> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.surge.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.surge.xyz/discovery/identity-and-discovery-engine/how-to-livestream.md).

# How to Livestream

On Surge Discovery, video is the ultimate trust vector. 

> <mark style="color:$primary;">Founders who build in public and stream their progress receive significantly higher engagement, trust, and Ignite allocations from the community.</mark>

Surge natively integrates with YouTube Live to allow you to broadcast AMAs, live coding sessions, and product demos directly to your project page.

**Prerequisite: Account Connection**

Before you can broadcast or schedule a stream, you must connect your Google Account to your Surge profile.

* Navigate to your Personal Profile Settings on Surge.
* Connect the exact same Google Account that manages the YouTube channel you will be streaming from.

Here is the updated section for your GitBook. I have added a crucial "Pre-Broadcast Setup" step right at the beginning to ensure founders don't get stuck by YouTube's 24-hour waiting period or embedding errors.

### 1. Going Live (Broadcasting Right Now)

Before you can push a stream to your Surge project page, you must ensure your YouTube channel is properly configured.

**Pre-Broadcast Setup (YouTube Requirements)**

If you have never streamed on YouTube before, you must request streaming access 24 hours in advance.

1. Go to YouTube Studio, click the Create button, and select Go live.
2. Verify your account with a phone number. YouTube takes exactly 24 hours to activate live streaming on new accounts.
3. *<mark style="color:$primary;">**Mandatory Stream Settings**</mark>*: When you create your stream in YouTube, you MUST check the following settings, otherwise the video will break on Surge:
   * **Visibility**: Set to Public (so the Surge community can actually see it).
   * **Audience**: Select "No, it's not made for kids" (otherwise YouTube heavily restricts playback features).
   * **Distribution**: You must check the "Allow embedding" box. If this is turned off, Surge will not be able to display your video on your project page.

**Launching Your Stream on Surge:**

When you are ready to stream immediately and your YouTube settings are correct, follow these steps:

1. **Start Your YouTube Stream**: Initiate your live stream via YouTube Studio (or your preferred broadcasting software like OBS connected to YouTube).
2. **Copy the URL**: Copy the public YouTube video link for your active stream (e.g., `https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=...`).
3. **Trigger Surge Broadcast**: Navigate to your Surge Project Page and click the green \[ → Start Livestream ] button located at the top right of your dashboard.
4. **Paste & Sync**: A modal will appear. Paste your YouTube link into the input field and click Save.
5. **You are Live**: Your project card on the Discovery feed will immediately receive a pulsing "Live Now" badge, and your stream will take over the hero section of your project page.
   * *Note: Being live gives your project massive algorithmic priority and increased visibility on the Discovery Page.*
6. **Ending the Stream**: Once you finish your broadcast, end the stream on YouTube, and be sure to also click "End Livestream" on your Surge dashboard to update your status.

### **2. Scheduling an Upcoming Stream**

Do not launch a stream to an empty room. Scheduling your broadcasts in advance builds anticipation and captures users browsing the "Stream Planned" filter on the Discovery page.

1. **Schedule on YouTube**: Set up an upcoming live stream event in your YouTube Studio.
2. **Navigate to the Livestreams Tab**: On your Surge Project Page, open the Livestreams tab and select the Upcoming Streams subtab.
3. **Add the URL**: Click the button to add a scheduled stream and paste your YouTube URL.
4. **Automated Sync**: Surge will automatically read the YouTube API to pull in the title, date, and exact start time of your broadcast. A countdown timer will now appear on your project profile.

### **3. Archiving Past Streams (VODs)**

Your past broadcasts are incredibly valuable assets. They serve as a transparent, evergreen timeline of your journey for future investors to review.

1. **Navigate to Past Streams**: Go to the Livestreams tab on your project page and ensure you are on the Past Streams subtab.
2. **Add Your VOD**: Click the \[ + Add past stream ] button.
3. **Paste & Publish**: Paste the YouTube link of your completed broadcast. The title and metadata will automatically sync, adding the video to your public archive so new followers can catch up on what they missed.