# Utilizing backstage for live streams

https://help.circle.so/p/live-and-events/live-setup/utilizing-backstage-for-live-streams

Category: [Live and events](https://help.circle.so/p/live-and-events) › [Live setup](https://help.circle.so/p/live-and-events/live-setup)

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_Last updated: September, 2026_

Backstage lets you test the environment, prepare for the stream, and collaborate with co-hosts behind the scenes before going live.

## **What are some effective ways to use backstage?**

Here are some ideas for using backstage effectively:

- Start a bit early to rehearse or practice with your co-host before going live.

- Test audio and video with your co-hosts.

- Prepare and test any content you plan to share from your device during the live stream.

- Use chat to share a live stream agenda so your participants understand which topics will be covered during the stream.

- Use chat to share the sign-up link for the paywall you are promoting, so participants can use it to subscribe to your community membership.  

## **How can you enter backstage?**

Before you can start streaming, you'll always be prompted to enter backstage during the initialization process.

## **What can you do backstage?**

Backstage has the same controls you can access when you go live. You can use the control bar backstage to prepare and test the stream before going live.

### **Share the public live URL**

If you've chosen to go live to visitors along with your community members, you can copy the public live event URL from the **Share live event link** dialog or stream information (see the following).

 ![](https://assets-v2.circle.so/bz7ou8hpgxb5zki8l8yqhdee8fec)
### **Manage device settings**

To manage your audio and video preferences, click  **Device settings**  ⚙️ \*\*\*\*on the control bar. You can configure the following:

- Camera input

- Mirror your video input

- Blur your background

- Microphone input and audio output

- [**Background noise suppression**](https://help.circle.so/p/live-and-events/live-management/reduce-the-background-noise-when-sharing-microphone-audio)

- Speaker  

### **Report issue**

To report a technical issue, click  **Report issue**  on the control bar. You can report the following:

- The type of issue you're facing (audio, video, connection, screenshare, or another technical issue).

- A description of the issue.

- Your device details by toggling on Include technical details to help us troubleshoot.

### **Toggle microphone and camera**

To mute or unmute yourself or turn your camera on or off, click the  **Microphone**  or  **Camera**  icons on the control bar.

### **Share your screen**

Depending on the browser you use, when you click the  **Share screen**  icon, you'll be prompted with screen-sharing options such as a specific tab or window, or the entire screen of your device.

 ![](https://assets-v2.circle.so/hxnwyng2rdd1ooluyfv94ugkgcws)
### 

### **Initiate chat**

If chat is enabled:

1. Click  **Chat**  💬 on the control bar.

2. Type your message in the message field, then press  **Enter**  or click the  **Arrow**  icon.

 ![](https://assets-v2.circle.so/peffgridh12i0z1hlydxyp6wwaft)

### **Enable Q&A**

Click the  **Q&A**  icon on the control bar to enable the Live Q&A panel. For more information on setting up the live Q&A, see our guide [**here**](https://app.notion.com/p/Set-up-the-live-Q-A-17db655313b7800dbdfdd86051001417?pvs=21) **.**

### **Invite co-hosts**

1. On the control bar, click  **Participants**  👥.

2. In the  **Participants**  panel on the right, click  **Invite co-hosts**.  

3. Enter the name of the member you wish to invite.

4. Click  **Invite to stage**.  

### **Make the co-host a moderator**

To make any co-host present backstage a moderator:

1. Go to the  **Participants**  panel.

2. Hover over the co-host's name, click **More actions (three dots)**, and select  **Make moderator**.

> 💡 Tip: Once you have made the co-host a moderator, they'll be moved to the Moderators section in the Participants panel and assigned a moderator badge.

### **Manage view**

Click  **View**  in the top-right corner to switch between  **Speaker**  and  **Gallery**  view. To go full screen, click the  **View**  and select  **Go full screen**.

As a live session host or admin joined as host in the live stream, you have the flexibility to customize the number of speaker tiles per page. Use the slider under  **Speaker tiles**  in the  **View**  menu to adjust your preference. You can choose as few as 2 tiles or go all the way up to a maximum of 16 tiles per page in both gallery and speaker views.  
📚 For more information, see [**Change the live video layout.**](https://help.circle.so/p/live-and-events/live-management/change-the-live-video-layout)

 ![](https://assets-v2.circle.so/wgdbb9plek3b3q2jqx7gthcvj9y1)

### **Go live**

Once you are ready to start streaming, on the control bar, click  **Go live** , and then confirm in the dialog.

 ![](https://assets-v2.circle.so/jpqpxwzwsrm9vcl4ya7rzdsch8ia)

### **Leave the stream**

Instead of going live, if you wish to leave backstage, you can click  **Leave stream**  on the control bar. If you leave the backstage instead of going live, the live stream will display a backstage status in the [**live dashboard**](https://help.circle.so/p/live-and-events/live-management/utilizing-the-live-dashboard).

> ❗Important: Please note the live stream URL before leaving the stream. The live stream will remain active for 5 minutes after you leave. If you wish to rejoin the stream, use the stream URL.