Cloud Transcoding
Convert codecs, stabilize streams, and create multiple output formats.
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Passthrough vs Transcoding
By default, Meshcast uses passthrough - your stream is forwarded to destinations without re-encoding. This is fast and free, but requires your source to already be compatible with the destination.
Cloud Transcoding re-encodes your stream on our servers. This converts incompatible codecs, stabilizes variable streams, and can output multiple formats. However, transcoding is computationally expensive and requires a paid tier.
- No re-encoding
- Lowest latency
- Source must be compatible
- Variable quality passed through
- Full re-encoding
- Converts any codec to H.264
- Fixed resolution and bitrate
- Stabilizes variable sources
Codec Compatibility
RTMP destinations (YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Kick) only accept H.264 video and AAC audio. Other codecs will fail.
| Video Codec | RTMP Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| H.264 | ✓ Supported | Works with passthrough |
| VP8 | ✗ Not supported | Requires transcoding |
| VP9 | ✗ Not supported | Requires transcoding |
| AV1 | ✗ Not supported | Requires transcoding |
| H.265/HEVC | ✗ Not supported | Requires transcoding |
WHIP/WebRTC sources use Opus audio. Meshcast automatically converts Opus to AAC for RTMP/HLS output (registered and paid tiers). No action needed.
When is Transcoding Needed?
You need cloud transcoding if your source has any of these issues:
- Incompatible codec - VP8, VP9, AV1, or HEVC video
- Variable frame rate - Some platforms require constant FPS
- Variable resolution - Resolution changes mid-stream
- Variable bitrate - Some platforms prefer CBR over VBR
- Packet loss - WebRTC sources may have gaps that get passed through
- Multiple outputs - Need different resolutions or bitrates for different destinations
Passthrough works well for:
- RTMP/SRT sources with H.264 and stable settings
- OBS or hardware encoders with constant bitrate
- Sources already configured for your destination's requirements
How to Enable Cloud Transcoding
- Go to Dashboard → Transcode Navigate to the Transcode tab in your Meshcast dashboard.
- Create a transcode session Click "New Session" and configure your output settings (resolution, bitrate, codec).
- Start your source stream Publish to Meshcast using your stream key. The transcoder will process your stream.
- Use the transcoded output The session provides a new stream URL with the clean, transcoded output. Use this for restreaming or HLS playback.
Pricing
Cloud transcoding is a paid feature due to the computational resources required. Transcode outputs are included with paid tiers:
- Solo Creator ($10/mo) - 2 transcode outputs
- Creator Plus ($25/mo) - 4 transcode outputs
- Studio Pro ($50/mo) - 6 transcode outputs
Each output can have its own resolution, bitrate, and destination. See Pricing for full details.