These features are available to custom Enterprise plans. Connect with our Sales team here. 🚀
Backup stream automatically switches between your main and backup live video feed to prevent interruptions. Add disconnect protection to play a custom fallback video if both sources go offline, ensuring worry-free streaming for high-stakes events.
How to set up a backup stream
From your home screen, click New Stream and select RTMP | Encoder.
💡 If you have already created an RTMP stream, click on it in your list of streams to open the setup.
Click Settings and select Backup stream.
RTMP: You'll have two identical RTMP URLs and two different streaming keys:
Primary stream 1 is your main source.
Backup stream 2 is your emergency "fallback" source.
SRT: You'll have two different SRT links:
Primary Stream 1 (SRT) is your main source.
Backup Stream 2 (SRT) is your emergency "fallback" source.
Set up two separate encoders - the first streaming to Primary, the other to Backup.
Select "Custom" service in your stream settings to use the exact RTMP URL or SRT link provided by Restream.
After setting up both encoders, start streaming.
If your main source fails, the system will seamlessly switch to the backup
How to add disconnect protection
Add an extra layer of protection by uploading a custom video that plays if both your Primary and Backup streams go offline.
In the same Backup stream settings, toggle on Stream disconnect protection.
Click Replace to upload a video or select an existing one from your storage.
Choose a video that works as a placeholder, like a "We'll be right back" message or branded holding screen.
Select how long the fallback video should play: 5, 15, or 30 minutes.
Your changes are saved automatically. The fallback video will play if your Primary stream goes offline, or if both Primary and Backup streams go offline.
💡 Disconnect protection must be configured before you go live. It cannot be enabled during an active stream.
Requirements
This feature is available to custom Enterprise plans. Connect with our Sales team here.
Backup stream is available for RTMP and SRT.
This setup requires two distinct encoders.
Two separate network connections are recommended to prevent complete feed failure if one connection goes down.
Disconnect protection works with just a Primary stream, but a Backup stream is recommended for maximum reliability.
FAQ
Does the backup stream work with scheduled events, too?
Does the backup stream work with scheduled events, too?
The backup stream is fully compatible with scheduled events.
Locate your scheduled event on your home screen. Click on it to open the RTMP setup, then follow the steps above.
How will I know whether my stream has switched to the backup source?
How will I know whether my stream has switched to the backup source?
When previewing your stream on Restream, you will see a "primary stream 1" indicator if you're using the primary source and a "backup stream 2" indicator if you're using the backup source.
How can I make the switch as natural as possible?
How can I make the switch as natural as possible?
On our side, the transition will be seamless.
On your side, we recommend setting up identical streams for both encoders. This means the camera angle and overall feed in the backup source should closely resemble the original.
Can I have a backup stream in Studio?
Can I have a backup stream in Studio?
No, the backup feature is designed for streams done with third-party encoders.
Can I use a server region of my choice when using backup?
Can I use a server region of my choice when using backup?
You can switch your default server selection from auto-detect to a specific region here, which will also update the backup links.
It's advisable to use the same region for both primary and backup to avoid network issues.
Can backup support very long streams?
Can backup support very long streams?
Restream doesn't guarantee that a stream will be live for more than 24 hours, even with the backup feature. If you stream continuously for more than 24 hours, the server you're connected to may undergo maintenance and be restarted. To avoid potential issues, we recommend restarting your stream once every 24 hours.
To stream for more than 24 hours, you can contact our Sales team for a custom plan.
What happens when I reconnect after disconnect protection activates?
What happens when I reconnect after disconnect protection activates?
Once you resume streaming, the fallback video stops playing, and your live feed continues. Your viewers will see a seamless transition back to your live content.
What if my fallback video is shorter or longer than my selected duration?
What if my fallback video is shorter or longer than my selected duration?
If your video is shorter than the duration, it will loop until you reconnect or the time limit is reached. If your video is longer than the duration, it will be cut off at the time limit. For example, if you upload a 10-minute video but select a 5-minute duration, only the first 5 minutes will play.
What happens after the disconnect protection time limit is reached?
What happens after the disconnect protection time limit is reached?
If you don't reconnect within your selected time limit (5, 15, or 30 minutes), your stream will end on the destination platforms. You'll need to start a new stream to go live again.
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