# Broadcasting The Stream Video Flutter SDK has support for HLS broadcasting. This allows you to broadcast a call over HLS, which can then be watched using any HLS-compatible player. You can also use RTMP to ingest streams from external tools like OBS. ## Call type for broadcasting Among the pre-built call types, the [livestream type](/video/docs/flutter/guides/call-types/) is best suited for broadcasting events. When a `livestream` call is created, it is set to `backstage` mode by default. Backstage mode lets hosts set up cameras and equipment before going live. ```dart final call = StreamVideo.instance.makeCall( callType: StreamCallType.liveStream(), id: 'your_call_id', ); await call.getOrCreate( members: [ MemberRequest( userId: StreamVideo.instance.currentUser.id, role: 'host', ), ], ); await call.join(); ``` ## Start and stop HLS broadcasting You can start HLS broadcasting by calling `startHLS()` on the `Call` object. The user must have the `start-broadcast-call` capability to perform this action. ```dart final result = await call.startHLS(); if (result.isSuccess) { final hlsUrl = result.getDataOrNull(); // hlsUrl contains the HLS playlist URL } ``` To stop broadcasting: ```dart await call.stopHLS(); ``` After a few seconds of setup, broadcasting will start and the call state will be updated — the `isBroadcasting` flag will become `true`. ### Starting HLS when going live You can start HLS broadcasting automatically when the call transitions out of backstage mode by passing `startHls: true` to `goLive()`: ```dart await call.goLive(startHls: true); ``` This is a convenient way to ensure HLS broadcasting starts alongside the WebRTC stream. ## Observing the broadcasting state You can observe the `isBroadcasting` property from the call state to update your UI: ```dart PartialCallStateBuilder( call: call, selector: (state) => state.isBroadcasting, builder: (context, isBroadcasting) { return Text(isBroadcasting ? 'Broadcasting' : 'Not broadcasting'); }, ); ``` Here is an example of a toggle button that starts and stops HLS broadcasting: ```dart PartialCallStateBuilder( call: call, selector: (state) => state.isBroadcasting, builder: (context, isBroadcasting) { return ElevatedButton( onPressed: () async { if (isBroadcasting) { await call.stopHLS(); } else { await call.startHLS(); } }, child: Text(isBroadcasting ? 'Stop Broadcasting' : 'Start Broadcasting'), ); }, ); ``` ## Listening to broadcasting events You can listen to broadcasting-related events via the `callEvents` stream on the `Call` object: ```dart call.callEvents.on((event) { final hlsPlaylistUrl = event.hlsPlaylistUrl; // Broadcasting has started, use hlsPlaylistUrl to watch the stream }); call.callEvents.on((event) { // Broadcasting has stopped }); call.callEvents.on((event) { // Broadcasting failed }); ``` See more about subscribing to events on the [events](/video/docs/flutter/guides/call-events/) page. ## Retrieving the broadcast URL The HLS playlist URL can be retrieved from the call state after broadcasting has started: ```dart final hlsUrl = call.state.value.egress.hlsPlaylistUrl; ``` This URL can be shared with viewers to watch the broadcast in any HLS-compatible player. ## Displaying an HLS stream To play an HLS stream in your Flutter app, use a video player package that supports HLS playback, such as [video_player](https://pub.dev/packages/video_player) or [media_kit](https://pub.dev/packages/media_kit). ### Using `video_player` ```dart import 'package:video_player/video_player.dart'; final controller = VideoPlayerController.networkUrl( Uri.parse(hlsUrl), ); await controller.initialize(); controller.play(); ``` Then use the `VideoPlayer` widget to display the video: ```dart AspectRatio( aspectRatio: controller.value.aspectRatio, child: VideoPlayer(controller), ); ``` ### Using `media_kit` ```dart import 'package:media_kit/media_kit.dart'; import 'package:media_kit_video/media_kit_video.dart'; final player = Player(); final videoController = VideoController(player); player.open(Media(hlsUrl)); ``` Then use the `Video` widget to display the video: ```dart Video(controller: videoController); ``` Remember to dispose the player when you no longer need it to free system resources. ## RTMP-In You can use RTMP streams as input for a call. This is useful for integrating professional broadcasting tools like [OBS](https://obsproject.com/). The RTMP address is available from the call state: ```dart final rtmpAddress = call.state.value.rtmpIngress; ``` The streaming key for OBS and other tools uses the format: `apiKey/userToken`. ### Configuring OBS 1. Open OBS and go to **Settings > Stream** 2. Select **Custom** as the service 3. Set the **Server** to the `rtmpAddress` from the call state 4. Set the **Stream Key** to `your_api_key/user_token` 5. Click **Start Streaming** in OBS The RTMP stream will now show up in the call just like a regular video participant. A user corresponding to the token provided to OBS will appear as a participant in the call. Consider creating a dedicated user for OBS streaming. ## Error handling Broadcasting depends on many factors, including network conditions. Wrap your broadcasting actions with proper error handling: ```dart final result = await call.startHLS(); if (result.isFailure) { // Show error to the user ScaffoldMessenger.of(context).showSnackBar( const SnackBar(content: Text('Failed to start broadcasting')), ); } ``` ## Permissions Before a user can start or stop broadcasting, they must have the corresponding capabilities: - `start-broadcast-call` to start broadcasting - `stop-broadcast-call` to stop broadcasting Permissions for each role can be configured in the [Stream Dashboard](https://dashboard.getstream.io/) under Roles & Permissions for your call type. ```dart final hasPermission = call.state.value.ownCapabilities.contains( CallPermission.startBroadcastCall, ); ``` --- This page was last updated at 2026-05-13T13:39:06.572Z. For the most recent version of this documentation, visit [https://getstream.io/video/docs/flutter/advanced/broadcasting/](https://getstream.io/video/docs/flutter/advanced/broadcasting/).