Live Streaming5 min readUpdated Feb 1, 2025
Troubleshooting streaming issues
Most stream hiccups are caused by bandwidth, browser conflicts, or device settings. Work through this checklist to stabilize your broadcast quickly.
Key takeaways
- Run the network test to verify minimum upstream bandwidth
- Close background apps that compete for camera, mic, or CPU
- Switch to backup streaming modes when you detect packet loss
Check your connection
Stable uploads are the backbone of smooth streaming.
- Use the built-in network test from the stream backstage—aim for 5 Mbps upload or higher
- Prefer wired ethernet; if unavailable, move closer to your router and limit other devices
- Disable VPNs or firewalls temporarily if they throttle real-time traffic
Verify audio and video
Hardware conflicts can mute you or freeze the picture.
- Close conferencing apps (Zoom, Teams) that may lock your camera or microphone
- In browser settings, ensure bourbonbuddy.live has camera/mic permissions
- Lower video resolution to 720p if your CPU hits 80% usage
Fallback options
If quality drops during a live event, switch strategies on the fly.
- Enable audio-priority mode to keep commentary clear even with weak video
- Ask a co-host to take over while you refresh your browser or device
- Restart the stream in low-latency mode if you need more buffer
Tips from the pros
- Keep the Bourbon Buddy status page bookmarked to quickly check for outages.
- Run a rehearsal stream 24 hours before major events to catch issues early.
Common questions
Why does my audio fall out of sync?
This typically happens when CPU usage spikes. Lower your stream resolution and close any heavy background applications.
How do I report a bug?
Use the in-stream feedback form or contact support with your stream ID, browser version, and a short description of the issue.