Welcome back to Livestream Summer School! I'm Tanya Smith, and I'm thrilled to have you join me for day 2 of our 3-day series. This series is all about going back to the basics and equipping you with the right tools for success. Today, we’re diving into the essentials of tech, gear, and the various platforms available for live streaming. So, grab your favorite cup of hydration, and let’s get started!
Thank you
, , , , and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.Understanding Your Most Valuable Video Viewer
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of gear and platforms, let’s revisit a key concept from day one: your most valuable video viewer, or MV3. Knowing your audience is crucial. It informs everything from your content to your delivery style. If you haven't identified your MV3 yet, don’t stress! This process often involves a bit of trial and error as you start creating content. Remember, it’s all about learning as you go.
Why This Matters
Live streaming isn’t just about hitting the “go live” button; it’s about connecting with your audience in a meaningful way. The right tools can make a world of difference in how you present yourself and how your message is received. If you’re interested in engaging your viewers and creating high-quality content, you’ll want to stick around for all the insights I’ll be sharing today.
Episode Overview
00:35 - Introduction and Welcome
01:00 - The Purpose of Live Stream Summer School
02:19 - Focus on Tech: Tools and Platforms
04:06 - Key Components for Live Streaming Success
08:19 - The Importance of Clear Audio
16:30 - Lighting: Natural vs. Artificial
19:36 - The Importance of a Steady Camera
27:00 - Common Gear Pitfalls and Strategies
33:06 - Choosing the Right Streaming Platform
40:36 - Universal Tips for Live Streaming Success
50:57 - Tools for Streaming: A Breakdown
Choosing the Right Tools for Live Streaming
As we step into the tech side of things, let’s clarify one thing: you don’t need a mountain of fancy equipment to get started. Instead, focus on having the right tools that can elevate your streaming experience. Here are the three essentials:
Clear Audio: Sound quality is paramount. Viewers are more likely to leave a stream with poor audio than one with subpar video quality. You want your audience to hear your message loud and clear. For that, I recommend investing in a good microphone. I personally use the Shure MV7, which offers exceptional sound quality. If you're just starting out, a simple USB mic can work wonders.
Good Lighting: Natural light can be your best friend, but it’s not always reliable. Consider investing in affordable lighting options like softboxes or LED panels to ensure you're well-lit during your streams. I started with basic lamps from Home Depot before upgrading to specialized lighting equipment.
A Steady Camera: Your smartphone can be a great starting point. Many modern phones have excellent cameras that can deliver high-quality video. If you’re ready to step up, consider a DSLR or mirrorless camera for a more professional look.
As you explore gear options, remember to avoid the common pitfall of Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS). It's easy to get caught up in buying the latest gadgets, but I encourage you to start with what you have and upgrade as you grow more comfortable with live streaming.
Platforms for Live Streaming
Now that we've covered the tools, let’s discuss where to stream. The platform you choose should align with your audience's habits and your personal preferences. Here are some popular platforms to consider:
YouTube
YouTube is a powerful platform for live streaming, especially for evergreen content. It acts as a search engine, allowing your videos to be discovered long after they’re published. This is particularly beneficial for tutorials and educational content. Remember, 68% of viewers say YouTube helps them make buying decisions—so if you’re looking to drive sales, this could be your go-to platform.
Facebook and Instagram
These platforms are more casual and offer real-time engagement with your audience. However, keep in mind that the replays don’t last long. Facebook recently announced that videos will only be available for 30 days, so if you’re planning to leverage replays, think twice about using these platforms for long-term content.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn is ideal for professionals and businesses. If your content is educational or industry-specific, this is the platform to use. Engaging with your audience by name can make a significant difference in building connections and potentially converting viewers into clients.
Substack
Substack is the new kid on the block when it comes to live streaming. It’s a great way to connect with your community in a more intimate setting. As we experiment with this platform, we’re finding unique ways to engage and share our content.
Universal Tips for Livestream Success
Regardless of the platform you choose, here are some universal tips to keep in mind:
Speak to One Person: Imagine you’re having a conversation with your MV3. This personal touch makes your content more relatable.
Bring Energy: Your energy sets the tone for the stream. If you’re excited, your audience will be too!
Calls to Action: Don’t forget to tell your audience what to do next. Whether it’s commenting, sharing, or subscribing, guide them through the next steps.
Repurpose Content: After your live stream, consider how you can repurpose that content into blog posts, social media snippets, or even podcasts.
Prepare for Tech Issues: Always have a backup plan. Tech fails happen to everyone, and being prepared will help you maintain composure.
Common Tech Pitfalls
As you get started on your live streaming journey, be aware of some common pitfalls that can keep you from success:
Waiting for the perfect camera: Don’t let gear hold you back. Start with what you have and improve as you go.
Buying advanced gear without knowing how to use it: Familiarize yourself with your tools before investing in more complicated setups.
Overcomplicating your message: Stay focused on delivering value to your audience.
Take Action!
Today, we’ve explored the essential tools and platforms for live streaming, as well as strategies for success. Remember, the key to a successful live stream is not just the equipment you use but the value you bring to your audience. As you prepare for your next stream, keep these tips in mind and don’t hesitate to experiment.
Join me Wed, June 18th for the final day of Livestream Summer School, where we’ll discuss how to create a sustainable content plan and what to say during your streams. I'm excited to see you there!
Bonus Resources:
My full studio walkthrough on YouTube
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