With the nature of live events changing, live video streaming has become more and more popular. You’ll find it on almost every large social network out there. Sites are upgrading from simply letting their uses share videos to implementing live streaming services. You could use these services to stream an important event or to simply share your personal thoughts.
YouTube Live
YouTube is one of the top video platforms online getting up to a BILLION views daily! so it’s not surprising they’re at the head of the game in live streaming as well. They joined the trend a bit late but managed to do so successfully. You can use the YouTube platform to live stream for up to 36 hours with 4K video quality FOR FREE. YouTube is simply unmatched in accessibility. Just verify your account and you can get started. You can live stream via your webcam, your browser, or from an encoder. You can also easily interact with your viewers via the live chat.
Facebook Live
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook believes that within 5 years, Facebook will be dominated primarily by video content. Unsurprisingly, Facebook was also the front in line to bring live streaming to its platform. You can use Facebook live to stream videos for free via your smartphone or your desktop. All videos are saved onto your profile after your stream ends. Once again, you can use the live chat to interact with your audience. Although you won’t get the same 4K video quality from Facebook or the monetisation functions, you can reach a significant audience considering how popular this site is.
https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/solutions/facebook-live
Instagram Live
After Facebook took over Instagram, video live streaming was also introduced on the platform and it was eagerly accepted by its users. Your live videos only last for 1 hour and remain on your profile story for 24 hours before it expires. You can also go live with a follower, he/she simply has to request to join your live stream. While live streaming you can use filters and switch the comments on/off as required. As soon as you go live, your followers will be notified.
Periscope/Twitter
Periscope is Twitter’s version of live streaming. Although Periscope comes as an individual app for live streaming, it is also used for Twitter’s own live streaming feature. Periscope stands out because it comes with a number of other functions. You can stream audio-only, perfect for podcasters. You can also invite guests onto your live stream, And to top it off, there is no limit to the length of your stream, Viewers who have missed your live stream can replay the video as required.
Twitch
Twitch was initially used exclusively for video gaming content but it now accepts a variety of content besides gaming. However, we do advise to try and keep your content linked to gaming in one way or another, since it is primarily considered a video game streaming website. The main reason why you want to use Twitch is because of its viewership. Twitch has the most live-streamed videos watched across the state. There is a catch, however. You can not replay the video, pause or rewind.
Streamshark
Streamshark is more of a business-oriented live streaming platform. You can edit your live streaming platform before you go live, adjust the colours of your site to match your brand. Viewers streaming your live video can rewind as required and can interact with you throughout the live stream. You can also stream your video to YouTube and Facebook at the same time and so reach a larger audience. You can monetize your videos. This service is not free, you do however get the chance to avail a free trial after which you can subscribe to their premium user account.
LinkedIn Live
Linkedin live is Linkedin’s version of live streaming. LinkedIn just released this service last year to a few select members only, now network members can apply to become LinkedIn live broadcasters. LinkedIn live would be perfect for your primary audience includes business owners and professionals, if you wish to broadcast industry events or if you are interested in B2B (business-to-business) marketing.
https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/100224/applying-for-live-video-broadcasting?lang=en
Bambuser
If you get irritated by laggy videos, Bambuser is the site for you! bambuser offers a solution for latency. They offer high-speed upload rates so you can stream your videos in HD. You can use it through your smartphone, webcam or desktop as required. With this platform, you can stream your videos directly to other social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. You can also save your video after the live stream concludes. However, this service is not free, after the 14-day trial you have to subscribe to their user plans. Bambuser also lets you monetise your videos.
Vimeo Livestream
Vimeo Livestream is another platform built for businesses. it offers HD quality videos and you can also use the platform to directly broadcast to Facebook, YouTube etc. You can interact with your viewers via the live stream chat. Moreover, you can also monetise your videos and start earning and get analytics on your live streams. Once again, this service is not free and can be a bit costly for some, their premium account costs $75/month.
https://vimeo.com/features/livestreaming
What’s your favourite live streaming platform? We’d love to see whats worked for you as a speaker or event organiser.