Live Streaming:
A Comprehensive Guide

Facebook LIVE Streaming

Facebook is one of the most popular and biggest platforms compared to any other social networking platform with 2.934 billion monthly active users (approx). Facebook offers a live streaming feature (earlier this year it also had a live streaming shopping feature too), to utilize it you just need a Facebook page or profile to go live. However, if you are an individual who wants to live stream for fun or to share your life’s money then you can go live with your smartphone or via your webcam. But for hosting a professional online stream a reliable and the best live streaming services provider is what you need.

Streaming your in-person event over Facebook can be easier with features like streaming schedules, live chat, monetization, analytics and others. But the only downside is that it has restrictions on streaming time and some monetization policies.

Instagram LIVE Streaming

Instagram, the popular social networking site of this young generation, is now able to make you feel overwhelmed with its live-streaming feature. As it is not just a photo or video sharing application anymore, there are shopping features, Instagram for business as well as the most popular of these times influencers marketing. Well, how are all these relevant to your live stream, you might be thinking? The answer lies within the very question, why do you live stream? If just reaching a high number of people is the only objective still it’s good, whereas if you wanted to avail the benefits of live commerce or do marketing. Then Instagram’s integrated online video streaming platform is your best bet. It is the fourth most popular social network and the first among youngsters.

Just live streaming is not only what it offers, but recording it and repurposing it after editing can also be done, you can put the clips or snippets in the story or make the whole live stream available in the form of IGTV video. Additionally, you will also be able to send notifications to your viewers to join and view. The monetization feature is also available but in the name of donations or contributions.

Twitch Live Streaming

Gameplay live streaming platforms now opened its door to other industries as well due to the increasing popularity of Twitch live streaming services. It has around 30 million active users. With the advanced AI technology and bots, you will be able to manage the audience, make use of various emojis, live stream or replay the previous one as well. Also, you can use a variety of ways to earn from it by using;

• Subs
• Badges
• Gifted subs
• Emotes
• Donations
• And many other ways to play ads and earn!

If you are in the gaming industry. This is the best place to grasp the audience’s attention and grab a large section of gamers and game lovers’ attention while increasing a good revenue.

Youtube LIVE Streaming

YouTube: The most popular of all-time as all online video streaming service website is a free platform where anyone can share videos or go live. Here anything can be streamed from a workshop to a teaching class, or any event. Live streaming on YouTube is an effective feature and has a monthly reach of 2 billion users for live streaming. Additionally, surveys suggest that channels that live stream every week gain subscribers by 40%.

Video streaming platforms like YouTube allow you to reach globally by utilizing its simple features and functionalities that help you in handling the streams effectively. Moreover, you will be able to share the screen or can be able to quickly broadcast gameplay and other things. Not just that but easily an in-person event can be streamed over this platform in real time by setting up cameras, microphones, encoding-decoding systems and others easily. However, for an advanced live streaming production, you need to hire a whole team of live streaming services providers so you can live stream a big event like music concerts, festivals and others. Businesses and individuals who had a passion for streaming events, or wanted to be content creators or video creators can have a very good opportunity with Youtube live to stream as there are monetization options too. With the best live event streaming services the hassle of planning, execution, equipments setup and others can be minimized.

Twitter Live Streaming

We all might be aware of Periscope, which was discontinued by Twitter a long time back. But still, the opportunity to live stream here is possible. The platform has 230+ million active users daily, making it the best of all time as a social networking site (with purpose) for live streaming of events. Just like other platforms it also offers live chat and also can collaborate with your friend (for co-host) by sending an invite before the stream. However, it also monetization but on the condition to fulfill eligibility criteria of Twitter’s monetization policy.

LinkedIn Live Streaming

video on demand

The professional networking site is not anymore the one it used to be, but the best part about it is that it has now become a materialized content composition medium. Additionally, Linkedin has more people with more purchasing power compared to others, making it the best to promote, sell, or stream your product launch events. On LinkedIn, not everyone is able to go live. According to LinkedIn Live Video Access Criteria, you must make a request. Additionally, you can only start a Linkedin live broadcast if you have access to your page or are a member.

With the right professional consultancy and live-streaming service providers service you will be able to make the best possible ROI. LinkedIn live streaming offers numerous features including;

• Live streaming scheduling
• Streaming of an event
• Generate auto-captions
• Ability to comment as a page
• Restrict specific viewers (from commenting and reacting)
• Editing and trimming options for videos

It’s a common dilemma of thought and confusing state to choose which live video streaming services to choose between Facebook and LinkedIn. There is no need to be confused. Firstly you need to do research and analysis which live broadcast platform has the most fanbase and targeted audience is more.

It’s a common dilemma of thought and confusing state to choose which platform to choose between Facebook and LinkedIn. There is no need to be confused, first of all, the only thing is that you need to do research and analysis where your fanbase and targeted audience is more.

But if there is an option of multi-streaming or simultaneous streaming. It means you will be able to live stream on multiple platforms at the same time. Isn’t it the best way to reach all levels of the audience? If it fascinates you. Yes, it is now possible for you with Dreamcast. We have covered this and other ways of live-streaming formats in the next section, keep reading.

On-Demand Streaming

As the name itself suggests the broadcasting of demanded video or video on demand is referred to as on-demand streaming. So, this type of streaming is a pre-recorded version of your event that goes through edits (not necessarily) and is then scheduled to stream over the internet. But in general, on-demand streaming refers to streaming or watching shows over;

• Hulu
• Amazon Prime
• Netflix
• Disney+

As per your choice, but that’s video-on-demand my friends for you. But conventional on-demand streaming is to stream the recorded version over the internet for more reach. It is useful for businesses that host and conduct on-ground events and want to showcase it with their online audience after some cuts or additions. If you are the one looking for an on-demand streaming service. Book your free demo now.

IP-Based Streaming

IP-based streaming is the top-notch secured way of streaming your event with limited access to people. And are best for businesses that need to secure the content and showcase their event with a limited group of people with maximum security. Additionally, there is a user id and password (which can be integrated) for the audience and ends via an end-to-end encryption message to them. From big corporations to government official events can be streamed via this format and definitely the safest, and most secure in its segment. There are few live event streaming services that offer such secured and private streaming capabilities. Like Dreamcast is a popular name in India to avail top video streaming platforms. That offers endless customization as well as certified with all regulatory compliance.

2-Way Video Conferencing

Any interaction is good until it’s two-way communication. Well, the 2-way video conferencing is for the business and corporations who are required to have discussions and sessions where there is a need for interaction. Here in this, the audience is able to send the request to join to interact if the host or admin allows it. It will be a 2-way interaction where the host and audience can interact and that is what the mantra of business is. Communicate and address all the issues. Most of the top video streaming platforms offer this feature to enhance your organisations collaboration.

Intranet Streaming

An intranet is a private, secure online space in a company, that is used to improve productivity. How? This space is used to improve tasks, communicate, or do all the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and files to make it a proper work culture set-up. Now coming to intranet streaming, it is simply the same private set-up in which company employees and management can communicate with each other with the utmost security (so, outside invaders can’t attack or interrupt).

Parallel Multi-Streaming

As discussed above, the ability to stream online over multiple platforms simultaneously at the same time is what multi-streaming is. For example with this format you will be able to stream your event on Instagram, Facebook, Instagram and others at the same time so no one from your audience will miss any stream. This is the best above all as a brand the ability to not make anyone feel missed out while the opportunity to grab your audience is one of the crucial aspects of it. Live stream to multiple platforms is definitely the best part to engage more audiences, making them aware of every insight you want to showcase. These are the formats and live broadcast platforms that can be used to make your event live streaming more secure, engaging, and in a seamless way for your audience. Let’s see how to set up a live stream next.

Must Have Live Streaming Equipment

In every planning and initiation there are some core or must-have things which can’t be replaced. Just like that, these mentioned equipment are must-have.

• Camera
• Microphone
• Reliable Internet Connection
• Laptop or Phone

These are the pretty standard and basic equipment for event live streaming.

Now going further, just think of a cricket match you are watching on your television screen. Are you just watching the cricket (in the pure form you watch at the stadium)? No, as there are lots of infographics, marque animation running on the screen, commentary voice (with a touch of stadium sound too, but in a balanced tone), in the middle of the match snapshots of the stadium, ads, customized interface with branding logo and all those in real-time. How is this possible with just a camera, microphone and internet connection?

Let’s take another example while watching the live news, you see lots of highlights, and bulletins running over the screen, and in the middle, lots of customized videos, infographics and the pre-recorded session are showcased. How? Because these types of live streaming need a team of skilled professionals and high-end equipment, most of them are mentioned below.

Equipment For Event Live Streaming

Live stream to multiple platforms can be easier if are equipped with the set of right and profession multi-streaming equipments like;

• Multiple live streaming camera setups
• Multiple microphones (to record all voices)
• High-end internet connection
• Encoder and decoder software (RTMP)
• Codec packages of HEVC to reduce latency
• Backend team (to manage all those with top-notch computer systems)

All these are the equipment you need for your next live streaming event. But it is somehow impossible or better to say hectic to set up everything on your own as it needs proper planning and execution. So, to make it easier for you there are professional event live streaming services providers like Dreamcast, who can help you make your online stream a seamless experience for your audience by using high-end customisation as per your requirement and vision.

Note*

Whatever you see in live streaming like brands logo, color palette rich interface (branding tone of symbols), backgrounds. And other key integration of features as per requirement can be integrated by using such live streaming services.

When you get an opportunity to customize your own vision you will be able to make it more interactive or restrictive for a few features as per the needs. But keep in mind a professional live event streaming services is what you require at first.

Townhall

Live streaming has been now an integral part of communication, and town hall meetings are now possible to live stream. Here you can invite all your employees from different geographic locations and offices in one place virtually. For large entities and enterprises, it’s the best way to connect and engage.

Music Entertainment

We all love music festivals, but sometimes it can’t be possible to attend one due to distance, the cost of traveling and all. As an event host or a musician you might need to expand your fan base, live streaming is great for that. As everyone can be able to enjoy your concert easily.

AGM

Meetings are the core part of corporates and businesses to enhance productivity, the same in the segments AGM is quite important to hold. But for it you need to book a big venue and call all your employees in one place, is it possible. Maybe, but is it feasible? If not, live streaming and 2-way conferencing is something that can be the best approach.

Education

The fast growth of technology is now valuable for educational institutions and for students from all over the globe. As best video streaming platform makes it possible for students to learn from anywhere they want. Now educational institutes can teach foreign students by literally making them come. Live streaming of education will promote more distance learning courses and empower everyone to have access to education.

Sports

There is no stadium in the world to accommodate everyone who loves any sport or make it possible for everyone to visit the place the game has been going. So, just like the traditional way, make your sports event live stream and make it possible for everyone to watch it.

Corporate Events

Corporate events can be easily hosted with cost-effectiveness (that is what matters a lot to companies), over online streaming with interactivity too. And with polls, and live chats it can be easily possible to get their votes about anything.

Product Launch

Product launch is also a part of corporate events, and every brand wants to increase their sales. How is it possible? By reaching more people and making them aware of your products, if this is right. For what you are waiting for. Start planning your next product launch event with integrated live streaming for your online audience.

Government Programmes

There used to be many government programmes which needed to be important for people to witness, like swearing-in ceremonies, new projector scheme launches, press conferences and others. We all got to know how easy, and convenient webcasting is. So, let’s integrate the technology into our systems.

Weddings & Ceremonies

Marriage and ceremonies are some of the most important events of everyone’s life and involving your family and friends is important. Remember the days when there was a restriction to invite guests in limited numbers or maybe you are going for a destination wedding? Is it possible for everyone to come, no? So, live streaming can be something unique for them.

Religious and Spiritual Activities

In the whole world there used to be many temples, churches, mosques, gurudwara, monasteries and many spiritual activity centers. Why not live stream these promising places and activities so that devotees can feel blessed?

These all mentioned are not limiting you to only live streaming only these events, as you can make anything live as long as you have a good audience base. Otherwise, it’s a waste of time and effort. Well, you can do market research and find out if your business event needs online streaming.

Parallel Streaming on Multiple Platforms

Nowadays, you will be able to stream online and over multiple platforms or social sites in real-time simultaneously. Making it possible to reach to target more users as well as not making anyone miss your streams. It’s best for brands to opt for this live streaming so that they will be able to create their fanbase and give a seamless branding experience to everyone.

High-Quality Streams

Quality is everyone’s priority and the one which offers you a technology-advanced online stream is better as it draws more user engagement. You yourself can think who wants to watch blurred, poor-quality streams when they can watch high-quality event streams and enjoy.

Easy and Convenient to Use

A user-friendly interface is always preferable. Choose the service that gives you an easy convenient set-up for you and your user to use and connect. If someone finds it difficult to join the online stream then they might lose interest. So, the simple yet unique and creatively crafted user interface is recommended.

Analytics Tracking

A good live-streaming platform will help you in tracking all the important metrics and statistics. Like how many people have joined your stream, when they left, at which point there was the highest engagement, comments, polls, reactions etc. This data is quite important to improve your live streams in future while the data is useful to analyze the whole session.

Multi-Device Streaming Compatible

Not everyone uses a smartphone to watch online event streams as some are there who uses, laptop, desktops, tablet and other gadgets. So it is important to use an responsive interface for everyone to watch and enjoy.

Ad-Free Streaming

Ads spoil credibility and some people don’t even like them and skip the whole stream of your event. Well, do you like ads, no. Right, so it’s better to choose the services that offer you ad-free streaming.

Video Monetization

With the right services provider and platform you can monetize your live streams, as mentioned above in the platform section. Each and every social networking site has its own policies for monetization and you need to comply with them to avail. But here is a catch, what about making your own platform for the live stream and monetising it? Yes, with Dreamcast you can do web-based streaming and the link will be shared with those who have a user id, this is how you can monetize without complying with any social networking site monetization compliances.

Privacy And Security

Privacy and security are the two main concerns of this modern digital age, but somehow it is important to keep everything secured and maintain privacy within the live stream. With different formats, you can take privacy and security into account, like an intranet or IP-based streaming offer full fladge privacy assurance. But you need to look for that before choosing any live-streaming platform.

Customer Support

Nobody knows everything and in technology, there can be glitches or errors. So, it is important to trust a platform that can offer you 24*7 customer support for uninterrupted streams.

Cost-Effectiveness

At last money, when there is something cost-effective with lots of benefits. It is better to grab that opportunity. In general most of the in-person events have some charges. For instance, a music concert charges a lot for an individual and many of them can’t afford it. While if you live to stream the concert and make it available for them over the internet and discharge something nominal. Congrats you have developed a revenue model.

Usually, live streaming isn’t expensive at all compared to hosting a big event and accommodating all the people. The last but not the least is to have the end-to-end customisation option in the live streaming platform and what that means;

End-to-End Customisation

Customisation is the best part when you associate with a live streaming platform or services provider. From brand logos to background and to change the interface is something you should look for. Have fun customizing your live stream interface with your brand color palette to give users a soothing brand experience or event themes.