---
title: Channel boosts
description: Assign the boosts from your plan to channels to raise their level, improving recording quality, VOD retention, and live detection for everyone.
---

Boosts are how viewers improve a channel for everyone who watches it. Each boost you assign counts toward the channel's level, and each level unlocks better recording.

## Boost levels

| Level | Boosts needed | Max quality | VOD retention | Live check |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Level 1 | 4 | 1080p | 15 days | Every 3 min |
| Level 2 | 9 | 1440p | 60 days | Every 2 min |
| Level 3 | 18 | 2160p | Unlimited | Every minute |

- **Max quality** is the highest resolution recorded, measured on the shorter side. Streams below it are kept at their original quality.
- **VOD retention** is how long recorded VODs are kept before they are deleted automatically.
- **Live check** is how often Streaminz checks whether the channel is live. Shorter intervals mean recording starts sooner.

A channel's level counts boosts from all users together. The channel page's **Boosts** tab shows its level, progress to the next level, and who is boosting it.

## Where boosts come from

| Source | Boosts |
| --- | --- |
| Basic | 2 |
| Standard | 6 |
| Premium | 10 |
| [Boost add-on](/billing/add-ons) | $2.19 / month each |

You need an active plan to boost channels.

## Boost a channel

1. Subscribe to the channel. See [Following channels](/channels/following).
2. On the channel page, select **Boost**, or go to **Dashboard** > **Boosts** and pick it from **Channels you can Boost**.
3. Choose how many boosts to apply. Boosts beyond your plan's included ones are added as a paid add-on, and the dialog shows the prorated charge before you confirm.

## Move a boost

Boosts can't be removed once assigned, but they can be moved. In **Dashboard** > **Boosts**, select **Move** on a boost and choose another channel. After a move, that boost has a cooldown before it can move again.

## When boosts stop counting

- **Payment failed**: boosts keep counting during the payment grace period.
- **Plan canceled**: boosts count until the end of the billing cycle, then end with the plan.
- **Plan expired**: all boosts backed by it end.
- **Channel removed from Streaminz**: its boosts are released. For boosts bought as an add-on, your add-on is reduced and the unused whole days of the current month are refunded as [credits](/billing/credits-and-redeem-codes).

When a channel drops a level, it keeps its previous VOD retention for a short grace period.

:::note
Boosting a channel doesn't give you rights in it or guarantee that any broadcast is recorded. See [Channel boosts and storage](/legal/terms-of-service#channel-boosts-and-add-ons).
:::