How to Run a Test Stream at Home with sidelineHD 

A simple step-by-step guide to get game-day ready

If you're gearing up to stream youth sports with sidelineHD, one of the best things you can do is run a quick test stream at home. This helps you make sure your team is set up correctly, your roster is loaded, your schedule is ready, and most importantly, that your camera can go live without issues.

Whether you're brand new or just want to double-check your setup, this guide walks you through everything needed to run a smooth test stream.

Step 1: Add a Test Game to Your Schedule

Now it’s time to create a “practice game” so you can fully simulate a real stream.

1. From your Team Page, tap “Schedule.”
   
   
2. Select “Add Game.”
   

1. Set:
   
   
   
   • Opponent: “Stream Test” or “Practice Stream”
     
     
   • Date/Time: Choose anything convenient
     
     
   • Location: Your home or “Indoor Test”
     

1. Create your game.
   
   

This creates a scoreboard page and a Live Event link, just like a real game.

Step 2: Start Your Test Stream at Home

With your team, roster, and test game ready, you can now run the actual test.

1. Open the test game on your sidelineHD dashboard and tap the green “Go Live” button
   

1. Grant camera/microphone access if prompted and confirm your streaming camera by tapping “sidelineHD App”
   

1. Tap “Confirm”

4. Tap the camera button on the right side of the screen.

4. Boom! You are live!

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Note: If you have linked your account to a streaming destination like Facebook or YouTube, your test stream will go live on that platform, but your sidelineLIVE followers will not be informed you are live unless you share your link.

Step 3: Check the Essentials

While streaming, confirm the basics:

Video Quality

Is it clear? Bright enough?

Audio

Can you hear?

WiFi / Data Strength

If the stream holds for a full minute, you’re good.
If it drops, try:

• Moving closer to your router
  
  
• Switching from WiFi to mobile data
  
  
• Restarting your phone
  
  

Step 4: End Your Stream

Your test stream ends instantly and will not appear as a public broadcast.
Your test game will remain on your schedule, you can delete it anytime.

You're Ready for the Real Game!

Running a home test stream is the fastest way to ensure your game-day experience is smooth, reliable, and stress-free. By setting up your team, loading your roster, adding a test game, and tapping “Go Live,” you’ll know exactly what to expect when the real game starts

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