Nowadays, delivering business-to-business (B2B) communication has been skilfully integrated through live streaming. Communications strategists increasingly employ live streaming for the same. To much extent, it can be used for hosting virtual events, carrying out webinars, or interacting with the audience in real-time. So, live streaming platforms serve as a powerful tool to bridge the communication gap that exists in the business industries.
In this comprehensive guide, we will focus on all aspects of live streaming – starting with popular platforms, up to the essential features, and ending with best techniques for success.
What is Live Streaming?
Live streaming is a technology which permits to show limitless videos in a precise time through the internet. Rather than capturing the events and adding them later for your audience on the internet to consume, live streaming allows users to share things as they happen (like events, presentations and discussions). It empowers an instant audience reaction, hence embodying engagement and building connections in the present momentum.
Where to Live Stream: 5 Popular Live Streaming Solutions
1. OnTheFly:
On the Fly is designed as a user-friendly platform for live streaming, which is suitable for businesses. It allows participating brands multiple options for custom branding and real-time analytics features at HD video quality. The setup of the live stream is made much easier by OnTheFly. So, companies can create, schedule, and deliver livestreams in a very smooth and seamless manner.
2. Dacast:
Dacast is a one-of-a-kind live stream service provider. It often gives business owners peace of mind since they can stream live content to their global audience. It is video’s best friend, offering the highest quality video delivery, secure streaming, and monetization modes, which make it an ideal choice for B2B services such as corporate events, conferences, and product launches.
3. IBM video streaming:
With its enterprise-level big-picture video streaming features, scalability, dependability, and advanced security technology, IBM video streaming can serve considerable live streaming. This non-intrusive communication also blends well with extensive events, virtual training meetings, and internal communications within workplaces.
4. Brightcove:
Brightcove is a renowned video software solutions provider that provides streaming options for businesses. At the user’s end, it is a customizable player providing with interesting target audience engagements and monetization features. This often makes businesses increase their reach to a broader audience.
5. YouTube Live:
YouTube Live is a popular live streaming platform that offers seamless integration with the world’s largest video-sharing platform. With YouTube Live, businesses can reach a vast audience and monetize their live streams through advertising and sponsorships.
What You Need to Get Started
Tools You Should Have to Start Your Stream With:
- A Reliable Internet Connection: A stable Internet connection with adequate speed is equally important for a seamless live stream. Check that your internet speed is sufficient or high enough to handle the stream’s bitrate and resolution.
- A Camera: The steamer should choose either a built-in webcam, a DSLR camera, or a professional camcorder as the camera for capturing their live video content.
- Audio Equipment: As with video quality, the audio quality should just as well be top-notch. Spend on a good mic or audio interface to not miss that clear voice and sharp sound on your live stream.
- Live Streaming Software or Platform: Select a free live streaming platform that meets your business operations. It also provides the capabilities and features that you need. Take into account attributes like simplicity of use, possible scaling, customization, and pricing.
10 Important Factors to Take into Account While Selecting a Live Streaming Platform
- Video Quality: Consequently, the platform must be supported by HD videos to have clear and sharp visuals.
- Reliability: Among the important factors to be considered is the platform with no downtime or fewest outages to keep disturbances at zero while broadcasting.
- Audience Engagement Tools: Pick a platform that can incorporate active elements such as live chat, polls, and Q&A as well as audience involvement tools.
- Analytics and Reporting: Real-time analysis and detailed reporting tools are essential so that you can go through how your stream went on and get to know the trend of your community.
- Security: Thoroughly evaluate hosting platforms for their security features. Check for their content encryption, access controls, and data protection tools to protect your live streams and confidential details from misuse.
- Monetization Options: The best option for you is to choose the platforms that have money-making features such as pay-per-view, subscription models, or ads if monetization is the main aim.
- Customization: Choose a platform that allows you to customize your live streams with branding elements, overlays, and customizable player options to maintain brand consistency and professionalism.
- Scalability: Select a free streaming platform that can accommodate your business’s growth and handle increasing audience sizes without compromising performance or quality.
- Integration: Look for streaming platforms that integrate seamlessly with other tools and platforms your business uses, such as content management systems (CMS), customer relationship management (CRM) software, and marketing automation platforms.
- Customer Support: Consider the level of customer support and technical assistance offered by the free multi video streaming platform. Verify their documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer service channels to ensure you receive timely assistance when needed.
Start Live Streaming for Business
Once you’ve selected a live streaming platform and gathered your equipment, it’s time to start live-streaming for your business. Follow these steps to get started:
- Plan Your Content: Outline the topics, themes, or events you want to livestream and create a content schedule or calendar to organize your broadcasts.
- Test Your Equipment: Conduct a test run to ensure your camera, audio equipment, and internet connection are working correctly before going live.
- Promote Your Live Streams: Spread the word about your upcoming live streams through email newsletters, social media posts, website announcements, and other marketing channels to attract viewers and generate interest.
- Engage with Your Audience: During your live streams, actively engage with your audience by responding to comments, addressing questions, and encouraging participation to create a sense of community and connection.
- Evaluate and Improve: After each live stream, take the time to review performance metrics, gather feedback from viewers, and identify areas for improvement to enhance future broadcasts and refine your live streaming strategy.
Parting Thoughts
Live streaming offers businesses a unique opportunity to connect with their audience in real-time. Many tools foster engagement and build meaningful relationships for brands. After choosing the right live streaming platform and following best practices for live streaming, businesses can leverage the power of live video to enhance their B2B communication.
They may briskly achieve their marketing and business objectives. So, start streaming now and unlock the full potential of real-time engagement for your business!
