Due to the recent unfortunate events of COVID-19, many companies are now thinking about how to broadcast their messages to their desired audience. Now more than ever, it is important to keep your organisational communication together, bring your teams together and keep your community together.
One of the ways to do this is ‘Live Streaming’. Live streaming is broadcasting a live video to an audience over the internet. Live Streaming is live and uncensored, unlike pre-recorded videos. An example of how brands and organisations can use live streaming is to broadcast company announcements & presentations.
In this blog, we will give you a beginner’s guide to Live Streaming:
Step 1 – The Destination
- Social Media
The following social media platforms have live streaming capabilities available:
- Youtube
Youtube currently offer a range of different ways to live stream:
- Using your webcam.
- Using your mobile phone.
- Twitch
Although Twitch is a gaming focused platform, it currently has 15 million daily active users. Other topics that are gaining significant traction on Twitch are:
- Shopping trips.
- Travel.
- General interest.
- Product reviews.
Step 2 – The Equipment
- Internet-Ready Camera
The first tool you’ll need is a camera capable of broadcasting over the internet:
This will include:
- Smartphone
- Built-in webcam
- External webcam
Or a combination of all three, depending on your location and what you’re streaming.
- Tripod or Stabiliser
It is important that your live stream is easy on the eye for the audience. Therefore we strongly recommend you use a Tripod or Stabilizer.
- Tripod – A large one that will keep your camera steady.
- Small tripod – A small tripod that will be easy to hold.
- Stabiliser – A phone handle that lets you move and keep the camera steady.
- Audio
Visuals are important when it comes to a live stream but it’s also essential to consider audio. A live stream with no audio at all is quite painful to watch, so it’s key to achieve a good quality sound. Even if it’s just ambient noise from the camera microphone, this is better than nothing to let the audience know that it’s not broken. However, if possible, try to make sure you have an external microphone connected. It should be as close to the subject(s) as possible to ensure the audience can clearly hear the content without interruption. You should also constantly monitor your audio with a pair of headphones to make sure it is audible at all times.
- Open Broadcast Software
Open Broadcast software gives you the ability to live stream on all three of the platforms mentioned above, at the same time.
If you have an audience with a varying age group you will definitely be looking at using an open broadcast software to allow your message to reach as many people within your target audience as possible.
- Strong Internet Connection
Ensure that you have either:
- Strong internet connection.
- Enough mobile data.
Losing connection during a live stream is possibly the ultimate nightmare! Make sure you avoid this happening by being prepared beforehand.
If you would like further assistance with setting up and managing a live stream, contact us today and we will guide you through the process!
