All-Inclusive Guide to Hosting a Live Stream Event, From content creators to startups and corporations, it seems everyone is streaming events. This should come as no surprise, as live video has taken the marketing world by storm (so much so that about 23% of all global viewing time is spent on live content!).
Live streaming is not just popular; it’s also highly lucrative. But if you’ve never tried it, you might find the entire endeavor a little nerve-wracking. Don’t worry, though. We can help! In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about taking your in-person event to a live streaming platform — including the best tool for the job. Plus, we’ll show you a few industry tips to make your next live event a success.
Why Live Stream Events?
Live streaming is so effective that there are many reasons why it’s chosen as a strategy, from promoting your brand to connecting with people who wouldn’t be able to attend in person—and even generating some additional income! Let’s take a look at the benefits in a little more detail.
#1: Live Streaming to Increase Brand Awareness
Live streaming events can be a powerful tool for increasing brand awareness and showcasing your products, services, or values. First of all, live streaming allows you to interact with your audience in real-time, increasing interactivity. Because these events have the potential to reach a global audience, you can also tap into a vast and diverse viewership.
For example, you can respond to comments, answer questions, and address concerns immediately. Whether it’s showcasing your company’s history, values, or the development process of a new product, the storytelling allowed by live streams can also help you engage your audience and create a more emotional connection.
#2: Live Streaming to Build Community
Not everyone wants to or is able to attend events. However, most barriers disappear when you can give your audience access to your content, and all they need is an internet connection. Consistent live streaming can help you build a dedicated community of followers who are genuinely interested in your brand. This community can even become your advocates and help spread the word about what you’ve got to say.
Importantly, hosting live streaming events on a consistent schedule allows you to regularly interact with your audience. Viewers can ask questions, share their thoughts, and participate in discussions during the event. If you act on the feedback and suggestions you receive during live streaming events, you can build trust and strengthen the bond with your community.
#3: Live Streaming to Make Money
Brand awareness and a strong community are important, but we all need to make a living! Live streaming events also offer significant revenue opportunities. For example, you can offer premium content or exclusive access to virtual conferences, concerts, workshops, or seminars in exchange for a fee.
Many events use a subscription service where viewers pay a recurring fee to access a library of live-streamed content. This can be a great model if your business produces regular live content, such as online courses and webinars. Don’t forget about in-stream ads and merchandise; pre-, mid-, or post-roll ads, sponsorships, branded merchandise, products, and digital downloads can all contribute to your income.
How to Live Stream An Event, Step-by-Step
Live streaming is much easier than you probably expect, especially if you have the right tools! Let’s go through the process step-by-step and see what exactly you will need to boost your online event.
Step 1: Think (Carefully!) About Your Goals
It might sound quite obvious, but you’d be surprised how many event streamers don’t really know what they want their content to “do.” So, when you’re getting started, the first thing you should do is define your intentions and goals.
You can do this by asking yourself questions like: What type of event do you want to stream? What do you want to achieve? Do you have a planned return on investment? And what’s the budget you have?
To make things easier, always determine:
- What you will live stream.
- Who you will live stream to (in other words, your audience).
- What your goal is for the event.
Step 2: Plan Your Approach
Once you’ve got the purpose and audience defined, it’s time to turn to the event itself. Again, use questions to guide this step. Consider: Where do you want to hold it? Do you have an agenda? Guests? Who will speak first, and who will follow? How are you going to promote the big show?
This step is about laying out all the components that will make your event a success before you start streaming. Select a live streaming platform that matches your target audience and goals (consider features and audience reach with options like YouTube Live, Twitch, Facebook Live, Vimeo, and Zoom).
Outline your live stream content, including the event agenda, topics to cover, and any visual aids or presentations. Creating a script or rough outline can help you stay organized during the stream.
Ensure you have the necessary equipment, including cameras, microphones, lighting, and a stable internet connection. Select a well-lit, quiet location free from distractions for your live stream. Don’t forget to conduct a test stream to check audio and video quality, internet stability, and other technical aspects.
Step 3: Choose Your Platform(s)
When you do a live stream, you will need a platform to host your event. The solution you choose must be capable of sharing your content seamlessly. Consider a tool like Livebox, which allows you to stream to multiple platforms at once.
Here are a few tips for picking a streaming platform for your on-demand or live video:
- If you’re technically savvy, look into the solution’s servers and bandwidth to ensure it can handle the audience size you expect.
- If branding is important to you, ensure the platform allows you to add your logo, colors, transitions, and other branding elements.
- The decision will often be a balance between features, support, and cost. Always aim for the highest quality you can afford while also considering budget constraints.
Step 4: Start Early with Monetization
If you want your stream events to generate revenue, it’s best to start planning for it early. Consider whether the platform you will use already has monetization capabilities out of the box.
Many professional solutions offer advertisements and subscriptions. Before you start live streaming, decide on your monetization goals and strategy. Consider the methods most suitable for your audience and content type (like pay-per-view, advertising, merchandise sales, donations, and affiliate marketing) and ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and enable these features.
Many event organizers also offer premium content or exclusive access to certain live streams in exchange for a fee. You can create special events or webinars that are only accessible to paying subscribers or viewers. Don’t forget to explore options for partnering with advertisers or sponsors to promote their products or services during your broadcasts.
Step 5: Setup and Test Your Broadcasting Equipment
A streaming platform is essential, but so is the right equipment to guarantee the highest possible quality for your content! Take the time to explore the options available for your budget. Think of your equipment as one of your most important investments. An encoder, mics, a webcam, and other tools will all contribute to a better streaming experience.
Cameras
If you plan to do a lot of events, consider investing in a good camera. Options specifically designed for live broadcasting include:
- Logitech C920 Pro HD Webcam (Budget-Friendly Option): A popular choice that offers good video quality and ease of use for basic live streaming needs.
- Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera (Mid-Range Option): Versatile and suitable for both photography and live streaming, with impressive autofocus and 4K video capabilities.
- Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mirrorless Camera (Professional Option): Exceptional video capabilities and extensive customization options make it a top choice for high-quality streams.
Microphones
Audio quality is crucial for virtual events, so invest in a quality mic. Popular options include the Audio-Technica AT2020USB+, the Blue Yeti X, and the Shure SM7B.
Lighting is also important; conduct test footage to see how various lighting setups affect your event’s appearance on-screen.
Step 6: Stream Your Event!
Once you’ve got all your equipment ready and the event is set to start, choose a live channel platform and embed your stream! That’s it! You’re live!
Live Stream Your Next Event With Livebox
Live streaming platforms have been carving their own niche in the entertainment industry for a while now. The market has grown from around $1.24 billion in 2022 to $1.49 billion in 2023 (that’s a CAGR of 20.6%). So, the question is not whether you should stream your live events but what tools you should use to get started.
If you’re looking for a tool that allows you to both live stream and record an event, check out Livebox. You can do it all right from your browser! You can even add your branding (including logo, colors, intros, outros, and more).
