> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cstplus.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cstplus.org/documentation/getting-started/going-live.md).

# Going Live

Your channel is on air and you have a line set up. Here is how to test the stream, share it, and connect to platforms.

***

### Test the stream yourself

The built-in web player on the channel page is the fastest check. If it plays, the HLS output is working.

To test the full viewer path using VLC:

```bash
vlc "http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8080/get.php?username=USER&password=PASS&type=m3u_plus&output=ts"
```

{% hint style="success" %}
Test with VLC first. If VLC plays the stream, the issue is in the viewer's app or device, not in CST+. This saves a lot of debugging time.
{% endhint %}

***

### Stream URLs reference

| Type          | URL                                            |
| ------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| M3U playlist  | `/get.php?username=U&password=P&type=m3u_plus` |
| XMLTV guide   | `/xmltv.php?username=U&password=P`             |
| HLS stream    | `/live/U/P/CHANNEL_SLUG/index.m3u8`            |
| Continuous TS | `/live/U/P/CHANNEL_SLUG.ts`                    |
| Web player    | `/watch/CHANNEL_SLUG?token=...`                |

All on port `8080` by default. Ready-to-copy versions with real credentials are on the Lines detail page.

***

### IPTV apps

| App               | Platform            | Method             |
| ----------------- | ------------------- | ------------------ |
| Tivimate          | Android, Android TV | Xtream credentials |
| IPTV Smarters     | Android, iOS, web   | M3U or Xtream      |
| GSE Smart IPTV    | iOS, Apple TV       | M3U URL            |
| Kodi + PVR Simple | Any                 | M3U URL            |
| VLC               | Any                 | M3U URL            |

{% hint style="info" %}
No native CST+ app is required on smart TVs or mobile. Any IPTV app that accepts an M3U playlist or Xtream credentials will work.
{% endhint %}

***

### Syndicating to FAST aggregators

To distribute your lineup to Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Roku, or similar platforms, use the Distribution feature.

Go to **Channels > Distribution**:

1. Enable **Public syndication feeds**
2. Pick a dedicated Line to route aggregator traffic through
3. Copy the three feed URLs (M3U, XMLTV, channels.json)
4. Submit those URLs to the aggregator's onboarding form

{% hint style="warning" %}
Use a **dedicated line** for syndication traffic. Aggregators can pull your stream frequently and in parallel, which counts against the line's connection limit. A shared line can hit its limit and cut off real viewers.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
If the token is ever compromised, click **Regenerate token** on the Distribution page. The old token stops working immediately.
{% endhint %}

***

### SSL and custom domain

By default everything runs over plain HTTP. To enable HTTPS:

1. Point a domain to your server IP and wait for DNS to propagate
2. Go to **Settings > Server** and enter the domain
3. Click **Generate SSL**

CST+ uses Caddy to obtain a Let's Encrypt certificate automatically.

{% hint style="warning" %}
SSL generation requires port 80 to be open temporarily for the ACME challenge. If your firewall blocks port 80, the certificate request will fail.
{% endhint %}

***

### Pre-launch checklist

Before sharing with viewers, confirm:

* [ ] Channel is **On air** (green status on Channels page)
* [ ] Line is created and tested in an IPTV app
* [ ] **Public base URL** is set in Settings (otherwise playlist URLs have no host)
* [ ] **Server timezone** is correct (affects EPG times)
* [ ] Firewall allows inbound on port `8080` (streams) and `3000` (panel)
* [ ] Tested with VLC or an IPTV app using real line credentials


---

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