Video transcoding is the process of converting a video file from one digital format to another. This conversion typically involves changing the video’s codec, resolution, bitrate, or other parameters to make it compatible with different devices, streaming platforms, or network conditions.
Transcoding involves both decoding (uncompressing) and encoding (recompressing) the video data. Different software and hardware tools are used for video transcoding, and the choice of codec, resolution, bitrate, and other settings depends on the specific requirements of the target platform and the quality expectations of the end users.
When you stream to a single site, transcoding is not needed. But for multistreaming, it may be required
When an Extra Transcoding is Needed
Re-streaming technology allows handling several streams with only one transcoding process. But one crucial condition must be met: all streams should be exactly the same.
Cam sites often have different live stream requirements based on their audience, technical infrastructure, and business model.
The specific live stream requirements of each platform are designed to ensure that content creators can deliver a high-quality experience to their intended audience while aligning with the platform’s technical capabilities and business model. Models need to be aware of these requirements and adapt their live streaming setups accordingly to reach their target viewers effectively.
| Site | Max. Resolution | Max. FPS | Max. Bitrate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaturbate | 4K | 60 | 20000+ |
| Stripchat | 1080p | 60 | 6000 |
| BongaCams | 1080p | 60 | 6000 |
| Cam4 | 1080p | n/a | n/a |
| MyFreeCams | 1080p | 60 | 7000 |
| Eplay | 1080p | 60 | 6500 |
| SoulCams | 1080p | 30 | n/a |
| CamSoda | 1080p | 30 | 6000 |
| Cherry TV | 1080p | 30 | 4500 |
| Cams.com | 720p | 30 | 2500 |
As you can see, if you multistream to Stripchat, BongaCams, and MyFreeCams, you can use the same preferences: 1080p • 60FPS • 6000Kbps.
If you add Chaturbate, you can still keep these preferences, but if you have a 4K camera and a powerful setup, streaming in 4K can boost your ranking there.
Optimal setup example:
- 1080p • 60FPS • 6000Kbps — Stripchat, BongaCams, MyFreeCams
- 4K • 60FPS • 25000Kbps — Chaturbate
If you also add Cams.com, the setup could be:
- 1080p • 60FPS • 6000Kbps — Stripchat, BongaCams, MyFreeCams
- 4K • 60FPS • 25000Kbps — Chaturbate
- 720p • 30FPS • 2500Kbps — Cams.com
How to Handle Multiple Transcoding Processes
Transcode Locally on Your Computer
The most well-known example of this approach is using OBS Studio + RTMP The most common setup is OBS Studio with the Multiple RTMP Outputs plugin, which lets you stream to several sites with different preferences.
Keep in mind that transcoding requires significant CPU/GPU power, especially for 1080p+ resolutions.
Transcode on Remote Server
Alternatively, transcoding can be done remotely via your multistreaming service. This removes the load from your computer. Streamster offers remote transcoding starting from the Regular pricing plan.
Streamster also offers the remote transcoding option for streams from OBS: