Broadcasting

Why does my video stop and start?

This can happen for several reasons including:

  • A lot of people moving around on cam
  • Flashing lights
  • Picking up your cam and moving the view to show something in the room to your viewers
  • Poor Wi-Fi or ethernet connection
  • Poor cell phone connection (if using the C4 Broadcaster app or similar)
  • Excessive background animations
  • Incorrect OBS Studio configuration
  • Older, outdated, or poor hardware (computer, camera, or web cam)

Why does it happen?

To make the video flow smoothly, only those pixels that change are transmitted with each frame. There is no reason to keep transmitting static pixels (those displaying the wall behind you for example), this keeps the amount of data being resent with each frame to a minimum and the video is smooth. For example, if you have multiple people moving around or a lot of flashing lights, then there are more changes, meaning more pixels need to be transmitted with each frame.

If you have an 8 Megapixel camera (8 million pixels) that runs at 30 frames per second, that works out to 240 million pixels per second that need to be transmitted to keep up with the movement. The result of this is a jerky video.

Two things to remember!

  1. When you are looking at your own video, this is displayed locally on your computer. So, it will run more smoothly for you than for those watching your broadcast elsewhere
  2. If you move your cam to give your viewers a “quick look” at something, they are unlikely to see what you are trying to show as your cam will start dropping frames as it struggles to keep up with the changes.

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Choosing the Best Webcam

A good cam does not have to be expensive unless you opt for high-end quality. Below are some links with the current top cameras at various price points. You can decide which one is best for you.

*Cam4 is not affiliated with any of the merchants below. Links are provided as examples only.

Logitech C925E

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1370830-REG/logitech_960_001075_c925e_webcam.html

Logitech C922 Pro

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1374480-REG/logitech_960_001087_c922_pro_stream_webcam.html

Logitech C930E

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1604031-REG/logitech_960_000971_c930e_business_webcam.html

Logitech StreamCam

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1547008-REG/logitech_960_001280_stream_camera_plus_graphite.html

Logitech BCC950 (with remote)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/877890-REG/Logitech_960_000866_BCC950_ConferenceCam_Video_Conferencing.html

HuddleCamHD 3X Digital Zoom USB 3 HDMI

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1495842-REG/huddlecamhd_hc_eptz_usb_3x_digital_zoom_usb.html/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x979218/SID/EZ

Panasonic Lumic DMC-G7 Mirrorless Camera

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1208931-REG/panasonic_lumix_dmc_g7_mirrorless_micro.html

Canon EOS-M50 Mirrorless Camera

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1393461-REG/canon_2680c011_eos_m50_mirrorless_digital.html

How To Buy The Best Webcam

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/how-to-buy-the-best-webcam

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How do I win CAM4 Awards?

CAM4 Awards are given to winners of our Cam of the Day and Cam of the Month competitions. Winners receive a trophy icon on their directory thumbnail.

Cam of the Day

This is awarded daily to the top 20 broadcasters based on the highest number of logged-in peak viewers in a single show.

Daily Prizes:

  • 1st–20th place – Points toward Cam of the Month

Important: Only logged-in viewers count toward your peak viewer total. You can check your peak viewers for any broadcast in Broadcaster Dashboard > Insights > Live Broadcasts.

Cam of the Month

The Cam of the Month competition awards the top performers each month based on accumulated points from Cam of the Day placements.

Monthly Prizes:

  • 1st place – $2,500
  • 2nd place – $2,000
  • 3rd place – $1,500
  • 4th place – $1,000
  • 5th–9th place – $750
  • 10th–15th place – $500
  • 16th–20th place – $250

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must earn a minimum of $500 during each month’s contest period (bonuses and contest prizes excluded)
  • You must earn at least the same amount as your prize to receive it in full
  • If you earn less, you will only be paid what you earn
    • Example: If you earn $1,000 but win a $1,500 prize, you will receive $1,000
  • Must have an approved profile photo that clearly shows you
  • Tips from other performers/studios do not count toward minimum earnings
  • A broadcaster can only win once per day/month
  • A valid email address must be on file so we can contact you if you win

Contest Rules

For complete rules and additional requirements, visit:

Note: The contest no longer uses the previous category system (male, female, transgender, etc.). Competition is now unified across all performers. Winners receive a trophy icon on their directory thumbnail instead of gold and silver star badges.

Cam2Cam – Broadcaster FAQ

Do I earn more tokens by using Cam2Cam?

Cam2Cam allows you to charge a different rate than your regular Private Show rate.

How Cam2Cam Pricing Works:

  • Differential Pricing: You can set a separate, typically higher per-minute rate for Cam2Cam Private Shows compared to regular Private Shows
  • Typical Pricing: The recommended Cam2Cam price is around 1.25x to 1.5x your regular private show rate per minute
  • Default Behavior: When you enable Cam2Cam, the system defaults to double your regular Private Show rate, but you can customize this

Example:

  • If your regular Private Show rate is 12 tokens/minute
  • Your Cam2Cam rate might be set to 18-24 tokens/minute

Additional Earning Opportunities:

  • You may also set a tip or Cam4 Gift as an additional cost to accept Cam2Cam requests from viewers
  • Cam2Cam keeps viewers more engaged, which can lead to longer Private Shows and more tokens earned

How do I enable Cam2Cam for my Private Shows?

Cam2Cam requests are enabled by default in your Private Show Settings, but you need to configure your pricing.

For Per-Minute Rate Private Shows:

  1. Click the gear icon beside “Private Show Requests” button while broadcasting
  2. Check the “Allow Cam2Cam” checkbox (should be on by default)
  3. Set your Cam2Cam price per minute using the dropdown
  • The Cam2Cam dropdown shows rates that are separate from your regular Private Show rate
  • By default, values are approximately double your Private Show rate
  1. Click Save to activate

For Fixed Rate (Blocks of Time):

  1. Open your Private Show Settings
  2. Select Fixed Rate option
  3. Check “Allow Cam2Cam”
  4. Set your Cam2Cam blocks of time pricing
  5. Click Save

Important: Your Cam2Cam rate is independent from your regular Private Show rate. This means:

  • Regular Private Show: viewers pay your base rate
  • Cam2Cam Private Show: viewers pay your Cam2Cam rate (typically higher)

To disable Cam2Cam, simply uncheck the “Allow Cam2Cam” box in Private Show Settings.

What is the difference between a Regular Private Show and Cam2Cam Private Show?

Regular Private Show:

  • Only the viewer can see you
  • Viewer’s camera is NOT visible to you
  • Charged at your base Private Show rate (e.g., 12 tokens/minute)

Cam2Cam Private Show:

  • The viewer can see AND hear you
  • You can see AND hear the viewer (two-way video)
  • Charged at your Cam2Cam rate (e.g., 18-24 tokens/minute)
  • More interactive and engaging experience

Both show types work the same way otherwise – they can be per-minute rate or fixed price, and both can have spy viewers.

What can spies see during a Cam2Cam Private Show?

During a Cam2Cam Private Show:

  • Spies can see: Your video only
  • Spies CANNOT see: The viewer’s Cam2Cam video feed
  • Spies CANNOT hear: Audio from either you or the Cam2Cam viewer

Spies pay the standard spy rate regardless of whether the Private Show is regular or Cam2Cam.

How do I accept Cam2Cam requests?

If you have Cam2Cam enabled, viewers will be able to make Cam2Cam Private Show Requests.

Initial Request:

The pop-up for the Private Show Request will specify:

  • Whether Cam2Cam has been requested
  • The Cam2Cam rate (not your regular Private Show rate)
  • The viewer’s token balance

During an Existing Private Show:

Viewers may also request to upgrade to Cam2Cam mode during a regular Private Show. You will receive a new request notification showing the Cam2Cam rate.

After clicking Accept, Cam2Cam mode will begin and you’ll be charged at your Cam2Cam rate (not your regular Private Show rate).

Can I use Cam2Cam in Private Cam Mode?

Cam2Cam is currently restricted to Private Shows only, but might be expanded to Private Cam Mode in the future!

Tips for Setting Your Cam2Cam Price

Competitive Pricing:

  • Industry standard: Cam2Cam rates are typically 1.25x to 1.5x regular Private Show rates
  • Consider your regular Private Show rate and viewer base
  • CAM4 average Private Show pricing is approximately 12.57 tokens/minute

Testing Your Rate:

  • Start with the default (2x your regular rate) and adjust based on demand
  • If you get few Cam2Cam requests, consider lowering your rate
  • If you’re very busy with Cam2Cam, you might increase it

Remember:

  • Cam2Cam is more engaging and interactive
  • Viewers understand they pay a premium for two-way video
  • Higher rates are justified by the enhanced experience

What Is CAM4 XConnect?

CAM4’s XConnect feature allows broadcasters to live-tweet while they broadcast, making promoting their shows and getting more viewers easier than ever!

After integrating your X account into XConnect, you can tweet right from the broadcast window during a show – promoting your show to all of your fans and followers.

Connect your X account to CAM4 today and make sure none of your followers are missing out!

Do I need an X (Twitter) account for XConnect?

Yes. In order to use CAM4 XConnect, you will need an existing X account. You may sign up for a new account here https://twitter.com/signup

Is there a limit to how many tweets I can send while performing?

There is no limit to the number of tweets you can send while performing, but a tweet may only be sent once every 10 seconds.

Does CAM4 keep my X password?

No. XConnect lets you sign in on a secure window that connects directly to X, without risking your account.

How do I set up XConnect?

You can set up XConnect from your account options or directly from the broadcast window.

1. My Account Settings

First, sign in to your CAM4 account in the top right corner of the site.

Click on My Account.

In the menu on the left, select Social Media.

Under Social Sharing, click Connect your X account.

Sign into X with your username and password in the secure window that opens.

You’re connected!

2. Broadcast Window

From the Broadcast Window, click the tweet link above your goal box.

Sign into X with your username and password in the secure window that opens.

You’re connected!

How Do I Broadcast On Cam4?

Broadcasting on CAM4 is now easier and more flexible than ever with modern browser technology and mobile apps. Here’s how to get started:

Option 1: Browser Broadcasting (WebRTC)

Requirements:

  • A modern web browser that supports WebRTC:
    • Chrome 64 or newer
    • Firefox 58 or newer
    • Safari 11 or newer
    • Edge (Chromium-based)
  • A webcam and microphone
  • Stable internet connection

Steps to Start:

  1. Sign In to your CAM4 account at the top of the page

    • If you don’t have an account, create a free one at cam4.com

  2. Click “Start Broadcast” or the Broadcast button in the top menu

  3. Grant Camera & Microphone Permissions

    • Your browser will prompt you to allow access to your camera and microphone
    • Click “Allow” when prompted
    • If you accidentally clicked “Block,” you’ll need to update your browser permissions:
      • Click the camera icon in your browser’s address bar
      • Change the setting to “Allow”

  4. Set Up Your Broadcast

    • Write a status message or room description (appears above your thumbnail)
    • Choose your show type (Solo, Male Group, Female Group, or Male-Female Group)
    • Configure privacy settings if you’re a Gold member

  5. Go Live

    • Click “Start Broadcast” to begin streaming
    • You’re now live!

Option 2: OBS Broadcasting (Advanced)

For professional-quality streaming with advanced controls, use OBS (Open Broadcaster Software):

Setup:

  1. Download OBS from obsproject.com (free)
  2. Go to cam4.com and navigate to your Broadcast Settings
  3. Find your Stream Key in your CAM4 account settings
  4. In OBS, go to Settings → Stream
    • Select “Custom” as service
    • Enter your CAM4 RTMP server URL
    • Enter your stream key
  5. Configure your video/audio sources in OBS
  6. Click “Start Streaming” in OBS
  7. Open your CAM4 broadcast window to go live

See full OBS setup guide

Option 3: Mobile Broadcasting

Use the C4 Broadcaster app for Android to stream from your mobile device:

  • Download from Google Play
  • Sign in with your CAM4 credentials
  • Grant camera and microphone permissions
  • Tap “Start Broadcast” to go live
  • Stream from anywhere with cellular or WiFi

For iOS, it is required to use the latest version of Safari, since Safari is the only browser supported for mobile broadcasting on iOS.

Troubleshooting

Camera/Microphone Not Working?

  • Ensure browser permissions are granted
  • Check that no other applications are using your camera
  • Try refreshing the page and clicking “Allow” again
  • On Mac: Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Camera/Microphone and enable access for your browser

Stream Quality Issues?

  • Close unnecessary browser tabs and applications
  • Use a wired internet connection if possible
  • Adjust video quality settings in your broadcast window
  • Consider using OBS for better bitrate control

Important Notes

  • Flash Player is no longer supported or required
  • All modern broadcasting uses WebRTC or RTMP protocols
  • You must be 18+ and verify your identity to broadcast
  • Review CAM4’s broadcasting guidelines before going live

Need Help? Visit CAM4 Support or Broadcaster Training

How Can I Get My Cam On The Trending Page?

There are many different factors that will automatically place you on the Trending Page.  Some of them are (but not limited to) your webcam stream quality and resolution. Also, your time spent performing online.

How can I get better stream quality and resolution?

  • Use an ethernet internet connection rather than Wi-Fi.
  • Stream with a quality webcam, Mirrorless or DSLR camera that offers a minimum resolution of 720p (1080p preferred)

What length of time is generally standard for live broadcasts?

  • When possible, spend a minimum time of 3 hours online for each webcam broadcast (scheduled consistently throughout each week)