--- title: 📡 EventStream Guide, FAQ & Best Practices description: Broadcast your virtual or hybrid fundraising event using ClickBid’s EventStream. Learn how to set up OBS, share view-only links, optimize performance, and engage bidders with a polished, professional livestream. --- [Skip to content](https://support.cbo.io/-eventstream-guide-faq-best-practices#main-content) ![clickbid\_logo\_22\_left\_0\_margin](https://support.cbo.io/hs-fs/hubfs/clickbid_logo_22_left_0_margin.png?width=200&height=59&name=clickbid_logo_22_left_0_margin.png) - [Blog](https://blog.cbo.io/) - [ClickBid Admin](https://cbo.io/admin/login.php) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Blog](https://blog.cbo.io/) - [ClickBid Admin](https://cbo.io/admin/login.php) - [View our Training Videos](https://training.clickbidonline.com/all-courses/) [View our Training Videos](https://training.clickbidonline.com/all-courses/) Welcome to ClickBid's Knowledge Base - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [ClickBid How To Articles](https://support.cbo.io/?hsLang=en) 2. [EventStream Video Streaming](https://support.cbo.io/eventstream-video-streaming?hsLang=en) 3. [EventStream FAQ](https://support.cbo.io/eventstream-video-streaming?hsLang=en#eventstream-faq) # 📡 EventStream Guide, FAQ & Best Practices ClickBid’s **EventStream** feature enables you to broadcast your live or virtual fundraising event directly to your **bidding site audience**. Whether you’re streaming from a ballroom or your home office, this guide walks through everything you need — from setup and hardware to broadcasting tips and troubleshooting. --- ### 🎬 Getting Started with EventStream 1. Go to: `Event Central > Live Broadcast` 2. Click **Launch Butler EventStream** 3. Select your **video and audio source** 4. Click **Start** to begin broadcasting --- ### 🔌 Using a Capture Card (Optional, but Recommended) You can use a USB **HDMI Capture Card** (~$18 online) to stream high-quality video/audio from your A/V system: - Plug your A/V feed (camera or laptop HDMI) into the **capture card** - Plug the capture card into your laptop - Select the device as your **input source** in EventStream - Click **Start** --- ### 📤 Sharing a View-Only Link (For Auctioneer or AV) Need to give your **auctioneer or AV team** access? 1. In EventStream, click the **View** button 2. In the field labeled **Send View Only Display**, enter their **email or phone number** 3. They will receive a **clean, live display** of the broadcast, no admin access required --- ### 🌐 Browser Recommendations EventStream works across all modern browsers, but: 1. ✅ **Use Firefox** for the best video/audio reliability 2. ❌ Avoid Chrome or Edge if you experience lag 3. 🔁 Always re-select audio/video devices **before** starting a new stream --- ### 🛠️ Using OBS for Advanced Streaming OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) lets you stream with: - **Multiple camera feeds** - **Slide decks and screen shares** - **Sponsor ads** - **Zoom interviews** - **Pre-recorded videos** **We recommend OBS version 23.2.1**, available directly from: `Event Central > Live Broadcast > Custom OBS Software Download` - **Streaming Settings Tip**: Use `h264` encoder - **Bitrate**: 2,500–4,000 kbps (based on your upload speed) - **Speed Test**: Google “speedtest” to check your bandwidth 🎓 For Mac users: OBS may need permissions granted via Terminal if using macOS Catalina or later. --- ### 🎥 Integrating Other Inputs - **Video Switchers**: Combine multiple video/audio sources into OBS - **Zoom Calls**: Use a separate laptop + USB capture card to pull Zoom into OBS - **Sponsor Ads**: Load into OBS scenes and switch during breaks --- ### 📋 EventStream FAQs **Q: Is Wi-Fi okay for streaming?** ➤ **No.** Use a hardwired Ethernet connection. Avoid sharing Wi-Fi with guests or AV team. **Q: Can I use YouTube or Facebook Live?** ➤ Not directly. Use OBS if you want to **multicast** to other platforms. **Q: Can I record the stream?** ➤ Yes, via OBS. Your local copy is saved for post-event use. **Q: Can I pre-record my event?** ➤ Yes, use OBS to play pre-recorded videos. You can also embed videos via YouTube shortcodes. **Q: Can I hide the video but show “Bid Live”?** ➤ Yes. Enable EventStream but don’t start video. **Q: Can multiple people manage EventStream at once?** ➤ **No.** Only one admin should control EventStream. Others can use the **View-Only link**. **Q: Can I stream copyrighted music?** ➤ Yes for EventStream. But **YouTube/Facebook will mute it**, so use royalty-free tracks for other platforms. **Q: What’s the best audio setup between team and auctioneer?** ➤ Use a **Bluetooth earpiece** or **phone call** off-camera, do not use Zoom, as it drains bandwidth. **Q: Does EventStream save chat messages?** ➤ Yes, until deleted by the admin. **Q: How long should we stream?** ➤ Aim for **1 hour**, max **2 hours** for optimal engagement. --- ### ✅ Pro Tips & Best Practices ✔️ Keep it short and exciting, aim for 60–90 minutes ✔️ Use **10–15 high-value items** ($1K+ starting bids) ✔️ Use **TravelPledge** for consignment items ✔️ Run a **mock auction** with your team before going live ✔️ Insert **sponsor ads** using OBS scenes ✔️ Practice with your **Butler Spotter** and auctioneer ✔️ Confirm all starting bids ahead of time ✔️ Set up a **confidence monitor** for the auctioneer to see the live stream ✔️ OBS bitrate should always be **less than your tested upload speed** - [Account & Setup](https://support.cbo.io/account-setup?hsLang=en#main-content) - 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