Video live streaming is an incredible way to connect with your audience. The stress of perfection as a creator is less than in edited videos. What’s even better: you can engage with your followers by being yourself.
And with the increasing popularity of streaming, going live is good for business too. As per a Hootsuite report, brands get seven times more reactions and 24 times more comments on LinkedIn Live streams than regular videos.
Yet, many creators, marketers or business owners don't know how to live stream. Learning complex software and choosing the right platform and streaming equipment makes their head spin.
Are you one of them?
Don't worry. As always, we are here to help
This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about live streaming from the ground up. We will talk about:
- What is live streaming?
- What's the best live streaming platform?
- Equipment: What do you need to start streaming?
- Live streaming content ideas
- How to live stream to multiple platforms with VEED?
- 6 Live streaming best practices
[#TOC1]What Is Live Streaming?[#TOC1]
Live streaming is the process of broadcasting real-time video content via the internet.
Broadcasting live events like sports or news on TV have been around for decades. Live streaming is different because it uses the internet and, in many cases, allows the viewers to engage with the video via comments, reactions, or by joining the stream as a participant.
You can use live streams for Q&A sessions, broadcast gameplays, podcasts, and much more. For content creators and brands, it’s a great way to connect with their audience more personally, making for a truly unique and engaging experience.
[#TOC2]What’s The Best Live Streaming Platform?[#TOC2]
The platform where your target audience is most active and provides features that support your content goals is the best. For instance, if you plan to make a name in the gaming community and monetize gameplays, Twitch or YouTube would be the best choice. Conducting a live Q&A on Instagram instead of LinkedIn will increase your stream’s engagement if you’re a travel influencer.
Let’s look at popular social live streaming platforms.
🎥 Twitch
5.65 billion hours of video were watched on Twitch worldwide between 1st April and 30th June 2022 – more than twice the amount of time users spent on YouTube Gaming Live and Facebook Gaming combined.
The website became famous for gaming live streams but is now known for various categories. Just Chatting, for instance, overtook the place of the most watched content type on the platform – thanks to the pandemic. When everyone was caged indoors, they went live on Twitch to engage with their communities and kill boredom.
Creators can also monetize their streams after joining the Twitch Partner Program.
🎥 YouTube
The video-sharing behemoth is the second most popular social media platform, with over 2.5 billion monthly active users. The vast number of creators on YouTube makes it hard to stand out. You can find streamers and channels in content categories you didn’t know existed.
Request access to the streaming feature if you’re going live on YouTube for the first time. But the approval may take up to 24 hours. Once enabled, you can start streaming with a click of a button.
Content creators and brands go live on Facebook to connect with a large user base and grow their audience and business. You can stream on Facebook using their mobile apps or via a computer.
It allows users to broadcast videos to their followers, pages, groups, or events. And on top of that, Facebook Live offers powerful features to keep the viewers engaged: live polls, featured links, and comment moderation. You can monetize your live streams using the Facebook Stars feature as a creator.
LinkedIn has transformed from just a recruitment and networking portal to a content creation platform over the last few years. People use the website to build their personal brands, grow businesses or find lucrative job offers. Companies publish content to attract top talent, increase profits or create a positive image.
You can broadcast live videos on your profile, a company page, or an event. But not everyone can go live on the website; you’ll have to meet their eligibility criteria to access the live streaming feature.
🎥 TikTok
TikTok's popularity has exploded in the last few years. The short and engaging videos on the app keep users scrolling for hours. It's common for TikTok creators to go viral within the first weeks of posting compared to platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
You must be 18 or older to go live on the platform and monetize your TikTok streams. The app also allows creators to add filters and effects when live. The streamer can screen comments, add moderators, and even raise money for charity using the app's built-in features.
There is no restriction on the streaming time limit. Still, we recommend not going live for more than 30 minutes - considering TikTok's audience is used to short videos.
Twitter is famous for its short-form text posts called tweets. Creators like MrBeast and brands like Netflix frequently engage with their followers on the website. You can have audio-only live streams called Twitter Spaces and also post short video clips.
It caters to a niche category: news, interviews, or behind-the-scenes overview of an ongoing event. You can go live on Twitter using their Android and iOS app or a desktop with the help of third-party software like OBS Studio or VEED.
The Meta-owned company started as a photo-sharing app but has added many features over time, seeing the success of platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. It is now prioritizing video content and replacing longer videos with Reels. In short, creators and brands know Reels are the secret sauce to growing on the app.
But live streaming on Instagram allows you to stand out. Schedule an Instagram Live with another creator or brand in the same or similar niche and leverage the opportunity to grow your account.
How?
Followers of a user receive a notification, in some cases, on their apps whenever the person or account they are following goes live. Seeing you in the live stream of familiar accounts makes the users curious to check your profile. They will likely click the Follow button if you've posted relevant content.
How Does Multistreaming Grow Your Viewership?
Wouldn't it be cool to stream on one platform instead of three, grow your audience, and increase viewer engagement? And that too without putting in 3X the effort.
Sounds unreal?
Multistreaming makes it possible. It allows creators to broadcast live video on multiple platforms simultaneously, increasing viewership.
So what's the catch?
Although reaching a broad audience sounds attractive, be mindful of picking the proper channels. Understand each platform's primary audience and ensure their interests align with your stream's content.
For example, as a gamer, don't multistream your gameplay on LinkedIn -- a portal meant for professional growth. Instead, opt for YouTube, Twitch, and perhaps Facebook.
However, learning how to go live on different channels simultaneously can be a headache if you're not tech-savvy. Don't worry, we are here to help.
Platforms like VEED make multistreaming simple and efficient.
No need to learn or install any complex live streaming software. Go live with VEED using a computer or a laptop with a click of a button.
We will explain in detail how you can multistream using VEED, but first, let's talk about the tools you'll need to set up a live stream.
[#TOC3]Equipment: What Do You Need To Start Streaming?[#TOC3]
MrBeast started with his brother's old laptop and has more than 200 million followers (increasing rapidly) across his YouTube channels. The best route is to start simply. But MrBeast also upgraded his gear as soon as he started making money, knowing the importance of having the right tools to create quality content.
Let's talk about building a streaming setup for beginners.
Live Streaming Hardware
Streaming device
You'll need a computer or a phone with at least 10 Mbps internet speed to broadcast HD video. The ideal speed required for streaming varies on the video's resolution and the number of devices connected to the Wi-Fi.
We suggest going live using a laptop or PC to have more control.
A computer with high processing power or a powerful CPU will run the streaming software smoothly and process video and audio input from the webcam and the mic. A Macbook, for example.
To avoid any glitches, we recommend using a computer with:
- Intel i5 or an equally powerful processor
- SSD
- At least 8 GB RAM
Most PCs or laptops now have built-in graphic cards for basic live streaming. Still, you'll need a more robust and expensive setup to broadcast graphics-heavy video games. Some gamers even use a dual console setup with a PC for gaming.
Webcam
You can use your laptop’s built-in camera if you’re tight on budget, but investing in a good webcam will make your stream look more professional. And you don’t have to spend a fortune buying one.
Choose something based on your requirements – are you planning to stream gameplays, or do you need it to go live on LinkedIn?
Buy a webcam that has at least these features:
- 720p/60 FPS; 1080p/30 FPS resolution
- Software application by the manufacturer to adjust camera settings
- Autofocus function
- Built-in mic
Here are some popular live streaming cameras:
- Logitech C920s Pro HD Webcam
- Logitech C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam
- Razer Kiyo
- Logitech Brio 4K Webcam
We chose these webcams because they have excellent online reviews and many streaming experts recommend them. Razer Kiyo stands out due to its built-in ring light, while Logitech Brio comes in second due to its 4k streaming capability.
Their prices range from $58.99 to $129 on Amazon US.
You can also use your phone’s camera if you’re tight on finances or rarely show your face for video conferencing or content creation; check this Wired article on how to turn your smartphone into a webcam.
Microphone
The audio quality of a live stream is equally – if not more important – than the video. People listen to podcasts or videos while doing chores, exercising, or relaxing. Poor audio makes a lousy impression, impacts viewer engagement, and you lose the chance of repurposing the broadcast.
The stream’s audience should be able to hear the speakers loud and clear, so we recommend not using your camera or earphone’s built-in mic.
Buy a microphone that eliminates background noise and gives a balanced sound. Most mics come with two connection types: XLR and USB. XLR mics offer professional-level audio and require a mixer or audio interface to connect the mic to your PC.
But there is a catch. XLR cameras are better but expensive. Go for USB mics, as they are great for newbies.
Here are some of the best streaming microphones for beginners as per streaming experts, content creators, and online reviews:
- Razer Seiren Mini
- Razer Seiren X
- Rode NT-USB Mini
- Elgato Wave 3
The price of these mics starts from $44 on Amazon US. Add a pop filter to your audio setup to further improve the quality.
Natural light or ring light
Bad lighting can make a video look amateurish and unprofessional. The best streaming camera won’t help if you’re broadcasting from a poorly lit room.
However, you don’t have to buy expensive lighting gear as a beginner streamer. Natural light is often a good choice and gives a warm look. And if using sunlight isn't an option, you can go for a ring light.
Moreover, use a combination of a ring light, natural light, and overhead lights installed in your workspace or studio. Preview the lighting on camera before going live and adjust to get the best video quality.
Nice-to-Have (but not necessary for beginners)
While the setup mentioned above is good enough for most beginner streamers, you can constantly improve the quality. Upgrade your streaming setup if you have the budget and the requirement.
Green screen
Do you want to add customized or video background to your stream?
Or maybe you want to portray you’re sitting in an office?
A green screen could help. It uses chroma key technology to transform a green background into a virtual set. Add branding, CTA’s, or visual effects that could improve the steam quality. Purchase a nylon or muslin screen that covers your camera's field view and has the slightest reflection.
Capture card
A capture card is a device that transmits the raw footage of a camera or a video source (like Xbox or PlayStation) into a format your computer can recognize and stream.
The card usually connects via the HDMI port of the source using an HDMI cable. You can’t directly transfer video from the camera by connecting it to a computer’s HDMI port. Why? Because those are HDMI output ports, they can transmit video signals, not receive them.
The card "captures" what the camera or the video source is recording and then converts and transfers the video signal to your computer.
Elgato Camlink 4K is a popular choice among video creators and has excellent reviews.
DSLR Camera
Webcams like Logitech Brio 4K (mentioned earlier) provides superior picture quality, so what’s the need for a DSLR for streaming?
Professional cameras have higher resolution and advanced camera settings, making video quality superior to webcams. You can upgrade a DSLR by adding better lenses and attachments – not a webcam.
However, such cameras are expensive, have a complex learning curve, and need attachments like a capture card to transmit video to a computer. They also need more processing power and might slow down your computer.
Without going into further technicalities, here are some popular DSLR cameras for streaming:
- Canon EOS M50 Mark II
- Panasonic Lumix G7
- Sony ZV-E10L
- Panasonic Lumix GH5
Lighting kit
You can upgrade your video lighting setup if a ring light, natural light, or a room’s lighting isn’t enough. Three-point lighting is popular among streamers because it’s best for one person's setup and combines key light, fill light, and backlight.
You can also use a black background so that it doesn't reflect any light from other sources like incandescent lights or fluorescent bulbs.
Live Streaming Software
Plug a webcam and a microphone, and go live via a web browser with a click of a button. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
This is how you can live stream using a free streaming software like VEED.
Here is a list of some other streaming tools:
OBS Studio is well-known in the streaming community, offers vast customization options, and allows connecting multiple audio and video sources. But it’s complex to learn, and you’ll have to spend hours on OBS tutorials if you aren’t tech-savvy.
On the other hand, VEED is highly intuitive and allows multistreaming straight from your browser with a few clicks. Use it to easily invite stream participants without integrating it with tools like Zoom or Discord, which OBS requires. Imagine inviting multiple guests for a podcast with only one link. No signups, no hassle -- that is VEED.
It also empowers creators and brands to customize the stream’s design and select different video layouts for consistent branding.
We will talk more about VEED later, but first, let’s discuss live stream ideas for some inspiration.
[#TOC4]10 Live Streaming Content Ideas[#TOC4]
1. Educational How-To Videos
You can educate your audience by sharing your expertise and answering their questions simultaneously. For example, popular course creator and podcaster Pat Flynn discusses a step-by-step process to create a profitable online course.
2. Share Your Industry Experience
Share your industry experience and help beginners in the same field.
For instance, VEED’s team of experienced creators did a live stream about what to watch out for when starting as a video content creator. They talk about things like not focusing too much on buying expensive gear and just starting.
3. Launch Event
Use a live broadcast to launch and explain a product. Take Ambreen Nadeem's case as an example. She reveals her first book on LinkedIn Live.
Nadeem also adds viewers to the stream, shares how she came up with the idea and talks about the book structure.
4. Tutorials
Creators can leverage streaming to teach their audience how to do something and connect with their fans simultaneously.
See how the YouTube channel “Dad, how do I?” used the opportunity. Robert Kenney started on YouTube to show kids without dads or bad childhood basic stuff a father would teach them. For example, how to shave or change a tire.
The below screenshot of a live broadcast shows him and his daughter teaching viewers how to carve a pumpkin. The heartwarming comments for the “Internet Dad” will make you smile.
5. Collaborate With An Industry Expert
Invite experts to join you for a live session and discuss things that would benefit your audience. You can collate questions for the expert before the stream or ask viewers to post them in the comment box.
Case in point, see Charlene Brown’s stream on how automation can benefit entrepreneurs. The LinkedIn Live was engaging and had 121 comments.
6. Host a Q&A Session
Have a dedicated questions and answers stream. Use the broadcast to show your expertise and care for your viewers. Doing this would help you build a stronger community and upsell after earning people’s trust and establishing yourself as an expert.
“Live Streaming Pros,” as you can guess by the name, is a YouTube channel dedicated to streaming. The channel frequently does live broadcasts to connect with its viewers.
7. Video Games
Gamers can broadcast their gameplays on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch, and they can also add commentary, do giveaways and monetize their streams.
Customize your stream by adding backgrounds and overlays and create your signature style to stand out. Because the gaming niche is so competitive, we recommend you multistream on different platforms to reach a wider audience.
8. Live Critique or Evaluation
You can also use a live broadcast critique work specific to your niche. Evaluate business plans, review code, or show how a graphic could have been better.
Take the YouTube channel The Content Studio as an example. Tommy Walker, an experienced marketer, calls senior writers and editors on the show to share their expertise and edit a draft during a stream.
9. Product Unboxing Or Tech Reviews
Suppose you run a channel focused on the latest in tech and gadgets. In that case, you can leverage streaming to do product unboxing or review recently launched phones. Going live allows you to address questions in real-time and increase viewer engagement.
10. Reaction videos
Broadcast a live video reacting to your viewers’ work and suggest how they can do a better job. Omar from Think Media, for example, breaks down and reviews videos shared by others. He also shares pro tips and gives relevant examples.
[#TOC5]How To Live Stream With VEED[#TOC5]
Here is a ten-step process on how to live stream:
- Connect your video and audio devices
- Open www.veed.io in your browser and create a VEED account if you don’t have one
- Click the Go Live button
- Set a display name and adjust your camera and audio settings
- Customize the design of your stream
- Click on Setup broadcast to connect to your preferred platform(s)
- Click on Go Live Now to start streaming using VEED
- Share screen
- View and highlight the comments from different channels
- End the stream and go to the dashboard
Keep reading for a detailed explanation of each step.
1. Connect your video and audio devices
Cameras, microphone, headset, or ring light – connect every device before you start the broadcast.
2. Open www.veed.io in your browser and create a VEED account if you don’t have one
If you have to make a new account, follow the prompts during the signup process until you see an option to choose a VEED plan. Make a choice based on your requirements; see the screen below. Click on the Continue to Workspace link on the top right.
VEED will open your private workspace that looks like the image below.
Log in to VEED if you’re an existing user. Whether you sign up for a new account or log in to an existing one, you should be able to see the Home screen of your editing workspace.
For this blog, we are primarily using a free account.
3. Click the Go Live button
You can also start a live stream by clicking on the Live Stream section on the left panel. Please grant your camera and microphone access if you’re using VEED for the first time.
4. Set a display name and adjust your camera and audio settings
You’ll be able to see the below screen after you click Go Live.
Choose the microphone, camera, and audio output by clicking on the settings icon at the bottom.
Add the display name, click Enter Studio, and you’ll see the screen below.
Live stream viewers will see a VEED watermark if you're using a free plan. You can delete this by clicking on the Remove Watermark button to upgrade your plan.
5. Customize the design of your stream.
VEED allows you to customize your stream with various fonts and backgrounds. It also enables creators to add elements like stickers, pop-ups, and logos.
Click on the elements you want to customize on the left-side panel.
In the below image, for example, we have added Twitter and YouTube logos along with VEED’s social handles on these platforms. We have also included the “On Air” sticker and the heading about the topic of the stream.
The online platform also offers the functionality to add custom images and backgrounds. And can also allow you to change the stream layout using the options within the Layouts button.
As shown in the image below, the layout options for screen share are disabled, and you’ll be able to use them once you start the screen share.
We will talk more about the screen share feature later.
Now let’s talk about integrating VEED with popular live streaming platforms.
6. Click on Setup broadcast to connect to your preferred platform(s).
You’ll be able to see the Stream settings pop-up.
VEED saves you the hassle of opening multiple tabs if you want to go live on various platforms.
Select the platform(s) you want to stream on and add their respective keys. Add the title, description, and cover image.
Read this guide on how to find your stream key for Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn
Suppose you’ve to stream on Twitch and YouTube simultaneously.
After you enter the required details and save the broadcast setting, you will see the logos of the platforms you enabled for streaming in the top-right corner. Having such logos displayed helps you avoid accidentally going live on other channels that you might have connected with VEED for another stream.
VEED also allows you to add custom RTMP. We don’t want to bore you by getting into the technicalities of RTMP and how it works. In short, you can use the custom feature to live stream on platforms like Vimeo and Microsoft Teams.
Set the stream's visibility as Public, Private, or Unlisted if you’re going live on YouTube. You can also schedule the stream from the broadcast screen.
If you’re a growing creator, we recommend you set the visibility as public so you can reach a wider audience.
7. Click on Go Live Now to start streaming using VEED
The End stream button will replace the Go Live Now button once the stream starts.
VEED automatically starts recording the broadcast the moment you go live.
8. Share screen
As promised earlier, let’s talk about the screen-sharing functionality.
Click on the Screen Share button at the top, and you will see the below pop-up. You can share your entire screen, a window, or a web browser tab. Select the checkbox at the bottom if you want to share the system or tab’s audio.
Click the blue Share button and see the following screen.
Notice that screen-sharing layout options (annotated on the left) that were disabled earlier are now enabled.
Invite others to join the stream by clicking the button at the bottom.
The invitees can join your stream with a click of a button and are allowed to message you in the private chat box.
9. View and highlight the comments from different channels
VEED allows the streamer to see comments from all the channels where the live video is broadcasting in one place: the Public chat box. You can identify a comment’s source based on the platform’s icon attached to it.
Highlight a viewer’s comment by clicking Show on stream. Such small gestures make people feel special. Use banners from the left-side panel to highlight important information or add a CTA.
10. End the stream and go to the dashboard
Click End stream to finish the broadcast and go to the streaming dashboard. Open the recorded stream after it’s rendered.
VEED automatically transcripts the stream’s recording. You can download it as a text or SRT file by clicking on the bottom-right buttons.
Edit the video simply by deleting the text of the transcript to repurpose it for other platforms. It gets even better. You can easily highlight a piece of text and open it in the VEED editor to turn it into a shorter clip for your socials.
[#TOC6]6 Live streaming best practices[#TOC6]
1. Plan And Prepare Well
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Define the theme and purpose of the stream. Do you want to give a product demo and resolve queries in real time? Or do you aspire to build a more engaged community?
Having a goal will make every aspect of your live streaming strategy manageable. For example, suppose your objective is growing your Instagram followers. In that case, go live with other creators in your niche. Making such strategic decisions increases the probability of attracting relevant followers.
Prepare a rough structure and schedule the stream when your audience is most active on your chosen platform.
Take Tommy Walker from The Content Studio as an example. He gets on a call with his guest a day or two in advance to "figure out the vibe" and loosely discuss the stream's structure. Walker also shares previous episodes that the guest will find relevant.
2. Promote Your Stream
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There is no point in going live if you and the stream moderator are the only people who join. Create promotional content and include all the relevant details (date, time, topic) so viewers know what to expect. Then distribute it across social media, email, and forums.
You can also ask your creator friends or employees to promote the stream on their social handles. Remember: the number of people joining your stream is proportional to the excitement you create about it.
3. Test Before Going Live
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Check your streaming setup before you go live. Start with the internet speed and then move to the hardware: camera, mic, headphones, and lighting equipment. Ensure the streaming software doesn’t show any glitches.
Preview the background and adjust the lighting for the best quality. We also recommend testing special effects like virtual backgrounds and GIFs you may want to use during the broadcasts. It's even better to review everything more than once to avoid surprises during the broadcast.
4. Use Graphics Or Lower Thirds
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Customizing and branding your stream using graphics and lower thirds makes the broadcast look more engaging and professional. Add a logo, social media handles, or the call-to-action (CTA) to the broadcast screen. Moreover, you can also include custom banners, backgrounds, and overlays.
We recommend setting up graphics before you start the broadcast. Adding lower thirds or the logo while streaming shows the audience that you are unprepared. Additionally, you’ll have to use third-party streaming software for adding graphics, as most platforms don’t have customization features.
5. Interact With Your Audience Often To Keep Them Engaged
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The opportunity for real-time interaction in a live broadcast makes it stand out from comments on a recorded video. Use streaming to make your viewers’ experience more enjoyable. Encourage them to post questions and comments in the chat and respond to as many as possible.
Add viewers to the stream, and hold live polls and quizzes. Even a simple gesture like giving a shoutout or highlighting a comment can make someone’s day.
LinkedIn Live streaming expert Gabe Leal says, "many will resonate with you when you regularly do live video streams. Be mindful that these people want to learn more about you, your knowledge, experience, and story." Leal adds, "connect with them and respond to messages and comments. Share the idea of creating community amongst your audience."
6. Resize And Repurpose Clips From Your Live Stream For Social Media
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Not everyone has the time to watch lengthy videos. Ending a live stream doesn't mean your work is over. Long-form video content is a content factory. For instance, you can repurpose an hour-long podcast video into many social media assets for different platforms.
How?
Take exciting clips from the video and turn them into Instagram Reels or post them on TikTok. YouTubers like Joe Rogan and Dude Perfect repurpose their videos to YouTube Shorts; why shouldn't you? People are likelier to watch a 15-second clip than listen to a new podcast.
Grab this opportunity to grab people's attention and then ask them to check your website or the longer video. You can use VEED to conduct, record a live stream, and resize the video for different channels.
Final Thoughts
With the popularity of streaming growing, more people and brands will be taking advantage of live broadcasting to spread their message and connect with an audience. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity to gain loyal customers. However, more popularity means more competition.
You can stand out if you’ve got the right tools for faster and better execution: more live streams, on-brand customization, content repurposing, and much more. But we understand doing so many things can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution, and it’s called VEED.
We showed you how to live stream with VEED, but it is much more than streaming software. While tools like OBS Studio have advanced streaming capabilities, it has a complex learning curve. Moreover, you’ll have to pay for video editing software if you want to repurpose your broadcast.
On the other hand, you can use VEED to record, edit, and resize the live stream for distribution on various social media platforms. Its intuitive interface, powerful features like subtitle translation, and video and audio conversion make it practically a steal.
Looking to create professional-level streams even when it’s your first time?
Try live streaming with VEED.
