Livestreaming has become an increasingly valuable asset for event planners in recent years. It has provided a way for companies to reach a global audience and make their brand known to people who would otherwise never have a chance to attend a live conference.
Once you know how to live stream an event, the rest is all about putting the steps into practice and encouraging viewers to tune in and invite as many friends as possible.
The Statistics
More people all over the world are watching live and pre-recorded streams. In the US, 86% of Americans indicated that they watch some form of online content. In a separate survey, 85% indicated that they rely on video and live streaming tools as a marketing aid.
Live Streaming Tips
So what is the best way to live stream an event? There’s no one way that works for everyone, but here a few strategies that event planners have used with great success.
In the US, 86% of Americans indicated that they watch some form of online content. In a separate survey, 85% indicated that they rely on video and live streaming tools as a marketing aid.
1. Make It a Two-Way Conversation
As the host of a live stream, you have a lot to share with your audience. However, don’t rant nonstop. Give viewers time to digest the information and ask questions. Your Live streaming service may enable two-way interaction where everyone in attendance can hear each other.
Enquiries can also be submitted via social media, much like how it’s done in a u-stream. Regardless of how it goes, don’t be the sole talker.
2. It Should Be Lengthy
With respects to video marketing, you may have heard about the importance of keeping videos short and straight to the point, preferably 2-3 minutes. With a live stream, however, the opposite is generally true. People tuning in expect meaningful content, and if the stream ends after five minutes, they may feel gypped.
As a general rule, try to make a live stream at least 20 minutes at the minimum. In addition, longer videos also mean more time for people to jump in midway through.
3. Test Your Broadcast
Knowing how to live stream an event entails performing a series of test runs. All sorts of issues like a bad Wi-Fi connection can be disastrous, and you don’t want to wait until the actual live stream has begun to find out the connection is bad. Test everything ahead of time so all the technical glitches can be sorted out. Testing should be done at the venue and at the exact location where you plan to hold the stream.
4. Stream in High Definition AND Standard Definition
Video quality is important, which is why you want to broadcast in HD. However, keep in mind that not everyone can view in HD. There are also some who will opt for standard definition. It’s recommended that you perform a speed test and stream at half your upload speed.
Top Live Streaming Platforms
Once you have a general idea of how to live stream an event, the next step is to decide on a streaming platform. There’s quite a few currently out in the market. Many operate more or less the same, though there are of course pros and cons associated with each. Here’s a small list of the top five streaming platforms and their respective pros and cons.
· Is one of the more affordable options with a basic plan starting at just $19 per month
· Doesn’t have as much storage (20 gigs) for saving videos
· Has an unlimited number of ad-free viewing hours
· Password protection plan available but starts at $799 per month
· Has 50 gigs of storage
· Its analytics feature comes separate and starts at $499 per month[HW1]
· Offers an unlimited number of channels
· No paywall option
· Custom pricing plans available for storage and ad-free viewing hours
· No paywall option
Check out this site for a more extensive list of streaming services and a more in-depth explanation of each.
Required Equipment
Yes, it does require more than a smartphone. For the best quality, you’ll need some basic equipment. The following are the minimum requirements:
Platform – You need a platform plan with cloud service to broadcast your event right as its happening. Most hosting platforms also include features like audience tracking, analytics, and dedicated 24/7 support.
Producer software – You need the right apps in order to stream in HD via any device whether it is a desktop or a mobile device. The right software also allows for additional functions, such as broadcasting your desktop screen and creating a dual-screen presentation.
Broadcaster – a broadcaster is a device you can hook up to a conventional digital camera to enable live streaming. This allows for broadcasting directly to your audience with a simple Wi-Fi, Ethernet port, or modem connection. Some broadcasters also come with a joystick, so a tripod-mounted camera can be remotely controlled.
Studio Switcher – The person manning the central command centre needs to have the right software. With the right software, the designated personnel have access to multiple features, such as enabling multi-view display, streaming via multiple platforms, bonded streaming over multiple Internet connections, etc.
Promoting Your Stream
Knowing how to live stream an event involves far more than just the technical aspects. You also have to heavily promote the live stream both before and during the broadcast. This is where being social media savvy pays off. Use Facebook, Twitter, and even newsletters to remind attendees of the event date and time with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to tune in.
Most streaming platforms also include an invite button that viewers can use to invite family and friends. Encourage guests not to be shy about hitting that button. This goes for both guests attending the live event and those tuning in via stream.
You should continue to promote the broadcast even after the event. Upload the stream on your site or YouTube and continue to promote the content so that it gets additional views from those that missed the live taping.
Reach a Whole New Audience with Live Streaming
Once you know the best way to live stream an event and put the method to practice, you will gradually grow your audience beyond your locale. While investing in Live streaming does have a learning curve and a monetary overhead, it’s an addition that we know from experience will pay itself off ten times over if you stick with it.
Did you find this article useful? Feel free to comment if you have any experiences of your own regarding event live streaming.