Quick Start
This guide covers every Restream feature:
- Getting Started — Create account and basic setup
- How to Use Multistreaming — Broadcast to 30+ platforms at once
- How to Use Upload and Stream — Schedule pre-recorded videos as live broadcasts
- How to Use AI Clips — Turn live streams into short highlight clips
- How to Use Cross-Platform Chat — Manage all chat messages in one place
- How to Use Live Streams Scheduler — Plan and automate future broadcasts
- How to Use Cross-Platform Analytics — Track performance across all channels
- How to Use Stream Studio — Go live from your browser with guests and graphics
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used Restream for over two years and tested every feature covered here. This how to use Restream tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.
Restream is one of the most powerful live streaming tools available today.
But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.
This guide shows you how to use every major feature.
Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.
Restream Tutorial
This complete Restream tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.
Restream
Go live on 30+ platforms at once from your browser. Restream handles multistreaming, chat, scheduling, and analytics so you can focus on your content. Start free — no credit card required.
Getting Started with Restream
Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.
It takes about 3 minutes.
Now let’s walk through each step.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to Restream’s website.
Click “Get Started” on the homepage.
Sign up with your email, Google, or Facebook account.
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the Restream dashboard after signing up.
Step 2: Add Your Streaming Channels
Click “Add Channel” from the dashboard.
Select your platform like YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch.
Authorize Restream to connect to each account.
Here’s what the dashboard looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: Your connected channels appear on the dashboard.
Step 3: Complete Initial Setup
Set your default stream title and description.
Choose your preferred video quality in settings.
Enable notifications for chat messages if needed.
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use Restream Multistreaming
Multistreaming lets you broadcast to 30+ platforms at the same time.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Multistreaming in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Connect Your Channels
Go to the Channels tab in your Restream dashboard.
Click “Add Channel” and pick your platforms.
You can add YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, and more.
Step 2: Configure Stream Settings
Set your stream title and description for all channels at once.
Toggle individual channels on or off for each broadcast.
✓ Checkpoint: All active channels show a green status indicator.
Step 3: Start Your Multistream
Click “Go Live” in Restream Studio or connect OBS using your RTMP key.
Restream sends your feed to every connected channel simultaneously.
✅ Result: Your stream is live on all platforms at once without extra bandwidth.
💡 Pro Tip: Use OBS with the Restream RTMP URL for more control over scenes and overlays.
How to Use Restream Upload and Stream
Upload and Stream lets you broadcast pre-recorded videos as live content.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Upload and Stream in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Upload Your Video
Click “Upload & Stream” from the Restream dashboard.
Drag and drop your video file or click to browse.
Supported formats include MP4, MOV, and MKV.
Step 2: Set Your Broadcast Details
Add a title and description for the scheduled broadcast.
Choose which channels should receive the stream.
✓ Checkpoint: Your video preview appears with channel selections below.
Step 3: Schedule or Go Live Now
Pick a date and time or click “Stream Now” to broadcast immediately.
Restream plays your video as a live broadcast on all selected channels.
✅ Result: Your pre-recorded video goes live on all platforms at the scheduled time.
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule uploads for peak audience hours in different time zones to reach more viewers.
How to Use Restream AI Clips
AI Clips lets you turn long live streams into short highlight clips automatically.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch AI Clips in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open Your Stream Recording
Go to the Recordings section in your dashboard.
Select the stream you want to clip from.
Click “Create AI Clips” to start the process.
Step 2: Review Generated Clips
Restream’s AI picks the best moments from your stream.
Preview each clip and select the ones you want to keep.
✓ Checkpoint: You see a list of suggested clips with timestamps.
Step 3: Export and Share Your Clips
Click “Export” to download clips in vertical or horizontal format.
Share directly to TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts.
✅ Result: You have short-form clips ready for social media without manual editing.
💡 Pro Tip: Add captions to your AI clips before sharing for higher engagement on social platforms.
How to Use Restream Cross-Platform Chat
Cross-Platform Chat lets you read and reply to messages from all platforms in one window.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Cross-Platform Chat in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Chat Panel
Click the Chat icon in Restream Studio or open chat.restream.io.
All connected platform chats load in a single window.
Messages show which platform each viewer is watching from.
Step 2: Reply to Messages Across Platforms
Type your reply in the chat box at the bottom.
Your response appears on every connected platform simultaneously.
✓ Checkpoint: You see color-coded messages from YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and others.
Step 3: Pin or Highlight Key Messages
Hover over any message and click the pin icon.
Pinned messages stay visible at the top of the chat window.
✅ Result: You manage all audience conversations from one place during your stream.
💡 Pro Tip: Enable the chat overlay in Restream Studio to show viewer comments on screen during your broadcast.
How to Use Restream Live Streams Scheduler
Live Streams Scheduler lets you plan future broadcasts with custom details and thumbnails.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Live Streams Scheduler in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Create a New Event
Click “Schedule Stream” from the Restream dashboard.
Enter your stream title, description, and upload a thumbnail.
Pick the date and time for your broadcast.
Step 2: Select Your Channels
Choose which platforms should receive this scheduled stream.
Each platform gets the same title, description, and thumbnail automatically.
✓ Checkpoint: Your scheduled event appears on the Events calendar.
Step 3: Go Live at the Scheduled Time
When the time comes, click “Go Live” in Restream Studio.
Your followers get notified on every platform where the event was created.
✅ Result: Your stream starts on time with pre-configured details across all channels.
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule events at least 48 hours early so platforms have time to notify your followers.
How to Use Restream Cross-Platform Analytics
Cross-Platform Analytics lets you track viewers, engagement, and growth across all channels.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Cross-Platform Analytics in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Open the Analytics Dashboard
Click “Analytics” from the left sidebar in your Restream dashboard.
You see an overview of all your recent streams.
Filter by date range to focus on specific time periods.
Step 2: Review Per-Platform Performance
Click on any stream to see per-platform breakdowns.
Compare peak viewers, total views, and chat messages by channel.
✓ Checkpoint: You see bar charts comparing each platform’s viewer count.
Step 3: Export Your Data
Click the download icon to export analytics as a CSV file.
Use this data to decide which platforms to focus on.
✅ Result: You know exactly which platforms drive the most engagement for your content.
💡 Pro Tip: Check analytics right after each stream to spot trends while the data is fresh.
How to Use Restream Stream Studio
Stream Studio lets you go live directly from your browser with guests, graphics, and custom scenes.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Stream Studio in action:
Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Launch Restream Studio
Click “Enter Studio” from your Restream dashboard.
Allow browser access to your camera and microphone.
No downloads or extra software needed.
Step 2: Customize Your Stream Layout
Add graphics, logos, and tickers from the sidebar menu.
Invite up to 10 guests by sharing a unique join link.
✓ Checkpoint: Your studio preview shows your camera feed with overlays applied.
Step 3: Go Live and Share Your Screen
Click “Go Live” to start broadcasting to all connected channels.
Use the screen share button to show presentations, demos, or your desktop.
✅ Result: You’re broadcasting a professional stream with graphics and guests from your browser.
💡 Pro Tip: Create multiple scenes in advance so you can switch between layouts during your broadcast with one click.
Restream Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing Restream for over two years, here are my best tips.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toggle Microphone | Alt + M |
| Toggle Camera | Alt + V |
| Share Screen | Alt + S |
| End Stream | Alt + E |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- Chat Overlay Widget: Add a chat overlay URL to OBS to display live comments on screen during your broadcast.
- Custom RTMP Destinations: Add any platform that supports RTMP by entering a custom server URL and stream key manually.
- Split-Track Audio Recording: Record separate audio tracks for each guest on the Professional plan for better post-production editing.
Restream Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Not Verifying YouTube Before Streaming
❌ Wrong: Trying to go live on YouTube without verifying your phone number first and waiting 24 hours.
✅ Right: Verify your YouTube channel and enable live streaming at least 24 hours before your first broadcast.
Mistake #2: Streaming to Too Many Channels on the Free Plan
❌ Wrong: Expecting to stream to 10 channels on the free plan, which only supports 2 simultaneous channels.
✅ Right: Start with 2 channels on the free plan, then upgrade when you need more platforms.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Stream Title and Description Updates
❌ Wrong: Using the same generic title for every stream without updating it for each session.
✅ Right: Update the title and description in Restream before each broadcast for better discoverability.
Restream Troubleshooting
Problem: Stream Not Going Live on YouTube
Cause: Your YouTube channel hasn’t enabled live streaming or the 24-hour wait period hasn’t passed yet.
Fix: Go to YouTube Studio, enable live streaming under Settings, verify your phone number, and wait 24 hours.
Problem: Audio or Video Lag During Broadcast
Cause: Your internet upload speed is too low for the selected video quality.
Fix: Lower your stream resolution to 720p, close other bandwidth-heavy apps, and use a wired ethernet connection.
Problem: Chat Messages Not Showing from One Platform
Cause: The platform’s chat integration was disconnected or the token expired.
Fix: Go to Channels, disconnect and reconnect the affected platform, then restart your stream.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Restream support.
What is Restream?
Restream is a live streaming tool that lets you broadcast to 30+ platforms simultaneously from your browser.
Think of it like a TV broadcast tower for your live video content.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- Multistreaming: Go live on YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, and 30+ platforms at once.
- Upload and Stream: Broadcast pre-recorded videos as live content on a schedule.
- AI Clips: Automatically create short highlight clips from your recorded streams.
- Cross-Platform Chat: Read and reply to chat messages from all platforms in one window.
- Live Streams Scheduler: Plan future broadcasts with titles, descriptions, and thumbnails.
- Cross-Platform Analytics: Track viewer counts and engagement across every channel.
- Stream Studio: Go live from your browser with custom graphics, screen sharing, and up to 10 guests.
For a full review, see our Restream review.
Restream Pricing
Here’s what Restream costs in 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0/forever | Beginners testing multistreaming on 2 channels |
| Standard | $16/mo | Creators who need 3 channels and no watermark |
| Professional | $39/mo | Serious streamers who want 1080p and 5 channels |
| Business | $199/mo | Teams and Businesses needing 8 channels and priority support |
Free trial: Yes, 7-day free trial for premium features.
Money-back guarantee: No official money-back guarantee listed.
💰 Best Value: Professional plan at $39/mo — it unlocks Full HD streaming and 5 channels at a fair price.
Restream vs Alternatives
How does Restream compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restream | Multistreaming to 30+ platforms | $16/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Podcastle | AI-powered podcast creation | $11.99/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Riverside | High-quality remote interviews | $24/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Streamlabs | Free desktop streaming software | Free/$27/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| StreamYard | Browser-based live production | $35.99/mo | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Zencastr | Remote podcast recording | $24/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Ecamm | Mac-only live streaming studio | $16/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Castr | Budget multistreaming with monetization | $12.50/mo | ⭐ 3.8 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: Restream — best multistreaming with the widest platform support.
- Best budget: Castr — multistreaming starting at $12.50/mo with video monetization.
- Best for beginners: StreamYard — simple browser-based interface with no learning curve.
- Best for podcasters: Riverside — studio-quality remote recordings with separate audio tracks.
🎯 Restream Alternatives
Looking for Restream alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🚀 Podcastle: AI-powered podcast platform with recording studio, text-to-speech, and automatic editing tools starting at $11.99/mo.
- 🎨 Riverside: Records high-quality remote interviews with separate audio and video tracks for professional post-production at $24/mo.
- 💰 Streamlabs: Free desktop streaming software with built-in alerts, overlays, and a full content creation suite for gamers and creators.
- ⚡ StreamYard: Browser-based live streaming studio with easy guest invites, custom branding, and multistreaming at $35.99/mo.
- 🎯 Zencastr: Remote podcast recording platform with AI-powered editing, hosting, and automatic clip generation starting at $24/mo.
- 🔧 Ecamm: Mac-only live streaming app with multi-camera support, interview mode, and screen recording at $16/mo.
- 🌟 Castr: Budget multistreaming platform with video monetization, cloud TV playout, and transcoding starting at $12.50/mo.
For the full list, see our Restream alternatives guide.
⚔️ Restream Compared
Here’s how Restream stacks up against each competitor:
- Restream vs Podcastle: Restream focuses on live multistreaming while Podcastle specializes in podcast recording and AI editing. Pick Restream for live broadcasts.
- Restream vs Riverside: Riverside records higher-quality separate tracks for editing later. Restream wins for live multistreaming to many platforms.
- Restream vs Streamlabs: Streamlabs is free desktop software with deep Twitch tools. Restream is better for browser-based multistreaming across platforms.
- Restream vs StreamYard: Both are browser-based, but Restream supports more platforms. StreamYard has a slightly easier interface for beginners.
- Restream vs Zencastr: Zencastr is built for podcast recording with AI editing. Restream is the better choice for live streaming to multiple channels.
- Restream vs Ecamm: Ecamm offers deep Mac-native production features. Restream works on any OS and supports more streaming destinations.
- Restream vs Castr: Castr is cheaper and offers video monetization. Restream has a better studio, wider platform support, and unified chat.
Start Using Restream Now
You learned how to use every major Restream feature:
- ✅ Multistreaming
- ✅ Upload and Stream
- ✅ AI Clips
- ✅ Cross-Platform Chat
- ✅ Live Streams Scheduler
- ✅ Cross-Platform Analytics
- ✅ Stream Studio
Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.
Most people start with Multistreaming.
It takes less than 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use Restream?
Sign up for a free account at restream.io. Connect your streaming platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Then go live using Restream Studio in your browser or connect OBS using your unique RTMP key. Your stream goes to all connected channels at once.
Is Restream easy to use?
Yes. Restream works entirely in your browser with no software to download. The dashboard is clean and the setup takes about 3 minutes. Even complete beginners can start streaming within their first session.
How many hours can you stream on Restream?
The free plan has a 6-hour monthly streaming limit. Paid plans offer much longer streaming time. YouTube itself will archive streams under 12 hours, but there are no strict duration caps on paid Restream plans.
Can I use Restream for free?
Yes. Restream offers a free forever plan that lets you stream to 2 channels at 720p. You get access to Restream Studio and basic chat features. The free plan includes a Restream watermark on your broadcast.
What platforms does Restream stream to?
Restream supports 30+ platforms including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, TikTok, Twitter, and many more. You can also add custom RTMP destinations for platforms not listed in their directory.
Is Restream safe to use?
Yes. Restream uses secure OAuth connections to link your social accounts. It never asks for your passwords directly. Over 5 million streamers use the platform. Your stream quality is not reduced when broadcasting to multiple channels.
Does Restream work with YouTube?
Yes. YouTube is one of Restream’s most popular connected platforms. You must be the channel owner and have live streaming enabled. YouTube requires phone verification and a 24-hour wait before your first stream.
How does Restream work?
Restream takes a single video feed from your camera or streaming software. It then copies and sends that feed to every connected platform at the same time. This happens on Restream’s servers, so it doesn’t use extra bandwidth on your end.
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