Skip to main content
iPhone & iPad

iPhone & iPad

Other deviceRecommended
iphoneipadiosipadosofficial-appsafarimobileairplaywatching

Owncasts for iOS

Recommended
EasyVery reliable

Use the native Owncasts app to browse the directory or connect directly to your own server.

Owncasts for iOS directory screen
  • Best experience for watching Owncast streams on mobile.
  • Directory browsing built in.
  • Picture-in-picture support for multitasking.
  • AirPlay integration for casting to TV.
Show step-by-step instructions
  1. Install Owncasts for iOS from the App Store.
  2. Launch the application and browse the directory or add your own Owncast server in settings.
  3. Select a stream to start watching.
  4. Use the AirPlay button to cast to compatible devices like Apple TV or AirPlay-enabled TVs.
Download on the iPhone app store

Safari Browser

EasyVery reliable

Watch Owncast streams directly in Safari with full-screen and AirPlay support.

Safari browser playing Owncast stream
  • No app installation required.
  • Works with any Owncast server.
  • Built-in AirPlay controls in video player.
  • Picture-in-picture support on supported devices.
Show step-by-step instructions
  1. Open Safari on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Navigate to your Owncast server URL (e.g., https://watch.owncast.online).
  3. Tap the play button to start the stream.
  4. Use the AirPlay button in the video controls to cast to other devices.
  5. Tap the full-screen button for immersive viewing.

VLC for iOS

IntermediateVery reliable

Use VLC to play Owncast streams with advanced playback controls and options.

VLC for iOS network stream interface
  • Advanced media player with extensive format support.
  • Network stream support for direct URL input.
  • Offline playback capabilities.
  • Built-in AirPlay support.
Show step-by-step instructions
  1. Install VLC for iOS from the App Store.
  2. Open VLC and tap the Network tab.
  3. Enter your Owncast server URL (e.g., https://watch.owncast.online).
  4. Tap the stream to start playback.
  5. Use AirPlay button to cast to other devices if desired.
Download on the iPhone app store

AirPlay to TV

EasyVery reliable

Stream from your iPhone or iPad to Apple TV, AirPlay-compatible TVs, or other AirPlay receivers.

AirPlay device selection screen
  • Works from both the Owncasts app and Safari.
  • High-quality video streaming to large screens.
  • Control playback from your mobile device.
  • Continue using your phone while streaming.
Show step-by-step instructions
  1. Start playing an Owncast stream on your iPhone or iPad (using either the Owncasts app or Safari).
  2. Look for the AirPlay button in the video controls or app interface.
  3. Tap the AirPlay button and select your target device (Apple TV, smart TV, etc.).
  4. The stream will begin playing on the selected device.
  5. Use your iPhone/iPad as a remote control.

For more details, visit Apple's AirPlay documentation.

Control Center AirPlay

EasyVery reliable

Use Control Center to quickly AirPlay any Owncast stream to compatible devices.

iOS Control Center with AirPlay button
  • System-wide AirPlay access from Control Center.
  • Works with any app or browser playing Owncast streams.
  • Quick device switching.
Show step-by-step instructions
  1. Start playing an Owncast stream in any app or Safari.
  2. Open Control Center (swipe down from top-right on newer iPhones, swipe up from bottom on older models).
  3. Tap the AirPlay icon (rectangle with triangle).
  4. Select your AirPlay-compatible device from the list.
  5. The audio and video will stream to the selected device.
Contributors to this page