Live streaming nowadays has found its place within the business world, and it is serving a large number of purposes. Some businesses offer paid streaming treatments for events, while others use website streaming as the way to create online communities to support and promote their brands.
While it is also possible to use apps Youtube, Twitch, Facebook, and other third-party social media outlets to do a live stream, there is importance in setting up your live streaming website and also integrating it with a live streaming platform. This help gives you more control over your own content and also comes across as more experts when done right.
The ingredients: What you need to live stream
- Video and audio source(s)
- Video encoder
- Streaming destination
- Internet connection
Instructions on how to live stream in 5 easy steps
- Connect audio and video sources
- Configure encoder
- Configure destination settings
- Copy and paste URL and Stream Key
- Click “start streaming.
So basically, the streaming format workflow all comes down to connecting your sources right to the encoder, fixing your scenes (layouts) for switching, configuring a couple of encoder and streaming destination settings, and creating a connection between the encoder and also the streaming destination. Normally, streaming destination and encoder user interfaces may differ from case to case, but the main workflow stays the same. In the example below, we chose to show the Pearl-2 UI for the encoder and also the Youtube UI for the streaming destination.
Step 1) Connect your audio and video sources cable to the encoder.
Normally, you have to make sure that everything has power. Pro tip: whenever possible, use an AC power rather than battery power, for all and any gadget, particularly the camera. Positioning your camera on a tripod is always a smart idea. You should use a capture card whenever you’re using your computer with encoding software. No capture card needed with hardware encoders like the Pearl-2.
Step 2) Configure the encoder
If you plan on doing switching between many sources – then go ahead and prepare your layouts (scenes). Then, configure the most crucial streaming settings: resolution, frame rate, bitrate. If you are not so sure, start with 1280×720 resolution, 30FPS, and automatic or 3000 Kbps bitrate. Other fewer options can pretty much be left at default settings. With software like OBS, you’ll have to configure these settings in-app on your computer. With a hardware encoder, you’ll have to access the device’s settings via Web UI or an app. Create new RTMP Push stream.
Step 3) Configure streaming destination settings
Then you now log in to your live streaming platform (aka streaming destination, aka CDN) and create a new live streaming event. Fill out-stream description, privacy settings, and so on.
Step 4) Copy and paste URL and also stream key from CDN into the encoder
This is what links your encoder and your streaming platform together. To know where to get video data, the CDN must analyze and connect with the encoder, while the encoder must know where to convey the data. This is often done using a special password shared between the two, called a stream name or sometimes stream key. The stream key is provided by the streaming platform (CDN). Be very cautious with this and keep it key safe, as those who know it will also be able to stream into your account.
The stream URL and key are always found in the CDN’s advanced or encoder settings domains. Copy the stream URL it looks like a web address and the stream name or key from the CDN into the respective fields in the encoder UI. You can choose to leave the username/password fields blank. Then Click on “Save” or “Apply”
Step 5) Click on “Start Streaming” on the encoder then you will be on live stream!
Once you click on Start streaming around the encoder UI, your CDN preview window should notify you that it is receiving a signal from the encoder. There is normally a lag of a little 10-30 seconds lag between the encoder and the live stream on the CDN.
Control live switching from the encoder UI. Always have it in mind that you need to stop your stream also in the encoder UI.
HOW TO START A LIVE STREAMING BUSINESS
Live streaming business owners make a lot of money by publicizing live video gaming footage of them gaming on some of these popular platforms while making use of Ad revenue. Popular websites such as twitch.TV and Smashcast previously called Azubu to create incredible platforms for gamers to share their videos on. By accumulating large followers, (500+ average for Twitch. TV) the player becomes authorized to become a partner for the live streaming site. The live streaming site will pay you based on internet traffic for the individual’s channel. Live streaming channels can also demand donations from their fans.
How to set up your live streaming business by following these simple 6 steps:
If you have found the right business idea, and you’re now ready to take the next step. There’s more to starting a business than just trying to registering it with the state. We’ve set together this simple guide to starting your very own live streaming business. These steps will help make sure that your fresh new business is well planned out, registered in the right way and legally compliant.
STEP 1: Plan your Business
A simple plan is necessary for your success as an entrepreneur. It’ll help you map out the challenges of your business and uncover some unknowns. A few things to consider when trying to set up a game streaming business:
A high-speed Internet connection should cost about US$50 to $100 per month. You’ll also have to get a gaming computer for about $1,000, with a high-resolution monitor(s) that will also cost around $350 each and gamepad controls (Xbox, Wii, Sony PlayStation) for each kind of game you would like to play, which will be around $300 to $400 each.
There’s also a 30 day free trial for Twitch.TV and after that, there’s also a monthly subscription plan of $5.99 to $10.99 per month depending on the kind of features you desired.
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One of the most common business structure types is the sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), partnership, and corporation.
Organizing a legal business entity for example the LLC or corporation helps protects you from being held personally if your live streaming business is sued.
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You’ll have to register for a variety of state and federal taxes fee before you can be open for business.
To register for taxes you’ll have to apply for an EIN. Which is easy and free!
STEP 4: Open both a business bank account and also credit card
Using genuine business banking and credit accounts is very important for personal asset protection.
Whenever your private and business accounts are mixed, your assets which could be your home, car, and other valuable materials are at risk in the event if your business is sued. In business law, this is said to be piercing your corporate veil.
Additionally, learning how to build another financing can enable you to get credit cards and other financings in your business’s name (instead of yours), better revenue rates, higher lines of credit, and more.
STEP 5: Set up your business accounting
Registering your different expenditures and sources of income is very essential to understanding the financial performance of your business. Maintaining accurate and detailed accounts also incredibly simplifies your annual tax filing.
STEP 6: Establish your Web Presence
A business website allows customers and other viewers to know more about your business and the products or services you offer. You can also use social media platforms to attract new clients or customers.
How to stream on YouTube
YouTube is a wonderful platform for businesses, gamers, learners and social streamers. The problem is when starting a YouTube live stream isn’t specifically straightforward. If you are unclear or not sure about how to live stream on YouTube, you’ve come to the right place because we will teach you just how to do that in the next paragraph.
How to enable live streaming on YouTube
Live streaming is usually disabled on new YouTube channels by default. Buh here we’ll teach you on how to enable it:
- First, you need to verify your YouTube account. It is a simple process. Select your region and choose the verification code delivery method, and then enter the number of your mobile phone. Dial-in the six-digit verification code sent to you to verify your account.
- Enable live streaming through the channel features page, the YouTube Studio live events page or through the Live Control Room.
- Then you will have to wait for 24 hours before live streaming will be activated on your account.
As long as there are not any live streaming restrictions on your channel, you’ll now be able to live stream on YouTube through a web browser or streaming encoder. If you would like to use a mobile device to live stream, there is an additional hurdle: your channel must at least have 1,000 subscribers. Annoying, but there are other ways of mobile live streaming out there.
4 ways to live stream on YouTube
You can live stream on YouTube through a:
- Web browser
- Mobile device
- Software encoder
- Hardware encoder
How to Stream on Twitch
Having a mass number of 1.2 million viewers at a time, the streaming outlet Twitch has hit in popularity among many gamers and creatives over the last few years. And that popularity is always growing.
If you are craving to get in on the action, you may be wondering about how you can get started. We don’t blame you. Not only is streaming your games on Twitch fun, but it is also a great way to gain a little cash or a lot if you are good at it.
How to start streaming on Twitch
The accurate process for getting set up on Twitch platform differs a little depending on whether you are streaming on a PC, PlayStation 4 or 5, or on your Xbox One. We will help walk you through each system, showing you exactly what you need to get started on streaming.
First, create a Twitch account
To create your very own Twitch account, just follow these three simple steps:
- Visit the Twitch site.
- Click Sign Up in the top right corner.
- Enter the requested info.
Also, you might have to permit two-factor permission to upload content—this security feature sends a one-time code (OTP) code to your phone number to make sure it is you logging in.
Set up your devices.
Once you have got your account created, then you are all ready to set up your devices for streaming.
Twitch on PC
- Install XSplit Gamecaster. To stream on PC, you would have to get an additional streaming program that plugs into Twitch. Split this is one of the simplest and most popular options. First, you download XSplit Gamecaster. The free account will get you started right away, but for you to get the best quality stream, you will want the paid version, which goes for a price of $5 per month.
- Launch the XSplit app.
- Launch the game you want to stream.
- Press Ctrl + Tab to open the XSplit overlay. This brings up XSplit options display on top of the game you are playing, which is very useful.
- Then click on the Stream button. You will be prompted to log in to your Twitch account the very first time you stream.
Twitch on PS4
- First, launch the game that you want to stream.
- Press the Share button on your gamepad.
- Select Broadcast Gameplay.
- Then you select Twitch. You will be prompted to log in to your Twitch account the very first time you try to stream.
Twitch on Xbox One
- Download the Twitch app on your Xbox.
- Log in to your Twitch account.
- Open the game you would like to stream.
- Open the Twitch app.
- Select Broadcast from the menu and you are all good to go.
How to stream on discord
Not every streamer wants the spotlight of a large Twitch audience. In fact, for a lot of online gamers, the only audience that matters to them is their friends.
This is exactly where Discord intervenes in. Though Discord is mostly known for its text and simple voice chats, you can also use Discord’s voice channels to do live streams.
These live streams you to broadcast your voice, webcam, or anything on your computer screen to anyone else that joined the voice channel. It is a great way to host a smaller stream for you and your friends, without worrying about any strangers that might butt in.
Steps on how to stream on Discord
Before you start anything, know that if you are using a Mac, you might have to enter the “Security & Privacy” menu to give the Discord app permission to record your screen.
1. Launch the Discord app on your Mac, PC, or smartphone. Remember that you always have to be using the downloaded and installed Discord app on your device, not the Discord website.
2. Find and join any voice channel that you are permitted to stream in. The only way to tell if you can stream is by simply joining the voice channel and then search to see if “Video” or “Screen” are clickable at the underside of the window. If you are using the Discord mobile app to stream, you will just see an icon that looks like a video camera so just click on it.
3. Below the desktop app, you will see options for “Video” and “Screen.” Choose if you will like to stream video from your webcam or maybe share your computer screen, click on the one you want to do.
But if you are using the mobile app discord, you will have tap the camera icon, which will start broadcasting from your mobile phone camera.
4. If you click on the option “Video,” your webcam will simply turn on Discord may ask for permission to use it, and you will start to stream immediately. You can choose the right camera in Discord’s “Voice & video” settings menu.
5. If you choose “Screen,” select the window you would like to share. You can still choose to broadcast everything on your screen at once, or just certain windows.
6. Select a resolution and frame rate but take note the better your resolution and frame rate, the more of internet bandwidth your stream will consume.
7. If you are streaming from a PC or Mac, you will also see an option for “Sound.” Turn on this button to the right, and you can be able to stream sound from your PC as well. People in the channel will still be able to hear your microphone as well.
8. When you are all set and ready to start streaming your screen, click on “Go Live.”
