FAQ: Live events

This article discusses frequently asked questions about hosting live events on Vimeo.

In this article: 

• What do I need to go live?
• Are there any streaming limitations?
• Where do I find the RTMP/RTMPS/SRT URLs and Stream keys?
• Will my audience see my events in 1080p?
• What is cloud transcoding?
• What network ports are needed to stream?
• What bitrate should I stream?
• What about the frame rate?

What do I need to go live?

In addition to your Vimeo membership, you will need a reliable internet connection and a camera connected to a supported encoder to send your live stream to Vimeo.

Are there any streaming limitations?

There is no limit to the number of events you can create.

With an Advanced plan on Vimeo, you can stream up to three (3) events simultaneously, and each stream is limited to 12 hours.

With an Enterprise account, you can stream to more than three simultaneous events and add on the extended streaming feature to stay live longer than 12 hours. 

Vimeo supports live events with thousands of concurrent viewers. However, this is subject to Vimeo's bandwidth policy of 2TB per month. For large-scale events (50,000+ viewers outside the United States or 100,000-150,000+ viewers within the United States), please contact support in advance to ensure optimal performance.

Where do I find the RTMP/RTMPS/SRT URLs and Stream keys?

When creating your event, select 'Use an External Encoder' as your broadcast method. Once on the event settings page, open the Stream panel on the left side to find your event's RTMPS URL and Stream key.
💡 Tip: If needed, you can change your broadcast method. Learn how at 'How to change your stream's production mode.'

Are there overages or fees based on the number of viewers?

If your account remains under the 2TB (2,000 GB) monthly bandwidth limit, you will not incur any overage charges.

Will my audience see my events in 1080p?

Your audience can view your events in 1080p, provided your source stream is outputting at 1080p and they have a stable network connection. If not, they’ll receive a stream at a quality suitable for their device and bandwidth.

The available transcoded versions of your stream can also depend on your plan type. 

If your source is 1080p60:

• Advanced and Premium: The stream will transcode to 1080p30 at 5 Mbps and 720p30 at 2.5 Mbps
• Enterprise: The stream will transcode to 1080p60 at 9 Mbps and 720p60 at 5 Mbps

If your source is 720p60:

• Advanced and Premium: The stream will transcode to 720p30 at 2.5 Mbps
• Enterprise: The stream will transcode to 720p60 at 5 Mbps

All streams for all account types will transcode to even lower resolutions (540p, 360p, 240p) to allow a smooth playback experience for viewers on slower networks.

What is cloud transcoding?

Cloud transcoding ensures that all live streams are transcoded by Vimeo into various resolutions and bitrates, providing optimal playback in the Vimeo player. This approach offers viewers the best experience for their device and bandwidth, keeps your required outbound bandwidth to a minimum, and eliminates the hassle of using expensive encoding equipment. 

What network ports are needed to stream?

All encoders use various internet ports to communicate with Vimeo, all of which need to be opened to allow both incoming and outgoing communication.

These ports are:

• TCP 1935
• TCP 80
• TCP 443
• UDP 53
• UDP 2088

Additionally, if you are using our web-based production tool, you must open the following, which enables WebRTC.

• TCP 3478
• TCP 19305
• TCP 19307

Ports 1935, 80, 2088, and 443 represent RTMP, HTTP, and HTTPS, respectively. Many corporate and academic networks’ security policies will block UDP port 53, as it is used for DNS. UDP 2088 should be open when broadcasting from Mevo (iOS and Android). If any of these are blocked, you may want to contact your network administrator or IT before proceeding further with the setup.

Read more about our recommended network configuration for streaming.

What bitrate should I stream?

The maximum target bitrate Vimeo supports depends on your plan type:

• Advanced and Premium: up to 5000kbps
• Enterprise: up to 9000kbps

If you are streaming with a bitrate significantly lower than 2000 kbps, your stream may appear pixelated or experience lag.

What about the frame rate?

The maximum frame rate Vimeo supports depends on your plan type:

• Advanced and Premium: up to 30FPS
  • 💡Tip: Live archives can be replaced with 60FPS video files using the replace tool after the event ends.
• Enterprise: up to 60FPS

Live events simulcast to other destinations will be displayed at the same frame rate as shown on Vimeo. However, please note that the provider you simulcast to may convert your stream if they do not support 30 FPS or 60 FPS.