Heartbeat doesn't have one-to-many live streaming like YouTube Live, Twitch, TikTok Live or Facebook Live. It also can't take a stream from tools like OBS or StreamYard. You can run live sessions for your members with Events, hosted in Heartbeat or on Zoom.
If you'd like broadcast-style streaming added, upvote Live Video Broadcast to community. Votes decide what we build next.
Host a live session with an Event
Go to Events and click Create Event.
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Set the Location:
Heartbeat: creates a Voice Room for the Event. You don't need a Zoom account.
Zoom: creates the Zoom meeting, adds the recording to the Event afterwards and tracks attendance. This needs the Zoom Integration.
Custom: add a link to another platform, such as a Zoom Webinar or a YouTube Live stream.
Under Invited Attendees, choose which Access Groups or Roles can join. See Visibility Options for Events.
For every setting, see How to create an Event.
Goal |
Location |
|---|---|
Members talk, share their screen and turn cameras on |
Heartbeat |
Presenter and audience, with a recording |
Zoom |
Broadcast on another platform |
Custom |
Pre-recorded content |
Upload it with Native Videos instead |
Live calls in Heartbeat
Everyone in the call can speak, turn their camera on and share their screen. A call holds up to 256 participants with up to 16 video feeds, and has no time limit. Admins can mute and remove participants.
Besides Events, members can join calls in a Voice Channel or a Voice Room. A Voice Channel is permanent and sits in the sidebar. A Voice Room is temporary: anyone can start one with + Create Voice Room, and it's removed once everyone leaves. To stop members creating them, turn off Start Voice Rooms under Settings > People > Roles.
Keep in mind:
Heartbeat calls aren't recorded. To keep a recording, record on your own device or use Zoom as the Event location. Upvote Recording for voice calls.
The mobile app supports audio only. Members on mobile can hear and speak but won't see video. Upvote Video calls on mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Zoom Webinars?
Yes. Set the Event location to Custom and paste your webinar link. The Zoom location creates a standard Zoom meeting, not a webinar.
Can I invite a guest speaker who isn't a member?
Yes. When you create the Event, enter their email address under Hosts to add them as an external host.
Can I run a free webinar to bring in new members?
Yes. Make it a Public Event so non-members can RSVP, then turn on Add a community sign up button to put a Sign Up Link on the Event page.