In recent yea͏rs, liv͏e͏ strea͏ming͏ v͏ideo͏ content has b͏ecome ͏one o͏f͏ the ͏most p͏opular types͏ of͏ ͏co͏n͏tent for͏mats in the͏ worl͏d, r͏e͏achi͏ng ove͏r͏ 28.͏5% o͏f i͏nt͏er͏net ͏u͏sers g͏loball͏y.͏
Are you thinking of joining the trend and becoming a͏ live stre͏amer? If so, the f͏irst ͏ste͏p ͏i͏s ͏ch͏oos͏i͏ng y͏our live strea͏mi͏n͏g͏ equipment setup.
Not sure how to go about this? Don’t worry, in this guide, we’ll tell you the major equipment you need to get started with live streaming.
5 Hardware Live Streaming͏ ͏Equipment for Creating a͏ L͏ive Stream
The best live streaming platform will deliver the right quality with the right equipment. Here are some of the most essential hardware equipment to look out for:
Professional Video Camera
When it comes to live streaming, your camera is going to be the most valuable tool you own. To make your video more professional, we recommend buying a high-quality camera. Of course, this may sound a little expensive, but the good thing is that you do not have to spend beyond your means at all.
For your stream to be clear, buy a camera that has a resolution of 1080p at the very least. If you’re looking at streaming the best videos, 4K cameras offer an even greater quality.
Microphone
Even with a high-quality video, poor audio can chase viewers away. You can prevent this by using a high-quality microphone. It ensures that your audio is clear and professional.
We recommend using USB microphones as they are user-friendly and can deliver great results, making them ideal for beginners.
However, if you’re looking for something more advanced, consider XLR microphones. These types of mics have interface routing, which means you can easily customise them. They also have superior sound quality and flexibility.
Lighting
What does it mean to have good lighting? It means having lighting that helps reduce your shadows. It also means having lighting that highlights your best features and ensures your stream looks professional.
The hard part isn’t knowing what good lighting is, it’s knowing the type of light to use. For most streamers, a basic setup is key lights placed in front of them to illuminate their faces. But, if you’re unsure what type of light to buy, consider buying Softbox lights or ring lights.
Keep in mind that the right lighting can make all the difference. It can make your stream look polished, keeping your viewers engaged and focused on your content.
Video Encoding Software/Hardware
Well now that you have your camera, microphone, and lighting sorted, it’s time to encode your video. What is video encoding?
It is simply the process of compressing the size of your videos and preparing them for streaming. Video encoding software like Movavi Video Converter and AVS Video Converter are popular for many streamers.
Why? Because of their versatility.
These platforms allow you to manage your stream, add overlays, and adjust your settings. If you’re a streamer who prefers hardware solutions, video encoders can take the load off your computer by handling the processing externally. An example of a hardware encoder is Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro.
Mounting Devices
Are mounting devices really important? Yes, they are. A properly mounted camera and microphone means you get stable, clear video shots. It also protects you from accidental bumps or movements that could disrupt your stream.
Don’t know the type of mounting device to buy? Consider buying a good tripod or camera mount that will keep your camera steady.
For your microphone, we recommend buying a boom arm. It’s a device that will help you maintain a clean and organised streaming space. This way you can focus on creating a professional stream.
4 Essential Features for Live Streaming Apps
Now that you know the major equipment you need, it’s time for you to choose a good live streaming app.
There are so many options out there, so how can you know the best one for you? We’ll let you in on a little trick.
Focus on the features that will improve your streaming experience. These features include:
Multi-Platform Streaming
Why limit yourself to one platform where you can reach audiences across multiple channels? Multi-platform streaming means you can broadcast simultaneously on various platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
A good live streaming platform supports multi-platform live broadcasting. This means you can easily connect with viewers on different platforms and increase your visibility without any hassle.
Interactive Features
Live chat, poll, question and answer sessions make your stream more appealing. They improve the engagement of your audience and make them join the conversation.
Well, you’re in luck, because live streaming platforms like OntheFly ͏provi͏des int͏eracti͏v͏e feature͏s. These features improve real-time audience engagement, making your video streams more interactive.
Customization and Branding Options
One of the easiest ways to know a good live streaming platform is if it reflects your style and brand. Examples of customization options include overlays, graphics, and branding elements like logos.
These options help make your stream look better and keep your viewers focused on your branding, helping them make better distinctions between you and other streamers.
For instance, if your brand colour is blue, when designing buttons and graphics as well as overlays, use blue to make viewers easily notice your brand and remember the stream.
Real-Time Analytics
With real-time analytics, you can monitor your viewer engagement and your streaming quality. This information is important for adjusting to improve your content and strategy.
For example, if viewers are leaving during a live stream product demo, you might choose to engage with viewers by asking them questions or responding to the comments in your chat box. This helps you retain your viewers and increase your engagement.
Final Thoughts
Remember that a good setup isn’t just about the gear. It’s about creating an exciting experience for your audience. Think of your equipment as the enablers that help you connect, engage, and build the right community.