Live streaming, a social media trend that has grown exponentially in popularity, can be intimidating, but the benefits of real-time content are obvious. You can expand your event beyond the walls of your venue, increase the shelf life of your activities and messaging, grow global awareness and interact directly with fans. Here are a few live streaming tips that will help make your event as impactful and successful as possible.
Plan Ahead
Incorporating live streaming into your event should be baked into the planning process, not just sprinkled on top. Start off by promoting your broadcast on social media with a Facebook event and tweets leading up to the event. Envision your broadcast as an event of it's own: generate a script, plan for the placement of the camera and other equipment, map out a path if there will be movement, and practice beforehand using a private live stream. Prepare messaging in case there are technological glitches, and be prepared to hide comments in the event of an inappropriate user.
Before You Go Live: Supplies
Ensure you have the materials needed to make your live stream a success. Secure a live stream device and back up device. Have your live stream app downloaded beforehand and ensure that you have strong WiFi, a data plan or a hotspot. Stabilize your device and have back up power supply on hand.
Best Practices
Consider a call to action and make it well known to the viewers at multiple times throughout the broadcast. Your broadcast length should be between 15 – 30 minutes: long enough to attract a large number of viewers. Do not switch between landscape and vertical views, as there may be delay in calibration. Be aware and prepared for what could go wrong. Consider a backup plan should you have issues with the Internet/connection. Going Live Firs things first, tell the audience where you are and what you're doing. Have a team member close by to direct people away from the broadcast to avoid interruptions. Consider using a tripod for stationary broadcasts to reduce camera shake and movement.
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