Live streaming has become easier today than it was in the past few years. Anyone can now do it as long as they have a target audience and a captivating topic to discuss or a live event to broadcast. However, beginners need to learn a few things to have an impressive streaming setup and attract more viewers. Here is a beginner’s guide to help new live-streaming enthusiasts.
Get the Right Gear
The equipment used to live stream can make or break the streaming project and determine viewers’ experience. Dim lighting, bad audio, and poor connection easily ruin live streams. So, if you are new to live streaming and desire to produce high-quality live content, invest in the right gear.
The first thing a live streamer needs to get is a quality webcam. While laptop webcams might be functional, they often have faults that make them unsuitable for live streaming. It is better to use a camera designed for live streaming and get a mini-tripod to help position the webcam perfectly.
A live streamer also needs to get a condenser microphone. This is because laptop microphones are finicky and unreliable. So, it is better not to take chances with the audio since it could ruin everything. Condenser, a mic is designed to filter out all the background noise that laptop microphones pick up.
The mic may be clipped on a lapel or be stationary on a stand. Other equipment one can get include ring lights, audio mixers, headphones, and tripods. However, beginners can buy the essential equipment and upgrade as they learn more about livestreaming.
Pick the Live Streaming Channel
After getting the right gear, a live streamer needs to decide the channels they’ll use to reach their target audience. The popular platforms they can use are live-streaming social networks like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, and YouTube.
Each platform is centered on fan and community interaction, but it is vital to find the best platform for the target audience and understand if there are content restrictions. Experienced professionals in this area suggest using popular platforms with existing audiences since it is easier to gain a following.
Other than focusing on the platform with an audience, one needs to consider the features they require for live streaming. Does a particular platform offer better features than another? It is best to compare the available options for each channel and then decide what to do.
People who prefer streaming across multiple platforms at the same time can invest in live streaming software that has the necessary features for the project at hand. Such tools simulcast a live stream to various platforms using one portal.
Use a Reliable Internet Connection
It is impossible to live to stream without good high-speed internet. Experts recommend using an Ethernet connection to the router as it is more stable compared to Wi-Fi. If one has both, the computer prioritizes a wired connection over a wireless connection.
Regardless of the preferred connection, check on the bandwidth to ensure it can support broadcasting. Before going online, one should test the upload speed. Anything that ranges from 672 kbps to 61.5 Mbps is perfect.
These are the basics that one needs to start live streaming. However, beginners should also learn how each tool works and test those tools to gain the skills and experience. They should also buy the best gear, select a good live streaming platform, install reliable internet, and prepare for their live show.
