If you’re new to live streaming, you’re probably wondering what the fuss is about. And if you’ve been doing it for a while, then you know that some things can go wrong on any broadcast — and you might be wondering what to do if they do.
There’s no need to worry! We’ve put together an ultimate live streaming checklist to help ensure smooth streaming so you can relax and have fun on camera!
Internet connection
The internet connection is the backbone of your live stream. You’re streaming live to thousands of people, so you must have a good connection.
Check if your internet connection is good. This can be unreliable and slow if you use a mobile hotspot or tethered phone connection (where you connect your computer to your phone). So make sure you have a good Wi-Fi signal or wired connection before you start streaming.
If you have a solid internet connection and are still having problems, try restarting your computer or router. In addition, you may need to update some software on your computer if there are issues with drivers or other software.
Finally, ensure the server is working correctly and have a reliable power supply. Try to access different websites while streaming. This will help identify any problems with your ISP’s server (which could be causing lag) or any issues with the content being streamed from the website itself (which could result in buffering). In addition, plug the server on a 20 amp power strip for constant power supply to your server and other equipment to prevent power failure.
Camera
The best live streaming camera is the one that can capture your face in high quality while also showing the content you want to share.
If you’re going to live stream, you need a good camera that can capture you in high definition, with a wide-angle lens so everyone can see what’s happening.
A few years ago, many people used their phones for live streaming, but now most people use cameras specifically designed for live streaming. These cameras are much better because they have wider lenses and better quality. But there are still many different types of cameras, and choosing one that’s right for your needs can be tricky.
Microphone
The microphone is one of the essential tools for live streaming. A good microphone can make all the difference in how well your audience hears you and how professional you sound.
There are two types of microphones: USB and XLR. XLR microphones are more expensive but have lower latency than USB microphones. With an XLR microphone, you’ll need a mixer to mix your voice with other audio sources such as music or video clips.
If you’re using a USB microphone, it will come with its built-in mixer so that you don’t require anything else to connect it to your computer.
Lighting
If possible, position yourself near an open window or other natural light sources so that there aren’t any shadows on your face or body during gameplay. Also, avoid using harsh overhead lights or fluorescent bulbs as they can cast a glare on the screen or create shadows on your face when they reflect off shiny surfaces like glass tables or polished hardwood floors.
Background
The background is an essential aspect of your live stream. It’s what your viewers see when they first enter your room and what they’ll see if they’re not in full-screen mode.
The background should be something that sets the tone for your stream, but make sure it doesn’t distract from your content. The best backgrounds are simple and easy on the eyes.
A good background matches your brand or channel art. For example, you can use your logo as a background to tie everything together. If you don’t have a logo yet, try using a color scheme or design that matches what you’d like to use for your logo later on.
Livestreaming software
Livestreaming software makes it easy to broadcast live video from your computer or mobile device. The most popular options are OBS Studio and XSplit Broadcaster. Both have pros and cons, but they’re excellent choices if you’re starting.
If you’re looking for something more robust, consider Wirecast or vMix. These programs have more advanced features like frame rate adjustment, chroma-key, motion blur effects, and multiple cameras and screen support.
Storage space for recording
If you plan on doing a lot of streaming, you must have enough storage space for your recordings.
Streaming requires a lot of bandwidth and can quickly eat up all the space on your hard drive. In addition, you need enough space for your recordings so they don’t get deleted automatically.
Fortunately, there are many ways to increase the amount of storage available. The simplest way is to add another hard drive (or two) to your computer. If you use an external hard drive, ensure it has a FireWire connection or USB 2.0 instead of USB 1.1 to keep up with speed required by streaming software like Wirecast.
Conclusion
Streaming live video is not difficult, and the tools required are readily available to the average user. However, many things can go wrong. If you prepare these checklists, plan your live stream and prepare for potential problems, you can make your stream as smooth as possible. This will make your live stream much better for everyone involved and help build up an audience that will likely stick around for future videos.
