Livestreaming Internet Requirements & Best Practices

When you choose to livestream with BallerCam, a strong internet connection on your filming iPhone is required. Internet connectivity can sometimes be unpredictable and may be influenced by:

• Network congestion (too many connected devices)
   
• Cell tower strength and distance
   
• Time of day (peak vs. off-peak hours)
   
• Weather conditions
   
• Carrier throttling or dead zones
   
• Indoor locations with concrete or metal barriers
   

Who Provides the Internet?

BallerCam does not provide internet access. As the creator, you must provide your own connection through:

• Your iPhone’s LTE or 5G cellular carrier
   
• A mobile hotspot
   
• Starlink or similar mobile solutions
   
• A local Wi-Fi network
   

Recommended Internet Speed for Livestreaming

• BallerCam’s target livestream bitrate is 2,000 kbps.
   
• We recommend having at least 5 Mbps upload speed for a consistently smooth livestream.
   
• You may be able to stream with as little as 3 Mbps upload speed, but this leaves less room for fluctuation or interruptions.
   

⚙️ How to Test Your Internet Speed:

• Use a free app like SpeedTest or search for "internet speed test" in your browser.
   
• Focus on your upload speed — the download speed isn’t relevant for livestreaming.
   
• If your upload speed is consistently below 3 Mbps, we recommend filming in Record-Only mode instead. 👉 Learn about Record-Only mode here.
   

How to Monitor Your Stream Health

You can monitor your internet connection’s stability while livestreaming in two places:

• On your filming iPhone: Tap the Stream Health icon in the lower-left corner of your video window.
   
• On a secondary scoring device: View the Stream Detail tab to see:
   
  • Incoming bitrate to your filming iPhone
     
  • Real-time livestream buffering assessment:
     
    • None
       
    • Minimal
       
    • Moderate
       
    • Severe
       
    • Unwatchable (if severe disruptions are detected)
       

What Happens If Your Internet Struggles?

• Viewers may experience buffering, lag, or dropped moments during the livestream.
   
• However, every game is also locally recorded in HD on your iPhone, completely unaffected by your internet connection.
   
• If you upload the game after it ends:
   
  • Viewers will automatically receive the smooth, HD replay version, even if the livestream had issues.
     

Key Takeaways: Livestreaming Internet Best Practices

• Test your upload speed before filming.
   
• Consider using multiple carriers or backup hotspots.
   
• Monitor your stream health during the game.
   
• Upload your HD recording after the game to improve replay quality.
   
• If your internet is weak, consider switching to Record-Only mode instead.