Troubleshooting Buffering Issues

There is no one easy solution to fix buffering issues with your stream. With the mix of devices, internet connection quality, software, hardware, weather and other environmental factors out of our control, it will require tinkering to find the sweet spot that works for your situation. 

Remember that while your stream may look and work great for most customers, there will always be that one customer that has issues. With the recommendations below, you will have to balance these factors and find a combination of settings that work best for you and your crew.

Your internet speed and network conditions aren't always the same from day to day, and what worked yesterday isn't guaranteed to work today. Sometimes there's just not much else you can do except lower bitrate to compensate for the poor connection at the given time. (OBS)

Buffering Causes

1. Limited upload bandwidth capabilities on streamer (instructor)
2. Limited download bandwidth capabilities on watcher (customer)
3. An unstable internet connection
4. Excess load on the server
5. Out-of-date equipment

• If the buffering is occurring for all or a majority of your customers begin with adjusting the settings using the Instructor tips below.
• If there is no buffering for most of your customers but is occurring for one or two, check the Customer tips below.

Instructor / Streamer

1. Review the Resolution & Bitrate article
2. Review the Blurry Video article
3. Close other applications and programs
4. Reduce video quality; lower the resolution and bitrate
5. Enable Adaptive Bitrate in your settings
6. Speed up your internet connection (specifically, upload rate)
7. Remove other devices connected to your network
8. Update operating system and application versions
9. Switch between a wired, Wi-Fi, or cellular connection
10. Power-off and reset your devices (phone, computer, router, modem)
11. Clear browser cookies and wipe the browsing history (Wikihow)
12. If using OBS for your Computer/Laptop check out: OBS Connection Issue Tips

Customer / Viewer

1. Close other applications and programs
2. Speed up your internet connection (specifically, download rate)
3. Remove other devices connected to your network
4. Update operating system and application versions
5. Switch between a wired, Wi-Fi, or cellular connection
6. Move your streaming device closer to your router (or install a mesh wi-fi system)
7. Power-off and reset your devices (phone, computer, router, modem)
8. Use a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.)
9. Clear browser cookies and wipe the browsing history (Wikihow)
10. Scan your computer for viruses and malware
11. Disable any VPNs that are not necessary (if applicable)

Facebook

The "we didn't have this problem with Facebook" is because Facebook will convert the video into different lower quality versions automatically while you are streaming. The My Fit Pro platform does not currently support this functionality. Because of this, you'll need to adjust your settings using the tips above.