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Gone are the days when live streaming was reserved for gamers only. Live streams are now powerful tools for all kinds of events regardless of nature and size. Whether it’s a product launch, a company event like an AGM, a conference, or a concert, live streaming will take an event to new levels.
Live streaming an event can increase brand awareness, showcase products, services and/or values better, build a community, increase interactivity, and boost the bottom line!
What Exactly is Event Live Streaming?
Event live streaming is the process of broadcasting performances, presentations, and other live event happenings in real-time over the internet. Live streaming is done using special equipment and software (live streaming software platforms).
While there are social media platforms today with inbuilt live stream software, you may need other software and professional equipment to take full charge of your live stream and incorporate some of the latest interactive tools available in the market.
The Need for Professional Live Stream Event Services
There are many technical aspects to consider if you want a successful live-streamed event. For instance, you need the right online video platform. You also need the right streaming setup which includes the right equipment (i.e. cameras and the perfect lighting setup).
Unless you have these resources and know how to use them, it’s better to seek expert help.
Luckily, there are established audio/video streaming experts in Toronto, Canada like Live Media to consider. The company has a long list of renowned clients like The Toronto Transit Commision (TTC), Tarion Warranty Corporation, The Ontario Brain Institute, Cineplex, Sotheby’s, TraveWeek, McMaster University, Kensington Health, and many more.
How to Live Stream an Event
Assuming you need to livestream your own event, how do you get started? How do you go about the process? Here’s a quick summary:
Step 1: Settle on a Live Streaming Platform
You should begin by choosing an ideal streaming platform for your event. This decision should be guided by the type of event you are planning to host. Other factors to consider include your budget, customization needs, video/audio quality, multi-streaming capabilities, technical support, and more. While there are many free livestream software options to consider, most come with basic features.
If you want your video event to stand out, you may want to consider paid live stream software options. Such software offers higher-quality streaming with less lag. You’ll also get advanced features like the ability to live stream to many platforms simultaneously.
Paid streaming also comes with many interactive features for audiences like live registration, polls/voting, live chat, live analytics, reporting, event ticket sales and live technical support in case of technical issues. Although these features will definitely help make your live stream that much more professional, it also means taking care of more details and having to be on top of even more responsibilities, while at the same time managing the live event. Keep that into consideration if you decide to host the event on your own.
Step 2: Get Your Live Streaming Hardware Together
Software aside, you also need to think about the hardware. One of the most important pieces of hardware in a live stream is the cameras. You need high-quality cameras, preferably professional-grade, for large events or a wider audience reach.
DSLRs or high-quality webcams can work for small desktop-based events. However, if you are hosting a large event like a conference with multiple speakers, you need professional-grade cameras capable of capturing a head-and-shoulders shot of the presenter at distances upwards of 80 feet. Same goes fo microphones – ensure you are using professional-grade lapel or headset microphones for crystal-clear audio quality. Handhelds are great too, as long as the user has been properly trained to hold it at the appropriate height and distance.
You also need to get the light sources right. This can be done using a wide variety of spotlights, fixed lights, dimmable lights and uplighting, to illuminate your stage and subjects evenly while reducing shadows. Consider using LED technology wherever possible, to keep the environment and your talent cool. Be sure to balance the white balance on each camera correctly, based on the lighting you choose.
What’s more, the hardware needs to be mounted appropriately. Cameras should be steady and held at the perfect angles to capture professional-looking footage. You may need high-quality tripods/mounting equipment for this.
Step 3: Go Live – How to Live Stream Multiple Cameras
Get multiple cameras and a switcher: For the ultimate dynamic livestream event, you’ll need multiple cameras to ensure you capture all the action and boost viewer engagement. We recommend you get several cameras and a switcher to effectively switch between different video sources/feeds during your live stream. You can settle for hardware or software switchers and don’t forget about sound quality for your different cameras.
Live stream software: There’s also a need to use good streaming software that allows you to connect all your cameras, add graphics, and go live on multiple stream URLs or platforms.
Plan and test run: Lastly, you need some prior planning to decide on ideal camera angles, types of shots to capture (close-up, wide shots, etc.), and ideal frame rates to ensure seamless transitions.
With the gear, software, and planning in check, you can go live, and test run before your live event! Don’t forget you’ll need a fast and reliable internet connection to live stream premium content consistently. The type of streams will dictate the required internet speed needed. High-resolution video streams using multiple cameras demand the highest bandwidth.
Final Thoughts
The above steps are an oversimplification of the event live streaming process. There are many other factors you should contemplate and details to keep in check.
If you can’t afford to gamble because it’s a big event and your brand/reputation is at stake, we suggest working with live event streaming experts who can meet just about any livestream requirement imaginable.
True experts should be able to do everything including streaming on multiple platforms simultaneously while maximizing online audience engagement with unmatched sound and video quality while providing adequate backup in case anything goes wrong.
Ready to Host a Live Stream Event in Toronto?
Here’s a summary of the numerous benefits of working with reputable live event companies like Live Media:
- Stress-free live stream services: Live Media handles all aspects of the event from planning and identifying the target audience to providing all the hardware and software needed to make your event a success.
- Tested and proven experts: Live Media has hosted streaming events for many established clients successfully. Check Live Media’s customer reviews here.
- Superior interactive events: Live Media can handle a variety of live stream events including hybrid events with both on-site and virtual audiences. The company has the latest live stream technology and interactive features that make your audiences eager to participate.
- Seasoned live stream event managers: Live Media has dedicated personnel whose job is to manage every aspect of live streams including activating backup plans in case of eventualities.
- Creative and scalable live streaming: Live Media also offers stunning and highly creative live streams with some of the most unique camera angles, stage designs, virtual backgrounds, and more while still meeting the core goals of the event.
- Full-service audio-visual services: Besides live streaming events, Live Media can offer many other audio-visual services to event organizers, companies, content creators, and more!
All event planners today need a live stream company they can rely on. If you want to stay competitive, look professional, increase audience engagement, and collect useful data, consider outsourcing event live streaming services to true experts like Live Media. Call: 647-277-5105 or email: [email protected]. Let’s talk about your upcoming or future events.