Just as your event is unique, so should be your live stream. You want to make sure that you’re providing the best possible experience for those who are watching and participating in the event. Remember: it’s not just what you share, but how you share it! Below, we’ve outlined a few tips for planning a successful private live stream.
1. Get A Software
In order to live stream your event, you’ll need to have software. There are a few options out there, so it’s best to choose one that meets all of your requirements and has the features that will help ensure your live stream is successful. If you’re not sure about what type of streaming service would be best for your needs, you can check out this website to find out what are some of the best live streaming services. Knowing the difference between Castr, Onestream, and StreamYard can help you determine which one of these is right for your needs.
2. Get the Right Equipment
Another important thing to consider before you begin planning your live stream is what equipment you’ll need to have in order for everything to run smoothly. Keep in mind, however, that it’s sometimes less expensive to rent equipment rather than buy it yourself. You will need a camera, tripod, mic, and, as we already mentioned, some form of streaming software. Make sure that everyone who will be taking part in the event knows how to use the equipment before the day of the live stream so there are no surprises during your event.
3. Plan Your Content
Planning the content for your live stream can be one of the most challenging parts, but it’s something that you’ll definitely want to take into consideration. Remember, your audience will appreciate content that is relevant and informative. You should consider how long each section of your event will last, create a list of subjects you’ll discuss, and consider how to approach each of these. If you’re not sure where to start, you can ask your participants for input or brainstorm ideas with family members ahead of time.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Before your event begins on the day of your live stream, make sure that everyone involved has had an opportunity to practice first. While it can be nerve-wracking to have a camera in your face or an audience watching from home, it’s important for everyone to be well-rehearsed and comfortable with the content. Also, there will probably be fewer mistakes if everyone has already practiced once or twice. We recommend that you practice at least two to three times before your event begins so no one feels stressed on the day of the live stream. In addition, practice will help you avoid any potential technical issues that could arise during filming.
5. Know Your Audience
One of the most important things to consider before you begin planning your event is who your audience will be. You’ll want to provide them with content that they are interested in so they stay engaged throughout the live stream. It’s also a good idea to provide a way for everyone to interact with your live stream. For example, you can use a commentary feature to encourage viewers to ask questions and share feedback. This way, you’ll get to know what they like and don’t like and be able to adjust accordingly.
6. Don’t Make It Too Formal
Since your live stream is usually shot in real-time, you don’t want the video to feel too formal or planned. By nature, this can be pretty stiff and uninteresting. Remember: keep it casual! You’ll want to ask questions of the people who are participating so that it feels like a natural conversation, rather than an interview. Also, if you want to make it feel like a conversation between yourself and the audience, you can use polls that will allow viewers to participate in real-time.
7. Keep it Short
As with any type of content that is streamed live, it’s best to keep your event short. If you go on for too long without taking a break, your viewers will start to get bored and lose interest. In addition, you’ll want to leave room for any unexpected events that might pop up during the event. It’s a good idea to ask others who have viewed similar live streams what their attention span is so you can know exactly how long you should plan for.
Hosting a private event can be a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it when you see all the happy faces. By following our tips, you’ll be able to live stream your event with ease and make sure that everyone has a good time. Make sure to plan ahead, practice it, and most importantly have fun!