quoting naddr1qqâŚ3wetThis article will be basic instructions for extreme normies (I say that lovingly), or anyone looking to get started with using zap.stream and sharing to nostr.
EQUIPMENT Getting started is incredibly easy and your equipment needs are miniscule.
An old desktop or laptop running Linux, MacOs, or Windows made in the passed 15yrs should do. Im currently using and old Dell Latitude E5430 with an Intel i5-3210M with 32Gigs of ram and 250GB hard drive. Technically, you go as low as using a Raspberry Pi 4B+ running Owncast, but Ill save that so a future tutorial.
Letâs get started.
ON YOUR COMPUTER Youâll need to install OBS (open broaster software). OBS is the go-to for streaming to social media. There are tons of YouTube videos on itâs function. WE, however, will only be doing the basics to get us up and running.
First, go to https://obsproject.com/
Once on the OBS site, choose the correct download for you system. Linux, MacOs or Windows. Download (remember where you downloaded the file to). Go there and install your download. You may have to enter your password to install on your particular operating system. This is normal.
Once youâve installed OBS, open the application. It should look something like thisâŚ
For our purposes, we will be in studio mode. Locate the âStudio Modeâ button on the right lower-hand side of the screen, and click it.
Youâll see the screen split like in the image above. The left-side is from your desktop, and the right-side is what your broadcast will look like.
Next, we go to settings. The âSettingsâ button is located right below the âStudio Modeâ button.
Now weâre in settings and you should see something like thisâŚ
Now locate stream in the right-hand menu. It should be the second in the list. Click it.
Once in the stream section, go to âServiceâ and in the right-hand drop-down, find and select âCustomâŚâ from the drop-down menu.
Remeber where this is because weâll need to come back to it, shortly.
ZAPSTREAM We need our streamkey credentials from Zapstream. Go to https://zap.stream. Then, go to your dashboard.
Located on the lower right-hand side is the Server URL and Stream Key. Youâll need to copy/paste this in OBS.
You may have to generate new keys, if they arenât already there. This is normal. If youâre interested in multi-streaming (Thatâs where you broadcast to multiple social media platforms all at once), youll need the server URL and streamkeys from each. Youâll place them in their respective forms in Zapstreamâs âStream Forwardingâ section.
Use the custom form, if the platform you want to stream to isnât listed.
*Side-Note: remember that you can use your nostr identity across multiple nostr client applications. So when your login for Amethyst, as an example, could be used when you login to zapstream. Also, i would suggest using Albyâs browser extension. It makes it much easier to fund your stream, as well as receive zaps. *
Now, BACK TO OBS⌠With Stream URL and Key in hand, paste them in the âStreamâ section of OBSâ settings. Service [CustomâŚ] Server [Server URL] StreamKey [Your zapstream stream key]
After youâve entered all your streaming credentials, click âOKâ at the bottom, on the right-hand side.
WHATâS NEXT? Letâs setup your first stream from OBS. First we need to choose a source. Your source is your input device. It can be your webcam, your mic, your monitor, or any particular window on your screen. assuming youâre an absolute beginner, weâre going to use the source âWindow Capture (Xcomposite)â.
Now, open your source file. Weâll use a video source called âgrannyhiphop.mp4â. In your case it can be whatever you want to stream; Just be sure to select the proper source.
Double-click on âWindow Captureâ in your sources list. In the pop-up window, select your file from the âWindowâ drop-down menu.
You should see something like thisâŚ
Working in the left display of OBS, we will adjust the video by left-click, hold and drag the bottom corner, so that it takes up the whole display.
In order to adjust the right-side display ( the broadcast side), we need to manipulate the video source by changing itâs size.
This may take some time to adjust the size. This is normal. What Iâve found to help is, after every adjustment, I click the âFade (300ms)â button. I have no idea why it helps, but it does, lol.
Finally, after getting everything to look the way you want, you click the âStart Streamâ button.
BACK TO ZAPSTREAM Now, we go back to zapstream to check to see if our stream is up. It may take a few moments to update. You may even need to refresh the page. This is normal.
STREAMS UP!!!
A few things, in closing. Youâll notice that your dashbooard has changed. Itâll show current stream time, how much time you have left (according to your funding source), whoâs zapped you with how much theyve zapped, the ability to post a note about your stream (to both nostr and twitter), and it shows your chatbox with your listeners. There are also a raid feature, stream settings (where you can title & tag your stream). You can âtopupâ your funding for your stream. As well as, see your current balance.
You did a great and If you ever need more help, just use the tag #asknostr in your note. There are alway nostriches willing to help.
STAY AWESOME!!!
YakiHonne on Nostr: đ˘The ultimate Zapstream beginner's guide is here! From setting up OBS to getting ...
đ˘The ultimate Zapstream beginner's guide is here! From setting up OBS to getting your Stream Key đ, follow the steps and start your decentralized livestream! đ check out the article, written by GoblinBox (npub1da7âŚar58)
