How-to-guides

Here you will find information on how to navigate the platforms we will be using for this year's congress. Click on each topic to view details.

All platforms are compatible with several browsers (Google chrome, firefox, safari, edge, opera). However, crowdcast's efficiency is maximized when using Google Chrome.

Setup Checklist

This is for keynote speakers and presenters. Follow the link to review setup checklist before going live or sharing pre-recorded content.

https://www.crowdcast.io/setup

Going live on crowdcast

There are two options:

  1. Go live in browser.

  2. Connect to your live streaming software with RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) studio.

To go live in browser:

  1. Click on "prepare to go live".

  2. Select "enter the green room with webcam".

  3. Hover around screen to see icons for settings and set-up.

  4. To invite co-speakers, click on the people tab to add people.

  5. When set up is complete, go live.

More information: https://docs.crowdcast.io/en/articles/488995-video-getting-started

Note: Live video in browser is automatically recorded


To connect streaming software with RTMP studio:

  1. Click on "prepare to go live".

  2. Select "Use with OBS, Wirecast, Ecamm and more".

  3. Click on start studio engine. A server URL and stream key is generated.

  4. Copy and paste in preferred streaming software.

  5. Select go live.

  6. Video stream is sent from streaming software into crowdcast.

More information: https://www.crowdcast.io/rtmp

Sharing pre-recorded content on crowdcast

Sharing pre-recorded content to crowdcast may vary based on streaming software used. We have provided an example using RTMP studio and OBS (Open Broadcaster Software).

1: Download OBS studio (it's free!) (https://obsproject.com/)

2: Open OBS studio, click on settings then click on video (ensure base canvas and output resolutions are both 1280x720)

3: In OBS Studio: Set up two scenes. One scene in OBS and the other scene as the pre-recorded video. Follow prompts for set up

4: In Crowdcast: Click on "prepare to go live" then select "Use with OBS, Wirecast, Ecamm and more".

5: In Crowdcast: Click on start studio engine. A server URL and stream key is generated.

6: In OBS: In the bottom right window, click settings, then select "Stream" from the options in the left pane

7: Change stream type to "custom streaming server", then paste server URL and stream key.

8: At the bottom right, click on "start streaming" to start streaming into Crowdcast. Stream preview will be loading. At this stage you are live. The stream will be delayed by a few seconds.

You have the option to address the audience in real time before switching to your pre-recorded video.

9: To switch to pre-recorded video, go to OBS, select the scene with the video (preview should have loaded).

  • Pro tip 1: If you are having trouble with playing your video, make sure you are not in "Studio Mode."

  • Pro tip 2: If your microphone is on and you talk while the video is playing, your audience will hear you over the video.

10: When completed, select "end broadcast". Then go back to OBS and select "stop streaming". The broadcast for your particular session will end.

More information: https://bit.ly/3cPr12A

To share a keynote presentation: https://docs.crowdcast.io/en/articles/1143423-sharing-a-keynote-presentation

To share a PowerPoint presentation: https://docs.crowdcast.io/en/articles/13312-sharing-a-powerpoint-presentation

Interacting in crowdcast

There are four interactive features in crowdcast, located in tabs below the video feed.

  1. Chat: this feature allows you to communicate with hosts and other attendees before, during and after an event.

  2. Ask a question: this feature allows you to submit questions, leave a comment, and up-vote questions. Questions with a lot of votes may be selected and answered by the speaker or moderator at the time.

  3. Polls: this feature allows the host to add a poll before or during an event. The audience is allowed to vote on polls.

  4. People: This feature allows you to see the participants of the event. The host can invite you or other participants up on screen to join as co-presenter or guest. When you're invited on screen, you can stream your audio and video and even share your screen.

More information: https://docs.crowdcast.io/en/articles/651701-attendee-quick-reference-guide

Instructions for Zoom presenters

Contributed 6-minute and 12-minute talks will be presented on Zoom. You will have 2 options for presentation:

  1. Give your presentation live over Zoom. If you choose this option, the moderator will enable screen sharing for you so that you can share your slides. You will then have time for Q&A after your presentation.

  2. Upload a pre-recorded presentation, which the moderator will play live on Zoom. You will then have time for Q&A after your presentation. For suggestions on how to record your presentation, please see the Presentation Recording Instructions page.