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1. Moblin as your mobile streaming hub
Moblin is a free, open-source app for mobile IRL streaming on iPhone and iPad. It brings camera, microphone, encoder, chat, overlays and remote control together in one mobile workflow.
According to the current project documentation, Moblin supports RTMP, RTMPS, SRT, SRTLA, RIST and WHIP, among others, as well as H.264 and H.265. Whether a given feature is available depends on the app version, your device, the platform and the receiver.
2. Get Moblin and your IRL setup ready
- Install Moblin only through the routes named in the official project documentation.
- Update iOS, Moblin and any accessories you need before the field test.
- Check the camera, microphone, gimbal, Ethernet adapter and power bank one by one.
- Leave enough free storage for local test recordings.
- Set up notifications and auto-rotate so they don't get in the way of the stream.
What you need beforehand
- an iPhone or iPad with a suitable camera and enough performance
- a sturdy microphone with a windscreen
- a power bank with the right USB-C output
- a direct platform target or a compatible relay/bonding server
- optionally, more connections over Wi-Fi or Ethernet modems
3. Set up the right stream target
Create a clearly named target for each transport path. Server address, port, stream ID, passphrase and stream key have to match your receiver exactly. Never show credentials in screenshots, deep links or public chat messages.
| Protocol | Typical use | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| RTMP/RTMPS | direct platform target or compatible server | widely supported; RTMPS protects the transport with TLS |
| SRT | robust transport to a relay or OBS | latency and receiver mode have to match |
| SRTLA | IRL uplink over several network paths | needs a compatible SRTLA receiver |
| RIST | reliable IP video transport | check support along the whole signal path |
| WHIP | WebRTC-based ingest | only use it if the target explicitly supports WHIP |
4. Resolution, FPS, codec and adaptive bitrate
Don't start with the highest values you can pick. Start with a configuration that stays stable while you move. For many mobile setups, 1080p at 30 FPS holds up better than an overly aggressive 60 FPS stream.
- H.264: usually the most compatible choice for relays, OBS and platforms.
- H.265/HEVC: can be more efficient, but the receiver and the rest of your production chain have to support it.
- Bitrate: match it to the upload you can count on, and leave headroom.
- Keyframe interval: set it to what the receiver or platform requires.
- Adaptive Bitrate: test it conservatively at first with SRT/SRTLA. It can adjust the bitrate to difficult network conditions, but it doesn't replace a connection that's good enough.
5. SRTLA, RIST and multiple connections
According to the project documentation, Moblin can use cellular, Wi-Fi and several Ethernet connections at the same time with SRTLA and RIST. The app shows statistics for active network paths, which makes weak or dropped connections easier to spot.
Add a second iPhone directly through Moblin
On iOS, the Moblink feature is built right into Moblin. A second iPhone running Moblin can therefore pass its own network path on to the main streaming iPhone, with no separate Moblink app to install. You turn on the Moblink feature on the second iPhone and then connect it to the main Moblin device.
- Test each connection on its own first.
- Use different cellular carriers where you can.
- Turn on all paths together and watch the per-path statistics.
- Cut one connection on purpose and check that it recovers.
- Keep an eye on data usage and adapter temperature.
Several SIM cards on the same network can still end up on the same overloaded cell. Bonding improves redundancy, but it creates neither new coverage nor unlimited bandwidth.
6. Camera, microphone and mobile controls
Depending on your device, Moblin supports front, rear and multi-camera functions, video stabilization, zoom, focus, exposure and external microphones. The official feature list also mentions DJI camera control and UVC cameras on suitable iPads.
- Clean the lens and check the orientation before you start.
- Test resolution, FPS and stabilization together.
- Don't experiment with focus and exposure during a critical scene.
- Check the wireless mic, windscreen and input level with a test recording.
- Test Bluetooth audio separately because of delay and possible double playback.
- In heat, lower the screen brightness and let air circulate.
7. Control Moblin with a Bluetooth gamepad
Moblin supports game controllers as a compact remote. You can assign buttons to the actions you need most, so you don't have to touch the phone screen every time during a live stream. The official feature overview lists, among others, zoom, scene switching, light and mute, plus gimbal control with the analog sticks.
- Switch quickly between the live, BRB or private scene
- Mute and unmute the microphone
- Change the zoom and toggle the phone's light
- Move compatible gimbals with the analog sticks
- Set up the button mapping in Moblin and test it fully before you go out
8. Scenes, widgets, alerts and chat
Moblin has basic scenes and widgets. According to the project documentation, these include text, images, browser content, maps, timers, weather, speed, altitude, video sources and other status displays. Platform chat, alerts and TTS functions are there as well.
Four scenes are enough to start
- Live: camera, microphone and only the most important overlays.
- BRB: a neutral break with no visible location.
- Private: a scene you can reach instantly for sensitive situations.
- Offline/End: a clean ending before you reach your home or accommodation.
Don't add every widget right away. Camera, sound and a stable transport come first. Then add alerts and TTS one at a time and test them for volume, moderation and double audio output.
9. Control OBS from Moblin
Moblin supports OBS WebSocket. According to the current feature overview, it can, among other things, control scenes, streaming and recording, mute audio sources, show audio levels and trigger snapshots.
- Enable OBS WebSocket on the production computer and protect it with a strong password.
- Connect Moblin and OBS on a trusted local network first.
- Switch to the live, BRB, private and offline scenes one by one.
- Check mute, recording and stream status.
- Allow remote access only through a protected route such as a VPN or a deliberately secured tunnel.
10. Protect your location, keys and deep links
- Treat your stream key, SRT passphrase and stream ID like passwords.
- Moblin configuration links can contain credentials and don't belong in public chats or screenshots.
- Turn on GPS and map features only once you're well away from your home or accommodation.
- Don't show private notifications, QR codes or credentials on screen.
- On vehicles and bikes, only operate the app when you're standing still in a safe spot.
- Prepare a mute and a private scene you can reach instantly for emergencies.
11. Private test and troubleshooting
- Stream for five minutes standing still, with just one connection.
- Record picture, audio and sync in OBS.
- Turn on all the connections you plan to use.
- Test for at least 30 minutes while walking, under realistic conditions.
- Watch what happens at cell changes and when a network path drops.
- Trigger BRB, private, mute and the OBS remote control.
- Note temperature, battery, data usage and dropped frames.
| Problem | What to check | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| No connection | target, port, stream ID and server status | test with one connection and a minimal configuration |
| Blocky picture or freezes | bitrate, packet loss, temperature | lower bitrate/FPS and compare network paths |
| No sound | microphone selection and level | make a local test recording |
| OBS doesn't respond | WebSocket address, password and reachability | test on the local network first |
| Battery drains despite a power bank | PD output, cable and total load | check power headroom and heat buildup |
12. Moblin FAQ
Is Moblin free?
Moblin is offered as a free, open-source iOS app. Check the official project documentation for availability, trial versions and supported devices.
Which protocol should I use with Moblin for an IRL stream?
RTMP or RTMPS works for simple, compatible targets. SRT and RIST are worth a look for robust IP transport. SRTLA can use several network paths to a compatible receiver.
Can Moblin use several internet connections?
Yes. With SRTLA and RIST, Moblin can use cellular, Wi-Fi and several Ethernet connections at the same time. On iOS, Moblink is built into Moblin, so a second iPhone can provide an extra network path. Which paths are available depends on your device and accessories.
What is Moblink, and do I need it?
On iOS, Moblink is part of Moblin. A second iPhone running Moblin passes its own network path on to the streaming iPhone. You don't have to use it. It pays off when you want one more path besides cellular, Wi-Fi or Ethernet and your receiver understands SRTLA or RIST.
Can Moblin remote-control OBS?
Moblin supports OBS WebSocket. Among other things, it can switch scenes, control stream and recording, mute audio sources and show status values. Protect the connection and don't expose it to the internet unsecured.
Do I need a relay server with Moblin?
Not necessarily. Sending directly can be enough for simple setups. A relay separates the mobile uplink from the stationary OBS production, though, and adds monitoring, fallback scenes and further processing.
Official information
Moblin is under active development, so also check supported protocols, devices and features in the official Moblin project documentation. The official Moblink documentation also confirms that the feature is already part of Moblin on iOS.
A Moblin-style workflow on Android
If you're looking for a comparably complete mobile production approach on Android, IRLwhatever is a new open-beta alternative. IRL4YOU treats the app with caution and doesn't yet recommend it as a long-term proven replacement.