Live FAQs

FAQs

• What do I need to go live?
• Are there any streaming limitations?
• Where do I find the RTMP and Stream key?
• 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?

Besides your membership, you will need a reliable internet connection, and a camera connected to an RTMP-enabled encoder, which will send your live stream to Vimeo. You can use any encoder you want, but we recommend Livestream Studio, Mevo, OBS, or Telestream Wirecast. 

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+ within the United States), contact support ahead of the event to ensure optimal performance.

Where do I find the RTMP and Stream key?

When you create your event, make sure you select Stream with RTMP as your broadcast method. Once you are on the event settings page, open the Stream panel on the left side of the page to find the RTMPS URL and Stream key for your event.
 
💡Tip: If needed, you can change your broadcast method via the dropdown menu in the upper right-hand corner of the event settings page.

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

As long as your account remains under the 2TB (2,000 GB) monthly bandwidth threshold we will never charge you overages.

Will my audience see my events in 1080p?

Your audience will be able to see your events in 1080p, as long as your source stream is outputting at 1080p and your audience has a strong network connection. If not, they’ll be served a stream at the quality appropriate to 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 5Mbps and 720p30 at 2.5Mbps
• Enterprise: The stream will transcode to 1080p60 at 9Mbps and 720p60 at 5Mbps

If your source is 720p60:

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

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

What is cloud transcoding?

Cloud transcoding means that all live streams are transcoded by Vimeo into different resolutions and bitrates to allow for optimal playback in the Vimeo player. This provides viewers with the best experience possible for their device and bandwidth, keeps your required outbound bandwidth to a minimum, and saves you the trouble 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 made open to both incoming and outgoing communication.

These ports are:

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

In addition, if you are using our web-based production tool, you will need to open the following which allows for 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 53, as it provides DNS. UDP 2088 should be open when broadcasting from Mevo (iOS and Android). If any of these are blocked, you may want to get in touch with your network administrator or IT before proceeding further with the setup.

Learn 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 less than 2000kbps, 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 simulcasted to other destinations will receive the same frame rate shown on Vimeo, but keep in mind that the provider you simulcast to may convert your stream if they do not support 30FPS or 60FPs.