Broadcasting Best Practices
Master professional live streaming with proven techniques used by leading broadcasters. From encoding optimization to production workflows, this guide covers everything you need to deliver flawless streams.
Encoding Settings by Use Case
Choose the right encoding profile based on your content type, audience, and latency requirements.
Ultra-Low Latency
Interactive streams, auctions, sports betting
Standard Low Latency
General live streaming, webinars, gaming
High Quality VOD
Concerts, premium events, sports broadcasts
Recommended OBS Studio Settings
Output Settings
Output Mode: Advanced
Encoder: x264 or NVENC
Rate Control: CBR
Bitrate: 6000 Kbps
Keyframe Interval: 2
Preset: veryfast (x264) / Quality (NVENC)
Profile: high
Tune: zerolatency (for low latency)
Video Settings
Base Resolution: 1920x1080
Output Resolution: 1920x1080
Downscale Filter: Lanczos
FPS: 30 or 60
Color Format: NV12
Color Space: 709
Color Range: Partial
Network Optimization Checklist
A reliable network is the foundation of stable streaming. Use this checklist to ensure your setup is production-ready.
Minimum Upload
12 Mbps
For 1080p60 at 6 Mbps bitrate with 2x headroom for stability
Recommended
50+ Mbps
Allows multi-destination streaming and backup streams simultaneously
Enterprise
100+ Mbps
Fiber connection with SLA for mission-critical broadcasts
Audio Configuration
Professional audio settings for broadcast-quality streams. Poor audio quality is the #1 reason viewers leave a stream.
Recommended Audio Settings
| Setting | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz | Industry standard for video |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit or 24-bit | 16-bit for streaming, 24-bit for production |
| Audio Bitrate | 160-320 kbps AAC | 160 for voice, 320 for music |
| Channels | Stereo (2ch) | Mono for voice-only content |
| Loudness | -14 to -16 LUFS | Broadcast standard loudness |
| Peak Limiting | -1 dB True Peak | Prevent digital clipping |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes. These are the most frequent issues we see from broadcasters and how to prevent them.
Streaming at maximum bitrate available
Leaves no headroom for network fluctuations, causes buffering
Use 50-70% of your available upload bandwidth
Using WiFi for production streams
Interference and congestion cause dropped frames and disconnects
Always use wired ethernet for professional broadcasts
Keyframe interval too long
Viewers experience long buffering when joining mid-stream
Set keyframe to 2 seconds for most use cases
Ignoring audio levels
Clipping audio or too quiet compared to other content
Use proper limiters and aim for -14 LUFS average
No backup stream
Single point of failure leaves viewers with dead air
Configure redundant ingest or use WAVE multi-protocol failover
Testing in production
Unexpected issues discovered live embarrass your brand
Always run full rehearsals with monitoring enabled
Production Workflow
A systematic approach to broadcast production ensures nothing is overlooked. Follow this workflow for consistently successful streams.
1Pre-Production
- Confirm stream settings and test encoding profiles
- Run network speed tests at broadcast time
- Verify all equipment and cables
- Create graphics, overlays, and lower thirds
- Prepare backup content and contingency plans
- Coordinate with on-camera talent and crew
2Day-Of Setup
- Set up all equipment and verify power
- Test audio levels with actual microphones
- Check camera angles and lighting
- Run full technical rehearsal to CDN
- Verify monitoring dashboards are accessible
- Brief all team members on roles and cues
3Live Broadcast
- Monitor stream health metrics continuously
- Watch chat and social for viewer issues
- Execute planned segments and transitions
- Be ready to switch to backup if issues arise
- Keep recording as backup throughout
4Post-Production
- Export recording for VOD processing
- Review analytics and viewer engagement
- Document technical issues for improvement
- Archive logs and stream data
- Send thank-you to team and stakeholders
Ready to Start Streaming?
Apply these best practices with WAVE's professional streaming platform. Get started for free with 5 streams included.