Help Center

How Can We Help?

Browse the topics below to find answers, or contact us if you need more help.

1Getting Started

How do I create an account?

Visit riverbend.live/auth/signup and enter your email and a password. You will be logged in immediately with a standard attendee account. To unlock producer features (event creation, streaming), upgrade your account from the account settings page.

How do I set up my first event?

After upgrading to a producer account, navigate to your dashboard and click “New Event.” Fill in the title, description, date, and thumbnail. Add sessions for each time slot you plan to stream. Publish the event when you are ready for viewers to discover it.

Do I need any special software to stream?

It depends on which streaming mode you choose when creating your event. Webcam mode requires nothing — just a browser and a camera. Encoder mode requires streaming software like OBS Studio (free) or Streamlabs. See the “Streaming Modes” section below for a full comparison.

2Streaming Modes

What is the difference between Encoder and Webcam mode?

When creating an event you choose one of two streaming modes. This choice determines how you go live — you cannot change it after the event is created, so pick the one that fits your setup.

Encoder Mode
  • ✓ Requires OBS, Streamlabs, or any RTMP software
  • ✓ Mix multiple cameras, screens, and audio sources
  • ✓ Full control over bitrate and quality
  • ✓ Best for professional productions, gaming, and multi-camera setups
  • — Requires a computer running streaming software
Webcam Mode
  • ✓ No software to install — just open your browser
  • ✓ Works on desktop, laptop, and mobile phones
  • ✓ Go live in seconds from anywhere
  • ✓ Best for talks, Q&As, interviews, and on-the-go streams
  • — Single camera/mic only (your device)

Which mode should I choose?

Choose Webcam if you want the fastest path to going live — a single camera talking to your audience, no setup required. It works on any modern browser including your phone, so you can go live from anywhere. Choose Encoder if you need scene switching, multiple inputs, overlays, screen capture, or fine-grained control over your stream quality. OBS Studio is free and is the most popular choice.

Can I stream from my phone?

Yes — with Webcam mode. Open your event’s Broadcast Studio page in a mobile browser (Chrome on Android or Safari on iOS), grant camera and microphone access, and tap Go Live. No app download needed. This is great for on-location streams, behind-the-scenes content, or any time you don’t have a computer handy.

3Streaming Setup

How do I go live with Encoder mode (OBS)?

In your organizer dashboard, click “Start Stream” on your event to activate the stream. Then open OBS, go to Settings → Stream, select “Custom” service, and paste in the RTMP server URL and stream key from your event settings. Click “Start Streaming” in OBS. We recommend a bitrate of 3000–6000 kbps for 1080p.

How do I go live with Webcam mode?

From your organizer dashboard, click the “Go Live” button on a Webcam event — this opens the Broadcast Studio page. Allow camera and microphone access when prompted, then click “Go Live.” Your stream starts instantly. Works in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari — including on mobile.

How do I test before going live?

For Encoder events, activate the stream from your dashboard, then connect OBS and check the playback URL privately before sharing. For Webcam events, the Broadcast Studio page shows a preview of your camera before you go live — check your framing and audio there. In both cases, viewers only see the stream once you’ve confirmed everything looks good.

Do I need to pay per stream?

Streaming costs are included in your producer plan. Contact us for details on plan limits and current pricing.

4Viewers & Chat

How do viewers find my event?

Published events appear on the public Browse Events page. Each event also has a direct URL (e.g. riverbend.live/yourname/events/event-title) that you can share via social media, email, or your website. No account is required to watch a public event.

What is Q&A mode?

Q&A mode switches the chat panel so that viewers can submit questions, and you as the organizer can highlight and answer selected questions. Regular chat messages are hidden during Q&A mode to keep the focus on questions. Toggle it from the organizer chat controls during your live stream.

How does slow mode work?

Slow mode limits how frequently viewers can send chat messages. You can cycle through Off, 5s, 15s, and 30s intervals from the chat controls panel. This is useful for large audiences where chat moves too fast to read.

5Billing & Account

Is there a free plan?

Creating an attendee account is free. Producer accounts unlock event creation and streaming capabilities. Contact support@riverbendmedia.com to learn about current pricing and any available trials.

How do I delete my account?

Email support@riverbendmedia.com from the email address associated with your account and request deletion. We will remove your account and associated data within 30 days in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

How do I contact support?

The fastest way is email: support@riverbendmedia.com. You can also use the Contact page. We respond within 1 business day, Monday through Friday.

Still have questions?

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