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YouTube is one of the best platforms to build a loyal and devoted audience that connects with you on a personal level.
If interacting with your audience and increasing your engagement with them is one of the things you want, you should consider live streaming.
When you live stream on YouTube, you can interact with your audience in real-time, respond to their questions and comments directly, and let them talk with you in an unedited way.
This is a great way to grow your audience on YouTube and build trust with your subscribers.
YouTube first experimented with live streaming in the late 2000s. Its first live event was called YouTube Live, streamed from San Francisco and Tokyo simultaneously.
It also featured interviews and performances from superstars like Katy Perry, Smosh, MythBusters, and Bo Burnham! But the feature still had some glitches.
However, in 2009 YouTube successfully started a live stream of a U2 concert and later did a Q&A with Barack Obama in 2010.
They officially launched YouTube Live in 2011. The program was initially only available to select partners and was used for streaming the Olympics and Felix Baumgartner’s jump from space in 2012.
The program has changed over the years, but it’s now available for all desktop users and mobile accounts with 1,000 subscribers or more.
The YouTube live-streaming option is a marketing tool for your presence on the platform and helps you interact more with your audience.
But the question is how to use it. This is where we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will talk about YouTube Livestreaming and how to do it.
YouTube Live is the second most popular live stream site, falling just behind Twitch.
But while Twitch is known for gaming streams, YouTube Live offers all kinds of content, including music performances, vlogs, cooking classes, makeup tutorials, instructional videos, comedy performances, and much more.
Users could upload their videos and share them on their channels. With the growth of live streaming popularity, YouTube created YouTube live, their live streaming tool.
With YouTube live, users can reach their viewers in real-time while streaming branded content, Q&As, video games, classes, etc.
YouTube, the second most visited website in the world, is also one of the most popular video platforms online, with over 1.9 billion active logged-in users per month. Users watch over one billion hours of video daily on the website.
Going live on YouTube gives creators many benefits:
With YouTube, you can easily monetize your live stream. When you’re live streaming on YouTube live, viewers can support you via Super Chat while promoting their profile. It’s a win-win for both the streamer and the super chat payer.
Apart from Super Chat, streamers can also enable ads, such as-
Plus, some channels also access channel memberships, allowing users to pay a subscription fee to your channel.
Content creators can join, publish videos, and go live on YouTube for free. Since it’s live, you don’t need to worry about spending time doing multiple takes or in post-production.
In other words, you can create content while saving time and money. Depending on the tools you want, you might find some restrictions within your channel that require a specific number of followers to be unlocked.
For example, to live stream directly from your mobile, you need at least 1,000 subscribers. But, for the most part, the features accessible to everyone will be enough to go live successfully.
Almost 70% of YouTube users watch videos to help purchase decisions. Whether you have a personal brand or a business, every content creator can benefit from branded content and exposure.
Users want to find your brand online, and YouTube can help you get discovered. Your videos can show up as suggested videos on related content, and you can expand your audience.
Live streaming on YouTube Live can also help you increase your online reach much further than videos on demand.
Platforms like Facebook and YouTube tend to favor live videos over pre-recorded ones, which means your streams have a higher chance of ranking well on searches.
You start growing your brand and getting more views when live videos appear on Google or YouTube searches. You start developing your brand and getting more views.
An overlooked benefit to live streaming on YouTube live is the ability to produce video collaborations with other content creators.
Many YouTubers and creators are ready to create partnerships with your brand, aiming for mutual growth.
You might be wondering how to go live on YouTube. It’s straightforward. Just follow our step-by-step guide.
Before you can live stream, you need to verify your YouTube channel. Go to www.YouTube.com/verify to add your phone number and receive a verification code.
That’s it; your YouTube account has been verified!
After verification, it will take 24 hours for your account to be activated for live streaming. Once activated, you can live stream from a desktop with any number of subscribers, but you need at least 1,000 subscribers to live stream from Mobile.
From there, you can follow these steps:
On desktop:
On mobile:
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There are three ways to live stream on YouTube:
Desktop
If your live stream has a simple premise, your computer’s built-in camera (or, even better, an external camera you’ve set up) will certainly do the trick.
An aesthetically pleasing room as a background will create a lasting impression.
How to stream from a desktop:
Mobile
Streaming from a mobile device is no different than streaming from your computer’s webcam, but Mobile is excellent for more down-to-earth, on-the-go streams.
A vertical video streamed in selfie mode is perfect for talking to your audience
How to stream from Mobile:
Encoder Streaming
Encoders are far and away the best option for live streaming, although there’s a learning curve involved.
Using streaming software like OBS, Streamlabs, or plenty of others, you can create custom backdrops, add overlays and emotes, easily monetize your stream, and maintain high-quality audio and video.
The first step in learning how to live stream on YouTube is to know what equipment you need.
This depends on the type of content you want to create. But some of the items common to every streamer, irrespective of the streaming content, are:
A camera is the foundation of any live-streaming setup.
While your computer’s webcam might be suitable for informal and short streams, investing in a quality camera with a high video resolution will help make your content look better.
The number of cameras you need depends on the nature of your streams. Most YouTube Live streamers only use one camera.
Quality audio is essential when live streaming on YouTube, giving your content a professional edge.
External webcams typically feature a built-in microphone, which is often sufficient. However, consider an external microphone connected to your computer via USB if you want to upgrade your setup.
Many YouTube live streamers use their ear pods’ built-in mic. However, the quality of these microphones is generally lacking.
While streaming directly from YouTube is possible, we recommend using software for optimal streaming functionality.
For example, if you want to bring on a guest, connect a gaming console, or share your screen, responsive software will give you all the tools to perform those tasks.
If you want to live stream gaming content to YouTube, you can incorporate a gaming console, such as Xbox One, PS4, or Nintendo Switch, into your setup.
Some consoles, such as PS4, can stream directly to YouTube. However, if you are using an Xbox One or another console without direct streaming capability, you need to use a capture system with a PC and streaming software.
Below, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to live stream on YouTube from an Xbox One, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
An encoder converts real-time video into a suitable format for live streaming on YouTube over the internet.
You can use a hardware encoder, an external device, or a software encoder that you install on your PC.
If you are starting to learn how to live stream on YouTube, consider using a free software encoder that you can easily update whenever a new version is available.
You also need a capture card to stream raw on-screen video content using a software encoder.
Proper lighting is essential to learning how to live stream on YouTube is adequate lighting.
Various lighting options are available with a specific design and color temperature to illuminate your subject for the camera, whether you are filming a talking head, art videos, or any other type of content.
However, these lights can be expensive, and if you don’t have a generous budget, experiment with regular lighting to ensure proper illumination.
There are three ways by which you can Livestream your content using YouTube Live on your personal computer or PC:
The easiest way to stream on YouTube is straight from your web browser using a built-in or external USB webcam.
A webcam will help you share your thoughts and engage with your audience in real time.
It’s also possible to live stream through your browser with a higher-end camera like a digital camcorder or DSLR.
You’ll need a USB capture card to bring the video signal into your computer.
Then YouTube can recognize the camera as if it were a plug-and-play webcam. Once you’re all set with a camera, here’s how to live stream on YouTube through your web browser:
If you’re planning to stream later, choose a date and time for your stream to start.
You can see and manage all your scheduled and past live streams in the “Live” tab under “Content” in YouTube Studio.
Use live streaming software to share your screen (e.g., to broadcast gameplay), access features like live titling and overlays, or use multiple cameras.
Any streaming software should automatically detect any USB-based cameras connected to your computer.
Using a USB capture card you can also bring non-USB video signals like HDMI into your computer using a USB capture card.
Connect the capture card to your computer and the camera to the capture card, and your streaming software should recognize the camera as a USB video class (UVC) device.
While the exact process of live streaming on YouTube with a software encoder will depend on the streaming software you’re using, it should look something like this:
Open your streaming software and paste the “Stream name/key” and, if required, the “Stream URL” from YouTube in the appropriate fields. You’ll probably find these within a settings or preferences menu; refer to the software’s user documentation if you are unsure where to look.
A hardware encoder is an appliance purpose-built for video streaming, capturing, recording – or all three.
Running your YouTube live stream through a hardware encoder offers several advantages over the web and mobile.
These make hardware encoders the best option for businesses shooting high-profile events like concerts or sports games and anyone who wants to elevate the look of their live streams.
While live streaming on YouTube through a hardware encoder might seem complex, the advantages of using one makes up for the time it takes to learn how.
There’s a wide range of live-streaming hardware on the market, which makes it impossible to write definitive guides to make hardware encoders work with YouTube.
For that reason, we’ll show how to live stream on YouTube using the Pearl encoder hardware. If you’re not using a Pearl system, we encourage you to check the user documentation for your appliance or reach out to the manufacturer.
Starting a stream on YouTube with Pearl:
You’re live on YouTube! If your live stream was unscheduled, select “Stop” on the Pearl web UI once your event is over. If you scheduled the event, end your stream through YouTube instead.
You can stream directly to YouTube from mobile devices like smartphones or tablets.
However, before you can start streaming on YouTube with a mobile device, you need at least 50 subscribers (1,000 subscribers if you want your video public), and you need to have a verified YouTube account.
Below we explain how to live stream on YouTube from your mobile device.
If you are using an Android device, you have the option to broadcast your phone screen as a PiP image. You also need to enter the details of your live stream, including the video name, age restrictions, location, and privacy settings.
Did you know that you can also live stream on YouTube with gaming consoles like Xbox One, PS4, and Switch? Here’s how:
Xbox One doesn’t allow for direct streaming on YouTube.
However, you can stream Xbox One to YouTube using your computer, Xbox Console Companion, and Screen Recorder 4.
To learn how to live stream on YouTube using your Xbox One, click the button below to download Screen Recorder 4 for free and follow along.
Your PS4 lets you stream directly to YouTube, which is handy if you don’t want to add additional video elements. See below for how to live stream on YouTube with a PS4.
Like Xbox, Nintendo Switch doesn’t offer a built-in live streaming capability. However, you can broadcast your gameplay on YouTube using a capture card and software encoder.
To learn how to live stream on YouTube using your Switch, click the button below to download Screen Recorder 4 for free and follow along.
Given below are a few points you need to keep in mind while using YouTube Live:
Know the reason why you specifically want to live to stream your content on your YouTube live.
If you can spend a few minutes going through the goals of your YouTube Live stream, you’ll be able to plan exactly what to do.
Knowing why you’re doing it will help you figure out how to get there.
Once you’ve outlined your strategy, you can make a checklist and start prepping for the show. It’s not a bad idea to make a loose script for the stream, even if it’s just point-form notes.
That way, you can avoid the periodic uncomfortable silences.
In addition to following a theme, you’ll also want to ensure that your YouTube Live content is age-appropriate and meets YouTube’s Community Guidelines.
If you violate YouTube’s policies, you’ll get a strike that prevents you from streaming for 14 days.
There’s no perfect time to stream, but you’ll be able to get an approximate idea by looking at your YouTube analytics and figuring out when people have been watching your videos the most.
Once you pin down a time, promoting your stream needs to become your obsession. Hype it up across all of your social media platforms.
Make ads, posters, IG stories, and videos to plug the stream. Place a banner on your YouTube page or make a trailer for the stream.
Link it everywhere. Create hype around it and promote it as much as you can.
The difference between a mediocre stream and a fantastic, professional-seeming broadcast can often come down to the packaging.
If you want to stand out, you should invest in the look of your show.
Make sure you have a good backdrop in your videos, and try to make your thumbnail and titles look catchy and attention-grabbing.
You can make a YouTube Live video by pushing a button and talking into your web camera, but there are ways you can improve on that, and they’ll make the difference.
Consider upgrading your webcam, investing in audio equipment like an entry-level USB microphone that will significantly improve your dialogue, purchasing ring lights or other lighting gear, sourcing a green screen, etc.
You should also test your internet speed. If possible, use a wired Ethernet connection for consistent speeds.
We’ve established that one of the best aspects of YouTube Live is engagement potential, and you should undoubtedly maximize it by engaging your audience as much as possible.
Prepare questions to ask during the stream, keep an eye on the chat so you can acknowledge commenters, or even create polls for your viewers to vote on.
These are all great ways to keep your audience engaged, making them more likely to invite their friends back the next time.
While you should certainly be as prepared as possible, you should also plan to roll with the punches and have fun with them.
Don’t roast yourself, but if something goes wrong (and chances are, it probably will), laugh about it. Take it easy and have fun, and your audience will, too.
These are some of the things you should do and should avoid doing while you live stream your content on YouTube:
Do’s of YouTube Live Streaming
Don’t’s of YouTube Live Streaming
Big Rig travels is an American trucker who live streams all of the road trips he makes to deliver packages to their designated destinations.
His live streams as he describes it on his website are the longest-running Road Trips ever, where you can ride along with your "tour guide to the American Highway" and get a glimpse into the real working life of an American trucker.
Why do we love it?
There is no shortage of fascinating live streams of day-in-the-life moments, and Big Rig Travels is one of the best if you want to head out on the road and feel like you’re making some deliveries.
Lofi Girl (formerly ChilledCow) is a French YouTube channel and music label established in 2017.
It provides live streams of lo-fi hip-hop music 24/7, accompanied by a Japanese-style animation of a girl studying or relaxing.
Why do we love it?
Lo-fi music is soothing, serene, and a good way to improve your focus while working.
Some users have turned YouTube Live into a haven for music lovers, even launching full-fledged radio stations.
The most well-known, by far, is LofiGirl, whose playlists with calm, relaxing animations helped popularize the genre of “lo-fi beats to relax/study to.”
That Thing You Do! is Tom Hanks's directorial debut comedy about the fictional pop band The Wonders and their meteoric rise to fame, is low-key one of the best movies of the 90s.
The film's cast hosted a live viewing party on YouTube to raise money for MusiCares COVID relief.
Tom Everett Scott, Steve Zahn, Jonathon Schaech, and Ethan Embry, who played the four members of the band The Wonders, will be streaming live on YouTube as they watch the movie and share their thoughts and comments about working together on it.
Why do we love it?
At the pandemic's start, many celebrities banded together for charity live streams, table reads, and watch parties.
The That Thing You Do party is a perfect example of a stream done right. The film’s entire cast showed up to watch the movie, and they simply timed the stream with the start of the movie, meaning fans could queue it up with the movie itself, and no one would have to worry about any copyright violations.
That’s an idea anyone can use for their YouTube Live videos.
NASA Live Stream - Earth from Space: Live Views from the ISS
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the US federal government responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and space research.
Why do we love it?
Currently, a live video of Earth is streaming from an external HD camera mounted on the ISS.
The camera is looking toward Earth with an occasional solar panel passing through the view. It’s the cosmos we are talking about.
The mystery and the beauty of our home planet and space are what we love about it.
Apple Event- September 7
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, software, and online services headquartered in Cupertino, California, United States.
Why do we love it?
Apple. inc held its annual iPhone-centric event, debuting the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Apple also introduced the new Apple Watch Series 8 models, a revamped version of the Apple Watch SE, the Apple Watch Ultra, and the AirPods Pro 2 on 7 September 2022.
The descriptions of Apple products that were launched and what new upgrades and additions are made to its products are what the audience looks forward to.
Yes, you can live stream via YouTube.
Yes, live streaming on YouTube is free. You just need to meet their requirements to be able to live stream.
Technically you could be streaming on YouTube forever. However, if your YouTube live stream is longer than 12 hours, it may not be captured for you to save and post later.
YouTube will automatically archive any streams that are under 12 hours. YouTube does have daily limits for the number of live streams you post in 24 hours.
This number goes up the more your channel is verified (proving identity with an ID will allow you more YouTube live streams than only providing your phone number) and if your channel doesn’t have a lot of strikes.
This depends on you – if you want to do a weekly live stream and have enough content topics, then great. Test to find out what frequency works best for you and your audience.
You can save your broadcast in the Stream tab using the Screen Recorder 4 plug-in of PowerDirector by checking the Save streamed video to disk box before going live.
Learn how to live stream on YouTube with the following essential features in streaming software:
If you are a beginner just learning how to live stream on YouTube, you may not be able to spend much on streaming software.
However, paying for high-end streaming software is likely a worthy investment.
Yes. Subscriber number restrictions are only for streaming on YouTube with a mobile phone or tablet.
If you plan to start streaming on YouTube using your mobile device, you must have at least 50 subscribers.
If you have fewer than 1,000 subscribers, YouTube will limit the number of viewers, and your stream will automatically be set to “Private.”
Currently, the only way to invite guests to your live stream is by using 3rd-party software.
In March of 2022, YouTube launched a small test pilot of a feature called Go Live Together, where streamers can send a link to guests and have them join the live stream.
Until YouTube opens up the feature to all users, using a third-party streaming software is how to live stream on YouTube with a guest.
YouTube Live is a great tool to interact with your audience and Livestream your experiences, personal vlogs, or gameplay.
It helps you make your audience a part of your real-time experience.
We hope this post will help you build your audience and live-streaming presence on YouTube. Please let us know in our Offeo Facebook Group if you have any further queries or suggestions.
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