IRL Streaming Setup [Top 4 Easy Ways to Stream IRL with Tips, Tricks, and Gear]

IRL (In Real Life) streaming setup can be a tricky thing to do if you’re just starting out or even if you’re thinking of switching from one way to another.

Based on where you are in your streaming journey, you can decide your IRL streaming setup. You can do IRL streams setup from a phone, through an action camera, by connecting a camera with a PC, or with IRL backpacks.

In this article, we will explore all these 4 ways in detail.

How to do IRL streaming setup?

Since it’s real life, it’s best to do the stream as naturally as possible. IRL streamers start with a basic setup using IRL streaming equipment like your smartphone, and slowly dial up to a more fancy setup, like an action camera or even a high-end DSLR camera.

In terms of platform, IRL streamers can use Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram to do IRL streams.

In this article, we will focus on how to do IRL streaming setup for Twitch.

How to stream IRL on Twitch from phone?

To get started with IRL streaming, the simplest way is to stream from the Twitch mobile app. You can follow the step-by-step guide below on how to do IRL streaming setup with a smartphone.

1. Download and open the Twitch app on your mobile
2. After signing in, click on your profile icon
3. Click on Go Live
4. Click on Stream IRL

5. Enable Microphone and Camera permissions, if prompted
6. Go through the Mobile Streaming checklist provided by Twitch
7. Edit the Title of the stream, select the category of the stream
8. Hit the Start Stream button to get started!

In case your video resolution is fluctuating due to patchy internet connectivity, I recommend using the Streamlabs app to stream. You can set the resolution to 1080p, and it can override the default low resolution on the Twitch iOS app.

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How to stream IRL on Twitch from GoPro?

In 2020, GoPro released an update through which you can directly stream on Twitch. This feature is enabled on the GoPro versions below:

• HERO10 Black
• HERO9 Black
• GoPro MAX
• HERO8 Black
• HERO7 Black

How to stream IRL on Twitch from GoPro:

1. Install the latest version of the GoPro Quik app
2. Open the GoPro Quik app
3. Tap on the camera icon visible in the bottom left corner of the app
4. Tap on the blue button, “Control your GoPro” in the center of the screen
5. Scroll through the icons towards the bottom of the screen, till you reach “LIVE”. Now tap on “Set Up Live”

6. A new screen would appear, “Select a platform for your live stream”. Select “Twitch” from the list
7. Allow Twitch Live
8. Connect to your Twitch account after pressing Continue

9. Another screen would appear to help you set up your live stream. Configure your network or Wi-Fi settings, input your stream title, select Resolution 480p, 720p, or 1080p, choose your save settings, if you want to save your stream on the SD card, and then tap the button, Set Up Live Stream
10. Tap “Go LIVE” or press the Shutter button to start live streaming!

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How to do IRL streaming setup for Twitch with a camera and PC?

If you’re planning to do a Just Chatting stream, it would make sense to do IRL streams with a camera and PC.

Before we go into steps to set up a stream with a camera and PC, here are a few tips and prerequisites in terms of IRL streaming equipment before you stream IRL with a camera and PC:

1. Choose a camera that gives you an option of a clean HDMI output. This is to ensure you can stream without the icons overlay on your camera
2. Buy an HDMI to USB video capture device, an HDMI cable, and a USB cable in advance
3. Download OBS or your choice of streaming software on your PC

Below is a basic step-by-step guide on how you can do IRL streaming setup with your camera and level up your Just Chatting stream.

1. Plug one end of your HDMI cable to your camera HDMI output, and the other end to the HDMI input of the USB video capture device
2. Now connect the USB capture device to your PC with a USB cable
3. Turn on the camera, and switch to video mode
4. Open the video/audio settings on the OBS or your choice of streaming software
5. The software should recognize your camera as a webcam in the video settings
6. Proceed to set up the audio, based on whether you’re using a mic or not

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How to do IRL streaming backpack setup?

An IRL streaming backpack setup basically includes an all-in-one IRL backpack with the following IRL streaming equipment:

• Camera or smartphone
• Mic
• Selfie stick/tripod
• Power bank
• Backpack
• Live-streaming hardware for cellular bonding and video streaming encoder for ensuring connectivity and capturing/transmitting video to different platforms. The most famous one is the LiveU Solo HDMI video streaming encoder
• Modem for strong data connection

Basically, IRL backpacks have everything you would need to do IRL streaming for 12 hours or even more in one backpack.

The easiest way to do an IRL streaming backpack setup is to buy a readily available backpack and get started right away. Below are the backpacks that would cost you in the range of ~$2500.

• IRL streaming backpack by StreamingServer.io – starting $2600: https://streamingserver.io/irl-backpack/
• UnlimitedIRL backpacks – starting at $2395.00: https://www.unlimitedirl.com/backpacks

You can also build a custom budget IRL backpack without the live-streaming hardware and modem for ~$175.

How to do IRL streaming backpack setup:

1. Connect your camera to the live-streaming hardware OR connect your phone to the internet through wi-fi or LTE
2. Start the live stream through the hardware or your phone

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FAQs related to IRL Streaming Setup

Q1. Which is the best IRL streaming camera?

You can consider investing in an action camera or a mirrorless camera, depending on the type of IRL streaming you’re planning to do.

Here are the best IRL streaming camera options:

I hope you find my analysis useful! The section below contains links for IRL streaming gear. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn More.

Action camera: If you plan to be on the move while streaming, for example outdoors, opt for an action camera. Here are the two best action cameras for IRL streaming:

1. Hero 10 Black: https://amzn.to/37m4T35

Pros	Cons
1. You can quickly get started with streaming on Twitch, YouTube, or even Facebook using the GoPro Quik app 2. Easy to carry or mount, making it ideal for both outdoor or Just Chatting streams	1. For making a customized stream with overlays, and alerts you would need to install a 3rd party software like Streamlabs, OBS or Lightstream to get started 2. It may overheat during longer streams. So you would have to modify the settings to make it light, with 1080p, 30 fps, and turn off the screen, and other settings and customizations that are not required

2. Insta360 ONE X2: https://amzn.to/3vP1u6k

Pros	Cons
1. Amazing videography that would make your stream seem unique, especially outdoors 2. A battery can last up to 70 minutes	1. In extreme temperatures, look out for the device crashing due to overheating or the battery becoming too cold

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Mirrorless camera: If you’re planning to do a Just Chatting stream, it’s best to opt for a mirrorless camera that you can otherwise also make personal use of while traveling. Again, while choosing a mirrorless camera think of factors like image stabilization, mobility, and sturdiness. You can buy one of the two best mirrorless cameras below based on your budget:

1. Panasonic Lumix G7: https://amzn.to/3MwrI3w

Pros	Cons
1. Has a great auto-focus tracking that makes IRL streaming a breeze 2. Supports 4K resolution 3. Value for money at the price point	1. Wi-Fi connectivity has a limited range

2. Sony Alpha 6400: https://amzn.to/3MukahC

Pros	Cons
1. Compact build perfect for IRL streaming 2. Accurate auto-focus 3. 4K resolution without recording limit	1. No in-body stabilization 2. Flip screen for selfie camera is not ideal for handling

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Q2. Which is the best phone for IRL streaming?

If you’re just starting streaming and planning to become an IRL streamer, it’s best to just use a phone setup that allows you to be mobile and start a stream from anywhere. The best phone for IRL streaming to start with is again, your own phone! As a beginner IRL streamer, I would not advise you to start buying new phones to start streaming.

However, if you have a phone older than 3 years, and anyway thinking to upgrade, go for a phone with Optical Image Stabilization. Below are some of the best phones for IRL streaming:

1. iPhone 13 Pro Max

Pros	Cons
1. Your video will come in more lighted, due to the ultra-wide camera lens 2. Your stream would be more stable, due to the sensor-shift optical image stabilization 3. Supports system-intensive processes, which streaming can be, with the A15 Bionic chip 4. Cinematic mode with a shallow depth of field will add extra dramatic effects to your streams	1. You would need to install a broadcasting app like Streamlabs or OBS to customize the stream to your liking asTwitch iOS app has some limitations in terms of stream quality and settings control 2. The stream resolution may go down if you don’t have a stable internet connection – but that is true for all phone-based streaming

2. Google Pixel 7 Pro

Pros	Cons
1. An advanced camera system that would be perfect for your stream with the ultra-wide lens, 4x optical zoom, a sensor that catches 150% more light 2. Option to stream longer streams, due to fast charging capability 3. Improved battery life, and computational photography, made possible by the Google Tensor chip	1. Can seem a bit fragile, especially when streaming outdoors 2. The stream resolution may go down if you don’t have a stable internet connection – but that is true for all phone-based streaming

Q3. Should you use GoPro Twitch IRL?

Yes, absolutely! With the new GoPro integration with Twitch, it’s become easier than ever to get started with streaming. However, take care of the following things if you’re planning to use GoPro:

1. To avoid any stream glitches, go for the latest GoPro in the market, and keep your GoPro Quik app updated
2. During longer streams, the GoPro might overheat. So switch the settings to 1080p and 30fps to avoid overheating
3. To customize your stream settings, consider installing Streamlabs or some other streaming software on your phone and plugging the GoPro as the video input
4. For Just Chatting stream with GoPro, this is a video tutorial you can follow to see what other accessories you would need to get a good stream going

Q4. What are some of the suggested IRL backpacks?

Below are some of the suggested IRL backpacks based on the budget you have:

1. Budget setup: https://speedify.com/blog/better-streaming/build-irl-streaming-backpack-complete-guide/
2. Streaming backpack by StreamingServer.io starting $2600: https://streamingserver.io/irl-backpack/
3. UnlimitedIRL backpacks starting at $2395.00: https://www.unlimitedirl.com/backpacks

Q5. How much does it cost to IRL stream?

It can cost anywhere between $0 – $3000 to set up your IRL stream. Depending on the stage you are at in your streaming journey, keep upgrading!

Q6. Which is the best selfie stick for IRL streaming?

I would highly recommend the Bluehorn Portable Selfie stick with a wireless Bluetooth remote and tripod.

In closing: which is the best IRL streaming setup?

The best IRL streaming setup for you as an IRL streamer would be based on your current streaming stage. If you are a beginner, it’s best to just start with the phone you have. As you gradually progress, keep investing and building up your stream with an advanced setup like an IRL backpack, action camera, mirrorless camera, etc.

The best thing about IRL streaming is that you can use your setup for personal use outside of streaming for travel and special occasions as well. So make the best use of your setup!

Happy IRL streaming!