HOW TO CREATE LIVE-STREAMS OF LIVE EVENTS
Live-streaming events is one of the best ways to reach international audiences. In 2019 and 2020, 57% of marketers used live-streaming to strengthen their brand's coverage. Live streaming fosters brand awareness, advertises your company, and develops a reputable brand identity while putting you in direct contact with a large worldwide audience in real-time.
Virtual access to live events has become more popular recently. In a survey conducted in 2021, people in the UAE and Europe expressed interest in live shopping at a rate of 16% and 14%, respectively. This explains the effects of live-streaming events on a brand's sales and marketing. It not only facilitates communication with the public but also brings in money for your company.
Given the rising demand, it is now essential for companies to learn how to live stream events in order to position themselves rightly in their rapidly evolving industry.
Everyone can create live streams of live events; it's not just for companies with large media budgets. Live streaming is for everyone including those held by new startups and small enterprises. The events you can live stream include:
- Sporting events
- Concerts
- Ceremonies
- Conferences
- Graduations
- Webinars
- Meetings
If live streaming is new to you, the technical aspects can be very challenging. However, you can master live event streaming with a little practice. In this post, we will go over the fundamentals of live streaming an event so that your company can take advantage of this trend.
Importance of Live Streaming Events
Events can be live-streamed by organizations for a variety of reasons. You can use live streaming to draw attention to your company, foster a better feeling in your community, or offer a premium experience to a group of viewers.
Even when your audience is unable to attend in person, live streaming an event can still help you maintain contact with them. Lockdowns associated with COVID-19 demonstrated the importance of live streaming technology; as of March 2021, 41% of artists were going live more frequently than once per month.
The demand for live event streaming doesn't seem to be decreasing because it gives viewers the choice of watching events from the comfort of their own homes.
Whether you're a business, influencer, gamer, or content creator, live-streaming events can improve your relationship with your audience. It provides a fantastic technique to advance your brand. Live streaming helps you to:
Increase your audience by connecting with people who are interested in your event but are unable to attend it in person
Live-streaming events is a fantastic way to reach many audiences locally and internationally. It allows many people who can't attend your event physically to connect with you virtually.
Encourage more participation
Due to various factors, including time constraints, financial limitations, and health issues, not everyone will be able to attend your event in person. Many of these obstacles are eliminated with a live stream, allowing you to increase attendance at your events. Your connection with your audience is improved even further if you include an interactive session or Q&A in your stream.
Understand your audience
You can find out where your audience is located and how they interact with your content in real-time when you live-stream your event using a reputable video hosting service.
Encourage your live audience
Almost everyone loves to be in the spotlight. Your physical audience will have the opportunity to appear on camera when you livestream your event.
Live event streaming is a fantastic method to share memorable moments with audiences all around the world.
It makes all important moments accessible digitally rather than limiting who can attend a graduation ceremony, product launch, or other events by requiring attendees to be there in person.
Live streaming enables you to reach a wider audience, boost attendance at your event both in-person and online, understand your audience, and share important moments with more people.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Live Streaming an Event
If you're unfamiliar with the process, live streaming an event could seem difficult. However, once you learn the basics, it's really simple. The most important thing is to make an informed investment in quality equipment and a well-thought-out plan; everything else will fall into place.
Are you unsure about the best technique to stream an event live? Do not worry. Let's look at the key actions you can take to live stream events like a pro.
Identify your intentions and goals
Since live streaming involves many moving pieces, it's a good idea to establish your objectives early on.
Address the following inquiries:
- What kind of event are you going to live stream?
- What is the point of streaming such an event live?
- What are your objectives?
- What return on investment are you aiming for?
- Will the event be profitable?
- What is your budget?
You must be aware of what you are live streaming, who you are broadcasting it to, and the event's main objective. You can then go to the following phase, which is making an event plan.
Plan out your live stream
Now that you have answers to the questions above, you can thoroughly plan the event properly.
Address the following inquiries:
- Where will it take place?
- What is the schedule for the occasion?
- Who is going to speak? How will your audience be entertained?
- What kind of sound system are you going to use?
- Who are you going to invite to the event?
- How would you tell your online audience about the event and share it with them?
Planning outlines the overall flow of your live event. Create a plan that is flexible and in line with your objectives and available means.
Select an online video platform
When thinking about how to live stream an event, you'll need to pick a streaming service that can make your vision a reality.
Among many other benefits, professional video streaming services give you, and your viewers access to specialized servers and enough bandwidth to guarantee successful broadcasts. You can live-stream events remotely to reach a wider range of audiences thanks to the capacity of professional streaming platforms to handle massive viewers.
Select a streaming service with outstanding quality that takes advantage of a worldwide content delivery network. Your virtual streaming event can accommodate large numbers of spectators in distant regions in this way.
In other words, the better the service you choose in terms of its features, customer service, and price, the better the streaming experience you'll have and the better the viewing experience your audience will have.
You should only stream your live events using professional online video platforms that offer the setup and experience you need.
Install Streaming Devices
A high-quality live stream can be produced by using a professional-grade camera. Once you've determined which live-streaming option best suits your requirements, it's time to decide what recording tools to buy.
Weighing the options for such an essential aspect of streaming video might be confusing. Before making a choice, it is advisable to take time to explore a few different options. In this manner, you can be confident that your chosen device is ideal for your streaming objectives. The most important gadgets you need for your live-streaming event include a capture card, microphone, Lighting Design, Camera, and ring light.
It may not be necessary to invest significantly in specialized equipment to livestream a lecture or small conference-style event. You must choose the streaming quality that would best serve your audience and convey your message.
Set up your encoder
It would be best to use a video encoder to transform RAW video files into streamable digital video files, whether you're utilizing a webcam or an external camera. Hardware and software encoders are part of the available options.
It's important to pick an encoder that works with the online video platform you've chosen so that you don't have any problems configuring your settings. Any RTMP encoder will work if your web video platform supports ingesting through RTMP.
Note that your live stream's quality will be impacted by how you set up your encoder.
Input Your Sources
It's time to input your source after setting up your encoder. Every encoder and online video platform has a different set of source inputs, yet this is crucial for every stream. To include your camera, microphone, and other sources in the stream at this point, you must connect them to your encoder.
Establish a Live Channel
Making a live channel on your internet video platform is the next step. The procedure is simple, but it varies slightly between platforms. You can create a live channel using the methods below:
- Give your live stream a name
- Specify the location of the source
- Decide how many iterations you want to produce
- Complete the following fields as instructed.
- Save your edits
Embed Your Stream
You can integrate your video player with just a few clicks when using a specialized video platform. Fortunately, embedding video is really easy when streaming through dependable sources. You just need to copy the embed code from the live channel you made and paste it into the website code. You can then share your event live stream with anybody and everywhere.
Iframe and JS embed codes are the options available to broadcasters. Both can be played again on your website or app on desktop and mobile devices to the extent that the material permits it.
Use a reputable video hosting site that supports JS embed codes if you want your viewers to have complete access when you stream your event.
Conduct A Trial
It's time to execute a test broadcast after everything is ready to broadcast an event live. Test runs are essential because you will have an audience once you go live. As a result, timely error correction and troubleshooting are challenging. Practicing before the big day is one of the best approaches to learning how to stream an event live.
Additionally, testing your streaming setup will help you find any weak points. You'll be aware of the areas where you need to have backup plans on hand.
You should prepare for a live broadcast event by setting up reliable backup plans. You should ideally run the length of your stream. This is a good chance for presenters to practice their material. To get a good feel of the lighting, you should conduct this test run at the same time of day that you intend to broadcast your streaming event.
You should also check your internet speed to ensure it is fast enough. You should roughly double the upload speed required for your stream. For a live-streamed event to be successful, a reliable internet connection is essential.
Publicize Your Event
You must ensure people attend your live event after spending time organizing and getting ready for your live show. Make a plan for promoting your event. There are various ways to advertise your event. They include: utilizing your email list, adding it to your newsletter, sharing it on social media, creating an invite, making teasers, sending a press release, and advertising on various public platforms
If you want people to attend your live-stream events, you must engage in massive promotion campaigns. Use a countdown timer so people can join the event before it is live. A countdown timer creates anticipation and enables your audience to assemble, ensuring they are all prepared when the event goes live!
Start Streaming
Now is the moment to select "Start Streaming" and change the setting for your live channel to "Online." You go live after that click. Having fun with the broadcast and remaining confident is important when you present.
If your event includes a chat or Q&A section, encourage spectators to participate; this keeps everyone engaged. Your live stream's watch time can increase by 50-70% if it includes some interactive features. When your audience is interested in what is happening during a live stream, the event will be more interesting.
Insert a CTA
The main goal of live-streaming events is to engage the audience, build brand recognition, and motivate people to take action. Other live-streaming purposes include the following: it encourages customers to make purchases, join your mailing list, follow you on social media, or subscribe to your channel. People who watch your live stream should be motivated to take the action you want them to.
Include a call-to-action that is crystal clear and encourages visitors to take the needed action in order to accomplish your goal.
Replay Your Live Stream
Giving people a backup plan in case they miss a live event is a terrific approach to improving your audience's perception of you. For different reasons, many of your audience might not watch the live stream. It immediately gives them the impression that you care about your audience when they can see a live video replay.
In addition, you can continue to get views even after the streaming has ended. You can easily download and save your live video using a streaming platform. You can also post it on your website or distribute it through social media.
Conclusion
Businesses can benefit significantly from hosting live-stream events professionally, especially when they aim to attract both remote and international audiences. Although some setup and preparation are required, live streaming an event is pretty simple. Additionally, it generates a ton of income for your brand and increases engagement.
The success of your live-stream event is significantly influenced by the platform you use for online video. It is advisable to utilize free trials to test various platforms and become acquainted with their capabilities before subscription to any long-term package.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does live streaming work?
Live streaming entails broadcasting a video over the internet in real-time without being initially recorded and stored. People do not need to download the complete video before playing it because a few seconds of the clip are transmitted over the internet at a time.
Can I earn a living via live streaming?
A streamer never receives a fixed monthly pay because their income is directly correlated to their audience's financial support and popularity. They make more money the more subscribers and donations they have.
Can a phone be used as a streaming camera?
Yes, all you need to do is to select Camera Mirroring on your PC and Android phone after connecting your device with a USB cord (enable USB Debugging on Android). After your Android smartphone has been successfully detected, all images taken by the phone's camera will be broadcast to your audience