When the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns began, the words ‘live stream’ took on a whole new significance. We sought new ways of connecting – with everyone from work colleagues to musicians.
Contrary to predictions, live streaming didn’t drop in popularity following lockdowns. Instead, many events have continued online, or in a hybrid version. What’s more, the quality of streamed events has increased: technology has improved, as well as peoples’ confidence in using it.
Why livestream your event?
Event live streaming events has stayed popular for several reasons:
- Cost-efficiency: fewer logistics mean better affordability
- Larger audience: people can attend regardless of their location, opening the event up to more people
- Accessibility: easier to help people access the content of your event when it isn’t constrained by venue or in-person technologies – we can even stream in different languages!
- Convenience: attendees can attend the event at specific times, from whichever internet-connected device suits them best
- Analytics: organisers can more easily access data around attendee numbers, engagement, and demographics
- Content repurposing: recorded live-streams provide a bank of video content ready to be snipped for social or transcribed for written content
Live streaming evidently has a suite of strong advantages. The next step is to choose from the options and formats available.
Different options for live streaming an event
There are several possibilities available for live streaming your event. The setup you choose will depend on:
- Why you are live streaming (i.e. what your goals are)
- Budget available to spend on technology
- The equipment you have available
- Where your event is being held
For ease, let’s look at the three main types of event streams: Live streaming a video call, live streaming an event with multiple content types, and live streaming from a home or broadcast studio.
Live streaming a video call (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet)
The simplest way of live streaming is by broadcasting while video conferencing. Firstly, choose a call platform. Secondly, make sure your account has enabled custom livestreaming options. Third, once everyone present is ready to live stream, connect to a streaming platform.
These steps should be user friendly but there can be challenges along the way. We love to help with technical questions like this, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Events that are well suited to a video call live stream include:
- Virtual presentations
- Simple corporate events such as town halls or all hands meetings
- Online speeches and Q&As
- Remote-first workshops or webinars
How to improve production values on a live stream
If you have a device with a microphone, camera, and internet connection, you can live stream. However, there are multiple ways to make a streamed video call feel even more professional.
Firstly, consider the equipment you have. Your laptop’s hardware will probably work fine, but using a capture card with a professional camera and microphones provides much higher-quality audio and video.
Secondly, think about adding interest to the call by adding overlays of images, text or graphics; transitions and animations; custom backgrounds; and logos or brand colours.
Finally, ask yourself how attendees can feel more involved and engaged. Could there be a Q&A section of the event? Is someone on your team checking the chat function for any questions or tech problems? Might polls be a way of checking in with attendees’ knowledge or learning?
Lots of these are possible thanks to user-friendly streaming software.
Live streaming an event with multiple content types
Stepping up to a more technical setup with multiple inputs requires more equipment – and a solution to hold them all together.
One of the best ways of hosting a professional and engaging stream is via a vMixstudio PC. These servers are designed to provide the processing power for multiple cameras, content layouts, video clips, and other elements. It’ll enable you to switch between multiple sources like slideshows and different cameras with ease.
Larger events with an array of cameras often bring in people to help them deal with all of the inputs. Operators who focus on switching inputs at the right time (and dealing with any issues if they arise) help an event go extra smoothly, providing a more immersive experience for viewers. This is often chosen for sporting events where there can be many angles to choose from as the action moves.
Types of events that are well suited to a multiple content type live stream include:
- Product launches
- More involved corporate events, like AGMs or awards ceremonies
- Religious services
- Sports and eSports events
- Political events and debates
- Personal events (e.g. weddings, graduations)
Live streaming from home or a broadcast studio
If in-person attendance isn’t necessary, a studio space or green screen are excellent options. Not only are the acoustics much better in a studio environment, but they’re usually set up for great lighting, too. A green screen allows a presenter to load a digitally-generated background.
Alternatively, allow your speakers the flexibility and comfort from streaming from their own homes. Depending on internet connectivity, we set up a remote presenter event. Different presenters can be joined together, regardless of where they are in the world.
Types of events that are well suited to a studio live stream include:
- Charity fundraiser events
- Talk shows/interviews
- Higher-end tutorials and demonstrations
- Fully virtual conferences
What else to consider when live-streaming an event
Some questions we often ask clients who are planning their live-streamed event:
- Do you have the right type and amount of lighting to prevent grain/video noise and blurriness?
- Is your internet connection strong enough to prevent lags or buffering?
- Are your cameras able to create the effect you desire e.g. depth of field?
- Do you require backup equipment in case a camera or microphone encounters issues?
- How will people find out about and access your event – do you need a ticketing platform or a bespoke website?
- When will your pre-recorded content be ready?
- Does the event need to be confidential and how will you ensure that only the right people access the content – will the stream or website be password protected?
With plenty of experience in helping events live stream, we know all the technical details to consider. We’re here for you, whatever stage you’re at – just let us know how we can help.
