How To Live Stream Like a Real Pro

Jumping into your first live stream can be intimidating to say the least. Multiple takes are no longer an option — any mistakes are permanent. However, if you do a little research and commit to your mission, it won’t be so scary. Not sure where to start? The following tips and tricks will help you approach your next live stream with confidence.

Be Prepared.
Maybe this seems obvious, but being prepared is the first step to a successful live stream. Know precisely what your live stream is going to be about and outline all the things you want to say and do. Perhaps more importantly, though, you need to be prepared with information about how your live stream platform works.

There are many platform options when it comes to live streaming. These include YouTube, Facebook Live, Periscope, and Twitch, just to name a few. Before you jump into the deep end and turn your camera on, make sure you know how to live stream on the platform of your choice.

Get Your Gear.
Luckily, in recent years the equipment necessary to live stream has become more readily available. For most platforms today, you can just live stream from your smartphone camera. If you’re working with Cinamaker, you’ve already upped your production quality by including multiple camera angles and real-time switching, editing, and mixing capabilities. However, if you’re looking for an even more professional setup, you can integrate a digital camera and perhaps some additional light sources.

Most importantly, you need to make sure you have a strong and consistent internet connection when you stream. Make sure to check your WiFi connection for strength and speed beforehand. Or, if you want more physical security for your connection, look into ethernet options.

Back It Up.
As with any other file you create on your computer, you should always backup your live streams. Not only does this allow you to share your live streams as videos to gains viewers who may have missed your broadcast, but you can also use them to critique and improve your work.

Stay Organized.
Even if you’re thoroughly prepared, the fact is that your live stream can go downhill fast if you become overwhelmed or confused. Make sure to keep your space organized and keep any programs and chats monitored.

If you’re working with other people, it’s also a good idea to have someone in charge of those behind the scenes. That way if anything goes wrong with your crew, you don’t have to handle it in front of the camera.

Be Interactive.
One of the best things about a live stream is that it allows you to interact with your audience. Whether you are promoting a brand or just starting your own channel on YouTube, the people who watch want to know you care. So, take this opportunity to be candid, answer any questions you may have received previously, and pose new ones.

Stay on Schedule.
If you announce a live stream schedule, stick to it! Your viewers aren’t going to want to wait around for too long if you are not streaming on time. You can’t have a successful live stream if nobody is watching.

Post Highlight Videos.
If you’ve been saving the footage from your live streams, exercise your creative juices to put together some of the best moments of one or many of your broadcasts.

If you make really long broadcasts, this might be the perfect way to reach viewers who don’t always have the time or patience for your full live stream. If you make lots of short live streams, it can create a more holistic picture of you as a broadcast personality. Either way, this fun little reel can work like an advertisement to attract potential viewers, or just remind loyal fans why they love you.

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There’s no such thing as being too prepared for your live stream. If you follow these tips, chances are you’ll make a good impression on your audience and hopefully gain some new viewers. We can’t guarantee you won’t make any mistakes; you’re only human! But little mistakes here and there humanize you and can sometimes be really funny and memorable. If nothing else, they help you learn — that’s the beauty of live video.