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Castr blog

Tips & Tricks articles

Practical how-tos for running live video: encoder setup, settings that actually matter, troubleshooting, and the workflow habits that keep broadcasts stable.

160 posts
OBS Studio dashboard

Tips & Tricks

How to Use OBS Studio: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Learn how to use OBS Studio, from setup and scenes to audio, video, streaming, Studio Mode, and going live. Plus, discover how to use OBS with Castr.

Jul 6, 2026 · 6 min

Twitch vs Kick

Tips & Tricks

Twitch vs Kick: Revenue, Reach, and Which Platform Is Right for Your Stream

Compare Twitch vs Kick revenue, audience reach, payouts, and features to find which platform fits your streaming goals and growth strategy.

May 31, 2026 · 18 min

Twitch Alternatives

Tips & Tricks

8 Best Twitch Alternatives for Live Streaming

Discover the 8 best Twitch alternatives for live streaming. Compare features, audience reach, pricing, and find the right platform for your needs.

May 26, 2026 · 17 min

OBS Studio (Free video enhancer app)

Tips & Tricks

What Is OBS? A Complete Guide to Open Broadcaster Software

OBS, short for Open Broadcaster Software, is a free, open-source application used for live streaming and video recording.

May 25, 2026 · 12 min

Geo-blocking concept image with secure access control across different locations

Tips & Tricks

What Is Geo-Blocking? How It Works & How Streamers Manage It

Geo-blocking restricts access to online content based on a user’s location, usually by matching their IP address with a location database.

May 3, 2026 · 13 min

Video Streaming Protocols

Tips & Tricks

Video Streaming Protocols Explained: How RTMP, SRT, HLS & WHIP Power Live Broadcasting

Learn how video streaming protocols work, including the different types of codecs and container formats and Castr supported protocols.

Apr 23, 2026 · 20 min

Constant Bitrate

Tips & Tricks

Constant Bitrate (CBR): What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use It for Live Streaming

CBR (Constant Bitrate) is a rate control method that holds the bitrate fixed across an entire video or audio file or stream.

Apr 15, 2026 · 8 min

Variable Bitrate

Tips & Tricks

Variable Bitrate (VBR): What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use It for Streaming

Variable Bitrate (VBR) is an encoding method that dynamically adjusts the bitrate depending on the complexity of the content being encoded.

Apr 15, 2026 · 13 min

How does bitrate affect video quality

Tips & Tricks

How Does Bitrate Affect Video Quality? A Complete Guide for Streamers

Too low, and your stream looks pixelated and unprofessional. Too high, and viewers experience constant buffering that drives them away.

Apr 14, 2026 · 15 min

secure video streaming

Tips & Tricks

10 Secure Video Streaming Tactics You Must Use for Content Protection

Learn 10 secure video streaming tactics for content protection using encryption, access, DRM and monitoring. Includes password geo-blocking referrer protection.

Feb 15, 2026 · 13 min

10 Best Live Streaming Software for Churches

Tips & Tricks

10 Best Live Streaming Software for Churches

Discover the best live streaming software for churches, including Castr, Restream, StreamYard, OBS, Boxcast, Vimeo, Facebook, YouTube, Dacast, and Wirecast.

Jan 29, 2026 · 19 min

SDI vs HDMI

Tips & Tricks

HDMI vs SDI: Complete Guide to Video Connectors for Professional Streaming

SDI & HDMI are the two most popular connectors used for data transmission. Know the differences between them and choose one that fits you.

Jan 29, 2026 · 14 min

Put the advice into practice on Castr.

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