Restream

What is Restream?

Restream is a cloud-based multistreaming platform that enables content creators to broadcast simultaneously to over 30 streaming platforms including Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok from a single stream. Founded in 2015, Restream has become the leading solution for creators who want to maximize their audience reach by appearing on multiple platforms at once without requiring multiple encoders or complex technical setups. The platform serves over 7 million creators ranging from individual streamers to enterprise broadcast operations.

What distinguishes Restream from other streaming solutions is its focus on multistreaming as a core feature rather than an add-on. While platforms like Streamlabs and OBS require plugins or premium subscriptions for multistreaming, Restream builds the entire experience around simultaneous broadcasting. The service handles the technical complexity of transcoding and distributing streams to multiple destinations, while also providing unified chat management, analytics, and scheduling tools that make multi-platform streaming manageable.

Beyond simple multistreaming, Restream offers Restream Studio, a browser-based streaming production tool that eliminates the need for OBS or other desktop software entirely. Users can go live directly from their browser with professional features including guest interviews, screen sharing, overlays, and branding. This combination of cloud multistreaming and browser-based production makes Restream particularly valuable for business streamers, podcasters, and creators who prioritize simplicity over maximum customization.

Key Features

• Multistreaming: Broadcast simultaneously to 30+ platforms including Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more from single stream.
• Restream Studio: Browser-based streaming tool enabling live broadcasts without OBS or desktop software installation.
• Unified Chat: Aggregate chat from all connected platforms into single interface, reply to any platform from one dashboard.
• Custom RTMP: Connect any streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit) using standard RTMP output to Restream servers.
• Guest Interviews: Invite guests to join streams via browser without requiring them to install any software.
• Stream Scheduling: Schedule streams in advance with automatic notifications sent to connected platforms.
• Analytics: Unified analytics across all platforms showing combined viewer counts, engagement metrics, and growth data.
• Recording: Record streams directly to cloud storage for later editing and repurposing.
• Branding Tools: Custom overlays, backgrounds, and graphics available within Restream Studio.
• Team Features: Collaboration tools for multi-person streaming teams with role-based permissions.

What’s New

Restream continues to enhance its platform with new features and destinations:

• TikTok Live Integration: Direct multistreaming support for TikTok Live enabling creators to reach TikTok audiences.
• Enhanced Studio: Improved Restream Studio with new layouts, transitions, and production features.
• AI Captions: Real-time AI-generated captions for accessibility and engagement across platforms.
• Clip Creation: Automatic highlight clip generation from live streams for social media sharing.
• Improved Analytics: Enhanced cross-platform analytics with deeper insights into audience behavior.
• Mobile Streaming: Improved mobile app support for streaming from smartphones.
• New Destinations: Regular addition of new streaming platform destinations as they become available.
• Performance Updates: Reduced latency and improved stream quality across all destinations.

System Requirements

Restream Studio (Browser-Based)

• Browser: Chrome or Edge (latest versions recommended)
• Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
• Webcam and microphone for streaming
• Internet: 10 Mbps upload minimum for multistreaming

With OBS/Streaming Software

• OBS Studio, Streamlabs, XSplit, or any RTMP-compatible software
• System requirements determined by streaming software
• Internet: Upload speed depends on number of destinations
• Single stream to Restream; Restream distributes to multiple platforms

Mobile

• iOS: iPhone running iOS 14.0 or later
• Android: Android 8.0 or later
• Stable WiFi or strong cellular connection

How to Install Restream

Browser-Based Setup (No Installation)

1. Visit restream.io
2. Click “Start Streaming” or “Sign Up”
3. Create account (free tier available)
4. Connect streaming platform accounts
5. Use Restream Studio or get RTMP key for OBS

# Restream is cloud-based - no software installation required

# Quick start:
# 1. Visit https://restream.io
# 2. Sign up with email or social login
# 3. Connect platforms (Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, etc.)
# 4. Choose streaming method:
#    - Restream Studio (browser-based)
#    - OBS/Streamlabs with Restream RTMP

# Free tier includes:
# - 2 destinations
# - Restream Studio access
# - Chat aggregation

OBS Integration Setup

1. Create Restream account and connect platforms
2. Go to Restream Dashboard > Streaming Settings
3. Copy RTMP URL and Stream Key
4. In OBS: Settings > Stream > Custom Server
5. Paste Restream RTMP URL and Key

# OBS Configuration:
# 1. Open OBS Studio
# 2. Go to Settings > Stream
# 3. Service: Custom
# 4. Server: [Restream RTMP URL]
# 5. Stream Key: [Your Restream Key]

# When you go live in OBS:
# - Stream goes to Restream servers
# - Restream distributes to all connected platforms
# - Single upload, multiple destinations

Restream Studio Setup

1. Log into Restream dashboard
2. Click “Enter Studio” or “Go Live”
3. Allow camera and microphone access
4. Configure scenes, overlays, and settings
5. Click “Go Live” to stream to all platforms

# Restream Studio features:
# - No OBS required
# - Browser-based streaming
# - Built-in overlays and graphics
# - Guest invite links
# - Screen sharing
# - Multiple layouts

# Works best in Chrome or Edge
# Safari and Firefox have limited support

Pros and Cons

Pros

• True Multistreaming: Simultaneously broadcast to 30+ platforms from single stream without multiple encoders.
• No Software Required: Restream Studio enables complete streaming directly from browser without installing OBS.
• Unified Chat: Aggregate and respond to chat from all platforms in single interface saves significant effort.
• Free Tier: Generous free plan includes 2 destinations, Studio access, and chat aggregation for getting started.
• Easy Guest Invites: Browser-based guest links simplify interview-style content without technical barriers.
• Platform Flexibility: Works with OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit, or any RTMP-compatible software.
• Cross-Platform Analytics: Unified metrics help understand audience across all streaming destinations.

Cons

• Platform Restrictions: Some platforms like Twitch restrict affiliated/partnered streamers from multistreaming.
• Limited Free Tier: Only 2 destinations free; additional platforms require paid subscription.
• Studio Limitations: Browser-based Studio less customizable than full OBS with plugins.
• Latency: Additional routing through Restream servers can add slight latency to streams.
• Subscription Cost: Professional plan at $16/month required for more than 2 destinations.

Restream vs Alternatives

Who Should Use Restream?

Restream is ideal for:

• Multi-Platform Creators: Streamers wanting maximum audience reach by appearing on multiple platforms simultaneously.
• Business Streamers: Companies using live video for webinars, product launches, and corporate communications across platforms.
• Podcast Hosts: Video podcasters benefiting from guest invite features and multi-platform distribution.
• Growing Creators: New streamers not yet affiliated who can freely multistream to build audiences everywhere.
• Low-Tech Users: Creators preferring browser-based streaming without learning OBS complexity.
• Remote Interview Hosts: Content creators regularly featuring guests who benefit from simple browser-based guest links.

Restream may not be ideal for:

• Twitch Partners/Affiliates: Twitch exclusivity agreements may restrict multistreaming to other platforms.
• Single-Platform Streamers: Those only streaming to one platform don’t need multistreaming capabilities.
• Maximum Customization: Power users wanting extensive OBS customization may find Studio limiting.
• Budget-Constrained: Free tier’s 2-destination limit may be insufficient for serious multi-platform needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Restream with OBS?

Yes, Restream works seamlessly with OBS Studio and other streaming software. Instead of streaming directly to Twitch or YouTube, you configure OBS to stream to Restream’s RTMP servers using a custom stream key. Restream then distributes your single stream to all your connected platforms. This means you only upload once, saving bandwidth and CPU resources. You retain full control over your OBS setup, scenes, and plugins while gaining multistreaming capabilities through Restream’s infrastructure.

Is multistreaming allowed on Twitch?

Twitch’s policies on multistreaming depend on your partner status. Unaffiliated streamers can freely multistream to any platforms. Twitch Affiliates cannot simulcast to other live platforms while streaming on Twitch, but can stream to YouTube and other platforms when not live on Twitch. Twitch Partners have stricter exclusivity requirements. Many creators use Restream to grow on multiple platforms before choosing to pursue Twitch partnership, accepting the exclusivity tradeoff for partnership benefits.

What is Restream Studio?

Restream Studio is a browser-based streaming production tool that eliminates the need for OBS or other desktop software. You can go live directly from Chrome or Edge with features including multiple camera layouts, screen sharing, guest invitations via link, custom overlays, and branding elements. Studio is ideal for interviews, podcasts, and users who prefer simplicity over maximum customization. While less powerful than full OBS, it enables professional-looking streams without software installation or technical configuration.

How much bandwidth does multistreaming require?

When using Restream with OBS, you only upload a single stream to Restream’s servers – they handle distribution to multiple platforms. Your bandwidth requirement equals a single high-quality stream, typically 6-10 Mbps for 1080p. Restream’s servers then create separate streams for each destination. Using Restream Studio requires similar bandwidth for the upload. This is a key advantage over manually streaming to multiple platforms, which would multiply bandwidth requirements.

Can I use Restream for free?

Yes, Restream offers a free tier that includes multistreaming to 2 destinations, access to Restream Studio, unified chat aggregation, and basic analytics. This is sufficient for creators just starting multi-platform streaming or those only targeting two platforms. The Professional plan at $16/month unlocks unlimited destinations, custom branding, higher quality encoding, and additional features. Most serious multi-platform creators eventually upgrade, but the free tier provides genuine value for getting started.

Final Verdict

Restream has established itself as the definitive solution for multi-platform streaming, solving a real problem that affects any creator trying to build audiences across multiple streaming destinations. The platform’s combination of reliable multistreaming infrastructure, unified chat management, and browser-based Studio creates a complete solution that dramatically simplifies what would otherwise require complex technical setups or multiple simultaneous streams.

The free tier’s 2-destination limit provides genuine utility for creators starting their multi-platform journey, while the $16/month Professional plan is reasonable for those serious about maximizing reach. Restream Studio’s browser-based approach lowers barriers for less technical users, though power users can continue using OBS with all their customizations while gaining Restream’s distribution capabilities.

Restream is highly recommended for creators wanting to build audiences across multiple platforms, business streamers needing professional multi-platform broadcasts, and podcast hosts benefiting from easy guest integration. The platform exclusivity restrictions from Twitch partnerships should be considered, but for unaffiliated creators or those prioritizing multi-platform presence over single-platform partnership, Restream provides invaluable capability that genuinely expands potential audience reach.