Live is currently in early testing. While it may not be available to all creators just yet, we're continuing to expand access.
This guide covers the most frequently asked questions about going Live on Patreon. If you're looking for step-by-step instructions on how to set up or manage your Live events, check out our Live Setup and Overview article.
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If you start a Live directly through Patreon, only one host is supported — the person logged into the Patreon account.
However, Patreon Live integrates with OBS and other streaming platforms. This allows you to go live with multiple hosts using tools like Discord (via screenshare) or streaming software that supports multi-host setups.
For example, StreamYard supports co-hosting and guest management.
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Yes, you're in control of who you'd like to go Live to, whether you want to go Live to all members or only certain tiers
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At this time, you can only go Live with hosts in separate locations if you use a streaming setup like Zoom, OBS, or Streamyard.
Additional resources:
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To stream using OBS:
- On desktop, create a Live and select Use Streaming Software as your method
- Copy the Stream URL and Stream Key from Patreon
- In OBS, go to Preferences > Stream and choose Custom as the service
- Paste the URL and Key into the appropriate fields in OBS
- Click Start Streaming in OBS
- Go back to Patreon and click Go live now
Make sure to end the stream in OBS first, then end it on Patreon to ensure a smooth close.
Additional resources:
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There’s no limit on how many guests can attend your Live event.
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Yes, there is an integrated chat feature that overlays on the Live (mobile) or shows up next to the Live (web) for all attendees.
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When you go Live, your selected audience receives an email and a push notification so they don't miss it.
If the Live is scheduled, members are notified when it's scheduled and again when it starts. They can join from desktop or mobile and engage in real-time.
- Notifications: Members receive both email and push notifications.
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Ways to join:
- From notifications — via email or push alerts
- From a shared link — any member with access can join
- From Community Chat — banners appear for scheduled/ongoing Lives → GIF here
- From the launcher — Lives appear in the home feed on app and desktop
- From your creator page — visible to members who visit your page → GIF here
- Waiting Room: If a member joins early, they'll see a gradient background and your avatar while you prepare.
- Engagement: Members can chat and react with emojis in real time. Creators can also share images to Chat, however Members cannot at this time.
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After your Live ends, the recording is saved as a draft post. You can choose to publish the draft as a post, or download the Live to edit into clips or episodes.
- If the Live was audio-only, it saves as an audio post
- If it was a video, it saves as a video with audio
Currently, you can’t separate video and audio directly within Patreon, but external editing tools can help if needed.
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Chats from your Live only save if you go Live from within a Community Chat. If you use the Create button to go Live, your chats will not save after your Live ends.