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In recent years, live streaming has become a dominant force in the world of online content. Whether you’re a business looking to connect with your audience or an individual sharing your passion, live streaming service providers have made it easier than ever to broadcast your message to a global audience in real-time. However, to truly harness the power of livestreaming, it’s essential to choose the right service provider and use their tools effectively.

Here are the top 5 tips to get the most out of your live streaming service provider.

Choose the right live streaming service provider

The foundation of a successful live stream starts with selecting the right live streaming service provider. There are numerous options available, each with its own set of features pricing structures, and audience reach. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing your live streaming service provider:

• Audience compatibility: Consider where your target audience spends their time online. Different platforms cater to different demographics – we use the GO Live customisable platform that can cater to all audiences. 
• Streaming quality: Ensure that the live stream service provider supports the level of video and audio quality you need. Look for options that offer HD streaming and support for high-quality cameras and microphones. Some of the new entrants to the markets have very DIY options. You need an experienced Livestream service provider to ensure you can deliver a high-quality stream. 
• Monetisation options: If you are planning on monetising your stream most commonly known as using a paywall you need to ensure your livestream service provider offers this facility. 
• Ease of use: A user-friendly interface and easy set-up, look for live stream service providers that offer easy-to-use services and excellent customer service. 
• Audience engagement features: Choose a live stream service provider that offers a platform that provides features such as live chat, polling, and audience analytics – all of these features make for a more engaging live stream.
• Reliability: Ensure your live stream service provider is experienced – after COVID a lot of new livestream service providers popped out of the woodwork but they don’t have the experience and experience is key, especially in a live environment. 

Optimise your streaming set-up

Once you have selected your livestreaming service provider it is crucial to optimise your streaming setup. The quality of your content and the viewer experience depends on your equipment and environment. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your live streaming setup:

• Equipment – Ensure your live streaming service provider is using high-quality cameras, microphones and lighting. These components significantly impact the visual and audio quality of your live streams. 
• Internet connection – Without a solid internet connection you do not have a livestream. Ensure your live stream service provider tests the internet connection onsite but also has a redundancy internet option. 
• Dedicated streaming space – Ensure your live stream service provider has a dedicated space for streaming that is free from distraction and limited noise. 

Plan your content strategically

Successful livestreams don’t happen by accident. We have a famous saying that you can’t have too many rehearsals or too many practices. Experienced Livestream service providers understand the importance of planning, runsheets and practice. Here are some tips for strategic content planning:

• Set clear goals – Understand the purpose of your live stream and what are the clear objectives. Ensure your livestream service provider understands these as well. 
• Create a detailed run sheet – this is an essential piece for every livestream. This ensures your Livestream service provider knows what you want to happen and when. 
• Interact with your audience – Engagement is an essential piece to any live stream, if your audience isn’t engaged they will just switch off. With all the advancements in live streaming, there are multiple options for engaging your audience. Make sure your livestream service provider can offer these. 
• Promote your livestream – if people don’t know about it they can’t watch it. Ensure you use every channel open to you in order to promote your live stream 

Leverage the features of your live stream service provider

Live streaming service providers offer a range of features that can enhance your broadcasts and engage your audience. Take full advantage of these features to make your live streams more interactive and dynamic. 

• Custom overlays and graphics – This will help to make your live stream more appealing; your live stream service provider can suggest what graphics will work best for your type of stream
• Scheduled streams – this comes down to planning, if you schedule your stream, you have plenty of time to create excitement and build an audience for when you go live
• Audience polls and Q&A – Use interactive features like polls and Q&A sessions to involve your viewers and gather their input
• Monetisation options – If appropriate you can investigate monetisation options for your stream, this can make streaming even more affordable. 
• Multi-platform streaming – Why limit your stream to only one platform when you can stream simultaneously to socials and websites to increase the number of viewers? 

Analyse and improve

Practice makes perfect, after each livestream you will learn more. Working with a live stream service provider on an ongoing basis allows them to get to know you and your company and objectives. They can work with you to make each stream better. Below are a few ways you can do this:

• Review analytics – Your live streaming service provider should be able to give you detailed analytics about your viewers, and their watching statistics. These can be used to shape your next stream
• Seek feedback – There is no better way than to ask for feedback from your viewers, what they like, or do not like and what would they like to see more of. 
• Experiment and iterate – test and learn, you don’t know if you don’t try. The best way is to just give it a go. Your livestream service provider can definitely give you recommendations but you won’t know unless you experiment and build from the learnings. 
• Stay informed – Stay up to date with the latest technology and ensure your chosen live stream service provider is across all the new technology and features to ensure you are offering cutting-edge live streams each time. 

In conclusion, live streaming can be a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and achieving your goals, whether they are personal or business-related. To get the most out of your live streaming service provider, start by choosing the right platform, optimizing your setup, planning your content strategically, leveraging platform features and continually analysing and improving your broadcasts. With the right approach and dedication, you can create engaging and successful live streams that resonate with your audience and help you achieve your objectives. 

If you are looking for an experienced Livestream services provider give Go Live a call today.