KICK - Go Live is powered by the KICK Smart Streaming engine, which automatically selects the best resolution, frame rate, and bitrate for your stream. There are no manual quality settings to configure, Smart Streaming handles it behind the scenes based on your network connection and quality, and your use case, so you can focus on streaming. This guide explains how Smart Streaming works, where you can see your current stream quality, and how to get the best results out of it.
If you have not yet downloaded the app, see Getting started with the KICK - Go Live app for Android first.
How Smart Streaming works
Smart Streaming continuously evaluates your connection and automatically configures your resolution, framerate, and bitrate, up to 1080p and a maximum bitrate of 8,000 kbps, so your stream stays as stable and high-quality as your network allows. If your network conditions change during a stream, Smart Streaming can adjust your configuration to keep things running smoothly.
There is nothing to set up manually, the engine takes care of resolution, framerate, and bitrate for you.
Checking your network
When you launch KICK - Go Live, you’ll see a “Checking your network” message while Smart Streaming measures your connection. This happens every time you open the app, and only takes a moment before you’re taken to your stream setup screen.
Where to see your stream quality
Before you go live, the quality Smart Streaming has selected is shown at the top of your stream title box, so you know your configuration before you start.
While you are live, your current stream quality is shown in the Heads-Up Display (HUD) over your stream preview, so you can check it at any time during your broadcast.
Audio
Audio settings on KICK - Go Live are currently simple. You can:
Turn audio on, your microphone picks up sound and sends it to your stream.
Turn audio off, your stream has no audio (silent stream).
There are no noise suppression, or other audio fine-tuning at this time. However there is an option to control the gain on the microphone.
How the microphone works
The app uses your phone's audio input to capture sound while streaming. If you are using your phone's built-in microphone, that is what KICK - Go Live will use.
Bluetooth earbuds and headsets (including AirPods, paired as a standard Bluetooth audio device) are supported as an external audio input. Other Bluetooth microphones and headsets may work, but support is currently limited.
This means:
If you use your phone's built-in microphone, the app will capture audio directly from your phone.
If you connect Bluetooth earbuds or a headset, the app can use them as the audio input.
Other external Bluetooth microphones and headsets may have limited support.
The app does not currently include a separate "Select Microphone" setting.
Broader support for external devices, including microphones and cameras, is coming soon.
If your device and connected audio accessory are supported, KICK - Go Live will automatically use the available audio input.
Audio tips for mobile streaming
External microphones can improve audio quality, but support may vary depending on the device and accessory.
Bluetooth earbuds and headsets are currently supported, while broader external microphone support is coming soon.
Watch for wind noise during outdoor IRL streams, a foam windscreen can help reduce it.
Be mindful of background noise, as phone and headset microphones can easily capture surrounding sounds.
Test your audio before going live, microphone placement can significantly affect sound quality.
Make sure your Bluetooth earbuds or supported microphone are connected before starting your stream.
For broader audio guidance, see Audio issues on your KICK stream.
Network conditions
A stable, strong connection is the biggest factor in the quality Smart Streaming selects for your stream. Mobile streaming gives you flexibility, but network conditions vary widely depending on where you are.
Wi-Fi
Best when stable, fast home or business Wi-Fi typically gives the most consistent quality.
Watch for congestion, peak hours and many devices on the same network can cause issues.
Move closer to the router if the signal is weak.
5G
Excellent for streaming when you have strong 5G coverage.
Comparable to good Wi-Fi for upload speed.
Quality depends heavily on your carrier and location.
4G LTE
Works for streaming, but may struggle with higher bitrates.
A solid choice for 720p streaming or lower.
More likely to cause stutters than 5G or Wi-Fi.
Give Smart Streaming a strong connection to work with
If your connection is variable or you are not sure how strong it is, moving to a stronger Wi-Fi area or better mobile signal is the best way to help Smart Streaming pick a higher, more stable quality. A stable stream beats a stuttering one every time.
Battery and heat management
Mobile streaming is power-hungry. Long streams will drain your battery and may heat your phone up.
What to do for longer streams
Carry a power bank, for any IRL stream over 30 minutes, a portable charger is helpful.
Lower screen brightness, bright screens drain battery fast.
Avoid direct sunlight, outdoor streams in the sun can cause overheating.
Watch for thermal warnings, most phones throttle performance when they get hot, which can affect your stream quality.
Most modern phones handle streaming well, but plan ahead for long sessions or when you will be moving around without easy access to power.
Device compatibility
To run KICK - Go Live, your Android device must be running Android 8.0 or later. If your device is on an older version, the app may not install or may not function fully. Check for system updates if you have an issue.
Troubleshooting
My stream is stuttering or buffering. Smart Streaming automatically adjusts your quality to your connection, but if you’re still seeing issues: move to a stronger Wi-Fi area or better mobile signal; close other apps using bandwidth in the background; restart the app so Smart Streaming can re-check your network.
My stream looks blurry. Smart Streaming selects your quality based on your network, so a weak connection can result in a lower resolution or bitrate. If your connection improves, quality should increase automatically within moments. Also check that your camera lens is clean.
My audio is too quiet or distorted. The app uses your phone's microphone with no app-level gain controls. To improve audio: move the phone closer to the audio source, use Bluetooth earbuds, or move to a quieter environment.
My phone is overheating during longer streams. Smart Streaming may automatically lower your stream quality as your device heats up to help manage performance. You can also take breaks between streams, move out of direct sunlight, and avoid charging while streaming if possible (charging adds extra heat).
My stream cuts out when I switch apps. Some apps (banking apps, secure password managers) block screen capture for security. Avoid switching to those apps mid-stream.
For more troubleshooting, see Why is my stream lagging or buffering on KICK?.
Still need help?
For settings or quality issues with KICK - Go Live, contact our Support Team. Please include:
Your KICK Creator username.
Your device and Android version.
Whether you were on Wi-Fi, 5G, or 4G at the time.
A description of the issue.
Related articles
Getting started with the KICK - Go Live app for Android
Dual-camera and screen sharing on the KICK - Go Live app for Android
Why is my stream lagging or buffering on KICK?
Audio issues on your KICK stream
How to Stream on KICK.com (desktop)
Streaming on KICK from your Mobile Phone (third-party apps)