Question / Help How do you know if your stream buffers?

[Pandaluvin]

So I've recently started streaming, and atm its consuming most of my time (In a good way).

But every question I have, I look up and to some extent get answers. Anyway I just want to double check with you guys <3

So I recently learned how to analyze your log file, and everytime I do it says that Im using a bad server, and I've literally tried every single one (Around my area), I have also used two programs that estimates what server you should use. I live in Europe / Norway, and the program twitch recommends says that I should use the server located in Stockholm, but another tool tells me not to use that one.

However, I just figured I'd try all of them, and watch my own stream on my laptop meanwhile, now here comes the part that baffles me, all the servers at some point buffered my stream (Not like crazy buffering, just once in awhile)


So to find the answer to this I googled, oh almighty google what I wouldn't do without you. And Apparently I'm not alone on this issue, I read some people say that I shouldn't care about the buffering on my end, leave it to my viewers (Now I've recently started and don't have any viewers).

So my question is, how can you tell that your stream is running fine, if you cant watch it yourself?
I know you don't want to drop frames (Im not)
I also know you dont want to stream at a 2 high quality, since as a none partnered streamer I have no source, therefor to make sure most people will be able to watch my stream I have to keep it low.

Sorry this post ended up kinda long.

For the lazy people:
tl;dr
How to tell that your stream is fine without watching it yourself (since it buffers on my end, even tho obs says that everything is fine)

Which program to trust when you ping the twitch servers?

 

[Boildown]

If your log file indicators are fine, then that's all you can do, the rest is on Twitch and the end-viewer's download capabilities.

What you can do is not stream at so-high of a bitrate that your viewers can't download it. A lot of people recommend only 2000 bitrate for 720p video, for example, for this reason, instead of Twitch's max of 3500.

As for checking it while live, you can see if viewers are complaining, ask a friend to watch, get two internet connections and another computer, etc. Asking a friend to watch for quality issues is probably the best/easiest/cheapest.

 

[Pandaluvin]

If your log file indicators are fine, then that's all you can do, the rest is on Twitch and the end-viewer's download capabilities.

What you can do is not stream at so-high of a bitrate that your viewers can't download it. A lot of people recommend only 2000 bitrate for 720p video, for example, for this reason, instead of Twitch's max of 3500.

As for checking it while live, you can see if viewers are complaining, ask a friend to watch, get two internet connections and another computer, etc. Asking a friend to watch for quality issues is probably the best/easiest/cheapest.

Cheers man, figured as much. I actually have it set to 1800-2200 atm, will see how it goes :)

I still find it frustrating tho, rly would like to keep my keen eye on it at all times, guess I have to learn how to let go ^^