The world is now a global village. Technological advancement has brought the world closer and together. The virtual space is gradually bridging, reducing the impact of physical events and meetings. Several meetings and events can take place with participants from different parts of the world logged on at the same time. The advent of the global pandemic amplified the need for work from home.
Content creators and brands capitalized on the opportunity of live streaming which is a core aspect of the virtual world. A virtual streaming platform creates a bridge between the audience and the host, creating an opportunity for them to engage and interact in real time. As good as it sounds, live streaming comes with some challenges. Once the challenges and barriers are lifted, it can be a seamless process.
What is a live streaming platform?
A live streaming platform stands for a virtual tool where you can stream live content and engage with your participants in real-time. In the past, the practice was playing a pre-recorded video to the audience. But with live streaming, you can engage with your audience in an instance from your location.
Important things to consider before selecting a live streaming platform
The internet is replete with live streaming software. Some are free while some are paid. Each software has a feature that makes it different from the others. Below are a few things to look out for when comparing the platforms.
Participant Limit
This is the number of participants that can connect at the same time. This is the total number of the audience that can interact with you at a time. You need to understand this limit, very important in deciding.
Pricing
Check the prices for the subscriptions and pricing plans. Make sure the payment matches the benefit. Some are free to use just like the Prillionaires platform for wealth management.
Customization
Some platforms are rigid, there is a limit to the extent of branding that can happen. Some other platforms allow you to put your brand images, backgrounds, and overlays.
Streaming Limit
This is the limit to the length of your streaming. Some platform limits it to 30 minutes default but can be adjusted while others are unrestricted.
Integration
Check the possibility of integrating with another platform. Check for a platform that can allow you to integrate other software for optimization.
YouTube Live
The search engine champion Google brought YouTube Live to enable live streaming. YouTube Live allows live streaming using a phone, camera, webcam, encoder or just any recording device. It provides you metrics of your audience for good analytics. With YouTube Live, you can easily monetize content. You need a minimum of 50 subscribers first before you can enjoy the free streaming on the platform.
Wave.video
Wave.video is a live streaming software that changed the game in the live streaming sector. Broadcasters quickly accepted it because of the ability to allow streaming on multiple channels at the same time. It allows for customization and branding of your background, plus easy interaction with your audience.
Some key features include:
● Multiple streaming channels from one point
● Complete customization of settings, logos, banners, overlays, and other elements.
● Option to review and edit the recording and repost for a rebroadcast
● Easy to use with good GUI.
Facebook Live
Facebook Live changed the game by bringing features that simplify live streaming. You use the platform for an interview, Q&A, performances, and host events. You can make money through in-stream ads. This platform has many other values you can discover yourself.
Twitch
Although many consider Twitch as a live gaming platform, meanwhile you can stream just any content on the platform, such as sports, music, lectures and many more. Twitch has live comments from the audience, live stream scheduling, and the saving of recordings.
StreamYard is one of the easiest-to-use streaming platforms. You
StreamYard
can broadcast on multiple platforms from one camera. It is browser-based and lets you share screens, invite guests, interact with the audience, customize your brand and many more. You can use it for free, but a paid version gives more options.
Instagram Live
This social media platform grew in membership after introducing the live streaming rooms. You can go live and interact with your followers and audience. It has features like Q&A, media sharing and many more.
Other platform includes Dacast, Wirecast, StreamShark, Be.Live, Restream, Streamlabs and many others.
