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Live streaming has become an incredibly popular way to broadcast events and connect with audiences around the world in real-time. But if you've never live streamed before, the process can seem a bit daunting. Don't worry! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to live stream your very first event successfully.
We'll cover the six main steps: choosing a streaming platform, getting the right equipment, setting up your streaming space, promoting your live stream, executing the live stream itself, and following up afterwards. By the end, you'll be ready to share your event with a global audience with confidence!
Step 1: Choose Your Live Streaming Platform
The first thing you need to do is select which live streaming platform you want to use to broadcast your event. There are several options to consider:
YouTube Live: YouTube's live streaming service plugs right into the world's most popular video platform, making it easy for people to find and watch your stream. It offers handy features like live chat and automatic recording. To live stream from a smartphone, you will need at least 50 subscribers.
Facebook Live: If your event has an active Facebook community, streaming on Facebook Live is a great way to engage them. Viewers can comment, react, and share the stream in real-time.
EventLive: As a platform built specifically for live streaming events of all types and sizes, EventLive provides useful tools like easy to use app, private event link, custom branding and much more.
Do some research on each platform's capabilities, requirements, and audience demographics to determine which one is the best fit for your particular event.
Step 2: Gather Your Streaming Equipment
Next, you'll need to think about the proper video and audio equipment to produce a high-quality live stream. At minimum, you'll likely need:
- A camera (or multiple cameras for larger events). For smaller events, even a modern smartphone camera can work if using an easy live streaming app.
- Microphone to capture clear audio
- Video encoding equipment or software if you are planning to use professional cameras
- A fast, reliable internet connection with enough upload bandwidth
You can use a smartphone or tablet or prosumer equipment like DSLR cameras and wireless microphones for smaller events. For larger professional events, you may need professional cameras, wired lav mics, hardware encoders, etc.
If you're streaming a relatively simple event like a conference talk or interview on a limited budget, your smartphone paired with an easy-to-use streaming app like EventLive can get the job done. EventLive's mobile app allows you to go live right from your phone's camera with just a few taps.
However, for high-production value events with multiple cameras, special lighting, pro audio needs and so on, you'll want to invest in higher-end dedicated equipment or professional team.
If you're not sure what equipment is necessary for the type of event you're streaming, do some research online or even consider renting gear instead of buying at first.
Step 3: Set Up Your Streaming Space
Once you have your equipment, you'll need to set up an actual physical space to produce your live stream from. This involves:
- Positioning your camera(s) to get the ideal shots and angles of your event
- Setting up microphones
- Connecting all your video sources to your encoding system if you are using professional cameras
- Running through test recordings to check audio/video levels and quality. With EventLive you can do as many free tests as needed.
The particulars of how you set up this space will depend on the type of event, the size of the venue, and what you're streaming (e.g. a stage, a conference room, private event, etc.)
Don't be afraid to experiment with different arrangements to find what looks and sounds best. And be sure to test everything thoroughly before your actual live stream!
Step 4: Promote Your Upcoming Live Stream
You're almost ready to go live — but you need an audience first! If you are planning to live stream a private event, you can just share the link with your viewers. For promotional, business, and other events generate buzz for your live stream by actively promoting it across multiple channels:
- Post about it regularly on your event's social media channels like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
- Send email campaigns to your subscriber lists
- Add the stream details and link to your website
- Consider paid advertising on social media to reach new audiences
- Reach out to influencers or industry personalities to help spread the word
Give people plenty of advance notice about when you'll be streaming live and make sure to provide all the details on how and where they can watch.
Step 5: Execute Your First Live Stream!
It's finally time for the big day and your first live streaming experience! A few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:
- Arrive extra early to get set up and do final tests
- Check your internet connection and make sure your upload speed is at least 3 Mbps.
- Start streaming right on time as scheduled
- Monitor your stream's quality throughout the event and be prepared to troubleshoot any issues
- Stay calm and have someone dedicated to managing the stream
Most importantly, don't panic if something small goes wrong! Even professional live streamers hit bumps sometimes. Just stay focused, communicate clearly, and prioritize capturing the event.
Step 6: Follow Up on Your Live Stream
The event may be over, but there are still a few housekeeping items to take care of:
- If your platform recorded the stream automatically, download and archive that video file
- Share the recording across your channels for anyone who missed it live
- Review the viewership metrics and engagement analytics from your streaming platform
- Gather feedback from viewers on how you can improve for next time
- Thank your viewers, participants, sponsors, or others who helped make it happen
Then just rinse and repeat! The more you live stream, the more comfortable and skilled you'll become at it.
Live streaming may seem intimidating if you've never done it before. But by following these six steps carefully, you'll be able to share your event online and create an engaging live experience for a global audience.
And using an event live streaming platform like EventLive makes it even easier with its specialized tools like mobile app, custom branding, interactivity features, and more. With some preparation and the right guidance, you'll be live streaming like a pro in no time!
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