Can You Stream on Multiple Platforms at Once? Yes, Here's How (2026)

Quick answer: Yes, you can stream on multiple platforms at once. It's called multistreaming (or simulcasting). You use a tool to send your stream to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms simultaneously.

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How Multistreaming Works

Instead of going live on one platform, a multistreaming service takes your single stream and rebroadcasts it to multiple destinations at the same time.

Your setup → Streaming software (OBS) → Multistreaming service → Multiple platforms

Your audience watches on whichever platform they prefer. You only need to set up and manage one stream. This is different from cross-posting social media content, which is for pre-recorded content.

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Best Multistreaming Tools (2026)

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Method 1: Restream (Easiest)

Best for most streamers. Free plan includes 2 simultaneous platforms.

Setup:

1. Create a free account at restream.io
2. Connect your streaming platforms (YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, etc.)
3. Copy the Restream RTMP URL and stream key
4. Paste into OBS Studio (Settings → Stream → Service: Custom)
5. Go live, Restream sends your stream to all connected platforms

Pros: Easy setup, free tier, chat aggregation, analytics Cons: Free plan limited to 2 channels, branding on free tier

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Method 2: StreamYard (Browser-Based)

No download needed. Stream directly from your browser.

Setup:

1. Go to StreamYard.com and create an account
2. Add your streaming destinations (YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
3. Click "Create a broadcast" and select all destinations
4. Set up your camera/mic in the browser
5. Go live

Pros: No software to install, built-in overlays and banners, guest invites Cons: Limited features on free plan, slight quality reduction

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Method 3: OBS + Custom RTMP (Free, Advanced)

For technical users who want full control.

Option A: OBS Multiple Outputs Plugin

1. Install the Multiple RTMP Output plugin for OBS
2. Add each platform's RTMP URL and stream key
3. Go live to all platforms directly from OBS

Option B: nginx RTMP server

• Set up a local RTMP relay server
• OBS streams to localhost
• nginx redistributes to multiple platforms

Pros: Completely free, full control, no third-party dependency Cons: Requires technical setup, uses more bandwidth/CPU

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Platform Restrictions to Know

Important: Twitch dropped its exclusivity clause in 2023. All Twitch streamers (Affiliate and Partner) can now multistream freely.

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Multistreaming vs Single Platform

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Bandwidth Requirements

Multistreaming requires enough upload bandwidth to handle multiple streams:

*When using Restream or similar cloud services, you only upload ONE stream (they redistribute). Direct multistreaming from OBS requires the full multiplied bandwidth.

Tip: Use a cloud-based service like Restream to save bandwidth. You upload one stream, and they handle distribution to all platforms.

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Tips for Successful Multistreaming

1. Use a chat aggregator, Restream Chat or StreamYard combines all platform chats into one view
2. Mention all platforms, "Thanks for watching on YouTube and Twitch!" keeps each audience engaged
3. Test before going live, run a private stream to check audio, video, and sync across platforms
4. Monitor each platform, have a second device to spot-check each stream
5. Customize per platform, some tools let you add platform-specific overlays

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FAQ

Is multistreaming free? Yes. Restream offers a free plan (2 channels). OBS with the Multiple RTMP Output plugin is completely free for unlimited platforms.

Does multistreaming reduce quality? Not if you use a cloud-based service like Restream (they handle redistribution). If you stream directly from OBS to multiple platforms, quality depends on your upload bandwidth and CPU.

Can I multistream from my phone? Yes. Prism Live and StreamYard's mobile app support multistreaming from mobile devices.

Which platforms should I multistream to? Start with 2-3 platforms where your target audience is. Most streamers combine Twitch + YouTube, or YouTube + Facebook + TikTok. See our YouTube vs Twitch comparison to decide.

Will I lose my Twitch affiliate status by multistreaming? No. Twitch removed its simulcasting exclusivity requirement in 2023. Affiliates and Partners can freely multistream.