How to Use Fediverse Authentication with Owncast

The Fediverse is a decentralized network of interconnected platforms where users can interact with each other across various services. These platforms include social media, content sharing, and more, often using protocols like ActivityPub. One popular service in the Fediverse is Owncast, an open-source, self-hosted live streaming platform that allows users to stream video and interact with their audience.

If you’re using Owncast to stream, you may want to enable Fediverse authentication. This feature allows users to sign in to your Owncast server using their Fediverse accounts, making it easier for them to connect with you. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to set up Fediverse authentication with Owncast, enabling smoother and more seamless user interactions.

What is Fediverse Authentication?

Fediverse authentication allows users from various platforms in the Fediverse, such as Mastodon, PeerTube, or other services using ActivityPub, to log in to your Owncast server without needing to create a new account. This integration enables users to authenticate using their existing Fediverse account, improving user experience and lowering barriers to entry.

Benefits of Fediverse Authentication for Owncast:

1. Streamlined Access: Users can log in with their Fediverse account, removing the need to remember multiple usernames and passwords.
2. Decentralization: As Owncast is a decentralized platform, using Fediverse authentication aligns with the principles of the wider Fediverse ecosystem.
3. Enhanced Interactivity: By linking Owncast with Fediverse accounts, streamers can engage with their community in new ways, leveraging their existing social media connections.

Setting up Fediverse authentication on your Owncast server requires configuring some settings in the Owncast administration panel. Here’s how you can do it:

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure:

• Your Owncast server is set up and running.
• You have administrator access to the Owncast dashboard.
• You have an instance of Mastodon or another ActivityPub-based platform (like Pleroma or Pixelfed) to test the authentication.

Step 1: Enable Fediverse Authentication

1. Login to Owncast Admin Panel:
   • Open your browser and navigate to your Owncast instance.
   • Log in to the admin panel with your admin credentials.
2. Access Settings:
   • In the navigation menu, find and click on the Settings option.
3. Enable Authentication:
   • In the Authentication section of the settings page, you will find options for enabling third-party logins.
   • Locate the Fediverse Authentication option and toggle it to enable. This will allow your Owncast instance to accept logins from ActivityPub-enabled platforms like Mastodon, PeerTube, and others.
4. Configure ActivityPub Settings:
   • If you don’t see an ActivityPub option in the settings yet, you might need to configure the plugin or extension that allows Owncast to integrate with Fediverse services.
   • After enabling Fediverse authentication, fill in any necessary fields related to your instance’s ActivityPub configuration, such as your instance’s domain name and any required credentials.
5. Save the Settings:
   • Once configured, save your settings to apply the changes.

Step 2: Test the Authentication

Now that Fediverse authentication is enabled, you should test it to make sure everything is working properly.

1. Log Out of Owncast:
   • If you are logged in as an admin, log out to simulate the user experience.
2. Attempt to Log In with a Fediverse Account:
   • Visit the Owncast login page.
   • You should now see an option to log in using your Fediverse account. Look for buttons that say “Login with Mastodon” or other Fediverse platforms supported by Owncast.
   • Click the button and follow the prompts to authenticate using your Fediverse account. You may need to authorize Owncast to interact with your Fediverse account.
3. Verify the Connection:
   • After logging in, you should be redirected to your Owncast instance and have access to the platform’s features.

If all works as expected, your Owncast instance is now connected to the Fediverse!

Step 3: Adjust User Permissions (Optional)

Depending on how you want to manage your users, you may need to configure permissions to restrict certain actions or access levels. For example, you can choose whether authenticated users can chat, comment, or use other features like interacting with streams.

• Go to the Permissions section in the admin panel.
• Set different levels of access for Fediverse users, ensuring your streams are open or protected according to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Fediverse authentication, and why should I use it?

Fediverse authentication allows users to log into your Owncast server using their existing account from platforms like Mastodon, Pleroma, or PeerTube. It simplifies the login process and helps foster a more seamless and decentralized user experience.

2. Which platforms are supported for Fediverse authentication?

Fediverse authentication works with any platform that uses ActivityPub, including Mastodon, PeerTube, Pleroma, and Pixelfed. If the platform supports ActivityPub, it should work with Owncast.

3. Do I need to install any additional plugins to enable Fediverse authentication?

In some cases, you may need to install or enable a plugin or extension for ActivityPub integration in Owncast. Make sure that your Owncast instance is updated to the latest version that supports this functionality.

4. Can I restrict who can log in with Fediverse accounts?

Yes, Owncast allows you to adjust user permissions and control who has access to certain features based on their authentication method. You can make your streams open or limit access as needed.

5. What happens if I disable Fediverse authentication later?

If you disable Fediverse authentication, users will no longer be able to log in using their Fediverse accounts. Any users who were logged in via Fediverse will be logged out, and they will need to create a new Owncast-specific account if they want to continue interacting with your streams.

6. Is Fediverse authentication secure?

Yes, Fediverse authentication is secure, as it uses the same OAuth-based protocols that other federated services rely on. Your users’ data is handled by the Fediverse platform, and Owncast only uses the authentication tokens provided during the login process.

7. Can I integrate Fediverse authentication with other platforms?

Currently, Owncast supports authentication through ActivityPub-enabled platforms. As new platforms adopt ActivityPub, support for them may be added in future releases of Owncast.

Conclusion

Enabling Fediverse authentication on your Owncast server is a great way to integrate with the wider decentralized web. It enhances user experience by allowing users to log in using their existing social accounts from Mastodon, PeerTube, and other ActivityPub-based platforms. The setup process is relatively simple, and once completed, you can offer your community an easy way to interact with your streams while staying true to the decentralized ethos of the Fediverse.