In the era of Covid-19, more people than ever are taking their content online, sharing live videos of their process and their products via livestream. But what is a livestream and how can you get started?
A Livestream is any content recorded and broadcast in real time. Livestreams range from current events, to concerts, to video games, to artists drawing, and can really be adapted to any form of content, as long as you’re an engaging host. However, there will be a couple things you need in order to get started.
A Platform - that is, a place where people can view your stream - the most popular platforms right now are twitch.tv and YouTube live, through Facebook and Twitter (Periscope) also have streaming options. There are also services that cater to specific genres of livestream, like Picarto (visual art).
A Broadcasting Software - an application on your computer that will capture your video/audio from your peripheral accessories and share the combination of all those things with your stream platform. Basically the software will gather up all your different sources and put them together and give them to the Platform which will publish your stream in real time. There’s a lot of talking going on between the two. Some options for softwares include OBS, Streamlabs, and XSplit.
Some Equipment, namely a microphone and a webcam, but there may be additional needs based on the content you’re trying to stream. That may be an Audio Interface if you’re connecting musical instruments, a capture card if you want to stream video games, or any other art supplies that you need to have in order to work on your craft. You may also want to consider multiple video sources as necessary for any multiple angles you might want. All of this will be compiled in your broadcasting software before ending up on the stream platform.
That’s all you need to get started! There will be some additional setup required, but a lot of that will vary upon the services and equipment you choose, and ultimately, the type of material that you want to broadcast. However, many of those platforms have step by step guides for those specifics that will get you there, so don’t give up! I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.