Livestream tips: how to prepare and stay in control
Going live on Friendstime is possible from age 18. These tips show what you set before you start, which controls you have during the stream and how to broadcast from a PC with OBS. How guests, layouts and moderation work is covered in the topic “Livestream app”.
Setting up before you start (Android app)
Via the plus you choose “Go live” and start with the phone camera. A title is required, and you also set category and visibility: public or friends only. With “friends only” only friends are notified.
Silent Live and 18+ content
With “Silent Live” no notification goes to friends and followers, and the stream is not shared as a post in the feed; that suits a first test. “18+ content” hides the stream from minors and likewise prevents the automatic feed post. Both switches belong to the start screen of the Android app.
The streamer menu
During the stream the three-dot menu opens the streamer controls. There you turn the camera off (viewers then see your profile picture), switch between front and rear camera, change microphone and audio output, embed a YouTube video or present a product from your page with picture and price. With “Short break (BRB)” the stream shows a still image instead of choppy video; sharing the screen, the layout and hiding or showing the chat are there too.
The panic button
If a stream with guests gets out of hand, the panic button immediately takes microphone and camera from all active guests. The stage stays in place; afterwards you release guests one by one or remove them. “Mute all guests” takes only the microphone; here too you release them individually. The host and moderators can trigger both.
Streaming with OBS on a PC
On the live page in the browser, “Stream with OBS / encoder” opens a box with the server address and stream key. In OBS you enter both under Settings → Stream and choose “Custom” as the service; then you start the stream. The key is yours alone and stays the same, so do not share it. If you have not created a stream, Friendstime creates one automatically with the title “Live” when you first send.
Without OBS: camera or screen in the browser
In the browser you enter a title and choose “Go live now” for camera and microphone or “Screen” for screen sharing. The browser asks you for permission. Here too: you can go live only from age 18.
Try it yourself
Signing up takes a minute and is free.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can I go live?
From 18. The server refuses to start for accounts under 18, including when sending with OBS.
How do I stop friends from being notified right away?
In the Android app you switch on “Silent Live” before you start. Then no notification goes to friends and followers, and no feed post is created.
Who can trigger the panic button?
The host and moderators of the stream. It turns microphone and camera off for all active guests; you release individual guests afterwards.
Where do I find server and key for OBS?
On the live page in the browser under “Stream with OBS / encoder”. It works on a PC and in the web app; you should keep the key secret.
What does “18+ content” do?
Minors do not see the stream. Friendstime also does not share it automatically as a post in the feed. You find the switch on the start screen of the Android app.