How to Start a Live Stream for Your Team's Game
As a team contact, you can easily start a live stream for a scheduled game right from the TeamSnap app.
Prerequisites
- You must be a Team Contact (e.g., coach, manager, or parent with streaming permission) logged into the TeamSnap mobile app.
- Device Requirement: You must use the camera built into your smartphone or tablet. External devices like GoPros, dedicated video cameras, or capture cards are not currently supported.
- Supported Devices: The live stream feature is designed to work with most iPhone and Android phones and tablets that have a built-in camera. In rare cases, if your device's operating system or hardware is too old, you may receive an error message that prompts you to upgrade or states your device is not supported.
- Permissions: The first time you stream, the app will ask for permission to access your device’s camera and microphone. You must grant both permissions to start and broadcast the stream.
Important Information About Streaming
| Topic | Explanation |
| Why can't I use an external camera (GoPro, etc.)? | TeamSnap Live Stream is designed to work exclusively with the camera and microphone on your mobile device (phone or tablet) to ensure the simplest, most reliable experience for parents and coaches. |
| Why is the full stream not saved on my phone? | Your live stream is sent directly to TeamSnap's servers, where it is immediately processed, compressed, and prepared for viewing across many different devices. This means the raw, entire video file of the stream does not get saved locally on your phone's storage. |
| Will our live streams get removed for having background music? | No. Unlike other platforms, fair use copyrighted material, like background music that may be playing at your venue, will not be taken down from your account. |
⚠️ Important Note on Replays ⚠️
While starting and viewing the live stream is free, accessing and watching the full stream after it is over (the replay) requires a TeamSnap+ subscription. Only those with an active TeamSnap+ subscription can view the replay video.
Steps to Go Live
The process begins by accessing the game zone screen. You can get there from three different entry points in the app:
1. Navigate to the game zone
The option to start the live stream will not appear until the designated 15-minute window before the scheduled start time of the game.
Look for a prominent red button or banner that indicates a live game on any of the following screens:
| Entry Point | Action |
| Home Screen | Tap the red button for the live game. |
| Schedule Tab | Navigate to the All Schedules tab and tap the red button next to the live game. |
| Game Detail Screen | Go to the game details for the event and tap the red button/banner. |
Tapping the red button from any of these locations will take you directly to the game zone for that specific game.
2. Start the Stream
- On the game zone screen, look for the "Live Stream" button or section.
- Tap the "Live Stream" button. This will open your device's camera interface within the TeamSnap app.
- The first time, the system will prompt you to grant camera and microphone access. These are required for streaming.
- You will see a large button labeled "Go Live". Tap this button to begin broadcasting.
Your live stream is now active and accessible to viewers in the TeamSnap app and via the team's public share link! Be sure to follow the Best Practices for Live Streaming Your Team's Game Article for tips on keeping your stream stable and high-quality.
🛠️ Troubleshooting & Limitations
Keep the following in mind while you are live streaming:
- Internet Connection: While there is no technical minimum upload speed, your broadcast quality will not be great without a good connection. If your connection deteriorates, there is a risk that the stream will stop altogether, and an error message will show on the screen.
- Leaving the App: If you leave the TeamSnap app while streaming (e.g., you switch to another app or answer a call), the live stream will stop, and viewers will no longer be able to see it.
- Pausing the Stream: It is not possible to pause a live stream. You must stop it and start a new one to continue broadcasting. (Pausing a live stream is a feature that might come in the future.)
- Privacy: It is not possible to control who sees your stream. Streaming links are public, and anyone with the link will be able to view the broadcast. In other words, there is no private stream option at this time. (This is a feature that we might release in the future.)