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Switchboard Live’s trial support article describes 99 broadcast minutes for its Indie and Pro plans. The allowance starts counting when a broadcast begins, not while you set up. You can use it to test a multistream that includes YouTube, check the encoder feed before sending it live, try Partner Invite, and test simultaneous streams from more than one encoder. Switchboard’s trial article does not state a calendar expiration date or all eligibility conditions, so confirm those in the signup flow if they matter.
What you can test during the trial
- A multistream that includes YouTube: YouTube is a native Switchboard destination, and the trial article says you can test a broadcast to as many destinations as you want. This lets you check the YouTube destination as part of a multistream rather than only a standalone YouTube broadcast. The trial article and the destinations guide describe the available options.
- Destination connections: Connect native destinations by authorizing the platform credentials. For a platform not listed as a native integration, Switchboard supports a custom RTMP destination using that provider’s server URL and stream key. The destinations guide says the service supports unlimited destinations.
- Partner Invite: Invite partners to stream to their own social destinations without sharing their passwords. Partners authorize their accounts through an invite link.
- Multiple encoders: The trial article says simultaneous streams using more than one encoder can be tested.
- The encoder connection before going live: Send a feed to Switchboard’s confidence monitor. When the video appears and the status changes to receiving, you have confirmed that Switchboard is receiving the feed. This check does not start the YouTube destination or publish the stream.
- A stream without Switchboard branding: Switchboard’s FAQ says its logo does not appear on live stream videos, including during the trial. Read Switchboard’s FAQ.
How long the trial lasts
Switchboard’s trial-specific support article describes 99 broadcast minutes for the Indie and Pro plans. The clock starts when a broadcast begins, rather than during setup. The article does not establish a calendar expiration date, region-specific terms, or every eligibility condition. Check the account signup flow for details that could affect your account.
An older Switchboard blog describes a seven-day trial, but that claim conflicts with the trial-specific support article and should not be treated as the current trial term. The support article’s stated allowance is broadcast minutes, not seven days.
What you need before connecting YouTube
- An active Switchboard account.
- Login credentials for the YouTube channel you want to connect.
- Streaming software or an encoder. Switchboard’s setup guide lists OBS, Zoom, vMix, LiveU, Ecamm, and Blackmagic as examples; it does not establish that any particular camera, microphone, capture card, or dedicated encoder is required.
- YouTube live streaming enabled for the channel. Switchboard says activation can take up to 24 hours. YouTube also requires channel verification and no live-streaming restrictions in the preceding 90 days; its stated minimum age for live streaming is 16. See YouTube’s live-streaming eligibility information.
Set up a YouTube test without accidentally going live
- Enable live streaming on YouTube first. If the channel has not been enabled, complete YouTube’s activation process and allow for the possibility that it may take up to 24 hours.
- Connect the YouTube destination in Switchboard. Sign in with the channel credentials when prompted to authorize the native integration.
- Create a stream group and add YouTube. Add any other destinations you intend to test. For a non-native destination, use its provider’s RTMP server URL and stream key.
- Connect your encoder. Configure your streaming software or encoder to send its feed to Switchboard as directed by the Switchboard setup guide.
- Check the confidence monitor. Wait for the incoming video to appear and for the status to show receiving. This confirms the encoder-to-Switchboard connection; it does not push the feed live to YouTube.
- Start the YouTube destination when ready. Starting the destination is the step that takes the broadcast to YouTube and begins consuming the trial’s broadcast minutes.
Switchboard’s setup guide covers this workflow and the confidence monitor: Getting started with Switchboard.
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What the trial does not establish
Switchboard describes itself as a multistreaming service, not an editing studio; its FAQ says studio-like features are not available on the platform. The trial article confirms the 99-minute allowance and named trial capabilities, but does not establish a calendar end date, geographic variations, or all account eligibility rules. Treat those as signup-flow details rather than assuming the allowance is identical in every circumstance.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is to keep a pre-recorded video live on YouTube continuously rather than test a multistreaming workflow, StreamNeo is a different kind of service: it loops uploaded videos from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, then go live. Nothing has to stay running at home; video streams as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo is YouTube-only and is not a camera-based live production tool. Learn about StreamNeo, or start the free day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does setting up the confidence monitor use the trial minutes?
No. The countdown starts when the broadcast begins, and the confidence monitor check alone does not start a destination.
Does Switchboard add its logo to trial broadcasts?
Switchboard’s FAQ says its logo does not appear on live stream videos, including during the trial.
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