Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, web live-streaming has exploded in popularity and engagement in both entertainment and professional industries. To put this into perspective, 548 billion hours were spent through mobile devices in 2021. The current market size value for video streaming is at USD 106.83 billion, while that figure is expected to reach USD 416.84 billion by 2030.
Live video streaming interests viewers like no other channel of communication, providing ample engagement, collaboration, and asynchronous communication opportunities. But how do you stream live videos online? In this guide, learn how to live stream like a professional with the internet's best tools. For a little insight, download our free e-book that acts as a live-streaming guide.
Read more about other internal communication practices here.
Get Started with Live Streaming: What You Need
You only need four things to start live streaming:
- A camera (digital camera, smartphone, tablet, etc.)
- A microphone if you wish to stream live audio
- A video encoder (the program that converts visuals into the correct format for live streaming)
- A live streaming platform like Viostream to host, broadcast, and share your live streams online
1) Camera
You can use any camera you like to live stream as long as the feed can access the internet through an encoder. It doesn't have to be a fancy device. Your smartphone or tablet can be used as the camera for your stream, or you can invest in a video camera for better picture quality and send that video feed into a computer or another video encoder as mentioned below.
2) Microphone
The same advice goes for your microphone. Higher-end mics produce better-quality audio, but most models will record your voice for your stream just fine. Nowadays, you can get a decent handheld, wireless, or USB microphone for AUD$130 or less. To make things easier, we recommend purchasing a mic that you can plug directly into your camera/visual recording device so your video encoder processes both audio and visuals simultaneously. If you would like to opt for a more expensive microphone that doesn’t connect via USB, you will need an audio interface to send the signal to your computer.
3) Video Encoder
A video encoder takes the video and audio signal from your camera and converts it into a usable format for the live streaming platform you decide to use. There are hardware and software encoders (Wirecast, Open Broadcaster Software, etc.) available. A popular free piece of software is OBS, while a few companies such as Liveu and Blackmagic create hardware products for this purpose without the use of a computer and other tools.
4) Live Streaming Platform
This is where your viewers watch your video online. It does this by taking your encoded video and broadcasting it. There are loads of live streaming platforms out there. Here are some of the most popular:
- YouTube
- Vimeo
- Twitch
- Facebook Live
- Viostream
Each of the above has specific instructions for connecting your recording equipment to their platform before you stream content to the world. The process is relatively straightforward once you have the correct equipment.
Dos and Don'ts of Live Streaming
Do
- Think about the quality of your stream. Making sure your video scene looks pleasing and that you’re delivering clear audio is key.
- Whether you prepare a script or not, make sure you plan your stream in regards to what you want to convey and how you would like to present that information. Intention behind your content will be picked up by the viewer.
- Come up with some creative content ideas for your live streams. Create how-to guides, discussions, or educational videos. Ultimately, it's up to you, but thinking outside the box can help retain attention.
- Consider privacy. Some free live streaming platforms won't provide your business with the security it needs, leaving the door open for unauthorized access and sharing. You don't want your video to wind up embedded on a website with which you are not (and don't want to be) associated. Viostream provides a multitude of security features to make sure only your intended audience can view your content.
Don't
- Try not to dive into all the bells and whistles in a mountain of hardware and equipment. There’s a good chance you can achieve your goals with less than you expect. Feel free to book a call with one of our representatives to discuss your requirements.
- Don't forget to interact with your audience. Engage. Ask questions. Get viewers involved. It makes the content more interesting and will help the viewer remember you.
- Don't forget to turn your camera off after you've finished streaming! It may be basic, but sometimes the basics can slip through and you don’t want to showcase anything without intention.
How Viostream Helps
Viostream is an online video platform solution for businesses that want to live stream content to customers and clients across Australia and beyond. Used by organizations across the country for almost 20 years, Viostream provides a broad range of live streaming features:
- Live sharable URLs
- Embedded live streams
- Registered viewers
- Event pages
- Event reporting
You will also find security and media management features not available on free and public services like YouTube, including branded video players. Plus, you can generate valuable insights into your live videos with our advanced reports.
Check out a full list of Viostream's features, and start your free account with us today.
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