How to Stream with Hangouts on Air/YouTube Live

Hangouts on Air is used for live streaming. Have an event or a conversion that you want to share on the web with more than 10 people? With Hangouts On Air/YouTube Live, you can record and share your live discussions and performances with everyone.

Hangouts Air can be accessed via Youtube Live. (Previously, it was available via Google+.)

Getting Started

To start using Youtube Live, you first need to create a Youtube account and verify it. You can do so by logging into your Google acount and then visiting youtube.com/verify

Youtube Live Verify_1.jpg

After you’ve verified your YouTube account, go to your dashboard at https://www.youtube.com/dashboard.

On the left side, click on the Live Streaming link. You’ll now see this:

Youtube Live Events_2.jpg

Under the menu on the left, you will see two options for streaming: Stream Now (beta) and Events.

Using Events

Hangouts on Air can be accessed via Events at https://www.youtube.com/my_live_events.

To create an event, click the “New Live Event” button on the top right.

Youtube Live New Live Event_3.jpg

Under the option for “type” on the right, select “Quick (using Google Hangouts on Air)”

Youtube Live Quick Event_4.jpg

Add a title, date, and time. You can have the event start now or schedule it for the future.

Click “Go live Now” and the hangout will begin.

Youtube Live Go live now_5.jpg

Once the Hangouts window launches, click “Start Broadcast” at the bottom of the window to begin the broadcast.

If you need further assistance, you can view the help page from Google here. https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7083786

Using Stream Now

Using Stream Now is a bit more complicated than using Events.

First, you’ll need to download and set up an encoder on your computer.

You can read about encoders here: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2907883

We recommend selecting the free version of WireCast Play, which is free but will show a watermark on the video. Other encoders require paying for the software.

To use Stream Now, follow the instructions provided by Google: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2853700

Please contact us if you need any assistance.

An Important Point about Copyright

Before starting any broadcasted hangout, you’ll be asked to review the terms of service. Pease review this carefully. All copyrighted content, including any music or videos played in the background of your hangout, should be avoided unless explicitly owned by you.

This also applies to anyone joining your broadcasted hangout. If others play music, videos, or other content that they do not own, ask them to stop and/or leave the hangout immediately. Failure to do so can cause Google to block the entire Hangout.