How It Works

Peer-to-peer livestreaming on Shallot Host

Peer-to-Peer Basics

When you stream on shallot.host/live, your video is sent directly from your browser to each viewer using WebRTC — a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection. There’s no relay or central streaming server — every viewer connects straight to you.

⚠️ Because connections are direct, your IP address is visible to viewers. If you plan to stream to strangers, it’s best to use a VPN or a platform designed for anonymous public streaming.

Internet and Bandwidth

Each viewer uses some of your upload bandwidth. For example, if you stream at 1.5 Mbps and have 3 viewers, you’ll need about 4.5 Mbps upload total.

Make sure your internet can handle your chosen bitrate multiplied by your expected number of viewers.

Performance and CPU Usage

Your computer handles video encoding in real-time, which can be CPU-intensive. Higher resolution, frame rate, or bitrate increases the load.

If your CPU struggles, the video may stutter or drop frames.
Audio can fall out of sync if performance is low.

Recommended Settings

We strongly advise using the default settings for a smooth stream:

Resolution: 720p
Bitrate: 1.5 Mbps (1500 kbps)
Framerate: 24 fps

These defaults balance quality and performance, reducing the chance of dropped frames or stutter.

For Presentations or Static Content

If you’re showing slides, coding demos, or other low-motion visuals, use:

Resolution: 720p
Bitrate: 2000 kbps
Framerate: 10 fps

This keeps text sharp while reducing CPU load and network usage.

Getting Started

Go to shallot.host/live
Allow camera and microphone access
Choose your quality settings
Click Start Streaming to go live

💡 Tip: Keep an eye on your CPU and upload usage while streaming. If your stream becomes unstable, try lowering resolution, bitrate, or FPS.