---
title: Do I need an encoder for a linear stream?
description: Yes, you will need an encoder to send any live stream from your end such as from a camera or video source on your computer to one of your live channels inside your account. Here are some helpful suppo
---

![company logo](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/test-header.png?height=120&name=test-header.png) 

[Support Center](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/)

- [Open a Support Ticket](https://mediacloud.dev.lightcast.com/support-center/open-ticket)
- <https://help.dev.lightcast.com/kb-tickets/new>
- [Go to Customer Portal](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/tickets)

 Linear Streaming

- [Getting Started](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/getting-started)
- [Video Guides](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides) 
    - [Subtitles](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#subtitles)
    - [Audio Archive](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#audio-archive)
    - [Sub Channels](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#sub-channels)
    - [Watermarks](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#watermarks)
    - [Video Minutes](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#video-minutes)
    - [Account Settings](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#account-settings)
    - [Workflow Presets](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#workflow-presets)
    - [App Builder](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#app-builder)
    - [Player Customization](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#player-customization)
    - [Pay-Per-View](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#pay-per-view)
    - [Media Stats Center](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#media-stats-center)
    - [Revenue](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#revenue)
    - [Media Groups](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#media-groups)
    - [Video Archive](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#video-archive)
    - [Platforms](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#platforms)
    - [Miscellaneous](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#miscellaneous)
    - [24/7 Cloud Scheduler](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#24-7-cloud-scheduler)
    - [Live Channels](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#live-channels)
    - [VOD Channels](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#vod-channels)
- [Video on Demand](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand) 
    - [Miscellaneous](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#miscellaneous)
    - [Sub Channels](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#sub-channels)
    - [Facebook Video Publishing](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#facebook-video-publishing)
    - [Trailers](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#trailers)
    - [YouTube Video Publishing](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#youtube-video-publishing)
    - [Video Upload](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#video-upload)
    - [Media Groups](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#media-groups)
    - [Closed Captions - Subtitles](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#closed-captions-subtitles)
    - [Video Export](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#video-export)
    - [Scheduled Publishing](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#scheduled-publishing)
    - [Troubleshooting](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#troubleshooting)
    - [Watermarks Feature](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#watermarks-feature)
    - [Geo Blocking](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#geo-blocking)
- [Miscellaneous](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/miscellaneous)
- [Bandwidth Usage (Video Minutes)](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/bandwidth-usage-video-minutes)
- [Lightcast API](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-api)
- [Tips Of The Week](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/tips-of-the-week)
- [Audio on Demand](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/audio-on-demand)
- [Release Notes](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/release-notes)
- [Storage & Transcoding](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/storage-transcoding) 
    - [Storage](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/storage-transcoding#storage)
    - [Transcoding](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/storage-transcoding#transcoding)
- [Analytics](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/analytics)
- [Platforms & App Stores](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores) 
    - [Chromecast/Google Cast & Apple AirPlay Publishing](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#chromecast-google-cast-apple-airplay-publishing)
    - [AndroidTV](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#androidtv)
    - [Amazon FireTV](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#amazon-firetv)
    - [Mobile Devices/Mobile Apps](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#mobile-devices-mobile-apps)
    - [Podcast Channels](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#podcast-channels)
    - [AppleTV](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#appletv)
    - [WebApp](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#webapp)
    - [General](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#general)
    - [Roku](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#roku)
    - [App Ownership](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#app-ownership)
- [Live Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming) 
    - [LIVE-to-VOD](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#live-to-vod)
    - [Simulated Live](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#simulated-live)
    - [Miscellaneous](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#miscellaneous)
    - [Toubleshooting](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#toubleshooting)
    - [VOD-to-LIVE](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#vod-to-live)
    - [Facebook Live Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#facebook-live-streaming)
    - [YouTube Live Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#youtube-live-streaming)
    - [Live Encoder / Encoder Settings](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#live-encoder-encoder-settings)
    - [Multi-Bitrate Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#multi-bitrate-streaming)
    - [Pay-per-View (PPV) for Live Events](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#pay-per-view-ppv-for-live-events)
    - [Livestream DVR](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#livestream-dvr)
- [24/7 Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/24-7-streaming) 
    - [24/7 Cloud Scheduler](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/24-7-streaming#24-7-cloud-scheduler)
    - [Linear Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/24-7-streaming#linear-streaming)
- [Lightcast DRM](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-drm)
- [Code Authentication](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/code-authentication)
- [Payment & Billing](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/payment-billing)
- [Video Advertising (AVOD/ALIVE)](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-advertising-avod-alive) 
    - [Publishers](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-advertising-avod-alive#publishers)
    - [General](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-advertising-avod-alive#general)
    - [Advertisers](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-advertising-avod-alive#advertisers)
- [Lightcast EasyPay](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-easypay) 
    - [Lightcast EasyPay for Subscription Content (SVOD/SLIVE)](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-easypay#lightcast-easypay-for-subscription-content-svod-slive)
    - [Miscellaneous](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-easypay#miscellaneous)
    - [Lightcast EasyPay for Donations](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-easypay#lightcast-easypay-for-donations)
- [Lightcast Academy](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-academy) 
    - [Account Training](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-academy#account-training)
- [Subscription System (SVOD/SLIVE)](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/subscription-system-svod-slive)
- [Pay-Per-View (PPV)](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/pay-per-view-ppv)
- [Media Player](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/media-player) 
    - [General](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/media-player#general)
    - [Player Embed Tool](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/media-player#player-embed-tool)
    - [Player Sharing Feature](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/media-player#player-sharing-feature)
    - [Player Configurator](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/media-player#player-configurator)

[Back to home](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/)

1. [Support Center](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/)
2. [24/7 Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/24-7-streaming)
3. Linear Streaming

- [Getting Started](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/getting-started)
- [Video Guides](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides) 
    - [Subtitles](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#subtitles)
    - [Audio Archive](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#audio-archive)
    - [Sub Channels](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#sub-channels)
    - [Watermarks](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#watermarks)
    - [Video Minutes](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#video-minutes)
    - [Account Settings](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#account-settings)
    - [Workflow Presets](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#workflow-presets)
    - [App Builder](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#app-builder)
    - [Player Customization](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#player-customization)
    - [Pay-Per-View](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#pay-per-view)
    - [Media Stats Center](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#media-stats-center)
    - [Revenue](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#revenue)
    - [Media Groups](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#media-groups)
    - [Video Archive](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#video-archive)
    - [Platforms](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#platforms)
    - [Miscellaneous](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#miscellaneous)
    - [24/7 Cloud Scheduler](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#24-7-cloud-scheduler)
    - [Live Channels](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#live-channels)
    - [VOD Channels](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-guides#vod-channels)
- [Video on Demand](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand) 
    - [Miscellaneous](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#miscellaneous)
    - [Sub Channels](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#sub-channels)
    - [Facebook Video Publishing](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#facebook-video-publishing)
    - [Trailers](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#trailers)
    - [YouTube Video Publishing](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#youtube-video-publishing)
    - [Video Upload](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#video-upload)
    - [Media Groups](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#media-groups)
    - [Closed Captions - Subtitles](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#closed-captions-subtitles)
    - [Video Export](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#video-export)
    - [Scheduled Publishing](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#scheduled-publishing)
    - [Troubleshooting](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#troubleshooting)
    - [Watermarks Feature](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#watermarks-feature)
    - [Geo Blocking](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-on-demand#geo-blocking)
- [Miscellaneous](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/miscellaneous)
- [Bandwidth Usage (Video Minutes)](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/bandwidth-usage-video-minutes)
- [Lightcast API](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-api)
- [Tips Of The Week](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/tips-of-the-week)
- [Audio on Demand](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/audio-on-demand)
- [Release Notes](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/release-notes)
- [Storage & Transcoding](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/storage-transcoding) 
    - [Storage](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/storage-transcoding#storage)
    - [Transcoding](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/storage-transcoding#transcoding)
- [Analytics](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/analytics)
- [Platforms & App Stores](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores) 
    - [Chromecast/Google Cast & Apple AirPlay Publishing](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#chromecast-google-cast-apple-airplay-publishing)
    - [AndroidTV](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#androidtv)
    - [Amazon FireTV](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#amazon-firetv)
    - [Mobile Devices/Mobile Apps](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#mobile-devices-mobile-apps)
    - [Podcast Channels](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#podcast-channels)
    - [AppleTV](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#appletv)
    - [WebApp](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#webapp)
    - [General](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#general)
    - [Roku](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#roku)
    - [App Ownership](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/platforms-app-stores#app-ownership)
- [Live Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming) 
    - [LIVE-to-VOD](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#live-to-vod)
    - [Simulated Live](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#simulated-live)
    - [Miscellaneous](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#miscellaneous)
    - [Toubleshooting](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#toubleshooting)
    - [VOD-to-LIVE](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#vod-to-live)
    - [Facebook Live Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#facebook-live-streaming)
    - [YouTube Live Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#youtube-live-streaming)
    - [Live Encoder / Encoder Settings](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#live-encoder-encoder-settings)
    - [Multi-Bitrate Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#multi-bitrate-streaming)
    - [Pay-per-View (PPV) for Live Events](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#pay-per-view-ppv-for-live-events)
    - [Livestream DVR](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/live-streaming#livestream-dvr)
- [24/7 Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/24-7-streaming) 
    - [24/7 Cloud Scheduler](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/24-7-streaming#24-7-cloud-scheduler)
    - [Linear Streaming](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/24-7-streaming#linear-streaming)
- [Lightcast DRM](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-drm)
- [Code Authentication](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/code-authentication)
- [Payment & Billing](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/payment-billing)
- [Video Advertising (AVOD/ALIVE)](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-advertising-avod-alive) 
    - [Publishers](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-advertising-avod-alive#publishers)
    - [General](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-advertising-avod-alive#general)
    - [Advertisers](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/video-advertising-avod-alive#advertisers)
- [Lightcast EasyPay](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-easypay) 
    - [Lightcast EasyPay for Subscription Content (SVOD/SLIVE)](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-easypay#lightcast-easypay-for-subscription-content-svod-slive)
    - [Miscellaneous](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-easypay#miscellaneous)
    - [Lightcast EasyPay for Donations](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-easypay#lightcast-easypay-for-donations)
- [Lightcast Academy](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-academy) 
    - [Account Training](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/lightcast-academy#account-training)
- [Subscription System (SVOD/SLIVE)](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/subscription-system-svod-slive)
- [Pay-Per-View (PPV)](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/pay-per-view-ppv)
- [Media Player](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/media-player) 
    - [General](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/media-player#general)
    - [Player Embed Tool](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/media-player#player-embed-tool)
    - [Player Sharing Feature](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/media-player#player-sharing-feature)
    - [Player Configurator](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/media-player#player-configurator)

# Do I need an encoder for a linear stream?

Yes, you will need an encoder to send any live stream from your end such as from a camera or video source on your computer to one of your live channels inside your account.

Here are some helpful support articles related to encoder configuration and recommended encoders:  
[http://www.lightcast.com/user/page/encoder-configuration](http://www.lightcast.com/user/page/encoder-configuration)

[https://help.lightcast.com/does-lightcast-require-or-recommend-specific-live-encoders-for-the-use-with-its-cdn](https://help.lightcast.com/does-lightcast-require-or-recommend-specific-live-encoders-for-the-use-with-its-cdn)

Should you need help with the configuration of your encoder, our tech support team is happy to walk through your encoder and test your live stream settings. Encoder configuration calls can be scheduled at[ http://techsupport.lightcast.com/](http://techsupport.lightcast.com/)

If you choose to use our 24/7 Cloud Scheduler you will not need an encoder. The Cloud Scheduler takes existing videos inside your Lightcast account and allows you to schedule them over a 24/7 time period at specific times you choose. More about the 24/7 Cloud Scheduler can be found at [https://help.lightcast.com/24/7-cloud-scheduler](https://help.lightcast.com/24/7-cloud-scheduler)

[![company logo](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled-2.png?height=120&name=Untitled-2.png)](https://mediacloud.lightcast.com)

- [![facebook_social_link_icon_alt_text](https://static.hsstatic.net/TemplateAssets/static-1.329/img/hs_default_template_images/modules/Follow+Me+-+Email/facebook_circle_color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/lightcastinc)
- [![twitter_social_link_icon_alt_text](https://static.hsstatic.net/TemplateAssets/static-1.329/img/hs_default_template_images/modules/Follow+Me+-+Email/twitter_circle_color.png)](https://twitter.com/lightcast_inc)
- [![linkedin_social_link_icon_alt_text](https://static.hsstatic.net/TemplateAssets/static-1.329/img/hs_default_template_images/modules/Follow+Me+-+Email/linkedin_circle_color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightcast/)

- [Open a Support Ticket](https://mediacloud.dev.lightcast.com/support-center/open-ticket)
- <https://help.dev.lightcast.com/kb-tickets/new>
- [Go to Customer Portal](https://help.dev.lightcast.com/tickets)