Many issues can occur during live streams, which can be particularly frustrating because they strike while you’re trying to put on the show. Some video productions can fix mistakes in post-production, but live broadcasts are a bit more complex.
This doesn’t mean that streamers can put together a plan to minimize the likelihood of frustrating issues popping up in the model of the show. Use these three easy and essential live streaming tips to make for a flawless stream.
Prioritize Organization
One of the easiest but most effective ways to prepare a smooth stream is to keep your workspace organized. For instance, if you have topics for a specific stream written down, it helps to not have those notes hidden in a stack of random documents from previous streams. Something as simple as reducing clutter makes it easy to check your notes and stay on track efficiently.
That said, of course, this organization also extends to virtual notes, too. After all, your schedule and other resources you need during a stream may be in a digital document or spreadsheet. Keeping your computer desktop and relevant folders clutter-free means you can easily find what you need when you need it.
Engage Audiences
Engaging with your audience is helpful for many reasons. For example, answering questions and commenting on your live chat can encourage audience members to engage directly with your content; this creates a personable, fun back-and-forth when executed well. Furthermore, keeping an eye on the live chat during your streams assists with catching mistakes.
When live streaming on YouTube, your audience can wait in a lobby and talk before you officially go live. This means that if something goes awry and you don’t go live when you mean to start streaming, watching the chat’s conversation can help you see whether they’re engaging with your conversation. If they’re not, you might not be live. Moreover, if something is wrong with your audio, the chat will likely let you know, so keep an eye out for potential mishaps.
Prepare Backups
Live streaming tips for making flawless streams might initially sound daunting, but as you can see, the right steps are straightforward. Our final tip is to prepare backups for essential equipment. Having backup stands, lenses, cameras, mics, essential wires, and other crucial materials ensures that even if something happens, you can make a quick fix.
More specifically, if damage occurs to your hardware internally or externally, you can swap in a backup and get the show going again. When buying streaming hardware, be on the lookout for convenient pairs. At Ikan, our video production equipment for sale includes live streaming video kits such as this HomeStream Video Kit with two desktop lights. You can either use both lights simultaneously, or you can have one on standby for a backup. Keep the steps above in mind if you want to ensure a smooth stream on a consistent basis.