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How to live stream: the ultimate guide Blog

Aug 11, 2022

The initial step is typically the most difficult. Where do you begin? Thankfully, there are tools to help you hit the ground running. This article will go through the details of things you'll need to know prior to launching your first time.

Once you've completed this article, you'll be aware of the most effective ways to stream live, the best equipment for every budget along with the different platforms for live streaming that will help you locate the right destination for the most amazing video.

In this article

What are the steps to start streaming live

Before we dive into the streaming system first must examine first the content.

There are plenty of professional multi-cam shows around the world, however, this doesn't suggest that you have to break the bank in order to start. Make sure that the equipment used and set-up can only take you so far and the most important thing is your content.

Consider a second to think about the most recent video chat with your friends and your family. Maybe you were catching up or sharing a food. Like your previous video chat, Live streaming has one simple goal: create connections in a natural and comfortable manner.

How do you live stream for the first time?

Here's a checklist of the equipment you'll need prior to starting live streaming:

  • Audio input
  • Camera input
  • Switcher and encoder
  • Internet bandwidth
  • Live streaming platform

Live streaming terms

Before proceeding we need to know a few words you'll need to be familiar with. It's only the tip of the iceberg that will help you navigate streaming language at first.

  • Bitrate The speed in which data moves from one point to B. The standard is kilobytes per second. However, it can vary according to different factors including: source and receiver network connections and video compression. Also, the resolution as well as other factors.
  • Compression in the stream improves the performance by reducing the total size that the streaming video has. The industry standard for this is H.264 (better known as MPEG-4). uses this compression for our live and uploaded videos.
  • Coding or transcoding at the time that video footage first gets recorded, it is available in a wide variety of formats dependent on the equipment. Coding -- sometimes referred to as transcoding -- refers to the process of turning the raw, analog or broadcast video file formats to digital video files.
  • Frames The series of still photographs that comprise your video. Imagine them as pages from an book. There's less motion in each frame and the more frames per second smoother the video. It is determined by frames per second (FPS) which is the number of frames that are displayed in a second video.
  • Redundancy There are a variety of options for backup when streaming live. Fully redundant live sets comprises backup camera feeds, stream of backup data coming through the mixer backup RTMP streams, and various backup signal types. backup encoders for each master feed and backup streams or profiles to playback, along with backup CDNs for every stream it is serving from.
  • Switcher can also be referred to as the "video mixer" or "vision mixer" Switchers are devices that allow users to choose from a variety of different sources. In some cases, switchers can be utilized for compositing (mixing) video sources in order to produce special effects.

1. Select your preferred camera as well as the sound.

Let's look into the top options for configuration of your streaming beginners. If you're seeking streaming that is free of stress, then you could make use of a smartphone or integrated webcams to begin.

Whatever video and audio setup you decide to use, ensure that your video and audio broadcasts look stunning. This is when you follow the guidelines below:

  • Be sure to have a neat, attractive background
  • Be sure that your speaker or presenter is placed on the middle of the frame.
  • Make sure you have lights on or using natural light in front of you and not behind you.
  • Find a quiet area and eliminate background noises
  • Maintain things as stationary as possible and minimize movements

If you're trying to boost your image and audio quality up to the professional level You can find some great ideas to consider with your lighting or cameras and audio.

Entry-level recommendations:  Camera: Mevo Start ($399)
   Microphone: Rode VideoMic ($150)
  The light: Aputure MC ($90)

Intermediate-level recommendations:  
  Camera: Canon XA15 ($1,800)
  Microphone Rode ProCaster ($229)
  Lighting Ring light kit by Neewer's ($19-$110)

Professional-level recommendations:  
   Camera: PMW 300 ($7,500)
   Microphone: Shure SM7B ($399)
   Audio Mixer: RodeCaster Pro audio mixer ($599)
  Lighting: Aputure300dii ($1,100)

2. Select an encoder , and then switcher.

Once you've got all of your audio and video sources protected, you'll need to examine switchers and encoders.

Software encoders

A encoder is essential for the distribution of videos. It is the device that processes and converts the video's data into a format more compatible with various platforms, like Facebook, Youtube, Twitch etc., to ensure that your viewers can watch your video content.


  While some cameras have built-in encoders, others require you to make use of an external encoder (more on that in the following sections) or an encoder software.

What is an encoder?

An encoder is a piece of technology that is able to translate and convert videos into formats appropriate for various platforms like Facebook, Youtube, Twitch and many more.

In determining the best way to select an software encoder, it is essential to look at three important aspects.

  • Ease-of-use
  • Accessibility
  • Evergreen software

The above three components will guarantee you have an encoder that's easy to utilize with the required technical support.

Hardware encoders

The use of hardware encoders is recommended to push high-quality video or audio as well as a variety of cameras and video sources to your streaming.

If you're looking for the top equipment recommendation for your hardware encoder kit We've included everything. Below are a few essential pieces of equipment which are needed to use an (or greater) Studio HD550 switcher to serve as your primary encoder.

Switchers

The function of a switcher is exactly as the name suggests. It lets producers switch between different types of video and audio sources. This is typically utilized in multi-camera sets-ups to ensure that you can switch between shots while streaming.

Similar to encoders, there are many options to select between switching software and hardware. But, for the beginning of your journey it is recommended to select a program that combines all the elements required for encoding and switching.

Livestream Studio, which is the default software used for switching and encoders allow users to leverage the potential of live control room that will tell compelling stories.

3. Check your internet bandwidth for live streaming

Now let's tackle the issue that's looming over the issue of connectivity.

No matter how nice or professionally designed the system may be, the quality of the quality of your live stream will depend on the quality of the connection.

In order to discuss how to get the fastest speed for uploading your stream There are two words that are essential to know.

The main term you should be aware of is known as the bitrate. It is the speed that your data will be uploaded through the encoder, and then out to the various streaming platforms or services that you've selected. In general, the greater the bitrate the higher the quality of the stream. But, higher bitrates could indicate large size of information, and can cause slowing down stream.

The key is finding the right equilibrium between the bitrate you are using and the speed of your connectivity. A way to accomplish this is by taking into consideration aspects like frame rates and resolution.

What is your frame rate and resolution for live streaming?

Your frame rate is the number of images which are sent and shown per second on the display. When live streaming to live audiences online thirty frames per second (FPS) is considered to be the norm, it's evident that many streams choose to broadcast sixty frames per second in order to give more clarity when it comes to video or sports games.

Your resolution reflects the size of your frame video. Although everyone would like 4K videos for their TVs, cameras as well as content, it doesn't suggest that it's the ideal method of streaming live. If you're not equipped with the capacity for the huge amount of files, you should think about the more sensible resolutions, like 1080p and the 720p resolutions, which are better managed to stream as well as keeping the rate of bitrate within an acceptable range.

4. Select the best platform to live streaming

Once you've considered all of the aspects involved in live streaming via cameras as well as encoders and bitrates it's now time to pick your live streaming service.

In order to begin the process, you'll want to make sure everything is synced and your encoder is properly connected with streaming keys (or RTMP URL or stream address) for every platform. The majority of these guides will explain the various procedures you'll have to take before broadcasting or simulcasting across multiple platforms.

  • Live for Premium and Enterprise accounts, users have access to an array of live streaming tools for your videos and events. In addition to live streaming, Premium also includes all of the video hosting tools and collaboration software that will help you with your process.
  • YouTube Live YouTube Live service is a simple, free-to-use offering for affordable streaming.
  • Facebook Live: Facebook Live might be best for people who want to incorporate live streamed videos to their Facebook pages for their company.
  • Twitch is among of the biggest brands in live streaming of games, Twitch is one of the most well-known streaming platforms due to its users and unique styles of content.
  • Mixer Live streaming via Microsoft's platform draws video game streamers and competes with Twitch's viewers.
  • LinkedIn Live The platform was recently announced, LinkedIn now offers its live streaming feature that was especially designed to be used to be used for business and networking.

The ideal platform is one that will complement the type of video content you intend to stream and the audience you want to engage.

For smaller entrepreneurs, influencers and marketers, and brands that are looking into how to setup live streams for the first time. The platform provides an effective help system and tools that help get started with the right way.

Boost your live streaming skills

Are you considering starting your own Live streaming company? Sign up to the Experts Community for comprehensive training regarding the equipment, along with the software and other necessary tools for establishing the ideal Live streaming company.

Five suggestions for optimizing your internet bandwidth to stream live

You should test the live stream using your smartphone, web cam or an external camera before the live stream date. Also, if you're familiar with video chats on the phone all day long using your laptop from the couch, it's possible that your live stream to look similar under similar circumstances.

1. Connect directly to your router whenever possible.

When you're ready to enhance the quality of your stream, an straightforward step is to connect as soon as you're able. This means going directly to your router or modem to your computer with the help of an Ethernet cable. If you're using an online camera or digital camera make sure you connect it directly to your laptop instead of using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The general rule is to connect physical-connected devices via wireless networks. This will help you maximize the value of your streams.

2. Stop and remove all other sources

As with the previous advice in the beginning, when you're getting started, it's totally appropriate to experiment with streaming under your typical workplace conditions. One other trick you may want to try though is to turn off and remove any other device which could be hindering your connectivity and the speed of your internet. That includes other connected Wi-Fi devices, laptops as well as any background applications that could be automatically synced and using up bandwidth.

3. Improve your upload speed as and bandwidth

Whichever location you choose to stream from, be sure to check your speeds on the internet as well as bandwidth limitations determined by the Internet service provider (ISP). If you are planning to stream live on a regular basis you should consider upgrading your subscription or choosing an ISP that can provide you with the speed of upload and bandwidth.

4. Set up a buffer that is appropriate.

Create a buffer in order to be sure you're running at a safe rate. This helps decrease the speed of the broadcast. The best rule of thumb is to keep your upload rate at 30% higher than your bitrate speed to ensure an untiring and smooth broadcast.

5. Test extensively

In case you're unsure, test it out.

The test of your live stream will help you in the search for the perfect location that is able to maximize factors like resolution frames, frame rate, and bitrate, without having the audience there. Be sure to conduct many dress rehearsals as well as tests to be sure that everything works to your specifications.

Wrap up: start your live stream today

Live streaming can be quite straightforward. If you are able to put in the proper equipment, you can be focused on the wider view. Also, it is about focusing on your live streaming as well as perfecting your aesthetic and style prior to going live.

After you've learned the fundamentals, you're ready to get serious about creating high-quality professional videos. If you're in need some refreshers, take a look at our tricks and tips to help you get the parts of your stream in order.

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