How To Live Stream: A Comprehensive Guide

Live streaming can be a powerful tool in the right situation. It’s how people stay connected, how businesses make money, how communities are shaped and how events are viewed in real-time for those who can’t physically be there. Live streaming is also becoming more accessible to the masses, with many platforms available that have low or no cost of entry.

What do you need to get started and how to live stream? What’s your goal? How often should you stream? Who is your audience? In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions and provide everything else you need to know about live streaming!

What is live streaming?

To understand live streaming, one must first know what it is to stream. When someone watches a video on the internet, that video is being streamed. Therefore, streaming is the process of data transmission that occurs when a video is watched online. Think of streaming as a way to distribute files – in this case, videos – bit by bit from a remote location to someone watching. By doing so, the person watching would not need to download the entire video before being able to play it. Streaming is therefore a convenience for users on the internet.

Live streaming is the broadcasting of a video over the internet in real time to an audience. Generally, this video that is being live streamed was not previously recorded and stored. In today’s world, social media video, video game stream, and TV broadcasts can be live streamed.

To paint a clearer picture of the difference between live streaming and regular streaming, acting can be used. Regular streaming would be an actor who recites a prepared monologue. Here, the content is constructed beforehand, stored and then delivered to the audience. Live streaming on the other hand is like an actor who does impromptu or improvisations. Unlike regular streaming, here, the content is delivered to the audience in real time – while it is created.

Why are you live streaming?

There are many reasons to live stream. You might want to give people a backstage glimpse of how to make your product or service, provide content that’s not available anywhere else, connect with an audience in real-time and more. The key is finding the right platform for what you have in mind. Below I’ll discuss some different reasons and how to go about finding the right platform.

How Often Should You Live stream?

The answer to how often you should live stream really depends on what success means for your business. The more time users spend watching a live feed, the more likely they are to engage with it or purchase something from you after their session has ended.

For instance, if someone watches a video of yours that’s an hour long and only hangs out on your live stream for ten minutes, that might not be enough time. But if they watch a video of yours on YouTube for an hour and then hang out in the comments section or come back to chat with you from their phone after it’s over – those are big wins!

So how often should you be live streaming? It depends on how much effort you want to put into it. We recommend trying live streaming at least a handful of times per month, but how often you do will depend on how much time or effort your business is willing to dedicate to this type of broadcasting.

Some common live streaming tools are Facebook, Periscope (owned by Twitter), Google+, Blab.im and YouTube Live. The main difference between how these platforms work is how the video content is hosted – whether it’s on your website or their site respectively.

Since all of them offer a free plan with some features disabled, we recommend starting out with one of those platforms and experimenting extensively to figure out how they work.

Some pros to live streaming are that you get instant feedback, can ask questions directly from chat or video comments on the fly, have more opportunities for engagement and increased brand recognition. Some cons are lower quality videos (unless using a reliable internet connection), when broadcasting pre-recorded content you may not be able to edit your content in case there is a technical difficulty, and the inability for viewers to purchase products you’re promoting.

Live streaming can also increase engagement with remote guests – how will this work?

If you want advice on how to live stream with remote guests we advise using Google Hangouts or Skype so that they are able to join the conversation.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Started?

Live streaming has really taken off over the years. It’s a great way to promote your business, share events or ideas in real-time and connect with customers on an intimate level. But how much does it cost? And what do you need to get started? Let’s take a look!

First off – how much does live streaming cost?

It can depend on how you use it. If all you’re doing is broadcasting a single event, the costs will differ for each company and what they offer.

For example: if your business had an annual conference with 100 people in attendance to speak about new products or services – then this may be something that you would need to hire a professional company for.

On the other hand, if you’re just starting out and want to explore how live streaming could work for your business – then there are many free options that can be explored!

Now how much do I need?

To get started with most platforms, all you need is a smartphone and a laptop or desktop computer. These are the most basic requirements for live streaming since you can upload your content to YouTube, Facebook Live or Ustream without any other equipment!

If you want more professional results though, there are tons of additional accessories that are needed like microphones/headsets for audio – light screens if broadcasting on a desktop – and much more.

In the end, how much you need to get started can depend on how serious you want to be about live streaming and how often you plan on utilizing it for your business. But, if all you’re looking for is a bit of guidance or an introduction into what options are available for video production, then a good place to start is how much it costs.

How it works: essential steps

Live streaming is a great way to connect with your audience and share what’s happening in the moment. It can also be an effective tool for connecting remotely if you’re filming pre-recorded content or want to have remote guests on the live stream.

Essential steps: how to set up, how not to do it wrong, how much time it takes, how to get better at it

When live streaming, the most important thing to remember is that you want people watching your video stream – not just listening. If they are only seeing and hearing what’s happening without a visual component then chances are they might lose interest after spending time with you because there simply isn’t anything new going on!

For the best results, make sure you have a strong internet connection and upload your live event audio to YouTube or another video hosting site. This way if you lose your sound signal during the broadcast then viewers can still see what’s happening on screen!

Next – how do I set up my camera? It doesn’t seem complicated but there are a few things you’ll want to consider before getting started.

– how far is it from the audience?

– what direction are they facing?

How high should I set my camera up so that it’s not too low or too high for viewers watching on their desktop, phone, tablet etc.? This can be tricky depending on how many people will be viewing your live stream and the type of device they’ll be using.

– how do I set up lighting for the camera? You’ll want to have a really strong light in front of you and then another one behind so that viewers can see what’s happening on screen better!

OK, how long does it take to get started with my live streaming event? The time it takes to start the stream can really vary depending on how much prep work you do beforehand. If you’re just going live with a prerecorded video or an interview then it should be pretty quick!

If for example, you have some guests who will be participating via Skype as well – this could take up more of your time because before they enter the call, you’ll want to make sure their audio and video is properly synced.

1. Pick a suitable location
2. Get a High Quality Internet Connection
3. Decide on a live streaming platform
4. Get the best equipment within your budget:
   • Camera for live stream
   • A tripod that suits your camera
   • Get good lighting
   • Get a microphone
   • Headphones with built-in microphone
   • Laptop/computer
   • Audio mixer
   • Video encoder

5. Charge all your devices
6. Set up simulcasting
7. Test your equipment
   • Mic and camera
   • Lighting

Live streaming Hardware and Software

– LiveU Solo: This wireless device is quite easy to set up and allows you to stream in HD from anywhere. With LiveU Solo you can live stream from remote locations or in super crowded places with ease. All you need to do is connect it to your camera and in seconds your live streaming.

–  YoloLiv YoloBox: This is an all-in-one smart multi-camera streaming device. It encompasses an encoder, switcher, recorder, and monitor in one so you can do live switches between up to six video sources. It’s so small it can fit into your pocket. 

Software:

Most of the software options I use are free and some even come with a built in web camera. The ones that cost money have monthly fees.

– OBS (Open Broadcaster Software)

– Wirecast

– Xsplit

Live Streaming Platforms:

The first few times I streamed live, it was on Facebook but now that’s how people watch the least amount of video content there are other platforms to choose from depending on what you want to do.

– Facebook: does not require a paid account for live streaming

– YouTube Live: how to set up your channel and the benefits of using it as a platform

– Periscope: how to start broadcasting and what you need in order to use this app/platform

Live Streaming Apps: These apps are designed specifically for live streaming and how to use them.

– Facebook Live: how to set up your account

– Periscope: how to start broadcasting

Benefits/opportunities created by live streaming

Live streaming provides a number of benefits to both individuals and businesses. These fall into two broad categories: how the live stream is viewed by others, how it feels for the person who’s doing the broadcasting.

– For people viewing the content, there are many positives that come with this form of media. They can feel like they know the person who is broadcasting more intimately, they can get a live feed of how an event or product launch goes and not have to wait until the big reveal happens weeks later. They also don’t feel like they need to be at the event when it actually takes place because, with streaming technology, any location in the world has access.

– From the person broadcasting, there are also a number of positives. They can be more interactive with their audience and receive feedback in real-time which helps them to grow as an individual or business. You’ll feel like you have your own TV channel that anybody who wants to watch it has access to at any time they want.

The negatives of live streaming are that it can be a time-consuming undertaking and one where you really need to know how much work goes into recording the stream. You’ll also want to make sure your internet connection is fast enough for people who will be tuning in from around the world, or else they won’t get a good viewing experience.

The benefits of live streaming are numerous, but how do you know which platform will be the best for what you have in mind? Below I’ll discuss how to choose a platform.

– You can go down one of two routes: either start with your own personal preference or think about how your audience would like it most. If you’re wanting to start a stream for yourself and how you work, then it would make sense to use a platform like Facebook Live. If what you really want is an interactive experience that will engage your audience the most, something like YouTube or Twitch might be best.

– Of course, there are many other things you can take into account when choosing the right platform. What’s your budget like? Which devices will you be streaming on? How much time do you have available to spend broadcasting every day?

– I recommend trying a few out and seeing how they work for what you envision before making any final decisions, but here are some of my favorites: Facebook Live, YouTube, Twitch, and Periscope.

How to live stream with remote guests

I’ve been live streaming for the last few years and it has changed how I work. My audience includes people all over the world, some of whom can watch me throughout their day on a second monitor or TV while they work. Others might tune in with just 20 minutes to spare before bed because that’s how they like to unwind.

I use a combination of software and hardware to broadcast live. I also use the same tools for how-to videos and other pre-recorded content so it’s easy to switch up the type of show depending on where I am or what mood I’m in that day.

There are plenty of ways you can set yourself up but here are the basics:

– Capture your screen with software like OBS or Wirecast.

– Plug in an external microphone, webcam and speakers to ensure good sound quality.

– Choose how you want to go live from either Facebook, YouTube or other platforms that are best suited for what you’re doing.

Once I’ve connected with my viewers I like to switch up how we interact. Here are some of the ways I’ll chat:

– Give a tour or show how-to on something

– Take questions from the audience and answer live (sometimes in video form)

– Host guests, whether they’re local or remote

– Have a live Q&A

– Host a lightning talk or other event with remote guests

Some of my favorite things to chat about include how I travel, how I work (both for this blog and in general), what it’s been like since starting my podcast and more. My audience can be as small or large as I want it to be.

I’ve also found that how I interact with my audience is one of the biggest benefits of live streaming. The connections and conversations we make are some of the best parts about what I do.

Chatting back and forth, getting feedback on how someone else is doing or just being able to answer a question someone has on how to do something is what makes live streaming so rewarding.

Live streaming at weddings and other events

To stream at events like a wedding or a birthday party you may need extra time to prepare, depending on what the guests of honor want and the location. This extra time also allows you to test your devices to ensure audio and visuals are in perfect working order.

With a wedding, for example, the newlyweds may want every single thing recorded live and this may entail moving from one location (church) to the next (photoshoot venue/reception hall or both).

Always be sure to get to each location ahead of time to set up your devices in the right live stream point of view. Depending on how many devices you have, you can probably set up at each location ahead of time so you get to catch every moment at each. Makes it easier to transition too.

You’ll also need to decide what platform you’re going to use to live stream the event. As I’ve mentioned before, there are a number of platforms to choose from. Depending on the liberty you have you can choose which works best for you or you may have to consult with the hosts to see which they prefer.

There may be remote guests who may want to use Zoom, Facebook Live, Youtube, or even Microsoft Teams and so may want to incorporate each of these into the streaming.

With the platform/platforms decided upon, you’ll then need to decide on which live stream device will work best. If, for instance, I need to live stream on different video platforms then I’d choose the YoloBox since I can switch up with it.

Finally, always have a backup plan. I remember attending a wedding remotely sometime this year and only one platform was used. When the time came for the ceremony to start the platform never worked.

So all of the virtual guests, including close family, missed out on the first half of the wedding. It was the uncle of the bride who saved the day by streaming the reception live on Zoom.

Don’t let this be you, because you don’t want an angry mob of guests of disappointed newlyweds.

How to talk on camera

For some people, talking on camera is as easy as breathing. For others, it can be a real struggle to get started or feel comfortable in front of the lens.

There are many ways to start improving how well you talk and make yourself more confident being filmed – here are just a few:

– Practice your speech ahead of time: how do I know how long to talk?

– What is the point of talking on camera: how can you use it to your advantage

– Practice in front of a mirror or consider sharing videos with friends and family so they offer feedback

Some people might prefer practising their speech ahead of time, while others may feel more comfortable just winging it on the day of. Do whatever works best for you or what makes you comfortable.

A great way to practice how you talk is by recording yourself practising in front of a mirror. This way you can have a sneak peek at all of your nonverbal antics you may or may not be aware of. This will also help you to realize how many words/ideas you can fit into your allotted time frame based on your talking speed.

Also, it is important that you ask yourself a few questions so that you are adequately prepared to talk in front of the camera on a live stream. A few of these questions are

• How long your speech should be?
• What points should you cover in your video/speech?
• How will you integrate audience interaction into your presentation?
• If there’s one thing you’d like the audience to take away from the entire presentation what would it be?

With these questions, it’s likely you’ll feel more confident and prepared in front of the lens when it’s time to film!

Live streaming pre-recorded content

One way to get your feet wet with live streaming is by pre-recording content. This can be done in a studio or, if you have the freedom of an outdoors location, onsite/unscripted interviews and how-to sessions are also possible. One thing that sets this type of broadcasting apart from its live counterpart is how you plan to interact with your viewers. If you’re not conducting a live Q&A, how-to session or interview, how are potential audience members going to get their questions answered?

Periscope (Twitter) and Facebook Live both have the ability for users of either platform (or anyone who subscribes to one’s content) to comment and ask questions. However, if you’re looking for more engagement and interaction with your viewers beyond the usual Q&A in a prerecorded video post, then YouTube Live is worth considering.

YouTube’s live streaming service allows users to both watch broadcasts as well as participate in them by submitting text-based or video comments during a broadcast. One thing that YouTube Live has over Facebook and Periscope is how it handles those comments, deletion. Whereas those other two platforms delete comments after a broadcast finishes for viewers who have decided to watch the video, later on, YouTube keeps all of its live chat conversations in an archived playlist

The only downside to pre-recorded content that can be streamed live? You’ll need to commit some time and resources upfront.

Live Streaming vs Video-conferencing

Video conferencing is a virtual meeting or conference where participants are connected by audio, video and data screens.

Live Streaming is how to broadcast a live event over the internet as it’s happening.

Many events now use both mediums of broadcasting – when one platform isn’t enough for all their needs. For example, TED talks offer a live stream with a video-conferencing option.

It’s how to choose between these two mediums that we’ll cover in this section.

The main reason for going with live streaming is because it allows people to see the event live as it happens – no time delay and therefore, what you’re seeing on the screen is happening at that very moment.

If your event is more low-key, you’ll find that video conferencing will work better for both the audience and those speaking. If it’s something like a keynote speech where there are many people in attendance or broadcasting to an international audience, live streaming would be preferred as they can see what’s happening right now without any time delay.

Pros and cons of live streaming:

– It’s how to broadcast live events as they happen, with the same excitement level if it were happening in person – no time delays or lag times for live viewing (what you see is what happened at that moment).

– Live streaming can be difficult with high bandwidth requirements so if you’re going to be connecting internationally, ensure that your internet connection is of sufficient quality.

– Live Streaming can only happen at the location where the broadcasting equipment is located – so if it’s necessary for event attendees or speakers to participate remotely (for example video conferencing), live streaming will not suffice.

– You need a strong Wi-Fi connection for live streaming, as the internet traffic is much higher than that of video conferencing.

Pros and cons of video conference:

– It’s how to conduct virtual meetings or conferences without leaving your home.

– Video conferencing can be done at a low cost (it doesn’t matter if you’re using a laptop, tablet or mobile phone) and without the need for expensive equipment.

– You can have an unlimited number of participants in a video conference – no matter how many people are present in one location.

– Video conferencing is easy to set up as there’s less technical knowledge required than with live streaming (you can simply set it up and start how to use the software).

– Video conferencing is more personal than live streaming because you can see people’s facial expressions.

– Sometimes video conferences are not as exciting or engaging as live events.

Benefits of both:

– One benefit of using video conferences in an event setting is how to do a remote Q&A session with the event speakers.

– A live stream can also offer some incredible benefits for an event, such as how to view it from different angles or how to connect people in other countries who cannot attend the live event. One example would be how TED Talks offers both live stream and video conferencing options.

– The great thing about how to use live streaming and video conference is how you can mix the two mediums together – which would be more appealing for an event setting.

In conclusion, it’s how to choose between these two broadcasting methods that will depend on what your needs are in terms of how many people need to attend remotely or how you want to do the event.

If live streaming will work for your needs, it can be how to live broadcast a live event over the internet as it’s happening – but this depends on how well-connected and how strong your Wi-Fi is.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re connecting internationally or in one location: how to live stream will depend on how strong your Wi-Fi connection is.

Video conferencing allows remote attendees, and it’s how to conduct virtual meetings or conferences without leaving home – but this depends on how many participants there are in the meeting/conference.

If you’ll be using a video conference for an event setting, how to do a remote Q&A session with the event speakers is how to use video conferencing.

Some situations where live streaming is better are when you want to have a quick chat with someone or if you need advice on how to do something quickly and in real time (like how to tie a bowtie). Video conferencing would be better if you need to hash out a longer project with someone, like how they want their website redesigned.

Can these forms of broadcasting be combined? Yes! Video conferencing can be used in conjunction with live streaming – just make sure that the camera is pointed at your screen during video calls so people watching know what’s happening on your end and can get a sense of how you’re reacting to what the other person is saying.

How do I get better at live streaming?

The best way to improve how well your live stream goes would be by doing it more often! Just like anything else in life, practice makes perfect so the more times you go through this process – the easier it’ll become.

That doesn’t mean you should only live stream when you have a guest who will participate remotely because it can also be really helpful to get started with how your viewers want to consume content from the beginning!

You might start out by just filming yourself for 20 minutes and seeing what kind of feedback you get on social media, or how your viewers react to the content.

Conclusion

The trend of live streaming is here, not going anywhere soon, or so it seems. Live broadcasting a how-to session in the garden for your new landscaping project instead of writing an article on how to plant flowers would be much more effective because you’re teaching people how to do things ‘live’.

If you’re aiming for an ‘on-the-ground approach to how to use live streaming in your business, Periscope and YouTube are the two most popular choices. That is because they allow viewers to watch broadcasts as well as participate in them by submitting text or video comments during a broadcast. In contrast with Facebook and Periscope, YouTube offers a chat system that archives all live-streaming conversations.

If you’re looking for more engagement with viewers beyond the usual Q&A of a prerecorded video post then YouTube Live is worth considering.

As good as this sounds though, there are some things to be aware of before starting. Live streaming broadcasts require a commitment to time and resources.

There you have it! We’ve walked through how live-streaming works, how often you should stream, as well as what software or hardware is needed for pre-recorded content. It’s up to you how much money and time you want to invest in your business but there are plenty of benefits and opportunities created by live streaming.