Most streamers who broadcast IRL content do so using a phone. Today, we’re delving into a comprehensive tech setup guide for streaming on both Android and iPhone, complete with bonding capabilities. Interestingly, both Android and iPhone devices now support bonding, marking a significant milestone. For the past two years, only Android phones offered this feature, with LiveU Solo and Belabox preceding them. With bonding now more accessible and streamlined, phone streaming emerges as the most cost-effective option for IRL streaming. However, if you’re willing to invest in LiveU Solo or Belabox for the enhanced HD streaming experience, it’s definitely worth considering.
Important things to note is that you are required to have it set up prior to the guide below.
- OBS home server / aka noalbs, or cloud OBS server. But it is important to find a service provider that includes SRT Relay / SRTLA.
- If you are on a home server setup, you will need to either setup a home / local based SRT relay with SRTLA or use a cloud service that provides you this server side, which in my experience seems more stable. Usually OBS cloud services should offer this without needing to pay for a full blown OBS cloud server. I use Bela Cloud – https://cloud.belabox.net/.
- I personally recommend a TWO phone setup, one being an android for chat phone, and second phone being iPhone (between 11-14) or Samsung S24 for the actual stream for good quality options. A two phone setup will make it far easier to keep track of chat, as well have more controls readily available via a proper chat app like StreamBuddy (only available on android).
On OBS you will need to create a media source then go to the “Input” section and paste the URL you have from your SRT Relay. Ensure other settings are matching the picture below.
iPhone
- Download and install “Moblin”.
- Setting up your settings will vary in your device for best optimization. But here is what I have for my iPhone 13 Pro MAX.
- See screenshots below the list.
- Please ensure you have an active working sim cell service inside the phone, and have an external hotspot modem ready with service to bond 2 connections.
Android
- Download and install “IRLPro”
- Setting up your settings will vary in your device for best optimization. But here is what I have for my Samsung S20 Ultra.
- See screenshots below the list.
- Please ensure you have an active working sim cell service inside the phone, and have an external hotspot modem ready with service to bond 2 connections.
As for a side note, I recommend using StreamBuddy for Android IRL chat app, and I recommend RealtimeChat for iPhone.