Ultra.
)Livestreaming continues to increase substantially. The industry is expected to be worth almost $250 billion by 2027. With that kind of growth, it certainly would be commonplace to get started and create your own livestreaming business in today's market.
The most basic of setups contain a computer with a web browser, a professional camera and microphone, reliable internet connection, and a streaming website like Talk Studio to broadcast your livestream. Let's take a closer look at each of the components to get a livestream up and running.
Audio-Video Sources
The most essential component of a livestream is the audio-video equipment used to broadcast. This includes anything from a webcam such as a GoPro or DSLR camera, and a computer with a built-in or external microphone.
Mobile devices
Today's mobile phones and tablets are equipped with high-quality video cameras that are more than suitable for livestreaming. Mount the device on a tripod or other appropriate stand for hands-free stability, and it's ready to go.
Dedicated video cameras
Today's consumer video cameras fit the bill quite nicely for those seeking higher quality video. These dedicated cameras are available with a variety of features for those seeking a more professional-looking stream.
Computer audio-video
Most laptops today will come with an integrated camera and microphone by default. There are settings within the laptop software to control sound and video settings for an optimal presentation. Should the computer lack an integrated camera, an inexpensive webcam will do.
Reliable Internet Connectivity
Having a fast and reliable internet connection with plenty of bandwidth is essential to a successful livestream. If your video is buffering, unclear, or pixilated, it will result in lost viewership. Here are some factors to keep in mind when ensuring a suitable internet connection for your stream:
- Since streaming requires uploading a video, the higher the Mbps for upload speed, the higher quality of the video. Some guides suggest that 100mbps or higher is preferred to have the best quality stream. Anywhere between 4.5 Mbps to 10Mbps is recommended.
- Use the most current software and hardware and close excess programs and apps that are not in use on your computer.
Selecting the Right Streaming Platform
Today's livestreamers have many social media platforms at their disposal. Here is a breakdown of the most popular sites, along with their respective pros and cons.
YouTube Live
Advantages
- Massive viewer base that can give your livestream lots of exposure.
- Simple operations and easy-to-use interface.
- It is easy to find livestream events for audiences.
- The stream can be monetized through YouTube's advertising program.
- YouTube helps boost SEO by creating backlinks that are created when adding your website link into your profile page or within descriptions of your videos.
Disadvantages
- YouTube has many rules that can restrict what you can do with your channel. YouTube's rules touch on everything from what you are posting to how your channel appears.
- Competitors can run ads near your video, which can take away from your brand.
Facebook Live
Advantages
- Facebook reaches a vast audience that may already be following and interacting with your business.
- Users can instantly access your livestream with a notification if they are already followers. Even those that don't follow the page can find the stream.
- It's easy to do a small sneak peek videos on Facebook as teasers to advertise your upcoming livestream.
- The Live video can stay on the page indefinitely and still get views. They can be repurposed for online marketing, emails, or other social media platforms.
Disadvantages
- Might be difficult to discover the stream if you are not part of the group or community where the stream is shared
Twitch
Advantages
- While Twitch is used primarily by gamers, it can be a useful platform if your product appeals to an audience in tech, gaming, and fantasy.
- The platform is easy to use and has onboard tools for engagement and interaction.
- Twitch streamers can earn money from users through subscriptions.
Disadvantages
- Twitch attracts a niche market of mostly gaming, tech, and certain hobbies. If your product or service isn't relevant to these areas - you may have trouble growing
Instagram Live
Advantages
- Live feeds are shown first in the story sequence, which can encourage more views.
- A LIVE label is placed at the top of the newsfeed so that viewers can easily find the livestream.
Disadvantages
- Instagram does not allow the live video to be saved for more than 24 hours after the stream.
- It is difficult to customize or brand your stream. You are limited to what Instagram lets you do, which is not much.
Conclusion
Livestreaming continues to become one of the fastest-growing marketing strategies. Getting started in streaming is as easy as using a mobile device's camera with a reliable internet connection and a popular social media livestreaming platform.
The Talk Studio web-based studio can broadcast your livestream to Facebook, YouTube, or Twitch in just five clicks. ([email protected])