

# Enabling Multiple Hosts on an Amazon IVS Stream
<a name="multiple-hosts"></a>

Amazon Interactive Video Service (IVS) enables developers to build applications that combine video and audio from multiple broadcasters (also referred to as *hosts*) into one live stream.

Use cases include:
+ Guest spots – Broadcasters can invite viewers into the broadcast. This opens the door to collaborative content like karaoke and Q&A.
+ Versus (VS) mode – Broadcasters are matched with each other to compete (e.g., in a singing competition).
+ Group broadcasts – Multiple speakers can converse with each other in front of a large audience.

To add multiple broadcasters to a live stream, you need to use both IVS Real-Time Streaming and IVS Low-Latency Streaming. IVS Real-Time Streaming is used to combine video and audio streams; Low-Latency Streaming, to broadcast the combined stream to viewers.

Real-Time Streaming provides a resource called a stage, a virtual space where broadcasters (hosts) can exchange audio and video in real time. You can then broadcast a stage to channels to reach a larger audience, and you can build applications where audience members can be brought "on stage" to contribute to the live conversation.

For more information about IVS Real-Time Streaming, see:
+ [IVS Real-Time Streaming User Guide](https://docs.aws.amazon.com//ivs/latest/RealTimeUserGuide/what-is.html)
  + The IVS Broadcast SDKs incorporate real-time functionality. See the Guides for those SDKs: [Web](https://docs.aws.amazon.com//ivs/latest/RealTimeUserGuide/broadcast-web.html), [Android](https://docs.aws.amazon.com//ivs/latest/RealTimeUserGuide/broadcast-android.html), and [iOS](https://docs.aws.amazon.com//ivs/latest/RealTimeUserGuide/broadcast-ios.html), especially the sections on "Publishing and Subscribing." 
+  [IVS Real-Time Streaming API Reference](https://docs.aws.amazon.com//ivs/latest/RealTimeAPIReference/Welcome.html)