 billion iPhones were sold, with millions more sold each year. The iPhone is a revolutionary tool for communication and creativity, so it is essential to know how to live stream using an iPhone. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how you can use the iPhone as a business tool for mobile live streaming. For those looking to get started with live streaming, owning an iPhone is a great investment. You might have to get a few mobile live streaming accessories though. Just as in the case of Android smartphones, the trick is mastering the basics of your iPhone.

We’ll teach you how to live stream on an iPhone using an iOS application and with RTMP (real-time messaging protocol) ingestion from your Dacast account. 

Then, we’ll share a few of the best live streaming apps for iPhone that you can easily download and use in a few clicks.

*This post has been updated to reflect the most recent and accurate information available in June 2024. 

Simultaneous Rise in iPhone Usage and Live Streaming

Both iPhones and live streaming have become extremely popular over the past decade.

The iPhone is more than just a personal phone. It is an essential business tool with a high-quality camera and a wide range of professional applications and tools that are easy to use.

The high-quality cameras found on all versions of the iPhone are strong enough to create a high-quality live stream. In addition, you can record in both HD and 4K with your iPhone.

Emails, calendars, to-do lists, marketing tasks, sales calls, internal communication, and other business processes are all carried out by iPhones, so why not use them for live video streaming, too?  

Today, many apps support iOS live streaming from iPhone, which comes in handy whenever you need to broadcast live and on the go. Learning how to live stream on the iPhone is easier than ever. 

You might be on location at a live event for a product launch, fundraiser, or sporting event, but lugging a camcorder around can be difficult if an entire broadcasting crew isn’t present. That is why using an iPhone to live stream is so functional. 

The iPhone camera is a suitable alternative for live streaming in situations like these. Many professional broadcasting platforms make it easy to stream live from the iPhone anywhere.

With the release of the iPhone 15 Pro and its redesigned lens and powerful autofocus system, the new Ultra-Wide camera built in to the latest generation of the iPhone is said to be the best camera ever put into a smartphone. That’s excellent for live streaming with a device you can store in your pocket!

How to Live Stream with Dacast from Your iPhone

With the right know-how, broadcasting from a mobile device is easy. We will explain the best way to live stream from an iPhone using Dacast.

Just follow these six simple steps to learn how to use Dacast to stream live video from your iPhone.

1. Download An App for Live Streaming from the App Store

When you want to do live streaming with Android devices or iOS devices, an essential step is choosing a live streaming app that works with your iPhone, and a live streaming platform, in this case, would be Dacast.

You want the app you choose to be easy to use and contain all the tools you need to support your broadcasting goals. 

To help you choose an app to stream live from your iPhone, we’ll give you a quick rundown of the top apps available:

• Larix Broadcaster
• Wirecast Go
• Air Solo
• NanoStream
• BroadcastMe
• Dacast Browser-based streaming

These are all easy-to-work-with apps best tools that make iPhone live streaming easy.

Larix Broadcaster

If you use Dacast, the Larix Broadcaster is the best app to start live streaming from your iPhone. The Larix app is free to download from the App Store. You can use it to stream for free from your iPhone.

It is an excellent option because it supports the following:

• RTMP ingest streaming
• AAC audio codec
• H.246 video codec

These are three non-negotiables for all-device streaming for Dacast and other online video platforms.

Here are some of the features that make Larix Broadcaster an excellent option for live streaming using an iPhone:

• You can pause your live stream and just long tap on the screen to start again
• Switch between landscape and portrait modes live
• Supports Dual/Triple cameras in newer iPhones
• You can design separate overlay images for live broadcasts, pause, and standby
• It supports live streams from iPhone to Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Twitch, Restream.io, Dacast, and many more.

Check out our dedicated guide to live streaming with mobile devices using Larix for additional information on streaming with the app. 

Wirecast Go

Wirecast Go is an app from Telestream. It is a highly reputable video streaming software and video encoder and live streaming platform compatible with streaming with Dacast.

The app is also free in the App Store but has in-app purchases.

A few other things to know about the Wirecast Go iPhone live stream app are

• It has a user-friendly interface and is beginner friendly. However, you’ll need to read guidelines for features you might not have used before.
• It has many editing features, such as text overlays and adjusting logos. It also supports multiple camera inputs, and you can connect your USB cable while streaming without interrupting the stream.
• One of the drawbacks of the Wirecast Go live stream IOS app is that its connection with the server could be better. As a result, your stream might glitch.

You can stream for free to YouTube with Wirecast Go, but you must upgrade to support RTMP ingest for streaming with platforms like Dacast. In addition, to get the most professional iPhone live stream experience, you must pay for access to professional tools.

Solo Airmix

Solo Airmix, previously known as LIVE: Air Solo, is a mobile streaming app from Teradek, a company primarily known for its trusty hardware encoders.

The app boasts the ability to give inexperienced broadcasters a professional broadcasting experience. In addition, it has tools that allow you to edit your videos in real-time, add transitions, color filters, and more.

You should use Solo Airmax to live stream from your iPhone because

• The interface is touchscreen-based, so you can zoom in and out on the screen while streaming.
• It supports multiple camera inputs, and you can switch as often as possible. There are numerous transition options, such as cut, zoom dissolve, and slide. You can connect multiple cameras with USB input or wirelessly.
• It switches the audio, too, when you switch cameras (if you turn on this feature).
• It has multiple overlay options, such as scoreboards, texts, customized graphics, and titles.

Dacast does not currently support Solo Airmix, but we are working on reinstating that compatibility.

nanoStream 

nanoStream is a live video encoding software used for streaming from mobile devices, and nanocosmos power it.

The nanoStream app is free in the App Store, but you need a subscription to the full version of the software to use it. No prices are published on the nanocosmos website, so you must contact their sales team for additional information.

Dacast does support nanoStream but in a limited capacity. However, it’s an excellent option for those using a different online video platform.

Some of the attractive features of the app include

• White-label services so you can add customized branding while streaming using iPhone
• Audience analytics to track your video’s performance
• Session recording feature so you can upload the content on various platforms and repurpose it for future use
• Multi-streaming on several platforms at the same time
• Audience engagement options such as chats and polls. So you can use the app to conduct auctions, webinars, and interactive learning sessions.

BroadcastMe

BroadcastMe is a free app that you can use for mobile live streaming with an iPhone camera. If you want the white-label, free version, you can purchase it from Streamaxia.com. Streamaxia SRL created it.

You can go live on YouTube and Twitch straight from the settings menu. Using the RTMP setting option, you can also use a professional broadcasting tool like Dacast.

For iOS, we recommend Wirecast Go iOS for maximum compatibility. It costs $5.99, and you use their iOS RTMP streaming app to broadcast live to any destination. You can also use the BroadcastMe app.

Some things to know about the app are:

• The design is attractive and easy to use
• It’s a budget-friendly app, so the features aren’t as great as the other options on the list. For instance, even though it offers the feature to flip your camera while streaming, users report that the app crashes when they use this functionality.
• Unfortunately, the app currently has more flaws than uses, so it should be your last option.

Dacast Browser-based streaming

If you don’t want to download any app to go live from your iPhone, it’s entirely possible with Dacast’s browser-based streaming (WebRTC) feature. All you have to do is head to your browser and log in to Dacast. Then, head to live streams and create one by selecting the audio and video input channels. You’ll then be able to see when your stream goes live and will have the option to record your screen as well.

The best part about this feature is that you don’t need to download anything on your iPhone. All you have to do is give your browser the permission to access your camera and microphone when prompted. 

You should use Dacast’s browser-based streaming because:

• It doesn’t require any downloads
• You can use it even with the 14-day free trial
• It’s easy to set up your live stream and get started
• You get complete control over your stream

2. Open Your Dacast Account and Find Your Stream URL

Dacast offers the highest quality streaming solutions available at the most competitive pricing.

To connect Dacast and your mobile lives streaming app, you’ll need to locate your live streaming URL and other credentials.

To locate this information, go to your Dacast account and click “Encoder Setup.” Next, select the “Other RTMP Encoder” tab. Here is a link to our guide for setting up your RTMP encoder.

You will need the “Stream URL” and “Stream Name,” so keep these credentials handy. Take note of your login and password details, too. You may need the information later on.

3. Open Your Chosen iPhone Live Streaming App

Depending on the iPhone streaming app you’ve chosen, you’ll need to enter either the “Stream URL” and “Stream Name” or only the “Stream URL.” Some apps will also require the username and password mentioned in the previous step.

Let’s use Larix Broadcaster as an example.

Go straight to the Connections section to manually configure your stream based on the Dacast live channel you will stream at:

Clicking on New connections (to establish a one-time connection) or Manage connections (to save the given stream details moving forward) will work.

However, you will be redirected to the stream settings part upon clicking. These are called Outgoing connections:

In this example, we chose a new connection:

These are based on the Dacast live channel encoder setup.

Please note that the Stream URL for HTML5 streaming will be different for everyone, and you need to put it manually. To do that, follow these steps:

STEP 1: Copy your unique “Stream URL” from Dacast (Example: rtmp://0736d04f-2f1c-b384-d89e-05ec581d0c52.dacastmmd.pri.lldns.net/dacastmmd)

STEP 2: Open the “Connection” tab on the Larix Broadcaster App.

STEP 3: Paste the “Stream URL” from Dacast as prompted.

STEP 4: Copy your unique Stream Name from Dacast (Example: dclive_1_150@XXXXXX).

STEP 5: Add it after the Stream URL.

(The final result will look something like: rtmp://0736d04f-2f1c-b384-d89e-05ec581d0c52.dacastmmd.pri.lldns.net/dacastmmd/dclive_1_150@XXXXXX)

STEP 6: Fill in the “Username” and “Password” fields with the credentials from the Encoder Setup” page on Dacast.

STEP 7: Choose “Limelight Networks” as your target type.

STEP 8: Click “Save” to finalize the connection.

To ensure optimal quality when streaming live from iPhone and similar devices, ensure your audio and video settings are configured to use the H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec. For a complete list of encoder settings, please check out our guide to encoder configurations.

You need to know these instructions to stream from your iPhone with Dacast.

4. Secure a Stable Internet Connection

Streaming live from an iPhone requires a strong connection speed to create high-quality video content and viewing experiences. In addition, you must use mobile data or a Wi-Fi network because you can’t use a wired internet connection.

Ideally, you’ll want to use a wireless internet network instead of using the data on your mobile device. Try to get as close to the router as possible for the most robust connection. If you don’t have access to a wireless internet network, use a WiFi hotspot instead.

In the live streaming industry, it is commonly accepted to maintain a connection speed of at least 750 KBPS at the absolute minimum. In addition, professionals recommend a minimum of 2 MBPS for high-quality streaming.

It is also generally recommended that your upload speed be twice as fast as the bitrate you want to stream at. You can test your internet speed for secure video upload at testmy.net to gauge your connection at your present location.

A strong internet connection will help you create a quality iPhone live feed.

Using mobile data, such as 5G or LTE, should be a last resort.

5. Start Recording From Your Camera and Microphone

If you followed the above steps correctly, your live stream should work now. Within 30 to 60 seconds, the live stream should appear from your iPhone camera.

That means you’re ready to stream live from your iPhone to your viewers. Now you fully know how to create live streams from your iPhone.

6. Broadcast Live!

Are you ready to broadcast live from your iPhone smartphone?

Once your camera has started recording, and your event or report is about to start, it is time to begin your broadcast.

To ensure optimal video quality when to stream live from your iPhone, make sure that your audio and video settings are as follows:

• H.264 video codec
• AAC audio codec
• Audio channel to stereo 
• Audio sample rate of 44100 hz

These settings will guarantee that your video is high quality in your Dacast channel; when you start iPhone live streaming.

We recommend testing it out before your event so that you know what to expect since things will move quickly. You don’t want any avoidable hiccups in front of your live audience.

Testing your live stream from your iPhone before going live with your entire audience will help ensure your success.

Additional Tips for Creating a Quality Live Stream from Your iPhone

The quality of your video is essential since your users’ experience greatly depends on it.

By leveraging the right mobile live streaming accessories, here are a few practices you can implement on your iPhone stream to level up its quality:

• Use an accessory like a tripod for stability. Or get a Gimbal if you’re live streaming while walking around or vlogging.
• Determine if your audience prefers landscape (horizontal) videos or portrait (vertical) ones, and orient your phone accordingly. For example, if you wish to stream directly to apps such as Facebook and Instagram, which have a vertical orientation, you must stream in vertical mode. On the other hand, if your live stream lasts for hours and most of your audience uses a desktop or laptop to view it, then you should go with a horizontal video.
• Use audio accessories like a lapel microphone if you have a reporter on screen. Keep the microphone close to you, especially if your room is set up so your voice echoes too much. A lapel microphone is great for yoga instructors who might have music in the background but still need their voice to be clear or DJs.
• Set up an audio mixer accessory if you’ll be relatively stationary.
• Get good lighting accessories such as ring lights, LED, or natural sunlight. Viewers lose interest quickly if the videos or their background isn’t interesting. Make sure the light source is in front of the subject in the live stream and not behind it.
• Don’t have WiFi and mobile data turned on simultaneously while streaming on the iPhone. That’s terrible for high-quality video streams, as this will lower your video quality and interrupt the stream.
• Prevent your phone from overheating. Mobile live streaming consumes a lot of phone batteries and generates heat. Remove the phone cover if you have one, and place a fan behind the phone to cool it while streaming.
• Do trial runs every time there’s a new iOS update. For example, users often complain about the iPhone live streaming quality or the audio not working after updating their iOS. There are usually quick fixes for such issues on Apple Community Pages, but it’s still wise to conduct a test live stream before the actual show.
• Keep your apps updated. These include the ones you’re using for uploading streams (such as Larix and Wirecast Go) and the platforms you’re uploading the streams to (Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube). Older versions cause issues with recognizing wifi and maintaining video quality.

The commonality between these tips and accessories is that they are all about creating a professional-grade high quality live stream with a consumer-grade device. With these tips and accessories, you can create a professional live stream from your iPhone.

FAQs

1. What is needed for mobile streaming?

Some of the things you need for mobile streaming include:

• External microphone
• Lighting 
• High-speed internet
• Live streaming app
• Accessories like tripods and gimbals

2. Can I live stream from my mobile?

Yes, it’s entirely possible to live stream from your mobile. All you need is a live streaming app on your smartphone and high-speed internet connection to get started. You could also consider getting a microphone for superior audio quality. The key is to ensure your smartphone has a good camera. 

3. Can I use my iPhone camera to stream on Twitch?

Yes, it’s very much possible to use your iPhone camera as a webcam to stream on Twitch. This way, you can stream both your game phone’s camera and face on the platform to engage your viewers. However, if you want to stream both your game and camera on the iPhone together, it’s not possible.

4. How do I use my iPhone as a streaming camera with OBS?

To start using your iPhone as a streaming camera on OBS Studio, here’s what you need to do:

• Get the iOS OBS Camera plugin 
• Open OBS Studio on your laptop
• Connect your iPhone to your laptop with the lightning cable
• Add new “iOS Camera” source for video
• Your device’s video will show up

5. Can I use my iPhone as a webcam for StreamYard?

Yes, you can use your iPhone as a webcam on StreamYard with its new continuity camera feature. However, your iPhone must be updated beyond iOS 16 to get access to this feature. The best part here is that you can connect it wirelessly to your phone or laptop and just need to ensure that it’s in close proximity.

Conclusion

Live streaming on your iPhone is easy and convenient when you choose the right OVP and iOS app duo.

Streaming live from your iPhone can be an exciting experience as you share everything you see in real-time. So the next time you think a heavy video camera limits you, think again. Your iPhone is a worthy replacement as you broadcast live to the world.

For example, you can use your iPhone to stream live video to your website easily via your chosen iOS live streaming app and video hosting platform, like Dacast.

We hope this guide makes it easier for you to set up your live broadcast. As highlighted above, you only need a reliable app, a good internet connection, a unique Stream URL (RTMP link above), and an iPhone.

With this streaming setup, you can stream live from your iPhone and other iOS devices wherever you are.

Check out our live streaming platform, with our 14-day free trial for live events. Access all of our professional broadcasting features by signing up today. No credit card is required.

Get Started For Free