Gradual supports any streaming service or encoder that can output an RTMP stream and Restream is a reliable and elevated service, complete with its own studio and the ability to upload and stream pre-loaded or pre-recorded video files directly into Gradual.
Restream also allows for simulcasting or sending something to Gradual and to another destination like LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.
Currently, Gradual does not have a native streaming service, so if you are live streaming into an event you will need to connect the event stage(s) to a streaming service to feed the video to the event attendees.
Learn more about streaming to Gradual here.
Event Stage URL and Stream Key
The Stream RTMP URL and Stream Key are the two pieces of information you'll need from your event dashboard.
RTMP URL: This will never change for your Gradual account and is considered the address you're streaming to.
Stream Key: This changes for each stage and is considered the password for the event's specific stage.
Navigate to the Stage Settings tab within the event dashboard, and select View beside the stage you're linking to the streaming service. Have this tab open when setting up the streaming destination.
Streaming Destination Setup
You will first want to sign in to Restream and open up your event dashboard in Gradual. In Gradual, navigate to the Stage Settings page (Dashboard > Events > <your event> > Event Setup > Stage Settings) and find the stage you would like, and then click on View.
You will be able to see your stream info, including Stream Key, Stream RTMP URL, and Stream RTMP Status on a slide-in pop-up. The Stream Key and RTMP URL will be required to complete the setup in Restream. You can either keep this window open or save these info for later. In Restream, click on Add Destination on the home page.
Then, select Custom RTMP.
Paste the Stream RTMP URL and the Stream Key you've copied from the Gradual dashboard into the RTMP URL field and the Stream key field, respectively. You don't need to select Use authentication.
Once you have added a destination, you will be shown the list of destinations, including the one that you've just added. It will be automatically toggled on. If you click on Edit, you will be able to set the display name for that destination, as well as change the RTMP URL and Stream key.
💡 Pro Tip: This can be set up ahead of the event, and tested by logging into Restream and going live, while also accessing the event early to ensure the stream is feeding correctly to your Gradual event. Learn more about testing your event here.
Restream Studio Setup
Set up your studio in Restream so that it is branded to your community and event, and you are comfortable with the settings and graphics.
For detailed instructions on how to best utilize the Restream studio and services, please reference their help center here.
Log in to Restream. Then click on Stream with Studio on the home page.
The Restream Studio entry page will appear, where you can configure your name, avatar, video, audio, and virtual background ahead of entering Studio. You can also choose to mute or unmute, and to enable or disable camera. You will want to click on the gear-shaped Settings button to set up your video and audio. In the Settings page, you can switch your video input and resolution, as well as choose to mirror your camera. We suggest changing your video resolution to High Definition (720p @ 30 fps). Your audio input and output settings are in this page, too.
Once you have finished configuring all the settings as desired, click on Enter Studio. Once you are in Studio, you can load graphic assets such as themes, video clips, overlays, and logos to make the streaming on-brand with your community and event.
For detailed instructions on how to best utilize the Restream studio and services, please reference their help center here.
Going Live
When you are ready to go live, or are testing the event's streaming, you will sign in to Restream to broadcast and stream to Gradual.
On the Restream home page, click on Stream with Studio.
The Restream Studio entry page will appear, where you can configure your name, avatar, video, audio, and virtual background ahead of entering Studio. You can also choose to mute or unmute, and to enable or disable camera. You will want to click on the gear-shaped Settings button to set up your video and audio. In the Settings page, you can switch your video input and resolution, as well as choose to mirror your camera. We suggest changing your video resolution to High Definition (720p @ 30 fps). Your audio input and output settings are in this page, too.
Once you have finished configuring all the settings as desired, click on Enter Studio.
That will direct you into Studio, where you will be able to see any other speakers on the left-hand side, all the branding settings on the right, and the main settings at the base. You are not live yet!
In case you want to check to see if the destination is correctly set up, you can click on Add Channels on the top-right corner next to the Go Live button. Toggle on the correct destination and the toggle switch will turn blue. Once you've done that, you can close this pop-up.
Configure your video and audio so that they are ready to go live. Also, click on Design on the sidebar on the right, and configure your stream's design elements such as overlay, background, and logo.
💡 Pro Tip: We suggest using a motion background so you can test that your streaming in Gradual isn't static, and when attendees sign in, they are comforted knowing that they can see the video stream playing and they are seeing the stream correctly. We also suggest adding background music to test the audio and again, comfort attendees to know their audio is working.
When you are ready to go live, click on the Go Live button at the top-right corner. It will countdown from three to one, and you will be live!
Note: There is a 20-30 second delay from Restream into Gradual.
We highly recommend that you mute your Gradual feed if you're watching live in Gradual.
For detailed instructions on how to best utilize the Restream studio and services, please reference their help center here.
Video Guide
Here is a video walking you through these steps, and also how to stream a pre-recorded video file versus a live stream:
Note: Gradual does not record your live stream. Luckily, Restream will automatically record your session.