How to Live Stream on a Chromebook (2024)

Live streaming on a Chromebook can be a bit challenging, as the native options available on platforms like YouTube lack essential features. Downloading apps like Twitch Studio is not even possible on a Chromebook. So, what can you do to stream on your Chromebook?

What About Desktop Apps

While using services like OBS Studio or Streamlabs is an alternative, running the Linux version of these apps on a Chromebook can be resource-intensive. Additionally, Linux comes with its limitations. However, there are still other options to explore.

How to Live Stream on a Chromebook

New-age web apps such as Melon and Restream offer lighter versions of OBS Studio that work directly from your Chrome browser. These apps allow you to stream to various platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Dailymotion, and more. Choosing a live streaming service is a breeze.

If you prefer customization options, themes, and features, Melon is the way to go. On the other hand, Restream allows you to stream to multiple platforms simultaneously, even in the free version. Both services offer additional features with their paid plans, but keep in mind that the free versions include watermarks on the stream. We recommend trying out the free versions of both apps to determine which one suits your needs.

How to Live Stream Using the Melon App

Melon offers a range of features, including pinning the chat window, adding banners and tickers to your stream, displaying chat messages on the stream, various themes, and different layouts.

1. Open the Melon website and log in using your YouTube or Twitch account, or choose the email option.
2. Grant the web app permission to access your microphone and camera.
3. The black screen in the center is what appears on the stream. You can use the left sidebar to check all available cameras and click “Show on Stream” to add a specific camera to the stream.
4. If you want to stream with multiple people, click the “Invite Guest” option and send them the link. The free version allows one person to connect, while the paid version allows up to eight people to stream together.
5. On the right-side panel, you can add themes, overlays, logos, banners, tickers, and more. Melon also offers free intros, outros, animations, and a green screen option. You can save these settings as profiles for future use.
6. Click the chat icon to open the chat from the live stream. You can select any comment in the chat to display it on the stream as a small banner. Under the chat, you'll find the calendar icon, which allows you to schedule future streams.
7. At the bottom, you can mute audio, change input and output devices, select the camera, and manage resolution settings.
8. You can also share your screen or record and save the stream as a video locally.
9. Finally, click “Go Live” when you're ready to start streaming. Connect your accounts, such as Twitch or YouTube, if prompted, and select the account to begin streaming.

How to Live Stream Using the Restream App

If you want to multi-stream for free, Restream is the app for you.

1. Open the Restream website and log in using Google or your email ID.
2. On the homepage, click “Stream with Studio.”
3. Select the default camera and microphone icons, enter your name, and click “Enter Studio.”
4. The layout is similar to Melon, with stream inputs on the left sidebar, controls on the right sidebar, and additional options below the preview.
5. In the right sidebar, you can check the chat for that stream and make it appear on stream as a banner.
6. Use the “Caption” tab to add banners to the stream in the corner.
7. The “Graphics” tab allows for customization, though most options are locked under the paid plans. Like Melon, Restream allows you to save settings into profiles.
8. At the bottom of the preview screen, you can mute audio, turn off the camera, change inputs and outputs, share your screen, and invite others to the stream. You can also add video or audio files to the stream using the plus icon.
9. After configuring your settings, click “+ Add Destination” above the preview to select multiple services like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and more.
10. Close the pop-up and click “Go Live” to start streaming. A countdown of 3 will appear before you begin.

Hello, Chromebook Streamer

Both Melon and Restream offer pro subscriptions if you're willing to pay. Melon's pro subscription starts at $15/month, while Restream's subscription costs $16/month. If you prefer using the free plan, choose Melon for more themes and customization options, or Restream if you want to multi-stream on different platforms simultaneously. If you have a top-end Chromebook, you can also explore OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS for more advanced features than Melon or Restream.