You want to start live video streaming, but getting started can feel intimidating. You might look at experienced people on Twitch, YouTube, and other video streaming services and become overwhelmed.
Solving Live Stream Overwhelm
Take a deep breath….
Now take a moment to recognize what you have to share with the world. You might love to help users learn how to use new software—or sharing your analysis about breaking news stories. The world needs your perspective in a live stream video. Your next step is to learn about live video streaming tools so you can get started.
Building Your Live Stream Toolkit Step By Step
1. Choose a video streaming app
Live video streaming has exploded in popularity since 2020. That’s good news because you have many choices. The most popular options for live stream video include Livestorm, EventMobi, GoToWeb. BlueJeans according to Capterra. Many live video streaming services offer a free trial, so you can try the service before buying. In addition, you can use social media platforms like Facebook to share your live stream.
2. Select a live chat platform
Using a chat application is one of the lesser-known ways to make your live stream video more interesting. The reason is simple. By using a live chat platform, your audience has the opportunity to ask questions and connect with new friends. Arena Live Chat is an excellent choice for more significant events because it comes with moderation tools to discourage profanity and other problems.
While it is possible to have a live stream video without live stream chat rooms, it is not intelligent. If your audience wanted a one-way experience, they would turn on their TV or watch Netflix. On the other hand, a live stream chat is a social experience where you can connect with other people.
3. Test your audio-visual equipment
At a minimum, a live stream video host needs a high-quality camera, microphone, and speakers. Many laptops include these capabilities by default today. Use a website like X to test your equipment. Next, set up a test session with one or two other people. Using the live stream live chat, ask them if they can hear you.
If your audio-visual equipment is working well, take the time to buy a backup. Specifically, buying a backup pair of headphones with a microphone is smart. Headphone and microphone wires tend to break down over time (or even get chewed by pets!). To avoid frustration, buy backup equipment now.
Tip: Are you planning to offer a live stream video in the evening? Get a lamp or ring light to light up your face.
4. Check if your Internet service is ready for a live stream
The quality and speed of your Internet connection is a critical factor in launching a successful live video streaming experience. The fastest Internet providers like Google Fiver, Xfinity, and Verizon offer fiber-optic Internet services. These services have average download speeds of over 100 Mbps, according to HighSpeedInternet.com. If fiber-optic service is not available in your area, ask your Internet service provider about the fastest service they offer.
If you already have a high-speed Internet connection in place, take a look at your wireless router. To maximize performance, connect your computer to a router with an Ethernet cable. If that option is not practical, make sure your wireless router offers the best speeds
Finally, make sure that your Internet connection can run live stream video. Tell other people about your plans if you are running a live stream video from home or the office. Ask them to avoid using online gaming and video conferencing for the duration of your live stream video event.
Brainstorm ideas for a live stream video
Buying, testing, and learning how to use live stream video tools is an excellent first step. However, that is just the beginning. The next step is to develop compelling content and ideas to attract your audience. Discuss the following ideas with your team and see which one resonates with you the most.
1. Provide commentary on an event
Providing commentary on breaking news or a significant business event like Apple’s WWDC for developers is an excellent way to get started. The next step is to find an event relevant to your audience and business. For example, a company that sells branded Marvel merchandise might organize a live stream based on the release date of a Marvel movie or TV show.
Once you select your event, take some time to prepare a script or speaking notes to guide your presentation. For more insight into preparing an engaging script for a virtual event, check out the virtual events script guide.
2. Launch new products
You can also organize a live stream video session to promote a new product. Make sure you include a live chat platform in the event. With new products, customers are more likely to have questions for you. For example, your customers might ask about express shipping options and shipping times around the holidays. Ask your customer support staff to prepare answers so that they can quickly respond to questions on the live chat application.
3. Invite guests to your live stream video event
What if your company has a small audience? Offering interesting commentary or promoting new videos in a live stream video may not attract much interest. In this situation, consider inviting outside guests to your video live stream. To find potential guests for a live stream video, search for podcast guests.
To find relevant people, search Google like this: “NICHE podcast guest” or “NICHE podcast interview” (e.g. fashion podcast guest, politics podcast interview or electronics podcast guest). Once you have a list of 10 people, look them up on social media and see how many followers they have. Start by contacting people with 1000 to 10,000 followers.
How To Add A Live Chat Platform To Your Event
You probably already have a webcam, microphone and a preferred live video streaming service. There is just one more tool you need to add to create an engaging experience: a live chat platform. Reach out to Arena for a live chat platform demo.
