> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.upstream.so/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Live Studio: Combine LIVE and pre-recorded content

# Live Studio: Mix Live Video, Pre-Recorded Content, and Remote Guests

Live Studio is a browser-based live video production tool built into Upstream. It lets you overlay live video, remote guests, and screen shares on top of your scheduled or 24/7 pre-recorded streams. No software to download.

You can run a pre-recorded loop and jump in live for Q&A, host a podcast with guests calling in from elsewhere, or stream a product demo with your webcam mixed with some prerecorded videos. You control everything from the browser in real time.

## Three ways to get video into Live Studio

### Connect external streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs, vMix)
Use this if you want to manage scenes, overlays, or gameplay feeds from your desktop.
1. In Upstream, open your **Stream Edit** page, go to the **Live Studio** tab, and turn on **RTMP Input**. This gives you a **Stream URL** and **Stream Key to paste into your streaming software like OBS, Streamlabs, vMix..**.
2. For OBS, go to **Settings → Stream**. Set **Service** to **Custom**, paste the Upstream **Stream URL** into **Server**, and enter your **Stream Key**.
3. Click **OK**, then hit **Start Streaming** in OBS. Your feed will show up in the Live Studio preview.
4. Save and Publish

### Go live from your webcam
Skip the encoder setup and stream straight from your browser - via webcam or screenshare.
1. In the **Live Studio** tab, pick **Browser** as your input source.
2. Let the browser access your mic and camera.
3. Choose your camera and mic from the dropdowns.
4. Click on Join Stage to show your camera on Stage
5. For screen sharing click on **Present or Invite** --> **Share Screen** to show slides, web pages, or app windows.
6. Save and Publish

### Bring in remote guests or share your screen
Host talk shows, webinars, or collaborative broadcasts from the dashboard.
* **Invite guests**: Invite up to 10 people. They join through their browser, no account needed, from desktop or mobile. The interface works like Zoom or Google Meet.

## Picking your layout
Once your live studio feed is active, choose how it sits in the stream using the controls below the preview:

Table
| Layout | When to use it |
| ---- |
| **Full screen** | Breaking news, live-only segments, or switching entirely to a live Q&A. Covers the pre-recorded video completely. |
| **Small overlay** | Reaction or commentary streams. Your live camera sits in a corner while the pre-recorded video keeps playing behind it. Click repeatedly to cycle through all four corners. |
| **Split screen** | Product comparisons, dual broadcasts, or side-by-side interviews. |
| **Bottom bar** | Horizontal tickers, news bulletins, or banner frames. |
| **Drag and resize** | Full manual control. Click and drag to position and scale the live window anywhere on the canvas. |

${frame}[](https://www.youtube.com/embed/HVdUQ_LmxJw)


### Audio and video controls
* **Mute audio** — Mutes or unmutes the audio from your OBS feed or browser mic. Video stays up.
* **Hide video** — Hides the live camera feed temporarily while keeping audio or the background playlist running.
* **Reset video position** — Snaps the live window back to center at default size.
* **Hide Stream Designer** — Temporarily hides your active overlays so you can position the live window without visual clutter getting in the way.

|| Note: Layout, sizing, and positioning changes don't go live to viewers until you click Save and Publish Changes. This lets you set everything up before pushing it public.


## Working with the Stream Designer
Live Studio works alongside the Stream Designer, a drag-and-drop overlay editor.
* Customize backgrounds, add branded borders, or use custom fonts.
* Drop in widgets like StreamElements alerts, live chat feeds, or embedded web content.
* Update overlays on the fly without interrupting your 24/7 stream.
* Live Studio Appears as a separate layer in the Stream Designer so you can adjust what sits on top of what.

## FAQ
**Do my guests need to install anything or create an account?**
No. They click a link and join through their browser. No account, no download, works on phone or computer.
**Does Live Studio stop my 24/7 pre-recorded playlist?**
No. The playlist keeps running in the background. You can drop in and out of live segments, talk over the playlist, or switch back to automatic play without the stream going down.
**What happens if my OBS connection drops?**
Upstream has redundancy backups built in. If your internet hiccups or OBS disconnects, the stream falls back to your scheduled pre-recorded content automatically until you reconnect.