Frequently Asked Questions

New to Apollo Streams? Start with a quick video, then browse the questions below.

How Apollo Streams works

A quick tutorial on filming and streaming your game.

How to set up your equipment

Walk through the tripod and gear setup step by step.

The Basics

What is Apollo Streams?

Apollo Streams films your games automatically with an iPhone, streams them live, and creates instant highlights. It is built for parents, teams, schools, and leagues who want great footage without hiring a camera crew.

There are two apps. The Capture app films and produces the broadcast. The free Network app is where fans watch.

What is BallHawk?

BallHawk is our AI tracking gimbal. Snap your iPhone in and it follows the action on its own, so no one has to stand behind the camera. Built-in cooling keeps your phone from overheating in the sun, and a weather shield keeps it filming in the rain.

BallHawk is in development now. Join the early access list to be notified the moment it launches.

Do I need a subscription to use BallHawk?

No. BallHawk works right out of the box with the apps you already use, like your camera, social, and live-streaming apps. No subscription and no Apollo Streams app required.

The Apollo Streams Capture subscription is optional. It adds the sports production tools: AI sports tracking, instant replays, live scoreboards, live streaming, one-tap highlights, and full broadcasting controls.

Do I need BallHawk to use Apollo Streams?

No. You can start with just an iPhone and a Capture subscription. Add an iPad if you want a control center for multiple angles or an outside camera.

BallHawk adds hands-free AI tracking, so the camera follows the play by itself instead of someone holding or panning it.

Is it free for fans to watch?

Yes. Anyone can watch on the free Network app for iOS and Android, or on YouTube and Facebook. There is no subscription to watch a game.

The subscription is only for the person filming and producing the broadcast.

Do I need a professional videographer?

No. The system films and tracks the action for you. With BallHawk, no one has to run the camera at all. Add live commentary if you want it, but one person can run the whole broadcast.

Equipment and Setup

What do I need to get started?

At a minimum, an iPhone and an Apollo Streams Capture subscription.

Want multiple angles, live switching, or an outside camera? Add an iPad as your control center. Want hands-free tracking? Add BallHawk. You can see every setup option on the Build Your Broadcast page.

Which iPhones and iPads work?

Apollo Streams runs on iPhone and iPad using a recent version of iOS. A newer iPhone with multiple lenses gives you better zoom. A newer iPad processes replays and multiple cameras faster, and a larger screen makes the control center easier to run.

Do I need wifi at the field?

No. Apollo Streams works on a cell data plan. A stronger connection means higher quality video, so use the fastest signal you have, but data alone streams fine.

Can I use my own camera?

Yes. With a recent iPad and an HDMI capture adapter, you can bring almost any camera with an HDMI output into Apollo Streams and use the iPad as your control center.

Can I add a microphone for commentary?

Yes. You can connect an external or wireless microphone for commentary. Connect your audio before you go live. Audio settings lock once the stream starts, so if you add a mic after going live it will not pick up. If that happens, quit the app, reconnect, and start again.

Can I stream to YouTube or Facebook?

Yes. You can stream straight to YouTube or Facebook, and the Network app can embed those streams so they are easy to find and share. First-time setup on each platform takes a few steps. Our step-by-step setup guide walks you through it.

My school blocks YouTube or Facebook on its wifi.

Ask your IT administrator to open port 1935. That lets Apollo Streams connect and stream without being blocked.