Partner API base path is /api/v1 on https://api.dcast.pro. This site documents the live surface; use the Quickstart QA curls to validate keys and routes.

Backup stream

On the PRO and VIP plans a second encoder can publish to the backup address of a stream. When the main feed is lost, the broadcast continues from the backup with a hitch of a fraction of a second, and viewers stay in the same player without reloading the page. The backup is set up in the dashboard; the Partner API has no call for it.

What you need

  • A DCAST account on the PRO or VIP plan. On FREE and STAR the Backup stream block is shown dimmed with a Pro mark.
  • A stream that receives RTMP, SRT or WHIP. A broadcast started from the browser camera does not take a backup feed on any plan.
  • A second encoder, ideally on another computer and another internet connection, sending the same resolution, codec, H.264 profile, frame format and audio as the main one. Only the video and audio bitrate may differ.

Connect the backup encoder

  1. In the dashboard open STREAMS and click the gear icon on the card of your stream.
  2. Open the Connection panel. Under Primary stream is the address of your main encoder; below it is the Backup stream block.
  3. RTMP stream: copy the Backup URL and the RTMP key from the Backup stream block into the second encoder.
  4. SRT stream: copy the Backup URL. The SRT address already carries everything the encoder needs.
  5. WHIP stream: the backup input is RTMP. Copy the Backup URL and the RTMP key into an encoder that sends RTMP.
  6. Start the main encoder, then the backup encoder. There is no switch to turn on: the backup arms itself when the second encoder actually starts publishing. Until a backup feed arrives, the broadcast runs exactly as it would without one.

What happens on air

  • The main feed is lost: the broadcast continues from the backup feed in the same player.
  • Both feeds stop at once: viewers see a holding screen instead of an error, and the picture comes back when either encoder publishes again.
  • The main feed returns: with the default setting the broadcast goes back to it, again without sending anyone to a new link.
  • You press Stop: the broadcast ends for both feeds, and a late feed cannot start it again.

Return setting and manual switching

The gear on the Backup stream block chooses what happens after a switch to the backup:

  • Return to primary automatically (the default): the broadcast goes back to the main feed once it has stayed stable for 10 seconds.
  • Stay on backup: the broadcast stays on the backup until you switch back yourself.
  • Return manually only: the broadcast goes back to the main feed only when you press the button.

While the broadcast is on air, the same window offers Switch to primary and Switch to backup. A command is applied once that input is healthy. Before the start only the return setting can be changed.

When Start is unavailable

If the backup signal does not match the primary, Start is unavailable and its tooltip names the setting that differs. Set the backup encoder to the same resolution, codec, profile, frame format and audio as the main one, or stop the backup.

Step by step

The same steps, with common problems and their fixes, are in the help centre: Keep your broadcast on air with a backup stream. Creating and running the stream itself is described in Streams.

Backup stream — dcast.pro API docs