Livestreaming a video has become extremely popular in recent years. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Live, and Instagram Live allow creators to broadcast live video content to audiences across the world. While livestreaming may seem daunting at first, it’s actually quite simple to get started once you understand the basic requirements.
What You Need to Livestream
There are a few key things you’ll need in order to livestream video:
- A camera – This can be a webcam, smartphone, or dedicated video camera. Make sure it can connect to your computer or streaming device.
- A computer or streaming device – You’ll need something to run your streaming software and encode the video feed from your camera. A modern laptop or desktop computer works well.
- Internet connection – You’ll want an upload speed of at least 3-5 Mbps for smooth, quality video. Ethernet is ideal if available.
- Streaming platform account – Sign up for the platform you want to stream to, such as YouTube, Twitch, etc.
- Streaming software – Software encodes and streams your video to the platform. Popular options include OBS (free), Streamlabs OBS, and XSplit.
- Microphone – A mic allows your viewers to hear you. A headset is convenient, or you can use a USB mic.
That covers the basics you need. You may also want to invest in lighting to appear well on camera, and accessories like green screens if you want to get fancier.
Step 1: Set Up Your Streaming Platform Account
First, you’ll need to choose which platform you want to stream on and create an account. Some top options include:
- YouTube – YouTube Live is built right into YouTube, making it easy to reach your existing subscribers or a massive new audience. Streaming requires at least 1,000 subscribers.
- Twitch – The leading platform specifically for gaming content and livestreams. You can start streaming immediately after creating an account.
- Facebook Live – A simple way to stream to your existing Facebook followers and expand your reach. Anyone can start streaming.
- Instagram Live – Live video streaming through the Instagram app to your followers. Can only be viewed live, not on replay.
The platform you choose depends on your audience and content type. Take the time to create a complete, professional profile that will appeal to viewers.
Step 2: Set Up Your Streaming Software
Streaming software is what encodes the video from your camera and allows it to be broadcast live to your platform. Some top options include:
| Software | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) | Free | Open source software, fully customizable, features like overlays and scenes |
| Streamlabs OBS | Free | Based on OBS but with added features for monetization |
| XSplit | Free or paid subscriptions | Robust features, optimized streaming quality, chroma keying |
Most streamers, especially beginners, start with OBS since it’s free and provides ample options. Install the software and set it up to connect to your streaming platform’s server. This will involve authenticating your account and entering a stream key or URL provided by the platform.
Step 3: Set Up Your Camera, Mic and Lighting
With the software ready to go, now it’s time to get your physical streaming gear configured properly. Here are some tips:
- Camera – Position it at eye level and frame yourself (or your scene) nicely. Ensure the resolution and frame rate are set appropriately in your streaming software’s settings.
- Microphone – Place the mic close enough to pick up your voice, but not so close it’s blowing into it. Change any volume/gain settings so your levels look good in the streaming software.
- Lighting – Face any lighting you have head-on to avoid shadows. Add lights until you can see yourself clearly on the preview. Soften harsh lighting by bouncing it off reflective surfaces first.
Spend some time fine tuning the positioning, settings and exposure until you appear correctly exposed on the preview screen in your streaming software.
Step 4: Design Your Overlays and Scenes
One benefit of streaming software like OBS is that you can customize your video stream with overlays, graphics, transitions and different scenes. Here are some options to consider:
- Webcam overlay – Add borders, graphics or frames around your webcam feed.
- Logos – Brand your stream with your logo, watermarks, banners and text.
- Transitions – Use transition animations when switching between scenes.
- Scenes – Set up different scenes like “Be Right Back” or gameplay footage using your game capture software.
- Alerts – Add pop-ups and alerts for new followers, subscribers, donations and more.
Personalizing your stream helps make it look more professional and engaging for viewers. You can find many free overlay templates and alerts online to use.
Step 5: Connect Your Streaming Software and Platform
Now it’s time to link up your streaming software to your chosen platform. You’ll need to grab your stream key or server URL from the platform and input it into your software’s settings. Here are the steps for a few major platforms:
YouTube
- Go to your YouTube Creator Studio
- Click on Live Streaming > Stream Now
- Select events, basic info and visibility
- Click Create Stream, then Copy the Stream Name/Key
- Paste the stream key into OBS > Settings > Stream
Twitch
- Click your profile picture > Dashboard
- Click Stream Manager in the left menu
- Copy the Server URL and Stream Key shown
- Add the URL and key in OBS > Settings > Stream
- In Creator Studio, click the Live tab
- Click Connect > Connect Account and select your Page
- Copy the Server URL and Stream Key shown
- Enter these into OBS > Settings > Stream
- Swipe right in Instagram and tap Live
- Tap Go Live, then tap Connect > Connect Account
- Select a streaming app like Streamlabs or OBS Studio
- A server URL and key will appear, enter these into your streaming software.
Refer to the platform’s instructions for updated steps. Inputting this info links your account so you can stream directly to that platform.
Step 6: Configure Your Stream Settings
Within your streaming software, there are some settings you should configure for the best quality and performance:
- Output resolution – Matches your camera’s native resolution (e.g. 1080p)
- Frame rate – Standard is 30fps, or 60fps for faster motion
- Bitrate – 3500-5000kbps is common for 1080p. Higher requires faster internet.
- Encoder – Software (x264) or hardware encoding like NVIDIA NVENC
- Audio – Select your microphone with desired audio settings
Use the Auto-Configure Wizard in OBS to select optimal settings for your system. You can adjust from there for your preferences.
Step 7: Arrange Your Scenes and Sources
With your settings optimized, now design your different scenes and place your sources:
- Create scenes like “Starting Soon”, “Live Gameplay”, “Intermission”, etc.
- Add sources like your webcam, game capture, audio, videos, etc.
- Position and resize sources appropriately within each scene.
- Set up transitions between scenes as you like.
Using scenes allows you to switch what viewers see during your stream. Place important sources like your webcam in each scene. Transition smoothly between them.
Step 8: Go Live!
Once everything is set up, it’s time to start streaming! Here are some final live streaming tips:
- Monitor your audio levels and adjust as needed during the stream.
- Interact with and thank viewers for follows, subs and donations.
- Moderate chat by appointing trusted moderators.
- Promote your stream on social media so people know when you go live.
- Review your archives and VODs afterward to improve for next time.
The more you stream, the more comfortable you’ll get. Don’t be afraid to tweak settings and scenes until you create the perfect stream. Stay calm and have fun!
Conclusion
Livestreaming presents an exciting way to engage viewers in real time and grow your online following. While it requires some setup, the right tools make it easy to broadcast professional streams. The steps covered above will get you started livestreaming like a pro.
Focus on providing fun, unique content that keeps viewers coming back. Use high quality video and audio gear to ensure technical issues don’t disrupt your stream. Personalize your stream with overlays and graphics. Interact positively with your viewers. With some practice, you can build a popular livestreaming channel!