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Whether you’re a new creator to the world of streaming live or a budding brand looking to step up your video marketing game, there are a few industry-standard tools you’ll need. Especially in order to share your content with the world.
This checklist is designed to serve as a beginner’s guide for those who wish to produce high-quality live video streams on a regular basis. While utilizing entry-level equipment and leaving out the next-level frills.
With time, live streaming has become a popular feature of many apps and platforms. By understanding why it is popular and what potential risks your child may face, you can help your child have a more positive online experience.
The following streaming necessities will give you the power to simulcast with multiple cameras, display on-screen graphics, and capture high-quality audio.
What does Streaming Live mean?
Streaming live is the broadcasting of live video to an audience over the internet. It can also be a one-on-one live video chat. Unlike pre-recorded videos that can be cut and edited, live streaming is just that – live and uncensored. All you need to be able to live stream is an internet-enabled device, like a smartphone or tablet, and a platform (such as a website or app) to broadcast on.
Notably, streaming live is so appealing to young people as it gives them the chance to be a creator, a presenter, and to be seen and heard by an audience. Many live streamers love the sense of being ‘at the moment’ and interacting with family, friends, or even a global audience.
Not forgetting, many apps enable audiences to engage immediately with live streamers too. By commenting and making suggestions while the stream is live. May it be a birthday message to loved ones, a topical Q&A, or a talent showcase. There are endless opportunities to broadcast fun, important, or exciting moments live.
Read Also: 5 Simple Steps To Livestream Your Event Online For Free
When used in positive ways, live streaming is an excellent tool for young people to create an identity and develop confidence and communication skills. It also enables them to gain insight into their own favorite celebrity speakers or live streamers.
Increasingly, talented lives streamers can even charge audiences for exclusive, on-demand access to their streams. For young people and adults alike, the potential to earn money from their live streams is an exciting goal. Below are the requirements for streaming live;
1. A computing device
While exact technical requirements vary depending on the software you use, almost any new laptop computer available today will work. Look for something with an Intel i7 CPU, at least 8GB of RAM, a solid-state hard drive (SSD), and as many USB ports as possible.
A desktop computer is also a good option if you don’t need the portability a laptop provides. Desktops typically have more USB ports and more options for expansion, both of which are great assets if you plan to level-up your streaming activities in the future.
2. Camera
For individual creators and small brands, the easiest and most cost-effective cameras to use are standard USB webcams. A quick Google search will tell you which is the latest, greatest, and most popular camera for your live streaming needs.
If you’re not broadcasting from your desk or stable surface which you can affix your webcam on, or if you’re using a digital camera, you may also want to purchase a tripod.
Note: USB cameras don’t typically come with a long cord. To position them in various places you may need a USB repeater extension cable. This has a built-in component that boosts the signal.
3. Microphone
Audio quality is one of the most important and most overlooked items in live streaming. Depending on your budget and streaming setup, there are a few different options to capture audio correctly.
If your stream involves people are sitting behind a desk or table — a stationary setup in which people aren’t moving around too much — you can use condenser microphones with a tabletop stand. These microphones are great because they don’t pick up a lot of background noise.
Lapel microphones are another great option, especially if your stream is more dynamic than the stationary sit-and-chat setup. These are little clip-on devices, and you’ve probably seen them on TV broadcasters. You can get these microphones in wired and wireless options, which make them a great choice if your stream features people standing or moving around.
One thing to note, however, is that these microphones tend to pick up a lot more room noise. If you plan to use microphones with a mixer, you’ll need to make sure they feature an XLR or ¼ audio connector. USB microphones will not work.
You will also need audio cables to attach your microphones to your mixer/laptop, and these are sometimes sold separately.
4. Audio Mixer
An audio mixer will allow you to use multiple microphones and other audio sources in your stream. It also allows you to adjust each individual’s microphone volume to ensure everyone is at the same level.
There’s an endless number of mixer options for the modern streamer to consider. The biggest consideration for a beginner? How many inputs it has. To determine how many inputs you need, estimate the number of people you may want to have on microphones at the same time.
You should also look for a mixer that has a USB output, as this is the easiest way to get the audio to your computer.
5. Software
The software is where the magic happens. This is what allows you to take your multi-camera inputs and create a polished stream for broadcast, complete with scenes and transitions. This is also where you can take your logo or other graphics and overlay it on the live video.
There are plenty of video streaming and video switching software options out there, both free and paid, each designed to meet a variety of different needs. Before you go live, you’ll need to select and configure one of these packages. Most options offer free trials, too! Make use of those when deciding which package is best for you.
6. Internet Access
You need a quality Internet connection with enough bandwidth to put out a stable live stream. It’s highly recommended that you use a wired network connection and avoid Wi-Fi at all costs!
Once you have your connection, test the speed before you go live. While you can stream with less bandwidth, it’s recommended that you maintain an upload speed between 3 and 5 Mbps.
7. Streaming Channels
Where are you broadcasting to? Where do you want people to watch and react to your live stream?
Creators and live video marketers alike have many options to choose from, with the main channels being: YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Twitch, and Periscope, as well as their professional website.
Want to stream to multiple destinations but don’t have the excess bandwidth or input capabilities to make it happen? That’s where Switchboard Cloud comes in.
Switchboard Cloud is a one-input, kabillion-output platform that simultaneously sends your live stream to all the destinations you choose to broadcast on. Get the most out of your live video content, extend your reach, and maximize the number of potential viewers!