Did you know YouTube is one of the 3 most used apps in Brazil? On it, one format keeps gaining ground: live streaming.
Livestreams have become popular across many different social networks thanks to the interactive experience they offer.
The format is one of the online broadcast types with the highest engagement potential.
In fact, many people watch them to ask questions and get closer contact with speakers, among other reasons.
That’s also why livestreams tend to have broad reach, sometimes even reaching global audiences.
But organizing one is actually quite simple! Here’s everything you need to know:
- What is streaming?
- What’s the best live streaming platform?
- How does live streaming work?
- How do you do a live stream?
What Is Live Streaming?
Basically, live streaming is a type of online broadcast where audio and video are transmitted in real time.
On top of that, there’s no need to download the content to watch it. The name itself makes that clear.
After all, “live” means broadcasting as it happens, while “streaming” refers to any media that’s transmitted and played simultaneously, with no download required.
Since it’s broadcast live, live streaming usually allows conversation between speakers and viewers, almost always through a chat.
This makes the format more interactive, and it’s used by events across many different segments.
What Is a Streamer?
If you’ve heard the term “streamer” before, you’re probably familiar with it from gaming.
Live streaming became especially popular alongside online games, and many people started using the terminology from that space.
Basically, anyone who broadcasts content live is called a streamer. In other contexts, they may also be known as a host or speaker.
Streamers keep growing more popular because they interact with their audience in real time, creating a more engaging experience.
What’s the Best Live Streaming Platform?
The best live streaming platform depends on the type of content you want to broadcast and the audience you want to reach.
Here are a few options:
Even3 Streaming
Even3’s own online broadcast platform.
If you’d like, it can be integrated with other live streaming platforms and broadcast your live to multiple destinations at once.
That’s why it’s ideal for live broadcasts that are part of an event’s program.
It also has an exclusive broadcast mode on the platform that protects your online broadcast from outside access by people who aren’t registered for the event. This makes it the only platform recommended for exclusive content.
YouTube Live
The most popular and easy-to-use live streaming platform.
It lets viewers access livestreams through the app and boosts the reach of streams hosted on the platform.
That’s why it’s ideal for open content aimed at a broad, diverse audience.
Twitch
A streaming platform mainly focused on gaming and esports broadcasts.
It offers advanced interaction tools, such as selling content directly.
So it’s a good fit for reaching gamers and niche communities.
Facebook Live
Similar to YouTube Live, Facebook also lets you create livestreams on a social network with broad reach.
Here, though, live streaming tends to engage mostly with people who already follow your page.
So it’s a good fit for events aiming to strengthen their community, such as product launches, webinars, and pre-event content.
Instagram Live
Very similar to Facebook Live, Instagram is another platform used for community-building events.
It’s focused on short-form, highly interactive content.
Zoom and Microsoft Teams
Closed live broadcast platforms that let you create private rooms.
They allow for even more interaction, since the audience can actively participate if allowed to.
That’s why they’re mainly used for closed courses, corporate events, webinars, and virtual meetings.
How Does Live Streaming Work?
As mentioned, live streaming is a way to broadcast video and audio in real time over the internet, with no download required.
It relies on the following equipment:
- Capture device: you’ll need a camera or webcam to capture audio and video;
- Audio device: if you want, you can improve your audio capture with dedicated microphones;
- Internet: most livestreams will demand a lot from your internet connection. It’s recommended that your computer be connected directly via cable;
- Encoding: for most livestreams, a virtual studio, like Streamyard or OBS Studio, will be needed to capture your video and audio and send them to a streaming platform;
- Broadcast: the encoded data is sent to a streaming server, or streamed directly to the server, as is the case with Instagram Live.
How Do You Do a Live Stream?
1. Start With Your Persona
Before starting your live, it’s essential to understand who your audience is.
That’s why you need to create a persona.
It’s the ideal representation of your target audience, and that definition will guide which platform is the best fit.
For example, if you want to reach a younger audience that’s active on social media, platforms like Instagram Live or Twitch may work better.
For corporate content, Zoom or Even3 Streaming may be a better fit.
2. Choose the Platform
Once you’ve defined your persona, pick the platform that best matches your needs.
As mentioned, each platform has its own specific features that should match the demands of your broadcast.
3. Prepare Your Equipment
The quality of your broadcast depends directly on the equipment you use.
Invest in a good-quality camera to ensure a sharp image, and a microphone that captures clear audio without noise.
Also, don’t forget to check your internet connection, since an unstable connection can compromise the whole experience.
Finally, most streaming platforms require a virtual studio to encode the broadcast, such as Even3 Streaming, YouTube, Twitch, and others.
So check out options like Streamyard and OBS Studio for broadcasting your livestreams, editing them, creating layouts, and more.
4. Plan Your Content in Advance
Planning is crucial to the success of any live stream.
So clearly define the topic, the key points you’ll cover, and the length of the broadcast.
Also consider including moments of audience interaction to boost engagement.
5. Technical Setup
Get everything ready for the big day! Set up your virtual studio and the tools on your chosen streaming platform.
This includes adding images, inserting supporting materials, editing the layout, and exploring what your virtual studio can offer.
6. Run Tests
Run a test to make sure everything is working correctly.
Test the audio, the video, and the stability of your internet connection. If needed, run a rehearsal with speakers and staff too.
This way, you’ll catch and fix problems before the live broadcast.
7. Start the Broadcast
Start your live and be ready to interact with your audience in real time.
Answer questions, read comments, and mention attendees who interact in the chat. All of this will help you build a stronger connection with your audience.
Also, use calls to action (CTAs) to keep your audience engaged. Ask them to share the live, join polls, or leave comments.
8. Monitor the Data
Once your live is over, it’s time to analyze your data.
With information on views, interactions, and audience profile, you can improve future broadcasts.
It’s also worth sending post-event feedback forms.
All of this can be done easily with the help of a streaming platform like Even3.
You can also collect registrations, sell tickets, protect your broadcasts, and much more with the platform.
Enjoy an easier way to manage every step of your live streaming with Even3. Create an event for free today.
