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Castr blog

Live streaming guides from the team that runs it.

Practical articles on broadcasting, encoding, hosting, monetization, and everything in between, written by the Castr team.

Twitch Statistics

Latest · Statistics

Twitch Statistics 2026: Users, Demographics, Viewership & Revenue

Twitch Statistics 2026: 240M monthly users, 35M daily users, 2.09M concurrent viewers, plus demographics, hours watched, revenue and top streamers.

Nov 1, 2026 · 15 min read

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OBS Logo with text Best OBS Settings

Tips & Tricks

Best OBS Settings for Streaming and Recording (2026)

Stream with CBR, a 2-second keyframe and 6,000 Kbps at 1080p60. Record at CQP 19–21 in Hybrid MP4 or MKV. Plus Twitch, YouTube and Kick presets.

Oct 31, 2026 · 23 min

OTT Monetization Models

Monetization

OTT Monetization Models: SVOD, AVOD, TVOD, Hybrid, FAST and Live Pay-Per-View

Compare 12 OTT monetization models, from SVOD and AVOD to live pay-per-view. See what each earns at your audience size and how to choose the right one.

Oct 28, 2026 · 22 min

embedding live streaming on website

Livestream

How to Set Up Live Streaming on Your Website (7 Steps)

Learn how to set up live streaming on your website in 7 steps. Get the gear, embed code, and encoder settings to put a branded live player on your site.

Oct 23, 2026 · 16 min

vimeo on demand alternatives

Video Trends

Vimeo On Demand Shutting Down: 10 Best Alternatives to Sell Your Videos

Vimeo On Demand shuts down November 20, 2026. Compare the 10 best Vimeo On Demand alternatives by price and fees, then migrate without losing your buyers.

Oct 16, 2026 · 23 min

Best Music Streaming Services for Musicians

Livestream

10 Best Music Streaming Services for Musicians: Payouts and Your Own Platform

Compare the 10 best music streaming services for musicians by 2026 payouts, users, and release steps, plus how to earn more on a platform you own.

Oct 9, 2026 · 26 min

Singer performing into a microphone with a guitarist in the background during a live music broadcast.

Livestream

Live Streaming Equipment for Musicians: Setup & Platforms

Live streaming equipment for musicians, from cameras and mics to lighting and software. Learn how to build your setup and choose the right streaming platform.

Oct 7, 2026 · 23 min

Balanced Vs. Unbalanced Audio What’s the Difference

Tips & Tricks

Balanced Vs. Unbalanced Audio: What’s the Difference?

Curious about the difference between Balanced and Unbalanced Audio? Get clarity on the key differences in the Castr blog.

Oct 6, 2026 · 10 min

TikTok statistics and facts

Statistics

TikTok Statistics, Facts, User Demographics and LIVE Data (2026)

Get the latest TikTok statistics: 2B users, age and gender demographics, $33.1B revenue and TikTok LIVE watch-time data.

Sep 26, 2026 · 21 min

## **How many followers do you need to go live on TikTok?**

Livestream

How Many Followers You Need to Go Live on TikTok

TikTok requires 1,000 followers to go LIVE, plus age and account checks. Get the full eligibility list and 11 ways to reach 1,000 followers as a beginner.

Sep 20, 2026 · 13 min

best time to go live on tiktok

Livestream

The Best Time to Go Live on TikTok

Find the best time to go live on TikTok, with proven timing tips to reach more viewers, boost engagement, and grow your live audience.

Sep 17, 2026 · 15 min

Go Live on TikTok

Livestream

How to Go Live on TikTok

Learn how to go live on TikTok, check the eligibility requirements, start your livestream, adjust LIVE settings, and engage with viewers in real time.

Sep 16, 2026 · 11 min

Put the advice into practice on Castr.

Live streaming, hosting, 24/7 playout, and monetization in one platform, with 24/7 human support.