Been thinking about live streaming? There’s tons of gear options and other considerations. As your knowledge grows, you’ll naturally seek greater detail on individual subjects, but for now, here are three tips to get you started:
1. Ask the right questions
Doing homework upfront can help you sound better, while saving time & money too. Questions to ask include
- What social media do fans use?
- Do you have an email list to reach fans or, do you need to use a social media platform like Facebook or Youtube?
- How critical is quality of broadcast (video or audio)? Is an “audio-only an option?
- Do you want to charge admission for your stream?
- What’s your budget? Is there a Streaming option that lets you use some of your existing gear?
2. The Basic Gear Services needed
While specific set-ups require interfaces, DAW’s, hosting services or other, streaming basically requires:
- High-Speed Internet – In general, faster is better
- A Streaming Platform (i,e, Facebook Live, Youtube Live web streaming),
- Camera – it captures all images, so you have to decide how important this is for your needs
- Microphone – better is better
3. Choose the streaming medium best for you
Platforms like Zoom are easy to use but are more tailored for meetings. Facebook & YouTube have become “go-to” platforms, but don’t natively have a great audio stream. There’s a ton of choices out there, here’s a closer look at a few:
Facebook Live
Pros – Popular, simple, easy to use. No software to download. Can connect to external cameras. Easy to reach fans.
Cons – Not a great audio stream, software broadcasts more prone to tech issues than hardware-based solutions.
Youtube Live
Pros – Popular, simple, easy to use . No software to download. Can connect to external cameras. Easy to reach fans.
Cons – May require a minimum number of subscribers. Not a great audio stream. Restrictions may prohibit monetization.
Vimeo
Pros – quality audio/video broadcast, ability to simulcast to Twitch, YouTube, Periscope, or any other streaming platform that accepts an RTMP stream.
Cons – it will cost you $ & has a smaller audience than Youtube.
Twitch
Pros – Decent sound but you may need a mixer for optimum sound. Popular service with strong ties to gamers. Free (with ads) or moderate subscription. Due to its size, Twitch has huge access to new fans. Highly customizable. It offers a directory of streams. Built-in tipping for affiliates and partners). Streams are archived.
Cons – You’ll need a streaming application to make this work like OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, etc). You’ll also have more set-up – it’s not “click & play”.
Instagram
Pros – Popular, existing connection with fans, lots of users = access to new fans, free, simple to use. Good for short promo videos. Note that Facebook owns Instagram, so there may be cross-platform benefits.
Cons – Few features to improve your Livestream.
Zoom
Pros – good for collaborators or teachers; situations where speech and adequate video is acceptable. Does a good job at handling interaction among participants, Free accounts available.
Cons – Unacceptable (in my opinion) sound quality for artists. Limited controls over your stream.
WEB Broadcast
Pros – uses established hardware & technology – robust & reliable. Superior audio. Relieves your computer of processing duties, which aids a reliable stream.
Cons – a specific type of gear is needed to run this solution. It’s audio-only (workarounds exist). A streaming hosting service is needed (free accounts available).
Live Streaming can be a great option for artists – if used wisely. Do your homework upfront and remember, the best solution for you is the one that best allows you to connect with fans,
P.S. – Your fans miss you.
Organiksol Marketing is an accomplished, collaborative & innovative marketing team recognized for driving sales and engagement. Using our experience with musical instrument manufacturers, record labels, non-profits, artists and entrepreneurs, we “speak” the customer’s language like few can. By focusing on their values, likes & dislikes, we implement strategies, campaigns and content that emotionally connects with customers to get results. Read more on What we do.
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