Stream an event: All the options, tips and tools

Should you stream your event?
Livestreaming has become increasingly important in recent years and is now an indispensable part of digital communication and marketing. Whether it's conferences, concerts, corporate events or private parties, streaming an event allows you to share events in real time with a global audience. In this article, we will take a closer look at the basics of live streaming, the different types of content that can be streamed and the numerous benefits that this technology offers.

Livestreaming refers to the transmission of video and audio content in real time over the internet. Unlike pre-recorded videos, livestreaming allows for immediate interaction with the audience, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Viewers can react to what is happening in real time, make comments and also ask questions that can be answered directly by the organizer or speaker.

5 advantages of live streaming
Livestreaming offers a number of advantages for event organizers and online audiences alike:

- Increased reach: Live streaming can make events accessible to a global audience, regardless of geographical restrictions. This can be particularly beneficial for companies that want to increase their brand awareness.

- Interactive communication: The ability to interact with the audience in real time creates an interactive and engaging experience. Viewers can ask questions, participate in polls and give instant feedback while companies stream their event.

- Cost efficiency: Livestreaming can be a cost-effective alternative to physical events, as there are no travel costs and rental fees for event venues. In addition, smaller companies and individuals with limited budgets can also stream their events live.

- Flexibility: Organizers can decide whether the livestream should be accessible to everyone or restricted to a specific target group. The choice of event platform and technical equipment also offers a wide range of options.

- Documentation and reuse: Livestreams can be recorded and reused later, whether for marketing purposes, training or as archive material. This maximizes the benefits and reach of the event beyond the live moment.

Livestreaming is revolutionizing the way we experience and share events. In the following sections, we will go into more detail about the different aspects of livestreaming, from planning and technology to the best tools and event platforms available to you if you want to stream an event.

Which events can be streamed live?
The range of content that can be streamed live is almost unlimited. Here are a few examples:

- Conferences and seminars: Experts can broadcast their presentations and discussions live, reaching a wider audience without participants having to be physically present.

- Annual General Meetings: Shareholders can follow the meetings and actively participate, even if they cannot be there, which increases transparency and participation.

- Press events: Companies and organizations can broadcast important announcements and press conferences live to achieve immediate and broad media attention.

- Other company events: Product presentations, company celebrations and internal meetings can be streamed live to reach employees and customers alike.

- Music and cultural events: Concerts, theater performances and other cultural events can be streamed live to reach fans worldwide.

- Sporting events: Live broadcasts of sporting events allow fans to follow the games in real time, no matter where they are.

- Private celebrations: Weddings, birthdays and other personal events can be shared live with friends and family who cannot attend in person.

With the increasing spread of live streaming, various formats have emerged, each with their own advantages and areas of application. Below we provide an overview of the most common formats and explain their special features.

How do you want to stream your event? As a webinar, webcast or hybrid event?

- Webinar: Webinars are interactive online seminars that are often used for educational or marketing purposes. They offer participants the opportunity to get actively involved, for example through questions, surveys or discussions. Webinars are ideal for training courses, workshops and presentations where the focus is on the exchange between the moderator and participants.

- Webcast: A webcast is a one-way transmission of content via the Internet, similar to a television program. There is usually no direct interaction between the presenter and the viewers. Webcasts are often used for the transmission of conferences, press conferences or company announcements where the main task is to disseminate information.

- Hybrid event: Hybrid events combine physical events with virtual elements. Participants can either be present on site or follow the event online. These formats offer maximum flexibility and reach a wider audience as they utilize both the advantages of face-to-face events and the reach of the internet. Hybrid events are ideal for conferences, trade fairs and large corporate events.

Control room in the cloud: controlling events remotely

Advancing digitalization makes it possible to increasingly shift the direction and control of events to the cloud. This offers numerous advantages and significantly expands the possibilities of live streaming.

- Access from anywhere: With cloud-based control rooms, organizers can access the event control system from anywhere in the world. This reduces the need to be physically on site and enables a flexible way of working. Teams can work remotely and still collaborate efficiently.

- Cost efficiency: Since streaming events does not require extensive hardware on site, the costs for technology and personnel can be significantly reduced. The cloud solutions offer scalable resources that can be adapted as required, which is particularly beneficial for smaller companies and events.

- Real-time adjustments: Cloud-based systems allow for real-time changes and adjustments during the event. Event managers can react immediately to unexpected situations without the need for physical intervention. This ensures a smoother process and improves the experience for the audience.

- Integrated tools and functions: Modern cloud platforms offer a variety of integrated tools, such as graphics overlays, video mixing, and multi-camera control. These functions make it possible to create professional and appealing broadcasts without the need for complex and expensive equipment.

- Security and reliability: Cloud providers attach great importance to security and offer robust solutions to protect data and content. Redundant systems and automatic backups ensure that the event can continue to run smoothly even in the event of technical problems.

The cloud-based control room is revolutionizing the way events are managed and executed. It offers a flexible, cost-efficient and reliable solution for managing live streams and helps to ensure a high-quality and professional experience for the audience.

Choosing the right livestream platform is crucial to the success of your event. The choice ranges from free platforms that are ideal for public streams to professional service providers that offer comprehensive solutions and additional features. Here we look at some of the best options and highlight their pros and cons.

Free livestream platforms such as YouTube and Facebook have established themselves as extremely popular options, especially for public streams. These platforms offer a variety of advantages for streaming an event:

- YouTube: YouTube is one of the most frequently used platforms for live streaming. It offers a wide reach and is easy to use. Users can start livestreams directly on their channels without the need for additional software or hardware. In addition, YouTube offers features such as live chat to encourage interaction with the audience. The stream can be saved as a video on the channel after the broadcast and viewed again.

- Facebook: Facebook Live is another popular option for public livestreams. Since many people already use Facebook regularly, you can easily reach your existing network. Facebook Live also offers interaction options such as comments and reactions in real time. This platform is particularly useful for streaming events that rely on a social network and want to reach a wide audience.

Advantages of free platforms:
- High reach: Free platforms such as YouTube and Facebook have a huge user base, which significantly increases the potential reach of your stream.

- Easy to use: These platforms are user-friendly and do not require any special technical equipment.

- Interactivity: Functions such as live chat and reactions enable direct interaction with the audience.

Disadvantages of free platforms:
- Limited control: Since the platforms are publicly accessible, organizers have less control over the interaction with participants and the monetization of their content.

- Advertising: Free platforms are often financed by advertising that can be displayed during the stream.

- Privacy: Public streams are accessible to everyone, which may not be suitable for all types of events.

For professional and business-critical events, it is advisable to hire a specialized livestream service provider. These service providers offer comprehensive solutions that go beyond the possibilities of free platforms.

- Technical expertise: Livestream service providers have the necessary know-how and equipment to produce high-quality streams. They take care of all technical aspects, including cameras, sound, lighting and streaming software, so that organizers can focus on the content while streaming their event.

- Adaptability: Professional service providers offer customized solutions that are precisely tailored to the requirements of the respective company. They can implement specific wishes in terms of branding, interactivity and viewer experience.

- Reliability and support: A livestream service provider usually offers comprehensive support during the event. In the event of technical problems, a team is on hand to find immediate solutions and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

- Advanced features: Service providers often offer advanced features such as multi-camera setups, graphic overlays, real-time analytics and integration with other event platforms. These features can significantly increase the professionalism and impact of a stream.

- Data protection and security: Data protection is an important aspect for private or exclusive events. Professional service providers can offer protected streams that can only be viewed by authorized persons.

Advantages of a livestream service provider:
- Professional quality: High-quality production and technical perfection.

- Customized solutions: Adaptation to specific requirements and branding.

- Technical support: Comprehensive support before, during and after the event.

- Extended functions: Additional features and integration.

The services of a professional provider are associated with costs that can vary depending on the scope and requirements. However, the costs are usually worthwhile for companies, as livestream service providers offer professional quality and reliability, ensuring a broad reach and higher participant satisfaction. This often leads to better brand perception and higher conversion rates.

The choice between free platforms and a professional livestream service provider depends on the specific requirements of an event. While free platforms are ideal for public and less formal events, professional service providers offer the expertise and resources to produce your event to a professional standard.

Important streaming functions you should look out for
Certain functions and tools are crucial for a successful live streaming experience. They help to improve the quality of the stream and facilitate interactivity and follow-up when companies stream an event. Below we look at some of the most important features that are essential for live streaming.

Share presentations and screen content in the livestream
One of the most basic and important features of live streaming is the ability to share presentations and screen content. This feature allows the presenter to share their screens with the audience in real time, which is particularly useful in the following scenarios:

- Screen sharing: This function allows presenters to share their entire screen or only certain windows with viewers. This is ideal for software demonstrations, live tutorials or the presentation of data and reports.

- Presentation sharing: The direct integration of PowerPoint presentations or other presentation tools into the livestream makes it possible to present visual content professionally and seamlessly. Viewers can follow the progress of the presentation in real time, making it easier to understand and absorb the information.

- Interactive elements: Some platforms offer interactive whiteboards that allow presenters to draw or take notes on their shared content in real time. This increases the interactivity and clarity of the presentation.

Recording and later publication of livestreams
The ability to record livestreams and publish them later is another essential function that offers many advantages:

- Accessibility: Not all interested parties can be there live at the scheduled time. By recording the stream, organizers can make the event available later so that no one misses out on important content.

- Reuse: Recorded livestreams can be reused for various purposes, such as training, marketing material or internal communication. Companies can extract parts of the stream and prepare them for specific target groups.

- Analysis and improvement: By analyzing the recordings, you can evaluate the quality and effectiveness of your livestreams and learn from them to improve future broadcasts. This way, you know which parts of the stream are particularly well received and which are less effective.

- Backup of content: The recording also serves as a backup in case technical problems occur during the livestream. This way, you always have a complete version of the event to hand.

Other important functions when companies stream an event
In addition to screen and presentation sharing and recording, there are other functions that are essential for a professional and engaging live streaming experience:

- Interactive chats and Q&A: Live chats and Q&A sessions allow the audience to actively participate and interact with the presenters. These features encourage engagement and make the event more dynamic.

- Graphic overlays and branding: The inclusion of graphics, logos and other visual elements helps to make the livestream look professional and strengthen the branding. These overlays can highlight information such as names, titles or key points as companies stream their event.

- Multi-camera setups: The use of several cameras offers different angles and perspectives, which makes the live stream more interesting and varied. This is particularly useful for large events such as conferences or concerts.

- Real-time analytics: Some platforms offer real-time analytics tools that allow you to monitor viewership, engagement and other key metrics during the stream. This data helps you to understand the interaction and adjust the stream accordingly.

- Access control: For private or exclusive events, it is important to control access. Functions such as password protection, registration and access codes ensure that only authorized persons can view the stream.

- Integration with social media: The ability to broadcast the livestream simultaneously on multiple platforms increases reach and visibility. By integrating with social media, event organizers can reach a larger audience and encourage interaction.

Choosing the right streaming features depends on the specific requirements and objectives of an event. By using the right tools and features, event organizers can create a high-quality, interactive and successful live streaming experience.

A successful live stream requires more than just a stable internet connection. From the technical equipment to the presentation, there are many factors that influence the quality of a stream. Here are some proven tips to improve quality as companies stream their event.

Pay attention to video and audio quality
The quality of video and audio is crucial for the viewer experience. Investing in a good camera and a high-quality microphone will pay off. Make sure the camera records in Full HD or higher and the microphone delivers clear, noise-free audio.

Optimal lighting for streaming
Good lighting can make the difference between a professional and an amateur stream. Use soft, diffused light to avoid shadows and overexposure. Ring lights or softboxes are particularly effective.

Eliminate background noise
Make sure that the environment is as quiet as possible. Close windows, turn off loud devices and use a noise-canceling microphone to minimize background noise.

Check upload speed
A fast and stable internet connection is essential. Check the upload speed and make sure it is at least 5 Mbps to ensure a smooth stream.

Attractive set design and matching background
An appealing set design and a tidy, thematically appropriate background contribute to professionalism. Avoid messy or distracting backgrounds and make your set appealing.

Confident appearance in front of the camera
A confident appearance in front of the camera conveys professionalism and captivates the audience. Practice your presentation, maintain eye contact with the camera and speak clearly and distinctly.

Try out multi-camera streaming
Multi-camera setups offer different angles and make the stream more dynamic. Switch between different camera angles to keep the online audience interested and show important details better.

Use pre-recorded videos
Integrate pre-recorded videos into your livestream to provide professional content and bridge breaks or transitions. This can be particularly useful when live demonstrations or additional information is required.

Interact with the audience
Actively interact with your audience to increase engagement. Answer questions in real time, use polls and respond to comments.

Have someone manage the stream
A dedicated stream manager can solve technical problems and ensure that everything runs smoothly. This allows speakers to concentrate on the presentation while someone else takes care of the technology.

Monitor stream analysis
Use analytics tools to monitor the performance of your stream. Analyze viewer numbers, engagement rates and other important metrics to further optimize the streaming of events in the future.

Marketing at an early stage
A successful livestream event starts with an effective marketing plan. Promote your event early and regularly to reach a large audience. Collaborate with influencers and partners. Offer incentives such as exclusive content or competitions to attract more viewers.

Announcements on social media
Use social media to announce your event and post regular updates. Create an event on LinkedIn or Facebook, post teaser videos and use relevant hashtags before you stream an event.

Observe data protection
Protect the privacy of your viewers and adhere to data protection regulations. Use secure event platforms and inform everyone about the data protection guidelines.

Regular livestreams
Regular livestreams help to build a loyal audience base. Schedule regular broadcasts and inform the audience in advance.

SEO-optimized titles and descriptions
Use SEO-optimized titles and descriptions to increase the findability of a livestream. Research relevant keywords and integrate them into your content.

Encourage your online audience to like and subscribe
Encourage your viewers to like the stream and subscribe to your company's channel. This helps to increase reach and build an engaged community.

A successful livestream requires careful planning and preparation. By following the tips above and continually working to improve their technology and presentation, event organizers can deliver high-quality livestreams that engage their audience and achieve their goals. Livestreaming offers multiple opportunities to share content and reach a wide audience - make the most of these opportunities.

Is there a charge for livestreaming?
Livestreaming can be both paid and free, depending on the platform used and specific requirements. Free platforms such as YouTube Live and Facebook Live offer basic streaming services, while specialized and professional software service providers such as Techcast offer paid options with advanced features.

What is a streaming event?
A streaming event is an event that is broadcast in real time over the internet. Various content such as conferences, concerts, sporting events or private parties can be streamed live to reach a global audience.

Which livestream provider is the best?
The best livestream provider depends on the specific requirements of the event. You can compare different functions and price models on comparison portals such as OMR-Reviews.

How can I stream something live?
To stream something live, you need a stable internet connection, a camera, a microphone and an event platform that supports live streaming. Register with the platform, set up the equipment and start the stream using the tools provided by the platform.

How do you start a live event?
A live event starts with planning and preparing the content, choosing the right platform and setting up the technical equipment. Before the start, you should carry out test runs to ensure that everything works smoothly.