Your internet speed is a very important factor in delivering a high quality broadcast. You can get a rough sense of your internet speed here. Note that this speed test only measures your speed to the closest SpeedTest.net hub and not to a specific Spalk server so it only serves as an indication.
If you experience internet issues during a live broadcast or shortly before going on-air, the following steps can help improve connection stability quickly.
Before entering the Spalk Virtual Studio, all commentators complete an automatic internet speed test during Soundcheck. However, passing Soundcheck does not guarantee connection stability for the entire event.
Internet conditions can change during a broadcast due to:
- Network congestion
- ISP instability
- WiFi interference
- Other devices using bandwidth
- Packet loss or high RTT (latency)
These issues may cause:
- Stuttering or delayed program audio
- Difficulty following gameplay in real time
- Distorted commentator audio
- Synchronization issues
- Temporary disconnects from the studio
Recommended minimum connection:
- Upload speed: 10 Mbps
- Download speed: 10 Mbps
- Ping / latency below 100ms
1. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection
Whenever possible, connect your computer directly to your router using an ethernet cable instead of WiFi.
A wired connection provides:
- More stable performance
- Lower latency
- Reduced packet loss
- More consistent upload speeds
WiFi connections are more likely to experience interference and instability during live broadcasts.
2. Lower Your Preview Resolution in the Studio
If program audio or video becomes unstable during the broadcast, lowering your preview resolution can significantly reduce bandwidth usage.
Available preview resolutions typically include:
- 1080p
- 720p
- 360p
If you are experiencing:
- Stuttering gameplay audio
- Delayed or choppy video
- High RTT / latency
- Packet loss
Switch your preview resolution to 360p from the lower right corner of the studio video.
This only changes the commentator preview feed and can greatly improve studio stability on weaker internet connections.
3. Restart Your Router and Modem
Restarting your network equipment is one of the quickest ways to resolve temporary connection issues.
- Turn off your router and modem
- Wait 30–60 seconds
- Turn the modem back on first
- Then turn the router back on
After reconnecting, exit and re-enter the Spalk studio.
4. Reduce Network and Computer Usage
Before or during the broadcast:
- Close unnecessary applications and browser tabs
- Pause downloads and software updates
- Stop cloud sync services
- Ask others on the network to avoid streaming or large downloads
- Turn off your webcam if it is not required
Webcams can consume additional upload bandwidth and may contribute to audio distortion or packet loss on unstable connections. See below on how to disable your webcam:
https://spalk.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4410848456335-How-to-enable-disable-your-webcam
Other devices and applications can reduce available bandwidth during the broadcast.
5. Using Hotspot
See below on how to use your phone’s hotspot to commentate from your laptop:
If using a mobile hotspot or cellular backup connection:
- Move closer to a window
- Keep the device elevated
- Avoid crowded wireless areas
Even small signal improvements can noticeably improve broadcast quality.
Producer Note: Team Leader Selection
For broadcasts with multiple commentators, the commentator with the strongest and most stable internet connection should be assigned as the Team Leader whenever possible (listed first in the team from left to right).
The Team Leader carries additional bandwidth load within the session, so assigning this role to a commentator with poor internet can negatively impact the entire broadcast.
This should be tested and confirmed before game day whenever possible.
See below on how to invite team and order team members: https://spalk.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002141816-How-to-invite-a-commentator-and-create-commentary-teams
Recommended Solution: Spalk Desktop App
For the most reliable broadcasting experience, commentators are encouraged to use the Spalk Desktop App.
The Desktop App uses bonded connectivity technology, allowing Spalk to utilize two internet connections simultaneously (for example home internet + mobile hotspot).
This helps protect against:
- Internet dropouts
- Packet loss
- Bandwidth fluctuations
- ISP instability
If one connection weakens, the app can continue using the secondary connection to help maintain the broadcast.
See here on how to use Spalk Desktop: https://spalk.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/9825694721423-How-to-add-a-new-network-connection-to-Spalk-Desktop
Summary
✅ Use ethernet whenever possible
✅ Lower resolution if your connection becomes unstable
✅ Restart your router before rejoining
✅ Close unnecessary programs and limit network usage
✅ Keep a backup hotspot available
✅ Use the Spalk Desktop App for maximum reliability
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