We now live in a world where there is no such thing as privacy. And most of that is due to choice. Social media has blown up and there is no shame in recording yourself driving, live streaming for all those who care to watch.
We dive deep into dash cams for live streaming. Believe it or not, dash cams can have several purposes besides monitoring your car while driving. Using the dash cam as a security camera, a track cam, an agriculture tool or a social media device are just some of the creative ways dash cams are utilized. With a little bit of setup, we can get you broadcasting the road in no time.
Features to look out for
Streaming Capabilities
The most needed feature for your dash cam is the ability to have real time streaming capabilities. Most do not! Slowly as data becomes cheaper and technology progresses, more products are released with these features.
There are only a few ways you can stream footage over the web in your vehicle. They all involve utilizing a SIM card with data. The most convenient route is if the dash cam itself took the SIM card and had LTE capabilities. This is where the BlackVue DR750-2CH LTE comes in.
If the dash cam doesn’t take SIM cards, but still has cloud connectivity, you’ll need to use the SIM card in a mobile hotspot device. Technically you can use your phone, but a more efficient way is to use a separate, portable mobile hotspot.
These are cheap online, but you will still need to get a SIM card activated for that particular device.
Audio Connection
If the truck driver needs to communicate with their boss or vice versa, a quick way of doing that is through the dash cam. Since you are streaming video, you should be able to stream audio as well. This is sort of like a walkie-talkie as its 2-way communication.
GPS Tracking
Being able to locate a vehicle in your fleet or refer to the footage’s location data is very important if there’s ever a dispute on routes. Having a GPS feature allows you to record location, route and timestamp that to the footage. If someone is asking where a certain truck was at 8PM on Monday, you’ll have the answer.
This is great for safety as well as ensuring people are where they need to be.
Equipment needed to Stream
Mobie Hot Spot
As mentioned above, a hot spot is needed to provide internet connection to your device in order to utilize the cloud. Any major cell phone carrier will have their own hot spot device available to purchase and should include a SIM card. Most likely will be USB powered. You can either have this plugged into a power accessory in your vehicle, hard wired into the car or into a battery pack.
Hard wire kit
Hardwiring your devices make operating them a lot easier and less wires will be in your way. The first step you have to do is locate your fuse box. This can be in your glove compartment, or near the floor of the passenger or driver side. You will also need a hardwiring kit. These can be picked up online for cheap.
In your fuse box, refer to your manual and choose a “constantly on” fuse, or a fuse that is on once the key is in the ignition. If you want to remotely check your car via smartphone, you’ll want the dash cam to be constantly running. Don’t worry, hardwire kits come with a cut off switch that will trigger if it senses your car battery getting low.
GlocalMe G3 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
Regardless of your preferred method of streaming, you will be using data. Defaulted, you will have to use your cell phone as a personal hot spot. This can rack up large costs depending on your service. While some plans may accommodate this, double check! You will be in a rude awakening if you find out all of the streaming you have been doing is costing you money.
In all of our methods, we recommend using a mobile hot spot. This device acts like a mobile WiFi, using cellular data, but separate from your phone’s data. Typically, plans are cheaper and more affordable.
BlackVue DR900S
The BlackVue DR900S is the flagship dash camera that is able to connect to the cloud for live streaming. YouTube and Facebook are the standard broadcast options, but BlackVue has their own app where you can live stream or view others.
I cannot stress to you enough how rare it is for a dash camera to have live streaming capabilities. Couple this feature with the dozens of other useful features, the BlackVue comes is a high quality dash cam system.
This setup comes with two cameras, one facing the road ahead, while the other is a rear facing camera. It sports a 4K resolution sensor at 30 fps and is resistant to extreme weather hot or cold. No more cheap dash cams because it was getting a little sun!
What’s great about this product is that it comes with your own hardwiring kit, needed if you want to be able to utilize your dash cam when the key is not in the ignition. If you want to monitor your surroundings at night, or in an event where the car is off, the hardwire kit is a necessity.
And finally, the best for last. This dash camera has tons of features like parking mode, g-sensor, GPS/speed data, and even WiFi. WiFi on a dash cam is a super useful feature if you want to download clips to your phone and upload them to social media. What else would you do with it? Oh, you can also show cops during an accident or being pulled over. The BlackVue is a great choice for anyone looking to get a dash cam, but also want to explore live streaming.
BlackVue DR750-2CH LTE
The BlackVue DR750-2CH LTE is a brand new camera coming from BlackVue and its flagship feature is its LTE ability. All you have to do is insert a SIM card into camera and you are all set.
With the LTE feature, so many options are now available such as 2-way communication, remote live view, and live push notifications if the vehicle is involved in an accident. If you are managing a fleet, this is vital for you to know immediately if something has happened to your driver.
Accessing the GPS can immediately tell you where the driver is and what speed the vehicle is traveling at. Furthermore, you can upload the video to the cloud for future review.
Besides the cloud functionality, this dash cam films in Full HD 1080p with the front facing camera filming at a stunning 60 FPS while the rear is at 30 FPS. Both of these come with a field of view at 139 degrees.
Thinkware Q800 Pro
Our second recommendation for the best live streaming dash cam is the Thinkware Q800 Pro. It has almost all of the features of the BlackVue including WiFi, GPS, Parking Mode, Night Vision and G-Shock. It also comes in at a cheaper price point. That being said, there are some areas where it cuts back compared to the BlackVue.
The live streaming capabilities is only limited to the Thinkware software and app. Meaning, you can’t stream to YouTube or Facebook. The best use case is if you manage a fleet, you don’t necessarily need social media to monitor your vehicles. In fact, you probably don’t want anything broadcasting to the public.
While managing your fleet, the Thinkware comes with some cool features. This dash cam features geo-fencing which allows you to set a perimeter around an area and will alert you when your vehicle has left or entered that perimeter. It of course allows you to locate the driver with GPS and tap into it’s broadcast at any point. It will also alert you if you driver has experienced an impact and you can set the sensitivity levels.
If you are a fleet manager, then the Thinkware is right up your alley. Buy a few of these for your vehicles and have peace of mind and control over your business. The Thinkware dash cam is a solid piece of equipment that provides the best features at the right price point.
GoPro Hero 8
The GoPro isn’t a dash cam by any means, though with the right setup, it can be. But the GoPro has the easiest user experience for broadcasting to social media. It includes live streaming to websites like Facebook and YouTube, but others like Vimeo and Twitch. For someone who is really involved in social media, it’s good to be able to switch platforms and reach different audiences, and do it easily.
GoPro’s interface is really easy to navigate. If you do any action sports, you know GoPro’s are standard equipment. They feature Image Stabilization, great image quality and superb mounts. Get creative with those mounts! If you want to broadcast yourself at the track, perhaps get a seat mount, or you can get a simple adhesive to point towards yourself if you want to engage your audience.
This is a great choice for anyone who is in the car a lot, but also enjoys action sports. The GoPro is a great camera to have double functionality.
Final Thoughts on Streaming Dash Cams
Though limited, there are still a few options for a live streaming dash cam. Think about your use case and what features you really need. If you need social media platforms and ease of use and not so much of a dash cam, go with the GoPro. If you are a fleet manager wanting real time information on your drivers consider the Thinkware. And if you want a solution in the middle, get the BlackVue as it can broadcast to the BlackVue software or to social media. Whatever solution you decide, make sure you get the necessary equipment to begin your live streaming journey!