Crealanta Magazine

Live stream live Blog

Aug 11, 2022

The initial step is the hardest. What do you do to begin? The good news is that there are ways to get started. In this article, we'll go through the specifics of how to go live the first time.

By the end of this post, you'll know how to live stream, gear that is suitable for all budgets, and the various platforms for live streaming to help you find the perfect platform to stream your amazing videos.

In this article

Beginning by streaming live

Before jumping into streaming, let's start with content.

There are plenty of highly produced, multi-cam broadcasts in the world, but it does not mean that everyone has to shell out a lot of money to start. Remember: your gear and setting can only take you so far; it's all about your content.

Take a moment to think about your most recent video call with friends and your family. Perhaps you had a catch-up or sharing an impromptu dinner. Like your previous video call the live stream has a simple purpose: to make connections in a genuine and informal manner.

How do you live stream the first time

This list will help you determine the type of equipment you'll need prior to starting live streaming:

  • Audio input
  • Camera input
  • Encoder and switcher
  • Internet bandwidth
  • Live streaming platform

Terms of Live streaming

Before we move on There are a handful of terms you'll want to know. They're just the beginning of the ice berg to help you dive into streaming lingo at first.

  • Bitrate: the rate of data that is transferred between points A and B. It's typically measured by kilobytes/second however, it can be different depending on various factors, including: connectivity between the receiver and source network as well as video compression, resolution and much more.
  • Compression In the context of live streaming, compression increases processing efficiency through reducing the dimensions of the stream. The industry standard is H.264 (better than MPEG-4). This compression is used for both live and uploaded videos.
  • Encoding / transcoding: when video first is recorded, it is in a wide variety of formats, based on your device. The process of encoding, also known as transcoding -- is the process of changing the raw, analog, or broadcast video files to electronic video formats.
  • Frames: the series of still photos that compose your video. Imagine these as the pages in a flip book. There's less motion in each frame and the more frames per second, the more smooth the video. Frames are measured in frames per second (FPS) which is the number of frames that are displayed per second of video.
  • Redundancy: a variety of backup methods when streaming live. Live sets that are fully redundant comprises backup camera feeds, streams of backup data sources coming out of the mixer and backup RTMP streams as well as backup signal types. backup encoders for every master feed, backup streams or profiles for playback and backup CDNs that every set of streams is being served from.
  • Switcher: also known as an "video mixer" or "vision mixer," switchers are device used to select from a range of different sources. In certain situations, switchers are used to composit (mixing) video sources for creating specific effects.

1. Choose your camera and audio

Let's dig into some of the most effective options to set up your streaming setup for beginners. If you want to stream without the trouble, it's possible to utilize a smartphone, or a built-in webcam to start.

Whichever audio or video setup you decide to use, ensure your broadcast looks great by applying the tips below:

  • Use a clean, interesting background
  • Make sure you speaker/presenter is located at the center of the frame
  • Set up lights or try to use natural light in the front of you, and not behind .
  • Find a quiet area and eliminate background noises
  • Keep things as static as possible and limit movement

If you're interested in boosting your image and audio quality to professional standards, we've got some great suggestions to consider for your cameras, audio and lighting setup.

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

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

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

2. Pick a switcher and an encoder

After you've got your audio and video sources secure, you'll need to examine switchers and encoders.

Software encoders

A encoder is essential to the distribution of video. This is the device that processes and converts video files into a format more compatible with different platforms, such as Facebook, Youtube, Twitch and so on, so that your viewers are able to view your video.


Although some cameras come with built-in encoders, others will require you to work with a hardware encoder (more on this in the following section) or an encoder software.

What exactly is an encoder?

An encoder is a device capable of processing and transforming the video content into a format that is compatible with various platforms such as , Facebook, Youtube, Twitch for example.

If we are looking at how to choose an encoder software, we focus on three main aspects.

  • Ease-of-use
  • Accessibility
  • Evergreen software

These three factors will ensure you'll have an encoder simple to use and has the technical support needed.

Hardware encoders

Hardware encoders work best to push high-quality video as well as audio and multiple camera and video sources into your stream.

If you're searching for the perfect equipment recommendations to use with your hardware encoder kit we've got you got you covered. These are the essential pieces of gear that are required for one (or multiple) Studio HD550 switcher for your main encoder.

Switchers

A switcher does exactly what the name suggests. It allows producers to switch between different sources of audio and video. It is commonly utilized for multi-camera setups so that you are able to change between images while streaming.

Like encoders, there are various options available for hardware and software switchers. However, for those first beginning out, we suggest looking for a software option which combines all of the components needed for both encoding and switching.

Livestream Studio, which is 's native switcher/encoder software, gives users the power of a live production control room to tell compelling stories.

3. Check your internet bandwidth for live streaming

We can now address the issue that is looming the issue of connectivity.

No matter how elegant or professional your setup the live stream will only be as good as your connection.

Before we discuss how to get the best upload speed for your streams, there are two terms you should know.

The most important term is called bitrate. It is the speed at which the data you upload will go through your encoder and out to various streaming platforms or services you've selected. The more bitrate you have, the better quality of the stream. However, higher bitrates also mean large data size that can cause a slowdown in the stream.

The trick is to find the right balance for the quality of your data and connection. A way to accomplish this is to consider factors such as frame rate and resolution.

What is your frame rate and resolution to stream live?

Your frame rate is the number of images that you transmit and displayed per second on the screen. When live streaming to viewers online 30-frames every second (FPS) is the norm and, in fact, most streams choose to broadcast at 60 frames per second to provide greater clarity for sporting events or video games.

The resolution of your video is a reflection of the size of the frame of the video. The fact that everyone desires 4K video for their televisions, cameras and content doesn't mean you should use it for streaming live. Unless you have the capacities to handle the massive file sizes, instead consider more practical resolutions like 1080p or 720p which are more manageable to streaming and keeping your bitrate within a reasonable range.

4. Choose the right platform for live streaming

Once you've considered every aspect of live streaming from cameras to encoders to bitrates, you're now ready to choose your live streaming service.

In order to begin the process start, make sure everything is in sync and that your encoder is in good working order to the stream key (or RTMP URL or stream address) for every platform. Most of these options provide the complete steps you'll need to follow before broadcasting or simulcasting to multiple platforms.

  • Live: with Premium and Enterprise, streamers can access a variety of live streaming software for your events and videos. In addition to live streaming features Premium comes with all the video hosting and collaboration tools to support the entire process.
  • YouTube Live Live streaming service is a basic, free-to-use offering for affordable streaming.
  • Facebook Live: Facebook Live might be best for anyone looking to incorporate live streamed content to their brand's Facebook page.
  • Twitch: one of the most well-known name in the world of video game live streaming. Twitch is among the most well-known platforms thanks to its community and niche styles of video content.
  • Mixer Live streaming from Microsoft's platform draws video game streamers and competes with Twitch's audience.
  • LinkedIn Live: recently launched, LinkedIn now offers its own live streaming platform that has been designed specifically for networking and business group.

The best platform should compliment the type of video content you plan to stream, and also the target audience that you wish to reach.

For smaller entrepreneurs, influencers and marketing, and companies that are looking into how to set up a live stream in the first place It provides a solid support system and tools to help begin in the right direction.

Boost your live streaming skills

Are you interested in starting your own live streaming business? Sign up to the Experts community for in-depth courses on the gear including software, tools, and equipment you need to build an effective live streaming company.

Five tips for optimizing your bandwidth on the internet to stream live

You should test your stream on your smartphone, web cam, or external camera before your go-live date. In other words, if you're used video-chatting during your daytime calls using zoom at work on your laptop couch, you might expect the stream live to look about the same under those same situations.

1. Connect directly to the router whenever possible.

If you're looking to increase your stream quality, one straightforward step is connecting immediately whenever you can. That means connecting directly from your router or modem connecting to your computer using an Ethernet cable. If you're using digital cameras or a webcam make sure you connect your device to your computer instead of relying on wi-fi or Bluetooth. In general, it's preferable to use physically connected devices over wireless connections. This will help you maximize the amount of streams you can stream.

2. Remove and close other sources

As with the previous advice, when you're first starting out it's perfectly fine to experiment with streaming within the normal office or home environment. Another method you could want to try though is closing and removing the other sources that may be occupying your connectivity and internet speed. This includes all other Wi-Fi enabled devices, computer and any and all background apps that are automatically synced, and consuming bandwidth.

3. Max your upload speed and bandwidth

No matter where you've chosen to stream from, be sure to check internet speed and bandwidth limits set by your internet service provider (ISP). If you plan to stream on a regular basis, consider upgrading your plan or choosing an ISP that can give you a higher upload speed and bandwidth.

4. Create a buffer

Make sure you have a buffer in place to ensure you're operating in a safe rate. This can help minimize the speed fluctuation across your broadcast. A good rule of thumb is to keep your upload rate at 30% higher than your bitrate speed for a smooth and trouble-free broadcast.

5. Test extensively

When in doubt, test it out.

Testing your live stream will help you find that sweet spot that maximizes elements like frame rate, resolution and bitrate, without being able to have an audience. Be sure to conduct many dress rehearsals or rehearsal tests to ensure that everything is to your liking.

Wrap up: start your live stream today

Live streaming can be surprisingly easy. If you take the time to get the right equipment in place, you can focus on the bigger picture. This means focusing on your live streaming content and enhancing your personal style and sensibilities prior to live streaming.

Once you've mastered the basics, you're ready to take the plunge and stream your content using high-quality, professional video. If you're in need of an update, take a look at our tricks and tips to make sure the parts of your video stream working properly.