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Encoder guide

To Livestream on Vimeo, you'll need a broadcast encoder. Here are some encoders we recommend:

No matter which encoder you are using, make sure it's configured to the following settings:

  • Codec H.264
  • Output resolution of 1920 x 1080 (maximum)
  • Frame rate of 30fps is recommended but the max input is 60 fps
  • Key frame interval of 2 seconds

Encoder best practices

If you use encoding software on a Mac or Windows PC, we recommend keeping your encoding software on a separate machine from any other tasks you may need to do during your event, such as previewing and monitoring your stream or moderating the chat. Often doing all of these on the same system can cause CPU percentage to spike, impacting the quality of your stream and causing other tasks to lag as well.

If your encoder does not have a separate field to input your event's stream key, you can add the stream key to the end of your RTMP URL, separating the URL and key with a forward slash, as shown below:

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Streaming with Vimeo via your browser

If you don’t have an external encoder, Vimeo has a built-in web-based production tool that allows you to connect with your webcam and go live with no additional equipment needed.

If you create a recurring event or a webinar, select Stream with Vimeo from the Manage production menu to enter the web-based production tool which includes the ability to storyboard multiple scenes, add guest speakers, and playback uploaded videos live in a more robust production environment.

Vimeo mobile app

The Vimeo mobile app includes the ability to go live directly to a new or existing event on your Vimeo account.

Livestream Studio

A license to Livestream Studio is included with a Vimeo Premium, Advanced membership, meaning you can download it onto your Windows or Mac computer and use your Vimeo login to access the software (an Enterprise account with the Events feature added includes three licenses).

One thing to note is that you will need an internet connection to authenticate Studio, but if you lose connection, you can continue using it for up to 24 hours before you will be prompted to reconnect and log in again. Studio uses a lot of hardware resources so be sure to install it on a system with our recommended hardware specifications.

  1. To download Studio, create and configure an event on your Vimeo account.
  2. Select the Connect (RTMPS) tab before going live; a download link to Livestream Studio is available there.
  3. To stream to Vimeo using Livestream Studio, navigate to the Stream tab.
  4. If you logged into your Vimeo account when you first launched Studio, Vimeo should be the active destination by default. If not, select Vimeo as your streaming provider. This will open a browser window to Vimeo and verify your account (you will be prompted to log into your Vimeo account in the browser if you are not already).
  5. You will then be able to create a new stream (or select a scheduled event), adjust your privacy settings, and go live.

Team admins can also choose between their own account and team accounts directly within Studio. Learn more.

For more detailed step-by-step instructions on how to stream to Vimeo Live using Livestream Studio, please check out our guide in the Livestream Help Center.

Here's an overview of Studio:

Wirecast

Before streaming on Vimeo, you need to configure your output settings in Wirecast.

  1. Once you've set up your production in Wirecast, choose Output in the top navigation of Wirecast and select Output Settings.
  2. Select Vimeo from the destination drop-down menu.
  3. Select Authenticate to log in via your Vimeo account.
  4. Once authenticated, select the Existing event (created either on Vimeo or previously in Wirecast) from the Live Events dropdown.
  5. You can Edit, View, or Delete this current event, or you can select New to create a new event.
  6. When creating a new event, select the Event Type as Recurring.
  7. Set your Start Date and Start time.
  8. Select the day it should Repeat as a Recurring Event. 
  9. Set a Privacy setting and whether you want to enable Chat.
  10. Choose your preference for Stream Title and add a Stream Description if desired.image002.png
  11. When done, select Create Event (if creating a new event) or Update Event (if editing an existing event).
  12. Choose your encoding setting for this event from the Encoding dropdown under the Vimeo Destination.
  13. When you are ready to start your event, select the Stream button in Wirecast. After a few moments, you should see your stream up on Vimeo.
  14. Once the stream has started, you can easily access the live event on Vimeo by going to Output > Vimeo > Active Live Event.

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SlingStudio

  1. To stream to Vimeo Live using SlingStudio, you must first log in to SlingStudio and start a new live project, before selecting Vimeo from the destinations menu.
  2. This will prompt you to log into Vimeo and authorize the SlingStudio app within your connected apps on Vimeo.
  3. Once logged in, you can select from any of your scheduled virtual events, or create a new live event from within the Vimeo menu.
  4. Creating a new live event will allow you the options to add a title, description, and privacy setting, as well as schedule the planned start time/date.

    ⚠️Note: even if you schedule a start time for your event, you’ll still be required to send the stream manually in order to begin at the selected time.
  5. Now that your event has been created, you can access this event’s URL using the Copy URL button under the Connect (RTMPS) tab.
  6. The Simulcast Settings button will direct you to the live settings page for your event on Vimeo, where you can adjust your simulcast destinations using the “Destinations” tab or grab the player's embed code to embed the live event on your site, along with our built-in audience chat to interact with your audience during the virtual event. For more information, please check out our Simulcast Guide.
  7. Once all your settings are configured, go ahead and click Start on the Vimeo destination to go live from SlingStudio. The timecode indicator on the bottom of the Program view will show the current duration of your live event on Vimeo.

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS)

Before streaming on Vimeo, you need to configure your input source in OBS (e.g. camera).

  1. To set up an input source, look for the Sources section, then click the + sign to add whatever type of input you like from this list, then make sure you have it selected and click the up arrow until it is first on the list.
  2. You should now see your camera's input in the stream preview section of OBS.OBS_window_2.jpg
  3. After you've created a live event on Vimeo, click on Settings in the lower right of the OBS window.
  4. On the left panel, select Stream, and under the heading Stream Type select Custom Streaming Server from the dropdown menu.
  5. Copy the RTMP URL from the broadcast view on Vimeo and paste it into the URL field in OBS.
  6. Copy the Stream key from the broadcast view on Vimeo and paste it into the Stream Key field in OBS.
  7. Once this is done, hit OK to go back into the main window of OBS.
  8. When you are ready to go live, hit Start Streaming in the lower right corner of OBS, and you should see your stream come up in the broadcaster view on Vimeo within a few moments.

Teradek encoders

Teradek has integrated Vimeo Live as a stream destination in their VidiU, VidiU Pro, and Live:Air Action app. First, make sure your inputs are configured and the app is showing the feed correctly from all connected cameras. You can find more in-depth information on how to set up your Teradek VidiU Pro here, and your Live:Air Action here. Once your VidiU, VidiU Pro, or iPad with Live:Air Action is connected to a network and properly configured, then you can add Vimeo as your broadcast destination.

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Simply go to Settings, select Broadcast Destination, and then scroll down and select Vimeo from the list. You’ll be prompted to enter your Vimeo login information, and once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to create your Live Event, adjust your settings, transitions, and text overlays, and finally go live.

NewTek Tricaster

In order to stream on Vimeo using a NewTek Tricaster, you must use the manual RTMP configuration. With a broadcast system this advanced, you likely have multiple input sources that you'll want to make sure are all working and properly configured. Once all input sources are set up in the broadcast switcher, you can create your live event on Vimeo. The next step is to configure your stream settings in the Tricaster.

  1. First, in Tricaster, click on the gear icon near the Stream button to see all the options for configuring your live stream.
  2. In this window, select Adobe Flash Encoder. 
  3. From the broadcast view on Vimeo, copy the RTMP URL and paste it into the Location field in Tricaster.
  4. Copy the Stream Key from the broadcast view of Vimeo and paste it into the Stream field in Tricaster.
  5. When you are ready to go live, click the Stream button and you should see your stream up on Vimeo in a few seconds.

Epiphan Pearl and Pearl 2

In order to stream to Vimeo using the Epiphan Pearl or Pearl 2, you’ll need to first set up your input configuration.

  1. Connect to the admin interface of your Pearl using your preferred connection mechanism, then create a channel and custom layouts that showcase your live production.
  2. Double-check your resolution, bitrate, and video/audio encoding settings.
    epiphan_pearl.jpg
  3. After you've created a live event on Vimeo and previewed your live program on Pearl's touch screen, click Streaming for the channel you want to stream in the Pearl admin interface, and scroll down to the Stream to server section. 
  4. Select RTMP push from the dropdown menu, and copy the RTMP URL from the broadcast view on Vimeo and paste it into the URL field in Pearl.
  5. Then copy the Stream Key from the broadcast view of Vimeo and paste it into the Stream name field in Pearl. 
  6. You can leave the username and password fields blank, then click Apply.
  7. When you are ready to go live, click Start in Pearl, and your stream should appear on Vimeo in a few moments.

Livestream Broadcaster Pro

If you own a Livestream Broadcaster Pro, you can stream to Vimeo via a workaround. The Broadcaster Pro can only directly stream to the Livestream platform, but you can connect the Broadcaster Pro to Livestream Studio, which is included with Premium, Advanced memberships and Enterprise memberships with the Events feature added, and then use Studio to go live to Vimeo.

  1. First, download Livestream Studio onto your computer (as described above) and launch the software. Log into your Vimeo account when prompted.
  2. Power on your Broadcaster Pro and connect it to the same network to which the computer running Studio is connected; this will allow Studio and the Broadcaster Pro to communicate with each other.
  3. Once it's connected, push in the black joystick to enter the menu and select Stream Mode, then select Studio.
    studio_mode.png
  4. In Studio, navigate to the Inputs tab in the lower-left quadrant of the interface.
  5. Select Add Input > Remote, then choose your Broadcaster. It will then be available as a source in Livestream Studio and you will see it in the multi-view.
  6. Right-click the image in the multi-view to put your Broadcaster into the Program Output (learn more about switching input sources in Studio).
  7. Now select the Stream tab in the lower right corner.
  8. Log into Vimeo if you are not already, and select your event (you can also create a new one).
  9. Give your stream a title, choose your streaming quality, then you can click Go Live to start your stream.
    go_live_to_vimeo.png
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