Curious about stepping into the exciting world of professional streaming and how to be a streamer?
You’ve landed in just the right spot! Live streaming is booming like never before—can you believe that 27% of internet users tune in to live streams every week?
It’s true! And now, it’s not just Twitch and YouTube Live calling the shots. The landscape has expanded dramatically, with platforms like Kick emerging in 2023 to take on Twitch’s reign.
Plus, TikTok and Instagram have hopped on the live-streaming bandwagon, making it effortless to go live from your mobile device.
Even LinkedIn, yes LinkedIn has introduced live streaming features. This guide is packed with all the key tips and tricks to kick off your streaming journey or elevate your current content to professional heights.
You’ll discover everything from what gear you need to produce high-quality videos, to handy ways to enhance your streaming skills.
So, let’s dive in and make your streaming dreams a reality:
7 Live Streams Facts and Trends You Should Know
When it comes to live streaming, audiences have high expectations. They crave quality videos, engaging content from their favorite brands, and updates from beloved sports teams.
Whether it’s a speaker, performer, or influencer, the pressure is on to deliver top-notch content that captures viewers’ attention.
It’s no surprise that brands are gaining popularity, thanks to the exposure they receive through these vibrant live streams.
The Live Streaming Market is Projected to Soar, Reaching an Impressive value of $149.34 billion By 2026
Live video has quickly become an exciting and budget-friendly way for businesses to connect with their customers. It allows for real-time conversations that keep audiences engaged and ready to make purchases right after watching.
In 2019, a remarkable event like Coachella set a record with an incredible 82.9 million viewers tuning in to the live stream. Looking ahead, the live streaming market is projected to soar, reaching an impressive value of $149.34 billion by 2026 and climbing even higher to about $184.3 billion by 2027.
Live video is here to stay, creating vibrant opportunities for brands and customers alike.
Audience Insights: 50% or Even More Choose to Tune out Traditional TV
Did you know that more than half of adults aged 18 to 49 barely watch TV?
It’s true! In this age group, about 50% or even more choose to tune out of traditional television.
Interestingly enough, among those who do love to catch live content, a whopping 63% are millennials.
This shift in viewing habits shows just how much the landscape of entertainment is changing.
What Viewers Expect
A crisp 1080p video quality can make all the difference.
Did you know that 67% of viewers believe that high-quality video is the most important element of their live-streaming experience?
It’s true! The clarity of what they see significantly enhances their enjoyment. Interestingly, another 67% of viewers were inspired to purchase tickets to events while watching the livestream.
This shows just how engaging a great video can be.
Viewing Habits
Did you know that 56% of millennials love to watch videos on their smartphones? That’s quite a crowd.
On the flip side, 44% still prefer the larger screen of a tablet for their viewing experience.
When it comes to live videos, people spend an average of 16 minutes a day catching them on their mobile devices. It’s fascinating how we connect in this digital age.
Content Types
- Live Games: This category reigns supreme as the most popular streaming genre on Twitch.
- User-Generated Content: Did you know that a whopping 51% of live video streamed on mobile devices is all about user-generated content? Talk about creators taking the spotlight.
- Sporting events are all the rage: In good old US of A, a whopping 86% of live streams come from the thrill of live sports.
- Meet the streaming superstar: Tfue took the spotlight in 2019, outshining the likes of Ninja and Shroud with an unbelievable 87 million hours of live viewers. Talk about a gaming legend.
- Mobile magic: Did you know that over half (51% to be exact) of live video streamed on mobile devices is created by users like you? That’s right—everyone has a chance to shine.
It’s clear: the world of live content is vibrant, diverse, and teeming with creativity. Whether it’s gamers streaming their epic wins or everyday folks sharing their talents, there’s always something exciting happening.
Live Video for Business
Did you know that 55% of companies have jumped on the live video bandwagon for their business presentations? That’s a whole lot of exciting content coming your way.
Here’s something fun: 54% of consumers are eager to see brands create more video content. So, if you’ve got a favorite brand, let them know you want to see more.
A whopping 65% of companies proudly claim they’ve live-streamed their events to multiple locations. Talk about reaching for the stars and connecting with an audience far and wide!
And it gets even better—45% of audiences are ready to open their wallets for live, exclusive, or on-demand content. This goes to show just how much we value unique experiences!
In the world of business, live videos aren’t just a trend; they’re shaping the future of how we connect and engage.
Live Video for Marketing
Did you know that 80% of people would rather kick back and watch live videos than sift through boring old blogs from brands? Yeah, that’s right!
It gets even better: a whopping 82% of viewers lean towards live streams for social media updates from their favorite brands.
And let’s not forget about millennials—75% of them find live videos super helpful when comparing products while they shop online. It’s like having a virtual buddy helping you make decisions!
On the marketing side, 32% of marketers are jumping on the bandwagon, planning to incorporate Facebook Live into their video marketing strategies. Looks like live content is here to stay.
How to Start Streaming: Beginner Tips You Should Know
Think of streaming as your stage where you can connect with audiences and showcase your unique flair.
With the right tips and strategies in your toolkit, you can turn this journey into a fun and fulfilling experience.
Whether you’re aiming to entertain, educate, or simply share your passions, this guide will help you discover everything you need to get started:
Have a Clear Goal in Mind
One of the biggest slip-ups for new streamers is forgetting to set a goal before hitting that live button. It’s like embarking on a journey without a map.
To truly enjoy the ride, take a moment to think about what you want to achieve through streaming.
Are you looking to grow your audience and build a community of loyal followers? Or maybe you just want to showcase your amazing content to a wider crowd?
Whatever it is, having a clear goal not only guides your path but also makes streaming a more fulfilling experience.
So, let’s get those creative gears turning and define your purpose—it’ll be your secret sauce for success.
Define Your Live Stream (What Will You Be Doing in Your Live Streams)
Once you’ve nailed down your goal, it’s time to unleash your creativity and think about what you’ll do during your stream.
Are you planning on diving into the world of video games? Maybe you’d like to showcase your artistic talents or host a lively talk show featuring fascinating guests. The possibilities are endless.
To help spark your imagination, here are some fun and popular ideas you might want to consider:
- Interviews or Q&A sessions to engage with your audience directly.
- Educational videos that share your knowledge about a specific topic.
- Product launches where you unveil something exciting for viewers.
- Gaming streams that bring your favorite games to life as you play.
- Contests and giveaways that can get your audience involved.
- Webinars for a more structured, informative approach.
- IRL streaming to share real-life moments as they happen.
- Live streaming offline events, like conferences or sports, can capture the energy in the room.
- Selling products live can add a thrilling twist to your stream.
Explore these options and find what excites you most. Your stream could be the next big thing, so have fun with it.
Plan Your Livestreams in Advance
You might think that live streams are all about spontaneity and on-the-fly improvisation, but that’s not always the case.
While there are those moments that catch everyone off guard, most streamers enter their sessions with a game plan in mind.
So, whether you’re planning a laid-back chat or a high-energy gaming session, having a simple outline can make a world of difference.
Of course, if your stream is more complex, you could consider using a script to keep things flowing smoothly. The key is to find what works best for you and the vibe you want to create.
Learn How to Set Up Your Streaming Equipment
You don’t have to have a fancy studio to dive into the world of streaming; some basic equipment is all you need to kick things off.
Just ask any seasoned streamer, and they’ll tell you how important it is to have everything configured correctly so that it runs smoothly when you go live. Trust me, nothing disrupts a good stream like technical hiccups.
And while we’re on the topic of smooth sailing, don’t forget about your internet connection—having enough bandwidth is essential for keeping that stream stable and enjoyable for your viewers.
Choose the Right Streaming Software
One of the most exciting steps in your streaming journey is picking the perfect streaming software. With so many options available, you’ll be pleased to know that some of the best are completely free.
Take OBS Studio, for instance; it’s like the grandparent of all streaming applications. Not only is it free and open-source, but it also works seamlessly with every major streaming platform while delivering top-notch performance.
If you’re looking for something even simpler, give Restream Studio a try! You can dive right in using just your browser—no pesky downloads required. It makes streaming a breeze, allowing you to invite guests, interact with viewers across multiple platforms, share your screen, and even add copyright-free music and eye-catching overlays. The possibilities are endless.
Choose the Perfect Platform to Share your Amazing Content
You’ve made it this far—give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
Now comes the exciting part: selecting the perfect platform to share your amazing content.
Choose wisely, as the right platform can make all the difference for both you and your audience.
If you’re a gamer, you might feel right at home on Twitch or Kick. For travel bloggers, Facebook Live and Instagram Live could be your best bets. If you’re an IRL streamer, look no further than TikTok LIVE and YouTube Live.
And, if you’re focused on business content, LinkedIn Live can help you reach the right audience. Plus, there’s no reason to limit yourself. You can easily live stream to multiple platforms simultaneously with Restream, allowing you to reach even more viewers without the hassle of high CPU usage.
Have a Run Test Before Going Live
Never overlook the value of testing everything first before going live. It might sound basic, but trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Testing not only helps you avoid silly mistakes but also propels you toward your goals much faster.
So, take a moment to give it a try—it could be the little push that makes a big difference in your streaming journey.
7 Livestreaming Tips That Will Make You a Pro
Great job on grasping the basics. Now, let’s dive into some exciting live-streaming tips that can elevate your game.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, these handy tips will help you engage your audience and boost your stream’s quality.
Get ready to take your live-streaming experience up a notch:
#1. Wear that Confidence While on Camera
Take a moment to watch your favorite streamers closely. You’ll notice how calm and composed they appear. It’s not just luck; gaining that kind of confidence often comes from experience.
The more hours you put into something, the more comfortable you’ll feel doing it. But here’s a little trick to help you get there faster: find a comfy spot to sit, pull your shoulders back, relax your neck, and maintain a straight posture.
If you can manage this for about 15 to 30 minutes at a time, you’ll start to notice a positive change in no time.
#2. Engage Your Audience, Communicate with Them
One big reason people love tuning into live videos is the chance to connect with streamers in real-time. Now that you’re feeling all relaxed and confident, remember to engage with your viewers.
Dive into the chat and reply to their comments, answer questions, or share your thoughts. Think of it like chatting with a bunch of friends—just have fun and enjoy the conversation.
#3. Avoid Inappropriate Behaviour
You might be surprised to find out just how many streamers have accidentally derailed their careers due to inappropriate conduct.
It’s true. Using harsh language, making sexist comments, or cracking racist jokes can seriously harm their reputation in the live-streaming community.
One little slip-up can have big consequences, and it’s a lesson worth remembering for anyone in the spotlight.
#4. Stalk Your Competitors and Learn a Thing or Two from them
Take a look at your competitors and check out what they’re putting out there.
See what they’re doing right and where they might be missing the mark. Some might struggle with getting people interested, while others could be downright dull.
Keep in mind, that knowledge is your best friend. By studying what your competitors do, you can steer clear of their pitfalls and create something even better.
#5. Experiment with Different tools
Isn’t it incredible how just a few handy tools can make a big difference in a streamer’s life?
Restream offers a fantastic range of free tools designed specifically for content creators. Whether you need to convert file types or craft engaging video scripts, they’ve got you covered.
With these user-friendly tools, you can easily:
- Test your camera to ensure perfect visuals
- Mute videos effortlessly for cleaner recordings
- Convert video and audio files with just a few clicks
- Test your microphone for crystal-clear sound
- Extract audio from video files when you need just the audio
- Generate video scripts to keep your content sharp and engaging
7 Streaming Tips to Grow Your Audience
Every streamer encounters a big question at some point: how do you grow your audience?
It’s not always easy to gain followers and subscribers, particularly if you’re navigating it all without a solid plan.
But don’t worry. There are plenty of proven strategies out there to help you expand your viewership.
Promote Your Channel and Videos on Social Media
Let everyone in on what you’re doing. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram are fantastic spots to showcase your content and grab the attention of more viewers.
Remember, catchy titles and trendy hashtags can make a big difference. So, don’t hesitate to share your videos across all the social media platforms you’re on to expand your audience.
Encourage Your Viewers to Like, Share, and Subscribe to Your Channel
It might not seem obvious, but many people forget to like, share, and subscribe even after enjoying a video. That’s where you come in.
It’s a great idea to give your viewers a gentle nudge to remind them. And hey, don’t hesitate to ask them to hit that bell for notifications. A little encouragement goes a long way.
Repurpose Your Livestreams and Reshare them
Creating a great video takes a lot of effort, so why not make the most out of it? By recording your streams, you can easily turn them into fun teasers, catchy social media snippets, and much more.
Plus, think about crafting engaging previews and sharing them on your social platforms before you go live. It’s a fantastic way to drum up excitement and get your audience eager to join in.
Announce Your Livestreams
If you want people to join your live-stream, first they need to know it’s happening. Just because someone follows your channel doesn’t mean they’ll remember your broadcast without a little nudge.
So, consider sending out reminders. You could use notifications from your streaming platform or share exciting posts on social media to spread the word. Just make sure your community is in the loop about when you’ll go live; it’ll make all the difference.
Optimize Your Livestreams for SEO
People often stumble upon new YouTube videos by using search engines like Google or Bing, and the same goes for live streams and streamers.
If you’re looking to get your content in front of more eyes, crafting catchy SEO titles and descriptions is a must.
By including relevant keywords in both your title and description, you can help Google and other search engines take notice of your work, boosting your chances of appearing in those top search results. So, make it fun, engaging, and easy to find.
Streamers Consistency Matter
To succeed as a streamer, it’s really important to go live regularly. Going live every day is ideal, but don’t worry if that’s tough to manage—streaming a few times a week can work wonders too.
Just be sure to pick a consistent time each week, so your followers know when to tune in. Now, life happens. If you find yourself feeling under the weather or heading off on vacation, you might worry about leaving your viewers hanging.
That’s where Restream’s Upload and Stream comes in handy. You can create a sleek, edited video and schedule it to stream on your favorite platforms.
his way, you can engage with your audience in the live chat while your video is playing, or simply set it up and take a break—because everyone deserves some time off.
Get to Know Your Audience a little Better By Analyzing Your Streaming Stats
Growing your audience is all about getting to know your viewers a little better. When you dive into stats like your average concurrent viewers, how many chatters are joining in, and the total minutes watched, you can uncover useful trends that guide your content strategy.
Analyze your live stream performance across all the platforms you use. Get a clear picture of your streams—like how long they last on average, the number of messages exchanged during the sessions, unique chatters, peak viewership, total views, and even how many followers you’ve gained.
