The programs you can install
To disseminate content, it is logical that a specialized program is used. Unfortunately in macOS the number of these programs is not very abundant compared to Windows where there is a greater amount of this transmission software. Also, below we show you the most interesting options today.
OBS
This is one of the most famous programs that is used to broadcast on the main streaming platforms such as Twitch or YouTube. It offers all the necessary tools to be able to capture the screen and also the sound as well as integrate many other functionalities. But the most interesting of all is that it has Open source and it is completely free so it is the best option that can exist in macOS.
With a single streaming key, you can stream your content regardless of where it’s registered. As we have commented previously, the program is prepared to carry out different live montages so that you have the most personalized experience possible. However, you have a “serious” problem with the interface you use, as it may look quite old. In these cases, you can install some skins like StreamLabs.
Vmix
Live streaming and production software designed for multiple platforms. It stands out above all Facebook Live, YouTube or Twitch. It has all the necessary tools to be able to make different transitions safely and comfortably. In addition, the interface is quite attractive and allows you to have many options always on the screen to edit the way in which you are transmitting the different contents.
Likewise, different transmission skins can be installed so that it can be displayed on the screen. That is, if you want a specific frame to appear around your cameras, it is possible to do so comfortably. You can even design it yourself in Photoshop and quickly include it in your scene. And speaking of the scenes, you can customize them to your liking and include all the multimedia elements you need, such as a screenshot or another element such as a webcam.
What you should know about the transmission key
Note that to transmit you must have a transmit key. This is one of the most important codes for any streamer since it is in charge of connecting the software you are going to use with the platform on which the live will be viewed. Normally this is a broad and complex key that you should not memorize and that always remains hidden and that should not be shared by the world.
When going live, you will not be prompted to log into Twitch, YouTube, or any similar platform. The identification and connection system is the alphanumeric key that provides the service and that will make the connection with the server. That is why with this password anyone can broadcast on your channel without you finding out about anything, it being very important that it always be kept secret.
How to get it
The big question to ask yourself is how you can get this key. The process varies depending on the platform you have chosen to be able to do your broadcast like Twitch or YouTube. In general, this is a key that, as we have discussed previously Is hidden. On all platforms you will always be asked to identify yourself in order to access it and by default it will be hidden. This is designed so that you simply copy the key and paste it into the streaming program without being able to finish viewing it yourself, thus ensuring privacy. Likewise, at all times the option to revoke the transmission key will be given and another will be offered in the case, canceling the previous one if it has been stolen or hacked.
Depending on the platform you use to stream, the location of the key may vary. In general, it can be found within the platform configuration in the section dedicated to transmission. But as we say, everything can vary between all the platforms that currently exist to carry out this type of content.
Preparing everything for transmission
When you have the programs downloaded, you have to start preparing the corresponding broadcast so that everything goes correctly. Here are the points that you should keep in mind if you use macOS so that you do not have problems and know how to control the problems that may arise.
Grant all permissions
One of the differences that can occur with Windows and that you always have to have keep privacy in mind. In Windows the fact of having permissions is not as important as if it happened in macOS where it is much more evident that this is a completely mandatory step. That is why when starting the program it is important to grant all the necessary permissions for it to work properly. We refer to camera and microphone permissions. In case they are not granted, the specific streaming program will not be able to be used correctly.
It is also important that when recording the screen, the necessary permissions are granted to be able to apply all the functionalities of the program. Similarly, when installing, you will probably also be asked to accept some permissions because it is a developer that Apple does not trust. But as we say, this is the most differential that you will be able to find with Windows to be able to start directly on your favorite platform.
Reviewing the scenes and what you are capturing
Once you have the broadcast key entered into the broadcast program, it is time to prepare all the scenes you want to have on screen. You should know that within a scene you can have very different elements to change throughout a transmission. This is very similar to what you have on a television where the graphics change through transitions.
As we have commented, in each of the scenes you can have different elements. The most common is to have an input for the image of your camera and also the sound system. Broadcast systems always allow you to choose what type of microphone you have connected to your Mac and it can be chosen quickly. Even Nor will you be obliged to use the webcam that you have integrated. since you can also connect another camera that has a higher image quality.
Likewise, if you are a person who is going to broadcast some type of video game, you must capture the screen of your Mac or that of another monitor on which something else is projected. This is something really important and it is also integrated into the scene itself. Likewise, it is always possible to dedicate yourself solely to transmitting only your face speaking to your audience, which is something that has become popular lately.
When you have all these parameters configured it is time to start the live show and for everyone to see what you are showing on the screen or also through the camera itself. During this process, you can always have a window with the broadcast chat. In this way, it will be much easier for you to interact with your entire community without leaving the streaming tool itself.
What problems can arise?
Please note that when you try to cast on macOS, you may encounter some issues that end up not being able to perform this action properly. The most common problem may be related to the hardware itself that is being used. Depending on the Mac you are using, you may eventually end up noticing a hardware temperature rise and also a slowdown.
Keep in mind that when you’re streaming you’re making pretty significant use of the CPU and the GPU as well. These components are used to be able to process the image that is being captured to send it to the servers. Also, keep in mind that if you’re gaming while streaming, your Mac may not have the ability to do both tasks simultaneously. That is why the limitations of the hardware must always be taken into account to be able to perform this type of task, since a dedicated graphics card is generally not available.
In a second point, it is worth highlighting the compatibility limitations that may arise. While in Windows these programs have adapted very well, in macOS this has not happened. This is because a Mac is not designed for the gaming world as if it were a PC, so there is not much variety of software and it is more limited. In addition, those that can be installed may end up causing some relevant incompatibility.
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