Live streaming: The definitive guide streaming
How do I set up a live stream
Ultimately, live streaming of your content boils into five stages:
- Connect your audio and video sources that record streams of live content to your device for streaming (PC or laptop).
- Set up the encoder, one that translates the video and audio content into streams that can be shared on the internet.
- The encoder must be connected to the streaming platform by using your stream's key as well as the URL your streaming platform gives you.
- Check your connection to the internet and upload speed
- Watch the video!
In other words, your live streaming procedure involves CED which is the process of capturing audio and video, decoding it and then distributing the content via a live streaming platform. You probably noticed there's lots of equipment and live streaming software involved. The first thing we'll do is address these before we go over the details of how to set everything up.
What are the equipment you require to stream live?
The process of creating a streaming system for the beginner is fairly easy. You'll need a camera, microphone or mic, lighting, and a stable internet connection. Also, you'll need your (digital) access to some Live streaming applications. More on that in a bit. Let's now begin by using the live streaming device you'll need.
Camera
- The camera on your phone
- An entry-level live streaming camera like DJI Osmo Action, GoPro Hero, Logitech C930e, or Mevo camera.
Intermediate source of video: If do have some budget set aside to invest in a camera, say around $2000 You can the playing field of your live stream through investing in any one of these:
- Canon XA15 or XF100
- Panasonic LUMIX GH4
- Sony A7 II for this cost.
Can you use any camera to stream live? An internetcam, point and shoot, camcorder --all will work for live streaming, as in the event that the camera you choose to use can record an at least 720p 24fps footage.
Audio
- Shure's iPhone Microphone
- Shure MV88 digital stereo condenser mic
- Rode VideoMic
- Topaz DeNoise AI audio software
- Yeti Nano USB mic
Intermediate level audio sources:
- Lavalier mics aka clip on mics (yes those that are pretty cool)
- Mics that are handheld, such as Shure SM58s that our team has used
Capture card
The final piece of live streaming equipment that you may need is an capture card. It is an intermediary device for transferring the video source from the main live streaming system. You may be wondering why do you need a capture card? So that it can display to your computer what your camera has captured. For a capture card to be used the camera must have an HDMI output port or port that can be connected to it to the HDMI cable. This will transfer the video feed onto your computer. When do you require the capture device to the live stream configuration?
You will require an capture card if you're using a software encoder (more about this later).
You do not require any capture cards when you're employing a hardware encoder because the majority of them come equipped with an integrated capture card. It's also not necessary when you're using a USB camera or microphone which connects directly to your laptop computer.
In the meantime, be aware that should you decide to make use of a capture device, you'll need to pick one of two options: the USB interface capture card or one with a PCI-e interface. We've got a list of suggestions for capture cards:
- AV.io HD
- Elgato CamLink 4K
- Razer Ripsaw HD
No matter what you decide to use, make certain that the capture card works with your streaming service. For instance, there are some cameras that are supported by.
Lighting setup for live streaming
You've now got an array of tech options that will help you live stream. However, there's a crucial element that's not to be missed -- lighting for streaming. A well lit stream can help your live video look more professional and to engage the viewers. Consider this that you do not wish your viewers to be astonished at how dimly lit the live stream setup you have and definitely do not want overhead lighting within your office to cast harsh shadows on your speaker or the presenter. What's the good news? It is possible to perfect your lighting setup using the two resources listed above. Lighting for entry level streamers:
- Sunshine
- Ring Light
The sun is the best companion as well as a cost-free source for illumination of your streaming area. Test your video to find the right balance of sunlight. Too much sunlight can mask the features of the speaker's face, and the wrong amount of sunlight will make their faces appear dull. Here are a few suggestions for creating a flattering look with natural lighting:
- Look towards the light source that is natural.
- Use a bounce to draw in shadows that are dark.
- Do not block a window behind the speaker
- Beware of harsh whites or bright fluorescent light
- Three-point lighting kit
Are you looking to invest some cash? Purchase a 3-point light kit to improve your lighting. This kit includes three lights: a main/key light, fill light, as well as a backlight, which add warm, deep, and quality to your stream. You can also pair light fixtures from this kit with the overhead lights in the office area to illuminate your stream professionally. How? Remove the main light source since overhead lighting does the job instead.
How should I place my light sources to stream?
Live streaming accessories
For the various items needed to create the perfect setup Here's a short list:
- Green display (chroma key) for changing the background
- A tripod stand to support your video camera
- A microphone arm where the audio source is (unless the microphone is a clip on mic)
Encoder
Let's talk about encoders. To share your stream with all the world, you'll require an encoder. An encoder is a device that converts video files from one format into another. Put another way, it takes the raw feed from the camera and transforms it to viewable media within your live streaming station. There are two types of encoders you can choose from both hardware encoders and software encoders. This is a brief overview of the software encoders and hardware encoders.
Hardware encoders
- A special software designed specifically to be used for live streaming. These programs free your PC to do other things.
- It does not require a capture card.
- Less affordable and hard to update.
As hardware encoders free your PC to focus on other tasks, these are great for more professional broadcasts and gamers who live stream. The PC can focus on gaming as the encoder runs behind the scenes. If you're wondering which encoder for hardware to buy, read on for a list of budget-friendly choices in the following paragraphs. Beginner-level hardware encoders:
- AJA HD10AMA audio embedder
Intermediate level:
- AJA HD5DA, a distribution amplifier for HD-SDI
- Datavideo DAC70 up/down/ cross converter
Software encoders
- A great option for beginner-level streamers. Keep in mind they rely on your computer's processing power.
- A capture card could be required.
- Variety of price points and Upgrade options
The good thing about software encoders, is they work on their own, not taking up much of your attention. Here are a few alternatives for software encoders
- Livestream Studio 6
- OBS Studio
- Streamlabs OBS
Switcher
The last item on the list of live streaming equipment is the switcher. As with an encoder it is possible that you do not need it. The key is your needs. Essentially, a switcher helps to switch between various video and audio sources, production elements, as well as control graphics. So if you're using two or more cameras for live streaming or want to show graphics/presentations between your live stream, you'll need a switcher to capture the additional feeds for you. If you're a Enterprise subscriber (or intend to become one day!) You'll be able to get Livestream Studio with your package. It's not just a tool for a software encoder's job and performs the role of a switcher.
What's the right streaming platform for me?
Five essential features to consider for your live streaming platform
- High quality, professional video - For high quality professional streaming video you'll need a solution that supports all HD 1080p as well as cloud transcoding, so that users are able to enjoy stunning video on all platforms.
- Broaden your reach - If you're a business trying to get your message out to customers wherever they might be, you'll have to choose a platform which allows simulcasting on other platforms such as YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Twitter, and Twitch.
- Security and privacy secure video streaming is a must for businesses. Look for platforms that include security features that protect privacy, authorization, customisation embedding, embedding restriction, and security.
- Engaging and powerful The best way to engage your audience is to include methods for your viewers to engage with your live streaming content via polls and live chat along with advanced analytics to help you better serve your audience.
- All-in-one-home - Get all the necessary tools for live or hosted videos. You can edit and change post-event video files in up to 4K resolution, disperse them using up to 5TB of storage, and even sell your video after the big event.
Five streams to stream your video
There are a lot of locations for viewers to watch your live stream. Here are a few main locations you might want to broadcast your next live event
- Website with branding: For businesses with an official website or event website embedding your live stream video is the easiest and most effective method to distribute your video content to the people who visit your site.
- : With an audience of X, is a great place to reach your audience. With Enterprise, streamers can create showcases to broadcast HD quality video and organize videos into custom categories in order to provide a like a Netflix experience for viewers.
- LinkedIn Live: LinkedIn's native livestream feature can be a fantastic way for business professionals as well as hospitality professionals as well as students.
- Instagram Live: Instagram's livestream feature allows you to broadcast live content as part of your IG stories. What makes this feature unique is the fact that the stream is non-permanent. This means that it ceases to exist once the broadcast is over. No replays are readily available.
- Twitch With 3.8 million viewers, Twitch is the preferred live streaming platform for gamers. However, the platform is now open to other streaming content too.
- Facebook Live: Originally designed for mobile streaming, Facebook Live lets you stream now from desktop and mobile devices.
If your viewers are dispersed across multiple streams? You don't have to pick the only channel you can stream to! Simulcasting allows you to stream to multiple places at once.
Live stream live in five simple steps
In the beginning of this guide, we gave the reader a brief description of what you can do you can live-stream. Once you've mastered the gear needed for the setup of a stream for novices Let's get to the steps to set up a live stream.
1.
Connect to both your audio and video sources
It involves physically connecting video and audio sources to your main live streaming setup (the laptop or PC). Join these sources to your hardware encoder in order to stream the video into your livestream station or use a capture card if you are using an encoder in software. 2.
Configure the encoder
If you're using a third party encoder, it's necessary to set the settings of your device via an app or web interface. If you're using a software encoder, you'll be working internally.
You can leave the configuration setting to default so that the software automatically adjusts to the platform for streaming.
If you are asked to configure your encoder. Keep these 3 points in mind:
- Your video's resolution, or frame size must be 1280x720 before you can begin.
- The bit rate or the rate that data is uploaded should be set at 3000 Kbps.
- The frame rate or the number of frames or images displayed per second needs to be 30 3.
Make connections to the online streaming platform
Once you've got the audio and video set for your livestream channel, you're now left with linking in your streaming platform into the overall picture.
Use the streaming key/name and the URL for streaming that your live streaming service provides you with and then enter them into the encoder to complete your live streaming setup.
The streaming platform to identify your encoder. On the other hand it allows the encoder to determine where it should transmit the audio and video details. 4.
Check your internet connection
Your internet connection is the biggest elephant in the room in the case of streaming. Insecure internet connections mean slow streaming - something that can make you lose viewers fast.
To avoid losing views, start test your Internet speed with an online tool like Speedtest.net. Below are some additional ways to ensure that your connection to the internet is reliable.
- Upgrade your bandwidth or how amount of data you upload to the highest available.
- Ask any other members of your family, roommates or coworkers to share your space to be offline for your stream.
- Utilize your phone's wireless hotspot to serve as a backup.
- Make sure you test your technology, which includes the audio and video quality.
5 important ideas to consider with upload speeds and streaming
What's upload speed?
Upload speed refers to the speed that your ISP allows you to upload online content. It's measured in millions of bits -- or megabits per second and it matters because a slow upload speed would mean spotty streaming.
While there's no answer to the perfect upload speed for a live stream, we have a few standards to be aware of:
- 3 Mbps is the minimum for 480p.
- 6 Mbps for 720p
- 13 Mbps with 1080p
Remember, the better the quality of your video, the more download speed you'll require.
Speed of uploads can be impacted by four things.
Upload rate
This is the speed that your Internet is able to upload files. The greater the speed more, the higher your upload speed.
The bandwidth of your Internet service provider's (ISP) broadband
For a quick recap, bandwidth is the ability of your Internet to transfer or download information. The greater the size of video, the greater bandwidth required.
The content's quality
Fast-moving and high-quality visuals may affect your upload speed.
Your streaming platform
Each platform comes with its own recommendations. Here just few platform-specific suggestions to give you an idea of what to expect:
- Facebook Live recommends maximum 4,000 kbps of bitrate as well as a max audio bitrate of 128 kbps.
- Twitch recommends between between 2,500 and 4,000 Kbps for video. It can be and up to 160 kbps audio.
- needs 10 Mbps or higher to stream live in 1080p. 5.
Start streaming
After everything is set After that, just click the stream button on your encoder and start the stream! It's okay to feel nervous about your first live broadcast. Add a few practice sessions prior to the live broadcast and you'll be good to go.
With just some live streaming sessions You'll begin enjoying the process in no time.