Live streaming is one of the most popular types of online content today, and it has been rapidly increasing in popularity over the last few years.
It’s come a long way since its inception in the 1990s, growing from a few niche webcasts to a multibillion-dollar industry. If you wanted to engage in live broadcasting, we wouldn’t blame you!
Although you may have seen live streaming everywhere with different streaming setups and may have a few favourite streamers you see regularly, the prospect of launching your stream can be intimidating.
That’s why we’ve put together this complete beginner’s ultimate guide to live streaming setups for beginners. If you have no prior expertise or experience but wish to try live streaming, you may learn how to do so here.
Are you ready to begin streaming? Let’s get started!
What makes live streaming so important in 2021?
If the rise of live streaming isn’t enough to satisfy you, consider the following facts:
- People no longer consider television to be very important. Only 42% of consumers keep their cable subscriptions to see live tv.
- While TV viewing is down, live stream viewing is increasing. Viewers in households with streaming setups spend 19 per cent of their TV viewing time watching content on their devices.
- Viewers are three times more likely to view live web videos than pre-recorded videos.
People are increasingly turning to live broadcasts to acquire their amusement. But live streaming isn’t just for pleasure; it may also help your company’s content marketing strategy:
- According to 92 per cent of marketers who use video, it is a key aspect of their overall strategy.
- Consumers would rather see a live video than read an article from their favourite brands, according to 80 per cent of respondents.
There are plenty of reasons to start live streaming in 2021, whether you want to make it a new hobby, a source of revenue, or a marketing strategy for your company.
What does the best streaming setups for beginners involve?
To go live as a beginner, you’ll need four things – a camera, a microphone, streaming software, and good lighting. You can also add accessories to your live stream that will dramatically improve its audio and video quality without requiring too much effort.
Camera
A camera is required for streamers on their live stream. Depending on how much you want to expend, there are a variety of beginner camera alternatives. You may get a decent USB webcam or a more versatile camera like a GoPro that can also be used as a webcam.
Best Streaming Setups – Logitech webcams
Logitech’s higher-end cameras are great for a quick and easy solution. They autofocus, don’t require batteries and are available in a variety of high-quality combinations. They will never match the picture quality of a more expensive standard camera. Still, they are an excellent choice for beginners looking for a face cam without spending hundreds of dollars or having to set up a full-fledged camera studio on their desk.
Best Streaming Setups – GoPro
The GoPro is a wonderful alternative to typical cameras when not streaming because it can be utilized in a wider range of situations. The GoPro has a good battery life, good autofocus technology, and small enough to fit on a desk.
The GoPro will cost more than a Logitech webcam, but it will be of the highest quality and used for more than just webcam applications.
Microphone – Streaming Setups
Any decent web content must have high audio quality. Nothing is more annoying than listening to someone speak into a poor-quality microphone. Fortunately, the price of high sound quality USB microphones has dropped dramatically in recent years. Here are two terrific starter USB microphone streaming setups that are budget-friendly.
Best Streaming Setups – Neat Widget Series Microphone
The Neat Widget USB microphone includes:
- A cardioid pick-up pattern.
- Simple plug-and-play capabilities.
- Bright, stream-friendly looks.
The Widget microphones come in three various designs, but they’re all incredibly affordable. Neat mics have a built-in pop filter and shock mount, which helps them record clear audio right out of the box.
The Neat mic’s only drawback is that it only has one pick-up pattern, making it less adaptable than some USB mics with many pick-up patterns.
Best Streaming Setups – Blue Yeti
The Yeti is a wonderful choice for anyone searching for a somewhat more adaptable USB microphone experience. Omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional, and stereo are the four distinct pick-up patterns available on the Yeti which means the Yeti can perform all of the functions of the Widget Mics and more.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to video quality. Even if you have a fantastic camera, the image will appear grainy and unappealing if your lighting is inadequate.
Nothing surpasses LED panels when it comes to streaming lights. LED panels to emit a sufficient amount of light, do not burn out rapidly, and have a wide range of brightness settings. Most significantly, unlike traditional hot lights, LEDs do not heat your space. Additionally, unlike many video lights, they do not pose a fire threat.
Note: To improve your video quality and always stay illuminated, use the Razer Kiyo. It offers an awesome ring light.
Best Streaming Setups – GVM 560AS 2-Panel Bi-Color LED Kit
It is a little costly kit, but it’s worth it for those that want the best lighting possible. The package includes:
- Two complete LED panels.
- Stands.
- A variety of modifiers to help you achieve the ideal illumination.
Because the panels are dimmable, you can make them bright or dark as you want. The flexibility to modify the color temperature as needed is another advantage of these lights over a cheap LED option. This is an excellent option if you’re searching for a lighting setup that you’ll be able to utilize for a long time.
Best Streaming Setups – Neewer 2 Pack Dimmable 5600k USB LED Video Light Kit
There are a variety of lower-cost LED panels available for people who don’t want to spend $200 on lighting. A budget-friendly option is the Neewer 2 Pack LED video light kit, although any similar product will work too. This light kit is an excellent entry-level option for those who require LED lights with stands but do not require professional-grade equipment.
Another good quality alternative streaming equipment for lighting is Elgato Key Light Air.
Software
The good news is that most streaming software is free, and there are also several excellent free video editing software available.
OBS Studio and Streamlabs are two of the most popular live software streaming setups. Both apps are available for download and usage at no cost. They both run on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Streamlabs, on the other hand, has some wonderful quality of life features, such as free overlays, so it would be a good place to start if you’re new to streaming.
There is some good free video editing software streaming setups available. DaVinci Resolve is the greatest free video editing software available. It’s simple to use and includes all of the features of a professional video editing program.
For gaming software, the Elgato stream deck mini is the best streaming equipment.
Which platform should you use?
You’ve planned your stream and have all of the necessary equipment. Can you now go live? Sure! Pick one of the many platforms available — or two, three, or as many as you want if you learn to multistream.Â
General
Choose a general platform like YouTube Live, Facebook Live, or Twitter Live if you don’t have a specific niche and want a platform with a low learning curve.
- YouTube Live:Â YouTube Live offers a variety of streaming options, but there are some platform-specific considerations to bear in mind.
- Facebook Live:Â Going live on Facebook is ideal if you already have a huge following on the platform.Â
- Twitter Live:Â Twitter Live could be a good fit if your live streaming focuses on breaking news and updates.
Gaming
Gaming and esports are the most popular live-streaming genres nowadays. Hence there are various gaming-specific platforms.
- Twitch: Twitch is the amazing and popular gaming platform. Twitch is also a viable option for talk shows (“simply chatting”).
- YouTube Gaming: It offers a significant gaming community where you can find your devoted followers.
- Facebook Gaming:Â Your third option can be Facebook Gaming, which allows you to tap into a network you’ve on Facebook.
Creative
Not every streamer is a gamer, of course. Creative streams account for a sizable portion of the live streaming business. There are platforms dedicated to artists and creators of all kinds.
- Mixcloud:Â Mixcloud is a great place to go if you want to stream music and DJ mixes or establish your radio show or podcast.
- Picarto:Â Picarto is a platform that allows artists to stream their work while supporters watch. Picarto is a good place to look if you’re an artist seeking a well-established network to broadcast to.
BusinessÂ
Professional live streaming is becoming increasingly popular among businesses and entrepreneurs to advertise their brands and expand their networks.
- LinkedIn Live: A professional networking site is a perfect place to make professional live streams. Although LinkedIn Live is only a few years old, live videos have surpassed native videos in views and engagement.
E-commerce
What better method to market your e-commerce business than with live demos, contests, and giveaways if you sell things online? E-commerce streaming is currently most popular in China, but it will soon spread throughout the rest of the world.
- Amazon Live:Â Amazon does offer a live streaming service. You can broadcast live promotional content to assist raise your sales if you’re an Amazon Seller.
Stream to your website
You can live stream to your website if you choose a platform and be bound by their content development regulations. You can tap into millions of users on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. The disadvantage of having your website is that it is difficult to gain a following, particularly for newcomers.
Multistreaming
We’ve covered all of these platforms, and you’re probably wondering if you need to pick just one. You don’t have any! You can choose numerous channels to broadcast to simultaneously with multi-streaming setup tools like Restream.
Suppose you already have a Facebook following but want to expand your LinkedIn network. In that case, you may stream to both Facebook and LinkedIn Live simultaneously, giving you twice the visibility for the same amount of effort.
As you can see, there are several things to think about, plan for, and test before you begin live streaming. However, learning how to stream isn’t difficult. You’ll be a pro streamer in no time if you follow our comprehensive tutorial and have a can-do attitude. Keep these important hints in mind:
- Live streaming is becoming more popular, and 2021 is the year to become involved.
- Preparation is required for live streaming, including planning, niching down, defining an audience, creating goals, and promoting.
- For live streaming setups, you’ll need four essentials plus optional extras.
- Choose a platform that is appropriate for your niche and target audience.
- Beginners can use Restream to make live streaming easier.
- There are various formats for live video.
- For added professionalism, include graphics.
- Practice your personality in front of the camera.
- Before going live, always test your streaming setups.
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