Live video streaming has become a significant source of digital content on social media platforms and other channels. Accordingly, more people and brands are using live video to reach wider audiences, share more knowledge, and convert digital footprint to business results.
On average, people watch 23 minutes of video on their computers every day. So, maximizing video content is undoubtedly an intelligent strategy to have for a business or a brand. However, the challenge for some now remains how to live stream videos effectively and efficiently, and for those who have mastered the muscle, there is still much more room for improvement.
In this Article:
Content creators now use live videos to conduct educational webinars, online concerts, training and workshops, work meetings and conferences, and a lot more. So if you’re someone looking to stream live, an important decision you have to make is what tool you will use to stream videos on your social media accounts and other digital platforms. Using a professional live streaming platform allows for more features, control, and support, making it a wise choice after all.
So, here are some considerations when choosing the best live streaming platforms:
👉 The Type of Content you Intend to Stream
Before choosing from a streaming services list, it’s better to decide what content you intend to stream on your platforms. Much of live content today has an educational aspect, but there has also been a branch out in other use-case scenarios. Amidst pandemic lockdowns, for example, there seemed to be an increase in using live streaming services for virtual religious gatherings.
Some might use live streams to entertain people with music, poetry, dance, and other forms of entertainment. Then some use it to stream fitness-related content such as workouts and yoga sessions. So, the first thing you’ll need to know is what content you intend to stream and the related elements you’ll need to do it well. Will you need good audio, and screen sharing, or do you want to invite guests?
👉 Streaming Channels Supported
Not all live streaming tools are created equal. First, they tend to support various streaming channels, and social media streaming is quite common. Facebook Live streaming, for instance, seems to be the staple for most streaming services. But more content creators and brands are also now capitalizing upon the viewership of other social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok, to name a few.
Before deciding which live streaming software to use, decide first where you intend to go live and up to how many of them you can go live on at once. Discover the best sites for live streaming that will provide maximum presence and engagement for your brand. Once that’s figured out, you or your company can decide which tool to use.
👉 Reliability
You might have fantastic content ideas for live streaming, but your entire effort will go to waste if your live streaming app has unreliable service. Checking the reliability of a streaming platform is highly crucial for obvious reasons. But one thing that might not be as obvious is reliability in various cases. For instance, reliability can go down with what kind of visuals you might add to the stream or the number of people watching your live stream.
👉 Monetization Models Supported
One of the best jobs without a degree is to become a content creator. Live videos can be one way to generate revenue from online content if your streaming platform has a monetization model integrated into it. You can get tips from viewers or integrate product sales into your live stream. Try to see also if the monetization model will be enough to cover the streaming services prices.
👉 User Experience
One of the common myths around live streaming is that it’s highly complicated to do. But with the right streaming platform, it can be pretty straightforward and effortless. So much so that anyone and everyone can stream with very little to no technical support. But that all boils down to one thing—user experience.
Software usability can often have a subjective aspect, meaning not everyone will find a specific user experience optimal for themselves. Some might prefer a different backend layout than others. So, it varies from person to person. Hence, the next consideration for businesses, brands, and individuals when choosing the right streaming tool is to select one that they feel comfortable using functionality-wise. Try out a few on a free account, and then practice live streaming in a closed group with a few people to see which one works best before deciding which service to go for.
👉 Visual Elements
Different live streaming services will allow for different kinds of visual experiences. Some allow screen sharing or add features like text runners, custom logo headers, virtual backgrounds, music, video players, etc. Choose the streaming service that will provide all the visual elements you’ll need to provide a great audience experience through your live stream videos.
👉 Live Video Means More Traffic
Another name for the digital marketing game is attention, and people enjoy 41% more search traffic when they use live videos. So, if you want to get attention and traffic, using live video is a great way to achieve that. Make sure you chose your live streaming service provider wisely.
OneStream Image Gallery
OneStream Live is a cloud-based live streaming solution to create, schedule, and multistream professional-looking live streams across 45+ social media platforms and the web simultaneously. For content-related queries and feedback, write to us at [email protected]. You’re also welcome to Write for Us!
