Answers for hosts and viewers before, during, and after a private live stream.
If a stream is not ready immediately after purchase, wait a minute and refresh. Some stream types need background setup, and Castlink prepares resources as quickly as possible.
What happens after I pay?
You land on a success page with your private broadcast link and your viewer watch link. The same links are also sent by email. Paid events must be started within 7 days of purchase.
What is the free test stream for?
The free test stream lets you check your browser, camera, microphone, OBS setup, watch link, and viewer playback before buying. It uses real stream links, targets the same 720p HD quality as paid events, and is limited to 3 minutes and a small number of viewers.
What is the broadcast link?
The broadcast link is private. It is for the host only. Anyone with this link may be able to broadcast or access OBS tokens, so do not share it with viewers.
What is the watch link?
The watch link is the link you share with viewers. Viewers do not need an account.
I lost my email. Can I get the links again?
Use the success page resend button if you still have the success page open. Otherwise contact the platform operator with your purchase email and event title.
Can I change the event title after purchase?
Not from the public pages yet. Contact support or create a new event if the title matters for your viewers.
What quality is the stream?
The current Castlink setup targets 720p HD video at up to 30fps with 128kbps stereo audio. Actual quality depends on the host camera, browser, OBS settings, upload speed, viewer connection, and device performance.
Is this 1080p?
Not in the launch configuration. Castlink should currently be treated as private 720p HD streaming. 1080p may be added later if the infrastructure, pricing, and device requirements are tuned for it.
What is HLS?
HLS is the standard private playback mode. It is better for larger audiences and normal event viewing, and it usually has a short delay compared with WebRTC.
What is WebRTC?
WebRTC is the real-time mode. It is lower latency and better for smaller interactive streams, but it is more sensitive to browser, device, and network issues.
What is the difference between WebRTC and HLS?
WebRTC prioritises low delay. HLS prioritises reliable private playback for more viewers. If viewers only need to watch, HLS is usually simpler. If the host needs a near real-time experience, WebRTC is the better fit.
What does Both mean?
Both provides WebRTC and HLS paths for the same event. It is useful when you want low-latency publishing plus broader viewer playback.
Which mode should I choose?
Choose HLS for most private events. Choose WebRTC when low latency matters. Choose Both when you need flexibility or OBS/WHIP plus broader viewer delivery.
Do I need an app to broadcast?
No. You can broadcast from a browser using the private broadcast link. You may also use OBS if your event supports it.
Which browser should hosts use?
Use a current version of Chrome, Edge, or Safari. On mobile, close other camera apps first and keep the browser tab active while live.
Why is the camera or microphone not working?
Check:
- Browser permission for camera and microphone
- Another app is not using the camera
- The correct camera/mic is selected on the broadcast page
- You are on HTTPS, not an insecure local/custom URL
- Refresh after changing permissions
Can I switch cameras or microphones?
Yes. Use Preview after selecting a different camera or mic. If it behaves oddly, stop and refresh the page.
What does Go Live do?
Go Live opens the paid event window and begins publishing. Your package time starts when the event window opens.
What does Finish Stream do?
Finish Stream ends the event early, stops the active stream path, and prepares a usage summary. Viewers will no longer be able to watch after finishing.
Can I extend the stream?
Yes. On the broadcast page, use Buy +1 hour before the stream expires. The same broadcast and watch links continue working after extension.
Can I stream through OBS?
Yes. Open the broadcast link and choose OBS Token. Castlink gives you the WHIP server and bearer token to paste into OBS.
What OBS service should I choose?
Choose WHIP as the service, then paste the server URL and bearer token from the broadcast page.
My OBS token expired. What do I do?
Return to the broadcast link and generate a new OBS token. Tokens are temporary for security.
OBS says it cannot connect.
Check:
- The event is paid and ready
- You copied the full WHIP server URL
- You copied the bearer token exactly
- Your OBS version supports WHIP
- Your network/firewall allows outbound streaming
Can I use RTMP instead of WHIP?
The current easy OBS path is WHIP. RTMP/HLS support may be available depending on configuration, but WHIP is the preferred setup in the app.
Do viewers need accounts?
No. Anyone with the watch link can view, subject to event limits.
Why does the watch page say waiting?
The stream may not be live yet, or the broadcaster may still be connecting. Refresh after a minute if it does not update.
Why is there a delay?
HLS streams normally have delay. WebRTC is lower latency but depends more on browser and network conditions.
Video is buffering or freezing. What can I do?
Try:
- Refresh the watch page
- Use a stronger Wi-Fi or mobile connection
- Close other tabs/apps using bandwidth
- Try another browser
- Ask the host to check their upload connection
The viewer limit is reached. What does that mean?
The event has reached its concurrent viewer limit. Try again shortly, or ask the host to upgrade viewer capacity from the broadcast page. Existing links continue working after an upgrade.
Can the host increase viewer capacity?
Yes. If the event is close to full, the broadcast page warns the host and offers +100, +250, or +500 concurrent viewer upgrades through Stripe. There are no automatic viewer overage charges during launch.
Can viewers watch on phones?
Yes. Viewers can usually watch from modern mobile browsers. For best results, keep the screen awake and use a stable connection.
When does paid time start?
Paid time starts when the event window is opened, usually when the host goes live or the stream path is started. Buying the stream does not start the package timer.
How long do I have to start after buying?
Paid events must be started within 7 days of purchase. If a paid event is not started within that window, it may expire unused and you may need to contact support or create a new event.
What happens when time runs out?
The stream expires and new viewing/broadcast access is blocked. The broadcast and watch pages show remaining-time warnings before the end.
Can I buy more time?
Yes. Use Buy +1 hour on the broadcast page before the event expires.
Will I be charged surprise overages?
No. The current launch model is base package plus optional repeat purchase for extra time or viewer capacity. Overage tracking may be shown for transparency, but extra charges are not automatic unless clearly offered later.
Are refunds available?
Refunds depend on the situation and the platform terms. If there is a technical issue, contact support with the event link and purchase email.
Is the stream public?
No public directory is provided. Access is by private link. Anyone with the watch link may view, so share it carefully.
Can I password-protect viewers?
Not in the current public flow. The watch link acts as the access key.
Is the stream recorded?
Not in this MVP unless recording is explicitly added later. Castlink is focused on live delivery.
What content is allowed?
Hosts must have rights and consent for what they stream. Illegal, infringing, abusive, or unsafe content is prohibited. See the Terms for details.