Simulcast Streaming: How to Broadcast from Several Locations

You own your stream, but reach is limited. Simulcast streaming bridges that gap, letting you stream live on multiple platforms without giving up control. Simulcasting can refer to broadcasting on cable networks as well as online platforms, and this distinction is important for understanding how televised sports and other events are distributed. Broadcasting from your own site or app gives you branding, monetization, and content ownership. However, this often means you’re speaking to a smaller audience.

This is where simulcasting plays the major role. By pushing your simulcast livestream to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn simultaneously, you can instantly scale your message. Today, AI-powered simulcasting services and real-time CDN sync have made it easier than ever to manage and automate live video simulcasting, even across dozens of destinations at once. Simulcasting also acts as a fail-safe; if one streaming service fails, the event continues on other platforms.

Simulcasting is especially valuable because different live streaming platforms are designed for different purposes, so simulcasting helps you reach audiences with varying needs and preferences.

In this article, we’ll explain what simulcast streaming is, how it works, and why it matters. You’ll also learn three reliable methods for simulcasting, including their pros, cons, and tips for achieving the best results.

Table of Contents:

• What is Simulcast Streaming?
• Benefits of Live Streaming
• Simulcast vs Multistream vs Multicast
• Simulcast Streaming
• Top 3 Methods to Simulcast in 2025
• Setting Up a Live Studio
• Simulcast Platform Comparison: Restream vs Switchboard Live vs Castr
• Simulcast Streaming on Dacast
• Cloud Storage and Team Management
• Embedding Live Streams on Websites
• Evaluating Cost vs. ROI
• FAQs
• Conclusion

What is Simulcast Streaming?

Simulcast streaming (or simultaneous broadcast) means streaming the same live video to multiple platforms at once. Instead of choosing between YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, or your own website, you can stream to all of them simultaneously.

While the term “simulcast” originated in radio, it has become a powerful tool for digital broadcasters today. In public safety and large-scale broadcasting, simulcasting may use multiple towers to transmit the same signal, increasing coverage and reliability. A simulcast livestream lets you push the same content to different destinations in real time. Simulcasting can also involve integrating multiple sources, such as feeds from different locations or contributors, into a unified broadcast. This includes your branded site or app, plus social media platforms, video hubs, or even embedded players for clients and partners.

This type of multi-platform broadcasting expands your content’s reach without sacrificing control. Simulcasting also provides technical redundancy by sending the same message across multiple networks, which is crucial for reliability in public safety communication. You retain your branding, own your data, and can drive traffic back to your site, all while increasing exposure on high-traffic platforms. Simulcasting makes it easier for new viewers to discover your content across platforms. It’s an efficient way to grow your audience, create more monetization channels, and meet your viewers where they are. Simulcasting can also help maximize ratings by preventing self-cannibalizing counterprogramming, since the same content is available everywhere at once. 

Thanks to advances in simulcasting services and cloud-based simulcast software, setting up a simulcast today is faster and more automated than ever. You no longer need separate encoders or complex server setups. Modern platforms allow simultaneous live streaming to multiple platforms with a few clicks.

Here are some social engagement statistics you may find useful:

• People watch an average of 1 hour and 16 minutes daily of short-form videos
• 82% of viewers prefer live video over brand social posts
• Social video generates 12X more shares than text and images combined.

Benefits of Live Streaming

Live streaming has revolutionized the way individuals and businesses connect with their audiences. By broadcasting in real time, live streamers can foster authentic, two-way engagement that simply isn’t possible with pre-recorded content. Whether you’re hosting a product launch, a Q&A session, or a live concert, the ability to stream to multiple platforms—such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and LinkedIn Live—means your message can reach a much broader audience with just a few clicks.

One of the biggest advantages of live streaming is real time engagement. Viewers can comment, ask questions, and react instantly, allowing brands and creators to build trust and credibility through transparent, unscripted communication. This level of interaction helps strengthen relationships and encourages repeat viewership.

Live streaming is also incredibly versatile. It can be used for entertainment, education, marketing, and more, making it a valuable tool for different industries and purposes. By leveraging platforms like YouTube and Facebook, you can tap into millions of potential viewers, increase your online presence, and grow your audience organically. Ultimately, live streaming empowers you to connect, entertain, and inform—no matter where your viewers are watching.

Simulcast vs Multistream vs Multicast

As broadcasters look to expand their audience across platforms, understanding the differences between simulcast streaming, multistreaming, and multicast is key. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are technically different methods with distinct use cases. Let’s have a look at what each of them means.

Simulcast Streaming

Simulcasting is the process of sending a single live stream to a cloud-based service (like Dacast or Switchboard Live). It then distributes it to multiple platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, and your own site.

• Example: You send one HD stream to Switchboard Live, and it sends it simultaneously to five platforms.
• Use Case: Live events, brand launches, and nonprofits using simulcast livestream tools to boost visibility without incurring additional bandwidth costs.

Multistreaming (Manual Upload to Each Platform)

Multistreaming refers to sending separate live feeds to each platform from your local encoder. Each destination receives its own stream. This method can involve managing multiple sources, such as different cameras or remote contributors, to create a unified broadcast. Advanced setups may allow for separate audio tracks for each stream, making post-production editing easier. Additionally, you can record each stream individually for later review or repurposing.

• Example: OBS Studio uploads five separate streams—one to each platform.
• Use Case: Advanced streamers who want full control or require different overlays for each platform. Often used with multistreaming platforms.

Multicast 

Multicast is a network-level protocol that delivers a stream to multiple endpoints inside a controlled network (like a company intranet or campus). It’s not suitable for public internet broadcasting.

• Example: A university live stream aired across lecture halls via multicast.
• Use Case: Internal training, closed-circuit video, and streaming TV to multiple locations over LAN.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

Before we move into the three methods for simulcast streaming, it’s important to clarify some different language and verbiage used to describe this type of technology. As you’ve researched this subject and some of the tools to support simulcasting, you’ve likely seen terms like “multistream,” “multicast,” or “multistreaming” come up.

Multistreaming is short for “multi-destination streaming.” Multistream and multicast are also used to abbreviate that term. This function is identical to simulcasting.

Simulcast streaming and multistreaming platform technology both mean to stream the same feed to multiple destinations or platforms in real-time.

Multi-location live streaming and simulcast streaming are just different terms used to describe the same process.

Top 3 Methods to Simulcast in 2025

If you’re wondering how to stream live on multiple platforms simultaneously, you’re not alone. In 2025, simulcast streaming has become easier and more powerful, thanks to tools that help broadcasters distribute a single stream to several destinations at once.

Here are the top three ways to set up a simulcast live stream, including best use cases, industry examples, and pros and cons of each method. One of these methods will fit your needs, whether you’re streaming a church service, hosting a corporate town hall, or producing a live concert.

1. Switchboard Live for Seamless Simulcast Streaming

Switchboard Live is a popular multistreaming platform that connects to your encoder or online video platform (OVP) and redistributes your stream to multiple destinations like YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and your own site.

This method simplifies how to stream to more than one platform—you only need to upload once. It’s particularly helpful for events, enterprise broadcasts, and churches that need reliability, reach, and compliance with Facebook Live restrictions.

Platforms like Dacast integrate directly with Switchboard Live, making the process even smoother. Some platforms, such as StreamYard, allow multiple users to collaborate on a stream, enhancing team functionality. Upgrading to a paid account on these platforms often unlocks additional features and improved customer service.

Best Use Case:

• For Event Producers: Reach audiences across platforms with minimal setup.
• For Enterprise Town Halls: Broadcast securely to internal platforms and public channels at the same time.

There are other platforms similar to Switchboard Live that offer multistreaming support. You can compare these options in our simulcasting platform review.

2. Share Code Streaming: Lightweight, Branded Distribution

Share code streaming uses embeddable links or social share cards that direct users to your hosted video player. It’s not full multistreaming, but it’s a powerful workaround for those who want live streaming to multiple platforms while keeping control over branding, monetization, and video length.

Unlike direct posting to Facebook or YouTube, share codes let you bypass platform restrictions (like Facebook’s 4-hour live limit) and apply your own monetization tools like paywalls, ads, or subscriptions.

Best Use Case:

• Simulcasting for Churches: Embed long-form or 24/7 streams on social channels with donation links.
• For Education or Niche Brands: Preserve full branding while promoting on social.

3. Encoder-Level Streaming: Full Custom Control

This is the most technical method. It involves setting up multiple output destinations directly in your encoder (OBS, Wirecast, vMix, etc.). The encoder sends one stream to each platform, including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn Live, Twitch, and more.

While this method gives full control over resolution, overlays, and timing per platform, it puts more strain on your internet connection and requires a robust system. It also conflicts with Facebook’s streaming policies if Facebook is the primary destination.

Still, for high-end broadcasters or tech-savvy users, encoder simulcasting is a great option. Sound quality is crucial in professional simulcast setups, and managing separate audio tracks or stereo sound for each platform can significantly enhance viewer engagement and production value. Platforms like Riverside also allow you to record streams in 4K quality, making it easy to repurpose content for other uses.

Best Use Case:

• For Advanced Live Producers: When separate overlays or audio channels are needed per platform.
• For Sports or Gaming: Where platform-specific customization matters.

Emerging Option: Restream Studio, Castr, or OBS with Plugins

New tools like Restream Studio and Castr offer cloud-based multistreaming with built-in layouts, chat, and guest support. These platforms are excellent for solo streamers or small teams who want to stream live on multiple platforms without needing complex setups.

Platforms like OneStream Live allow users to multistream to over 45 social media platforms simultaneously, while Restream supports more than 30 live streaming platforms. OneStream Live also offers features like 24/7 streaming, scheduling pre-recorded videos, and is a cloud-based software that enables users to create customized live streams directly from their browser. StreamYard is praised for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with various platforms. These solutions are highly scalable, allowing an unlimited number of viewers to access the stream.

OBS Studio also now supports plugin-based multi-destination live streaming. With the right plugin, you can use OBS to simulate encoder-level streaming without needing extra software.

OBS Studio also now supports plugin-based multi-destination live streaming. With the right plugin, you can use OBS to simulate encoder-level streaming without needing extra software.

Best Use Case:

• For Creators and Influencers: Easy simulcasting with guest support and visual tools.

Setting Up a Live Studio

Creating a professional live studio is the foundation for successful live stream events. A well-equipped live studio typically includes a high-quality camera, microphone, proper lighting, and a reliable computer or streaming device. But beyond hardware, your network infrastructure is just as important—ensure you have a stable, high-speed internet connection to support uninterrupted streaming across multiple platforms.

Choosing the right streaming platform is key. User-friendly options like StreamYard or Restream make it easy to go live on several platforms at once, offering intuitive interfaces and features like the ability to invite guests, add branded overlays, and manage your stream with just a few clicks. These platforms are designed to help you create a polished, interactive live studio experience without needing advanced technical skills.

When setting up your live studio, pay close attention to audio and video quality, as these are critical for keeping your audience engaged. Test your setup before going live, and consider using software that allows you to add graphics, lower thirds, or your own logo to enhance your broadcast. With the right combination of equipment, software, and network setup, you can create a live studio that elevates your live stream events and delivers a seamless experience to viewers on any platform.

Simulcast Platform Comparison: Restream vs Switchboard Live vs Castr

Use Case Breakdown:

Restream

• Best For: Creators, marketers, solopreneurs
• Why: Fast browser-based setup, no need for an encoder
• Limitations: Limited branded monetization options, relies on native social players

Switchboard Live

• Best For: Churches, event producers, enterprise town halls
• Why: Seamless OVP integration, overrides Facebook Live limits, excellent for multi-platform broadcasting
• Limitations: No built-in studio; setup can be more complex without OVP

Castr

• Best For: Nonprofits, educators, media groups
• Why: Affordable, supports embedded branded players, built-in studio, simulcast livestream, and VOD scheduling

Limitations: Requires setup for advanced monetization workflows

Cloud Storage and Team Management

Efficient cloud storage and team management are essential for modern live streaming workflows, especially when collaborating with a team or managing multiple streams. Cloud storage solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox make it easy to store, access, and share your videos, recordings, and media assets from anywhere in the world. This flexibility is invaluable for live streamers who need to manage content across different platforms and devices.

Team management tools further streamline the process by allowing you to invite team members, assign roles, and coordinate tasks—all within a centralized dashboard. For example, you can grant access to your YouTube channel or other social media platforms, enabling team members to schedule streams, upload videos, or monitor live events in real time.

By leveraging cloud storage and team management, you can schedule pre-recorded videos to go live, collaborate on content creation, and ensure that everyone has access to the latest media files. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces the risk of errors and helps maintain a consistent brand presence across all your live streaming platforms.

Simulcast Streaming on Dacast

Dacast supports multiple methods of simulcast streaming, allowing you to livestream to multiple platforms from a single broadcast.

With Dacast, you can engage your audience in real time using interactive tools like live chat and multimedia elements, enhancing participation during your broadcast. Simulcasting on Dacast also makes it easier for new viewers to discover your content across multiple platforms, increasing your visibility and reach. Whether you’re streaming a church service, a corporate event, or a product launch, Dacast offers seamless tools for multistreaming, with support for Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and more.

1. Using Dacast + Switchboard Live

The most powerful way to simulcast live with Dacast is by integrating it with Switchboard Live, a dedicated multistreaming platform. This setup allows you to stream directly from Dacast while syndicating the same stream to social media platforms, websites, and other destinations.

Using Dacast with Switchboard Live offers several key advantages for simulcast streaming. It allows broadcasters to bypass Facebook’s restrictions on multi-destination streaming, enabling more flexibility in platform distribution. Users can retain full control over their monetization settings and player branding, which is crucial for businesses focused on revenue and brand consistency. 

This setup allows you to stream directly from Dacast while syndicating the same stream to social media platforms, websites, and other destinations. It also enables broadcasters to manage multiple sources, such as different camera feeds or remote contributors, within a single simulcast, providing flexibility and redundancy for complex broadcasting needs.

Follow these steps to set it up:

1. Log in to your Dacast dashboard and create a new live stream channel.
2. In your encoder, set Dacast as the primary destination (via RTMP).
3. Connect your Dacast stream to Switchboard Live.
4. In Switchboard, add destinations like Facebook Live, YouTube, LinkedIn, and others.
5. Go live, and your stream will automatically distribute across platforms.

2. Using Share Code Streaming (Lightweight Simulcast)

Dacast includes a free share code streaming tool that lets you distribute your livestream link to social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn — with just a copy-paste.

Best for: Quick social promotion, budget-conscious simulcast, and direct traffic to your website.

How It Works:

1. Navigate to the Publish Settings of your live stream in Dacast.
2. Copy the Facebook Share Code (a short embed script).
3. Paste this into a Facebook post, tweet, or LinkedIn update.
4. Your video preview will appear as a clickable thumbnail.
5. Viewers click to watch the live video on your website or portal.
   

This approach is not full multi-platform broadcasting, but it’s an effective way to share your content broadly, while retaining control over your player, ads, and analytics.

3. RTMP with Encoders (Manual Multi-Destination Streaming)

If you’re experienced with streaming workflows, you can configure encoder simulcasting directly from tools like OBS Studio, vMix, Wirecast, or VidBlasterX. This method is ideal for event producers who need precise control over resolution and streaming quality. Using a dedicated screen to monitor and manage multiple streams during a broadcast is crucial for seamless operation and quick response to any issues.

It’s also a great fit for churches or houses of worship that often rely on more complex audio-visual setups and require reliable multi-platform broadcasting. Additionally, this approach supports live video simulcasting to niche audiences or custom RTMP destinations that may not be available through standard multistreaming platforms.

How To Simulcast from Encoder:

1. Open your preferred encoder (e.g., OBS).
2. Add your Dacast RTMP stream as the primary output.
3. Add additional destinations (e.g., YouTube, Twitch, Facebook) using custom RTMP settings.
4. Ensure you have enough upload bandwidth to handle simultaneous streams.
5. Hit “Start Streaming.”

Note: Facebook may block primary multistreaming unless used as a secondary destination. In that case, Switchboard Live is recommended.

Embedding Live Streams on Websites

Embedding live streams directly on your website is a powerful way to boost engagement and keep your audience connected to your brand. By adding your live stream to your homepage or a dedicated event page, you allow viewers to watch your content without leaving your site, creating a seamless and immersive experience.

Most major streaming platforms, including YouTube and Facebook, provide easy-to-use embed codes that you can copy and paste into your website’s HTML. Third-party services like StreamYard or Restream also offer advanced embedding options, giving you more control over the look and feel of your player and the ability to customize the viewing experience.

With embedded streams, you can increase website traffic, enhance audience retention, and reinforce your brand identity. For example, embedding a live stream of your event or webinar on your website not only makes it easy for viewers to watch but also encourages them to explore other content or take action—such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase. Embedding is a simple yet effective way to maximize the reach and impact of your live streaming efforts.

Evaluating Cost vs. ROI

Assessing the cost versus ROI of your live streaming strategy is essential for maximizing the value of your investment. The expenses associated with live streaming can vary widely depending on your choice of streaming platform, equipment, and software. However, with a well-planned approach, live streaming can deliver substantial returns—such as increased brand awareness, higher engagement, and more leads or sales.

To accurately evaluate ROI, track key metrics like viewership numbers, audience engagement, and conversion rates. Most streaming platforms offer built-in analytics tools, and you can supplement these with third-party software to gain deeper insights into your streams’ performance. For example, analyze which platforms generate the most engagement and adjust your streaming schedule or content strategy accordingly.

By regularly reviewing your data, you can identify what’s working, optimize your live streaming setup, and allocate resources more effectively. This data-driven approach helps you reduce unnecessary costs, focus on high-performing platforms, and ultimately achieve better results from your live streaming initiatives.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between simulcast, multistream, and multicast?

Simulcast means broadcasting the same live stream to multiple platforms at the same time. Multistream is often used interchangeably with simulcast, but typically refers to sending multiple unique streams. It can also refer to airing the same program simultaneously on cable networks… sports events televised across several cable TV channels. Multicast is a network-level protocol (used in private networks) that sends a single stream to many viewers without duplicating bandwidth per user.

2. What’s the best platform to simulcast for sports/webinars/worship?

For sports, use Restream or Castr (for low latency and chat sync). Switchboard Live or Zoom and Dacast (for branding and control) are excellent for webinars. For worship services, use Dacast with share codes or encoder-level simulcast (for reliability and reach).

3. Can I simulcast with different resolution requirements per platform?

Yes, some platforms like Switchboard Live and OBS with plugins allow resolution or bitrate adjustments per destination. Encoder-level simulcasting can also handle this if supported.

4. How do I simulcast my live stream to multiple platforms at once?

Use a multistreaming service (e.g., Switchboard, Restream), set up multiple RTMP outputs in your encoder (OBS, vMix, Wirecast), or use share codes to link from one platform to others.

5. What are the bandwidth requirements for simulcast streaming?

If sending multiple streams directly (encoder-level), multiply your stream bitrate by the number of destinations. For example, 4 Mbps × 3 platforms = 12 Mbps upload speed needed. Using a cloud-based service like Switchboard reduces local bandwidth needs.

6. Can I simulcast to TikTok, LinkedIn Live, and Twitch in 2025?

Yes, major simulcasting services and encoder tools now support TikTok, LinkedIn Live, and Twitch, often with vertical video and mobile stream support.

7. What’s the best method for simulcasting with monetization?

Use a platform like Dacast to keep monetization on your site, then use share code streaming or Switchboard Live integration to expand reach while maintaining control over paywalls and ads.

8. How do I simulcast from OBS, Wirecast, or vMix?

In OBS, set up multiple RTMP outputs using the Multiple RTMP plugin. Wirecast and vMix natively support multi-destination streaming under their output settings. Just add each platform’s stream key and URL. Additionally, these platforms allow you to enable recording of each stream, and you can manage separate audio tracks for each destination. This is especially useful for post-production, as having separate audio makes editing and mixing much easier.

9. Can I simulcast from mobile devices or remote locations?

Yes. Apps like Larix Broadcaster, Streamlabs Mobile, and browser-based tools like Restream Studio allow mobile simulcast streaming, even on cellular networks.

10. How does simulcast streaming affect latency or stream quality?

Using encoder-level simulcasting can increase latency and consume more upload bandwidth. Cloud-based simulcasting reduces this impact, keeping latency lower and stream quality more stable across platforms.

Conclusion

Simulcast streaming has become an essential part of reaching audiences across platforms, with over 8.5B hours of live streams watched in the last quarter of 2024. This only shows that simultaneous live streaming to multiple platforms ensures your content is seen where your viewers already are.

Dacast supports full-featured simulcast streaming through Switchboard Live integration, share code streaming, and encoder simulcasting. This gives you total control over monetization, analytics per destination, and DRM security, all from one dashboard.

With support for Twitch, TikTok, LinkedIn Live, and vertical video formats, Dacast stays ahead of where viewers are watching. Dacast adapts to your needs, whether it’s simulcasting services for nonprofits or multi-platform broadcasting for enterprises.

Try Dacast completely free today with our unbeatable 14-day full free trial. It’s the risk-free way to test out our platform. And if you have specific requirements, reach out to our support team. They’ll assist you in achieving the best setup for your needs.

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