Live streaming is always a bit scary. When things go wrong, EVERYONE notices, and things always seem to go slightly wrong. This is what makes live streams stand out: they have nerve, tension, and everyone watching can feel that it’s real.
Here are a few tips I’ve gathered over the years. Not from doing the live streaming myself—I’m not an expert there—but as the company providing live streams for many organizations, we’re often the first ones called when something doesn’t go well.
1. Check and Double-Check Your Settings
It might seem obvious, but from experience, we know it’s common for the streaming equipment or software settings to be incorrect. Two things stand out:
- Ingest Settings – Make sure the stream’s source is up to date and correct. Sometimes, someone else has used the equipment, and the stream ends up in the wrong place.
- Quality Settings – The most common issue is using a bitrate that isn’t ideal for your setup. For example, if you’re using Live transcoding, the quality delivered needs to be pretty high to provide all quality levels. In Streamio’s case, we recommend 1080p 60 fps at around 6000 kbps (6 Megabits) to balance user experience and bandwidth costs. Without transcoding, the same quality is delivered to all viewers, so it’s important to balance that quality for your content and your audience. Sports, for instance, need higher quality than something more static and straightforward (like two people talking). Also, consider the cost if you’re on a specific plan or broadcasting an extended event to a large audience.
Free consultation with us: Contact us before your event if you’d like to discuss the best settings.
If possible, always test and evaluate your setup ahead of time. Being prepared is the way to go!
2. Have a Backup Plan
Because a live stream happens in real time, you can’t simply “redo” a shot. Things tend to break at some point, so it’s best to be ready with a fallback. Keep a second device or feed on standby if your camera suddenly fails. Consider a backup connection from a different provider or a reliable cellular hotspot if your internet connection drops. And if your primary streaming platform experiences issues, plan to switch to another platform or record locally to upload later. The goal is to keep your stream going or preserve your content if something unexpected happens.
Areas to evaluate:
- Camera: Spare device or an alternate angle.
- Internet Connection: Secondary ISP or a strong mobile backup.
- Platform: An alternative streaming service or a quick upload method.
3. Raise the Bar on Quality
Some live streams are professionally produced, and they usually provide excellent quality. But what about the ones produced with limited resources and equipment? Can we still make those look better? Absolutely. Three things make any “non-professional” live stream stand out:
- Tripod – Use stationary cameras. Nothing screams “amateur” like a shaky or constantly moving camera. One more significant mistake is when we amateurs try to add “production value” by panning or zooming at random. Those stunts are best left to the pros.
- Light – More light is almost always better. Moving outdoors is often smarter than staying in a dimly lit room. If you plan to live stream regularly, it’s worth investing in lighting—ring lights on a tripod can be a great start.
- Sound – Interestingly, sound is more crucial than the picture. Viewers might forgive a screen that goes black momentarily, but no one tolerates bad audio for long. A decent microphone makes a real difference in how your stream is received.
Final thoughts
Live streaming carries unique challenges but adds a level of authenticity and excitement that prerecorded content can’t match. By double-checking your settings, preparing a backup plan, and focusing on quality, you’ll make your organization’s event a success. And if you ever need advice on fine-tuning your setup, we’re here to help.
