What’s a simulcast and how does it work?

Jourdan Aldredge
Simulcast streaming is an easy and important way to maximize your video’s reach. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

So you’ve done it! You’ve come up with a great live stream idea. You have your script, you’ve set up your camera, and you’re ready to broadcast to thousands of followers across the internet.

But wait — your followers aren't all on one platform. How do you choose between Facebook or LinkedIn or YouTube or Instagram?

Answer: you don't have to choose! Reach your entire audience by simulcasting your live stream to social.

Simulcasting, also known as multistreaming, is the act of live streaming video to multiple channels from one platform. In this article, we’ll explore how simulcast live streaming works, how it can benefit a person or business, and some tips and tricks for using Vimeo to stream your content across all your social channels from a single stream.

What is simulcasting?

Simulcast is a way of sending live streaming video to different destinations like Facebook Live, Youtube Live, and any custom RTMP (real-time messaging protocol). Simply put, simulcasting is a way to maximize your reach and bring new viewers to your content.

A mashup of the words "simultaneous" and "broadcast," the word "simulcast" originally meant to broadcast simultaneously via radio and television. Modern simulcast streaming, however, refers to content that’s distributed digitally across websites and social platforms.

Over the years, brands and creators alike have found new and creative ways to simulcast their video content to reach a wider audience. ClayShare spun up a virtual conference in 10 days and simulcasted their live event to Vimeo, Facebook, Youtube, and even their own website via an embedded stream.

Mockup of simulcast destinations using Vimeo

How does a simulcast work?

Traditionally, simulcasting meant broadcasting signals from multiple towers at the same time to different sources. Today, simulcasting works much in the same way as creators look to send their content streams to multiple sources so they can be viewed at the same time across channels.

The process can be difficult, as different online platforms have different requirements and preferences for how — and from where — they receive content. As a result, plenty of resources have sprung up to help you live stream to multiple destinations. These platforms use different encoding technologies to streamline how content is packaged and received, as well as use over-the-top (OTT) technology to help users with both streaming and monetization.

Take advantage of Vimeo's innovative solutions like the AI-powered script generator, video prompter tool, automated captioning tool, and AI translation service for seamless video production.

How do I live stream to social media?

Start live streaming to LinkedIn, Facebook, and more with this helpful guide.

What is the difference between simulcasting and multicasting?

There can be some confusion between a simulcast and a multicast. Don’t fret! Simulcasting and multicasting are complementary technologies that help power live streams.

A simulcast allows creators to send live video to stream simultaneously to multiple destinations. Multicast is a combination of hardware and software that forwards a live stream to subscribed viewers in order to help reduce bandwidth requirements. Both simulcasts and multicasts are methods for efficiently distributing live video.

What’s the value of a simulcast?

For brands and content creators, the value of a simulcast is pretty straightforward. Simulcasting requires less work than streaming to each individual platform separately. More video views for the same amount of effort — what’s not to love?

When using Vimeo, for example, you can stream your live video on up to five platforms at once. This includes Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and any custom RTMP destination like Twitch or Periscope.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) used Vimeo to simulcast a weekly policy seminar on both their website and Facebook page. With the implementation of a second streaming destination — their seminars garner up to 2,000 views a week on Facebook alone.

There's an interesting dynamic and feedback loop that you can create through live streaming that brings you closer to your audience outside of the room.
Jamed Falik, Visual Design Team Lead, IFPRI

But you don’t have to limit yourself to only two channels. With Vimeo, you can simulcast your stream on up to five integrated destinations like Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn all at once — along with streaming to up to 10 custom RTMP destinations — to capture more viewers across different channels. You can read more in this full Vimeo simulcast overview.

Best practices for simulcasting your content

Ready to simulcast? Remember these quick tips as you go live.

1. Cast a wide net.

With simulcasting, more is more. Reach a wider audience by activating as many relevant social channels as you can, as well as looking for other platforms or places that you can host your streams or video content. With Vimeo Enterprise or Premium, you can also embed the Vimeo player on your own websites to create a branded live event experience.

2. Plan ahead.

Once you've established a workflow (more on that and other streaming best practices here), practice, test, and record a backupstream to make sure your live event goes without a hitch. And if you’re totally new to live streaming, be sure to check out 9 live streaming tips from the Vimeo team.

3. Stream without the stress.

Remember what they say about the best laid plans? Keep your cool the day-of with live streaming tools designed to help you handle anything your live simulcasting experience throws at you. Preview before going live, monitor the health of your stream in real time, and sit back and enjoy the show.

Go live with Vimeo today

More from the Vimeo blog

Video stream health chart that denotes a good stream health status

RTMP streaming: How to encode and live stream video

IPTV stands for Internet Protocol television and involves the viewers receiving video content through the internet. Start your IPTV service.

What’s internet protocol television (IPTV)? A concise guide

Discover the difference between CDNs and eCDNs, plus the benefits of using an eCDN for your internal comms strategy.

What is an enterprise content delivery network (eCDN)?

Vimeo is enhancing your live streaming experience with automated captions, RTMPS, and more optimizations to our current live streaming features.

Level up your live streams with automated captions and more

With live streaming, every second counts. That’s why we’re providing you with a set of features to help you keep your cool while running your event.

Stream without the stress

Live streaming music concerts can help you reach more fans. Learn what equipment you need to get started and tips to promote your next gig.

What you need to know about live streaming music concerts

Images of a town hall meeting being recorded

Streaming council meetings: what you need to know

Social media live streaming is way easier than you think. Grab a cup of coffee and follow these steps to go live on social.

The complete guide to social media live streaming