Live streaming has been in use even before the pandemic. But, it was the ‘stay indoors’ time when it gained popularity. Live streaming can be understood as the streaming of content at the same time as being recorded. This format of delivering content to the audience is quite similar to TV but needs a stable internet connection and a live streaming platform. Along with this, there are various aspects of live streaming that are discussed below. Have a look.
Live streaming has gained popularity in no time due to the advantages they come with. The content is delivered at the exact time it is being filmed and is raw and unfiltered. Not only this, this kind of streaming gains more audience engagement than its other counterparts.
Live streams can be either public or private, depending on the platform the organizers are opting for. The ones that are conducted over social media are generally public and open for all; on the other hand, those conducted over platforms such as Zoom are restricted only for the reserved audience. To join one of those streams, you will need an id and password. These streaming platforms generally come with several tools that allow the organizers to keep the audience engaged and promote 2-way communication.
Another reason for the popularity of live streaming is the fact that live streams are not restricted to a certain format of events. The organizers can stream almost all events, and they allow you to connect to a wider range of audiences in limited time and resources. Be it a cricket match, corporate live streaming or your company’s 10th anniversary; you can stream it, given you have the appropriate resources.
What are the Advantages of Live Streaming?
Now that we know the important aspects and characteristics of live streaming; let us move ahead with the benefits of streaming.
Caters to a Larger Audience:
Like other web events, live streaming allows the organizers to attract a wider audience; the reason is the fact that they are unbound by the limitations of a regular physical event. Where you need to consider factors like audience capacity and geographical constraints while planning a physical event, its web equivalents are generally free from such restrictions. In the case of a web event or live streaming, the attendees can be its part without having to travel and worrying about the location. Since they prioritize the audience’s convenience, the attendees, on a large scale, prefer being part of such events. With live streams, the audience feels that the world is at their fingertips.
Real-Time Engagement:
The most prominent characteristic of live streams is one of the most prominent reasons for its popularity- the raw and realness. Since the organizers allow the attendees to see their real selves, the attendees find them more engaging and interacting. Also, they enable the audiences to connect with the hosts during the streaming through several features such as live chats and Q&A sessions. These tools promote 2-way communication and the attendees feel reciprocated on their queries and comments. This feature of live streams enables the attendees to connect and stay hooked to the screen throughout the stream. Due to this reason, the organizers get more audience engagement rates during the real-time streaming.
Cost-Efficient:
Moving onto the next advantage of live streaming, let us discuss how they help the attendees and organizers to save money. Since live streamings are conducted over the internet, they do not require the organizers to spend money they would have otherwise spent on uncountable factors in case of a physical event. Not only this, even the attendees get to save money that they would be required to expend on travel and logistics for attending an in-person event. Live streams require you to spend a minimum sum of money; you need access to a well-functioning platform. Several Live Streaming Service Providers let you stream for free. It means all you need to do is create an account on any of these platforms, and voila! You are good to go live.
Not Over-Crowded:
Since not many are aware of the advantages of live streaming, they are not over-popular yet. It can be advantageous to you. Even though social media streaming is quite a trend, they are not popular in terms of streaming an event. Seize the opportunity to broadcast your event and gain popularity in terms of audience engagement rate and brand awareness.
How to Conduct a Live Stream?
Now that you know that live steaming comes with several benefits, we are sure you plan to stream your next event live. To make it easier for you, here is a step-by-step guide to hosting live streaming.
Step 1: Plan Your Live Stream
Start by preparing for your live stream. Plan a theme, the subject, guests, speakers, target audience, and other aspects of your live streaming. It will help you avoid chaos and make the entire process seamless for you. However, while planning, make sure to keep your audience’s convenience on priority.
Step 2: Select a Suitable Live Streaming Platform
Now that you have planned all the basic aspects, move ahead and lookout for a suitable virtual event platform. Keep in mind that even though it is an all-web event, it still requires planning and brainstorming. The platform you will choose for your stream will directly affect its success rate. Hence, choose wisely.
Step 3: Promote Efficiently
No event can be conducted successfully without promoting it. The reason is simple; what’s the point of all the planning if you don’t have enough of an audience to witness it. So, when it comes to the marketing of your event; leave no stone unturned and follow proper strategies to spread the word.
Step 4: Rehearse
No matter how professionally you conduct live streams, always host a practice session before the main event. It will help you know the in’s and out’s of the Live Streaming Service Provider you are considering for the live streaming. Rehearsing before the main event is necessary because it can save you from embarrassment even if things go wrong during the live stream.
Step 5: Collect Feedback
Once the event gets over, don’t forget to ask for your attendees’ feedback. It is a crucial step that the organizers generally overlook. Knowing what your audience feels about your event will help you understand its shortcomings and improve in the future.
This article contains all the information you need to plan and host your live streaming. Consider the above-discussed guide to stream your content live today.