Owncast

📖 What is Owncast?

An open-source live streaming server you run on your own infrastructure. Just send RTMP from OBS or Streamlabs and you can publish your own stream page with built-in chat. It also includes notification integration with the fediverse (like Mastodon), viewer and moderation management, and an embeddable player. Free under the MIT license (Linux/macOS/Docker).

💡 When to Use It

For anyone who wants their own live stream page on their site or within their community, without depending on Twitch or YouTube — it keeps you less exposed to terms-of-service changes, ads, or a platform's recommendation algorithm. It's also a good fit for private events or small community streams. Sending from OBS feels much like a normal stream, and since you manage the viewing page, chat, and embed yourself, it pairs well with an activity centered on your own site.

📋 Basic Info

🚀 How to Use

1. Step 1: Prepare a server to run Owncast. For small-scale streaming you can get started with a VPS or a home server, but keep enough bandwidth and CPU headroom for your expected viewer count.
2. Step 2: Follow the official documentation to install Owncast on Linux, macOS, or Docker, then log into the admin panel. Set up your stream page name, description, logo, and chat settings.
3. Step 3: In OBS Studio or Streamlabs' stream settings, enter your Owncast RTMP server URL and stream key. Keep the video bitrate conservative to match your server's upload bandwidth.
4. Step 4: Open your stream page to check video, audio, and chat, then embed the player on your own site or blog if needed.
5. Step 5: If you're using fediverse integration with services like Mastodon, enable notification settings and decide your visibility and moderation rules. For long-term operation, also set up backup and update procedures.

🎬 Tutorial Video

🎉 Highlights & Comments