There are a lot of great apps that you can use to broadcast depending on the device you own or your goals. One of the easiest ways to use live streaming is with YouTube. YouTube is free, offers simple options and advanced settings and has a highly rated video service that you can rely on. It also works on almost every internet-enabled device from computers to tablets to phones. You just need the free apps or website installed on your device and a great internet connection.
On-Air: How to Broadcast Your Event
Broadcasting your event live is a straightforward process and requires only five simple steps:
1. Set up your service
To use YouTube, you need to verify your account and ensure that your account is in good standing. You can verify your account by adding a phone number and using phone verification. To check if you’re in good standing, navigate to the ‘Status and Features’ section of your account. As long as you have violated community rules or committed copyright infringement, you’ll be good to go. If you’re using the fast option, you will then link your Google+ profile to a YouTube channel. If you don’t have a Google+ profile, it only takes a few minutes to set up. The last preliminary step is to make sure your channel is enabled for live events. You can enable by navigating back to the ‘Status and Features’ section of your account.
2. Prepare your event
Once your channel is ready, it is time to set up your event. Start by navigating to the ‘Live Events’ section of your Video Manager. Once there, click on ‘Create live event.’ You need to fill in some basic information about your event. You’ll need:
Title Description Key word tags Date Start and end times
You’ll also need to decide how secure you want the event to be. You can create an even that is entirely open to the public. Alternatively, you can choose the private setting which requires you to invite guests to the event. Another option allows you to create a public event that is ‘unlisted’ so that you don’t have to invite guests but the event also won’t be promoted. This is a great option in the event that you want to keep things private but don’t want to enter a lot of names or email addresses into the system.
3. Customize your stream
One of the great things about the YouTube platform is that you can configure your event to match your requirements. In ‘Advanced Settings’ you can add a live chat feed and manage your recording preferences. You should also use these settings to find the best category for your event to fall in, particularly if it’s a public event. The better you are able to describe the event, the easier it will be for people to find you. You can also embed the URL of the event into your own website. This provides another way for viewers to join in.
4. Test the event
Before the big day, you will want to test your event. Get started by choosing ‘Start Hangout on Air.’ From here, you’ll download the plugins and enable the settings required for a successful stream. Once this happens, your webcam will launch. Use the demo to test your equipment, including your camera and microphone, which is typically apart of your web cam. Check out how well your YouTube stream functions and play around with where your web cam and mic will be placed during the event. This is also a good time to test your internet speed. Your live stream won’t function properly if you don’t have the bandwidth to support it and this should be considered before the event goes live. You might not realize it, but if you plan to broadcast wirelessly, you will incur a much heavier load on your network than you would using your phone to stream regular content over WiFi. If you are receiving week broadcast signals, try to set up your equipment using a signal booster system design for optimal broadcast quality.
5. Stream
When you’re ready to go, open the event and press the green button that says ‘Start broadcast.’ The event will then record and everyone watching can see and hear you straight from your YouTube channel. When you’re done, simply press the ‘Stop broadcast’ button. One of the things people like most about using YouTube is that the event is recorded. It then goes on your YouTube channel for you to review. You can then edit it and share it with anyone who couldn’t attend. You can also make it public or private and post it on your channel for your followers to see. Whether you’re building a brand or including a faraway friend in a birthday celebration, live streaming is a simple and fun way to share what’s happening in your life with the world. Featured photo credit: wetribe via flickr.com
