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## Table of Contents
- [About the Project](#about-the-project)
- [Getting Started](#getting-started)
- [Use with your broadcasting software](#use-with-your-existing-broadcasting-software)
- [Building from source](#building-from-source)
- [Contributing](#contributing)
- [License](#license)
- [Contact](#contact)
## About The Project
Owncast is an open source, self-hosted, decentralized, single user live video streaming and chat server for running your own live streams similar in style to the large mainstream options. It offers complete ownership over your content, interface, moderation and audience. Visit the demo for an example.
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## Getting Started
The goal is to have a single service that you can run and it works out of the box. **Visit the [Quickstart](https://owncast.online/docs/quickstart/) to get up and running.**
## Use with your existing broadcasting software
In general Owncast is compatible with any software that uses `RTMP` to broadcast to a remote server. `RTMP` is what all the major live streaming services use, so if you’re currently using one of those it’s likely that you can point your existing software at your Owncast instance instead.
OBS, Streamlabs, Restream and many others have been used with Owncast. [Read more about compatibility with existing software](https://owncast.online/docs/broadcasting/).
## Building from Source
Owncast consists of two projects.
1. The Owncast backend written in Go.
1. The frontend written in React.
[Read more about running from source](https://owncast.online/docs/building/).
### Backend
The Owncast backend is a service written in Go.
1. Ensure you have pre-requisites installed.
- C compiler, such as [GCC compiler](https://gcc.gnu.org/install/download.html) or a [Musl-compatible compiler](https://musl.libc.org/)
- [ffmpeg](https://ffmpeg.org/download.html)
1. Install the [Go toolchain](https://golang.org/dl/) (1.18 or above).
1. Clone the repo. `git clone https://github.com/owncast/owncast`
1. `go run main.go` will run from source.
1. Visit `http://yourserver:8080` to access the web interface or `http://yourserver:8080/admin` to access the admin.
1. Point your [broadcasting software](https://owncast.online/docs/broadcasting/) at your new server and start streaming.
### Frontend
The frontend is the web interface that includes the player, chat, embed components, and other UI.
1. This project lives in the `web` directory.
1. Run `npm install` to install the Javascript dependencies.
1. Run `npm run dev`
## Contributing
Owncast is a growing open source project that is giving freedom, flexibility and fun to live streamers.
And while we have a small team of kind, talented and thoughtful volunteers, we have gaps in our skillset that we’d love to fill so we can get even better at building tools that make a difference for people.
We abide by our [Code of Conduct](https://owncast.online/contribute/) and feel strongly about open, appreciative, and empathetic people joining us.
We’ve been very lucky to have this so far, so maybe you can help us with your skills and passion, too!
There is a larger, more detailed, and more up-to-date [guide for helping contribute to Owncast on our website](https://owncast.online/help/).
## License
Distributed under the MIT License. See `LICENSE` for more information.
## Contact
Project chat: [Join us on Rocket.Chat](https://owncast.rocket.chat/home) if you want to contribute, follow along, or if you have questions.
Gabe Kangas - [@gabek@social.gabekangas.com](https://social.gabekangas.com/gabek) - email [gabek@real-ity.com](mailto:gabek@real-ity.com)
Project Link: [https://github.com/owncast/owncast](https://github.com/owncast/owncast)
