Start, pause, and end a stream
What this page helps you do
When you’re filming your kid’s game, the hardest part isn’t the tech—it’s timing. This guide helps you start your broadcast smoothly, handle breaks (timeouts, halftime, rain delays), and end cleanly so family members don’t miss the moments that matter.
Start your broadcast (the “no-missed-moments” start)
Go live a little before the action starts. Viewers often need a moment to open the link, connect to AirPlay/Chromecast, or message relatives.
Aim for: live before warmups end or during the last huddle.
Look for the app’s Live indicator and a running timer. If you don’t see it, you may still be in a preview screen.
Right after you start, keep the camera still for a few seconds. This gives viewers a stable picture while their player loads.
A simple line helps viewers know they’re watching the correct game: “Hey everyone—welcome to today’s game!” Then immediately get back to the action.
Quick start checklist (during the first minute)
- Framing: center the play area so you don’t have to chase the action with big swings.
- Volume: make sure the phone isn’t muted (and any connected mic is on).
- On-screen info: if you use a scoreboard, confirm it’s visible and not covering the main action area.
Breaks & intermissions (timeouts, halftime, innings, rain delays)
Breaks are where many streams get awkward: people stop the stream, forget to restart, or come back late and miss the first play. The safest approach is usually: keep the stream going, switch to a simple “intermission” look, and conserve battery where you can.
The easiest option: keep the stream running
Use the app’s Intermission / Break option (if available) or simply point the camera at a steady, non-distracting view (for example: midfield, scoreboard, or wide shot of the field).
If you’re worried about bumping controls during a break, use any available lock option for on-screen controls (or keep a steady grip and avoid tapping).
If you’ll be talking with other parents nearby, use Mute during halftime so viewers don’t hear private conversations.
When the break is almost over, return to your normal framing before play resumes.
Rule of thumb: be ready 30 seconds before the whistle/serve/pitch.
When should you pause or stop during a break?
Only pause/stop if you truly need to—like a long weather delay, you must move locations, or you need to save battery and data.
If the delay is going to be more than a few minutes, choose one of these approaches:
- Keep streaming + mute: best when you want to guarantee you don’t forget to restart.
- Pause (if available): good compromise to reduce background while staying in the same broadcast.
- End and restart later: best when you must conserve battery/data or you’re relocating and won’t be back soon.
If you end and restart later, plan a quick message for viewers: “We’ll be back live when play resumes.”
Keep it simple and steady. A wide shot of the field/court is ideal. If you use on-screen graphics, an Intermission look is great—but don’t stress about perfection. Viewers mostly want to stay connected so they don’t miss the second half.
For anything under ~2 minutes, keep streaming. Don’t touch anything unless you need to. Stable shot, optional mute, and be ready early.
End cleanly (so the last moment isn’t cut off)
Ending is where a lot of great streams accidentally feel “unfinished.” The fix is simple: give yourself a buffer after the final whistle.
Don’t end the stream exactly at the whistle. Often the best moments come right after: team celebrations, handshakes, coaches talking to players, or a final shot of the scoreboard.
Good default: keep rolling 30–60 seconds after the game ends.
Hold a steady wide shot and (optionally) show the final score for a few seconds so viewers can screenshot or confirm the result.
If you’re comfortable: “Thanks for watching—see you next game.” Then keep the camera steady for a few seconds after you finish speaking.
Tap End (or End Stream) and confirm if prompted. Wait until the app shows the stream is no longer live.
A simple “don’t forget” ending routine
- Final play finishes → keep filming
- Celebrate/handshakes → keep filming
- Final score visible (5–10 seconds)
- End stream only after you’re sure you’re done
Common mistakes (and the quick fix)
- Mistake: Start the stream right at kickoff/first pitch.
Fix: Start 30–90 seconds early so viewers don’t join late. - Mistake: End at the whistle and miss the celebration/handshakes.
Fix: Keep rolling 30–60 seconds after the game ends. - Mistake: Stop during halftime and forget to restart until play resumes.
Fix: Keep streaming during halftime; mute if needed; be ready early.