For about a year, I’ve been fine tuning my at-home podcast streaming setup. I love how far it’s come, so I wanted to share some of the equipment I’m currently using and loving, as well as ask whoever reads this to please send recommendations!
I’m always looking to level up my gear. I know my background could use a little work, so I’m still figuring out how to best tweak that. Is it a green screen? Better artwork? More to come.
Wide shot of the setup
Here’s a list of my podcast camera and audio equipment:
From March 2020 to present day, remote productions for virtual events and live streams have been the norm. Everybody seems to be doing remote productions in some form or another.
Obviously, if you’re a producer for something like this, you need to make sure your technical setup is solid. But equally as important are your guest speakers’ setups. Their audio, video and internet connection need to be optimal so they, as the subject matter experts, can get their message across clearly to the audience.
Over the last year, I’ve produced hundreds of remote live streams featuring guest speakers from all over the world. Every stream has new challenges, but I’ve been able to develop a list of some best practices and tips that I give my guests before every production to help set them up for success.
And if you’re guest speakers are set up for success, your event will likely be as well.
First, I always try to schedule a tech check or brief rehearsal. It is essential to set up time with your guests ahead of the event to run through all the technical pieces so you’re not scrambling last-minute.
In the calendar invite for the tech check, here’s what I include. Keep in mind, I use Switcher Studio for my full time remote production work. However, these can be applied to pretty much any streaming platform that allows for remote guests.
Where will the link work?
Most streaming platforms allow you as the producer to send your guest speakers a URL that they can click on to join a video chat room. I’ve found, especially when working with government clients, it’s best to let them know up front which browsers the link works on.
For example, a lot of government computers automatically default to Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, most streaming platforms only work on Firefox, Chrome or Safari. Let your guests know that up front.
Connect to Ethernet or get really close to the WiFi router
To enable the best internet connection, you’ll want your speakers to be connected via Ethernet. If that’s not possible, ask that they get as close to the WiFi router as possible, or wherever the signal is the strongest in their house or workspace.
Close everything else
To get optimal performance from their device, whether it be a desktop, laptop or mobile device, ask that they close all other programs or applications not in use during the event. This will help their device work at top speed.
No VPNs if possible
If your speakers use any sort of Virtual Private Network, or VPN, for work, have them log out of that before trying to connect to your event. I’m not sure if this is specific to government employees, but I’ve noticed that more often than not, if someone is logged into a VPN, it blocks the video feed in Switcher. Sometimes I’m able to hear them but not see them.
We typically have better luck, especially on work-issued devices, if the guests get off VPN before trying to jump into Switcher.
This isn’t to say that being on a VPN will hinder the experience for everyone. Some people have to be logged into one just to access the internet, and with some of those folks it has never been an issue. But I would say more often than not, no VPN is the way to go if you can.
Try to find a quiet space free from distraction
I know this may seem like it should go without saying, but be clear that there can be no background noise that will get in the way of their presentation. Some folks have never gotten feedback on what their audio sounds like. They may not know that you can hear a fan running in the background or the mic is picking up sound from the washing machine.
With audio being such a key element to any virtual production, this has to be top of mind.
Of course, sometimes the quietest spot in the house may not be where there’s optimal internet connection, so that’s something you can troubleshoot during the tech check.
Think about where the windows are
Your speakers should avoid having large windows in the background of their shot. Rather have them face a window if possible to take advantage of natural light, depending on what time of day the event is happening.
Lighting can be tough, so do what you can, but pay more attention to the audio.
Headphones are a good idea
Encourage your guests to use headphones or earbuds with built-in microphones if they have them. This eliminates the chances for audio feedback that can sometimes be overbearing, especially if you’re producing a panel discussion and people are going back and forth on a topic.
Headphones and earbuds dramatically reduce the extra noise that can sometimes be distracting during a remote production.
Of course things can happen last minute. No one knows this more than any event producer, virtual or in-person. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches. You’re not always going to have the time to ensure that everything laid out above is perfect.
But if you can, you want to prepare your guest speakers as much as possible with the tips and guidance I’ve provided. Well-prepared guests mean a well-organized and higher quality production.
Over the last few weeks, I have been glued to equipment reviews on Amazon Live. I’ll be browsing for a new webcam or some new form of lighting for my live streams, and what do you know, right there on the product page is someone sitting at their decked out streaming set-up, telling me all about the cool products they own. I’m hooked.
Then I discover that some of these people have regular showtimes where they come on once a week and give more reviews about gadgets that I love.
Now I see why my wife enjoys watching other women try on clothes, or why people watch others try out make-up. Or even why people watch live videos of a Robot vacuum cleaner roaming through someone’s house. Yes, those attract viewers too. Lots of them. More on that later. But I get it!
Then I started thinking about how businesses can begin to work this into their own marketing strategies. There are so many ways into Amazon Live if you think about it.
If you have a product to sell, that fits easily. Live demos of a product, behind the scenes of how something is built, how to use a product – all of that is a natural fit.
But what if you don’t have a product? It can be more of a stretch, but it can still make sense.
Christoph Trappe, content strategist for Voxpopme and host of the Business Storytelling Podcast, used to only go live on Amazon if his podcast guests had written a book he could link to. However, he quickly switched that strategy and now goes live on Amazon with all guests, regardless if they have something to sell.
“We’re still going to stream it there because people will watch it, and if somebody wants to buy a chair or a mic because they see it, go for it,” he says.
What Christoph is doing there is thinking outside of the box in terms of how to connect his work to Amazon. No, his guest doesn’t have a book, but Christoph uses all kinds of cool equipment to produce that podcast. There’s the connection. There is an audience that wants to see him producing his podcast in real-time and see some of that equipment in action.
He mentioned during our latest conversation that people have in fact bought the mic he uses, as well as the gaming chair he sits in.
By the way, I mentioned vacuum cams earlier. Well, that was Christoph. His most popular live stream of his Robot vacuum cleaning his house was 7,000 views!
“Sometimes those behind-the-scenes videos get way more views than things that ‘take time,’” he says, referencing things like fully produced podcast shows.
In addition, those particular streams resulted in five vacuum sales, making Christoph a little extra money in the process. Don’t forget, if you stream on Amazon, you get a small cut if someone buys the products you talk about using the links you provide.
Of course, he’s also creating more awareness of his larger work like his books, podcasts, etc. in doing so.
So maybe you don’t have a product of your own to sell, but think about all the things you use to make your business work, the things that make you productive, etc. Do you have an office treadmill you make time for every day? Do you have cool lighting in your home office?
Live shopping is emerging as a huge trend in 2021, and there’s been evidence of big brands getting in on the action already.
According to a recent article in Fortune magazine, “Livestream shopping…is a natural outgrowth of the original TV-centered model and has been gradually gaining traction in recent years. But now, responding to shopping restrictions imposed by the pandemic, retailers and brands worldwide are racing to add live, interactive video experiences into their marketing mix.”
Walmart is one of those big brands. The famous retailer has partnered with TikTok to sell its products via livestreams.
China has been in on this craze for a few years now, and in 2020, livestream shopping was projected to generate roughly $136 billion in revenue for the country.
In my recent conversation with Restream’s virtual events manager Grace Duffy, she talked about live shopping and what we can expect as far as this up and coming trend in 2021.
“The phenomenon of shopping within the platform, without leaving it, is a big thing coming,” she says.
Grace Duffy talks live shopping as a trend for 2021.
I think it’s something worth trying if you can get approved for it. Not just anyone can stream on the platform. Including me! There are several different criteria you can meet. If you’re an authorized seller, vendor or part of the Amazon Influencer Program, you can apply. Unfortunately, I’m none of those things…yet. Working on it.
With Amazon’s incredibly large and diverse audience, I think it has to be a consideration for retailers and brands this year.
Fun things happening in the streaming world over the last couple weeks. Here are a few items that stood out on my timelines.
StreamYard Adds Long Form Video Play
The streaming company officially opened the feature earlier this week allowing users to share long form videos during their streams. Previously, the limit was five minutes on preloaded videos. Now the limit is…limitless! The company support site says “There is NO limit on file size or length when using the “Share Video” feature!”
One thing to note is that long form videos are not saved in your studio. You have to upload every time you leave or create a new broadcast.
Wirecast Adds Rendezvous Back-Channel Chat and Shot ISO
Wirecast released a couple new features on January 25. One of which being users can now chat behind the scenes with their guests. Always nice if you need to communicate with each other without the audience hearing.
Even better, in my opinion, is that Pro users can now independently record any shot in the stream, including remote guests. This is great for post-production, being able to adjust audio/video on separate tracks.
Remote production is something Switcher is putting more of a focus on in 2021 as the company CEO, Nick Mattingly mentioned in his end-of-year address. They’ll provide remote production services with dedicated staff that will help brands run their virtual events, as opposed to them downloading the software and running it themselves.
Take a Break with Breakthru
This one isn’t news so to speak, however Microsoft tweeted from their Teams account early this week highlighting their Breakthru app for use within the Teams system.
Breakthru is designed to help you take short, 2-minute breaks throughout the day when needed. The app provides guided meditation exercises to help you re-energize. With mental health and self-care being so important, especially in the midst of COVID, this is something worth checking out.
Many resources for the broadcast will be in remote locations due to COVID safety protocols. Onsite staff will work in different control rooms to space out as well.
The remote staff includes editors and producers located all across the country, operating in different time zones.
In addition to what viewers will be seeing at home, VWSE is also creating a unique experience for fans in attendance, incorporating 26 LED screens into the lower bowl of the stadium, taking up the first 10 rows. This will mainly be used for sponsorships, but after big plays and during stoppages, the whole system will work together for bigger more “dramatic” presentations, as the article linked above states.
While the limited fans in attendance has been a sad sight all year for NFL games, I’m excited to see the new technology and how it’s incorporated into the biggest game of the year.
That’s all for updates this week! I hope to do this on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Stay tuned for more.
We hear the word “live” and something goes off inside of us that says “be nervous.”
What if I told you that going live is easier than producing a recorded video?
For almost a year, I have produced live streams nearly every weekday. I also produce my fair share of recorded videos that are produced and published at a later date. Regardless of the subject’s experience, the live videos almost always come across more authentic, conversational and natural.
When we know something is being recorded, we know we have multiple tries to get something right. So, naturally, at the first slip up, we think we need to do it again. Going live forces us to just keep going, just like we would in a conversation with a friend or colleague.
And that’s the kind of experience your customers likely want. When they interact with your business, they want to feel like they’re dealing with a friend. Live streaming can help evoke that kind of emotion.
Here are a few ways to get a little more comfortable going live if you’re still hesitant:
Use Help
There’s nothing wrong with giving yourself some help during the live stream. I’m not saying you should memorize everything you want to say. Use notes. Refer to them while on air. No one minds if you need to look off camera once in a while. Again, it’s more natural. Reading a script word for word is not.
Call on an Expert
You also don’t always have to go live alone. Bring on a guest to add another layer of conversation. It’s much easier to be conversational when you’re talking to someone else. Use a subject matter expert to help you.
Practice Makes Perfect
Yes, it’s cliche. But it’s so true, especially when it comes to streaming. Most folks that regularly stream and speak on camera will readily admit that their first few attempts were less than stellar. It’s okay! You’ll only get better as you do more.
Related video clip: Content marketer Christoph Trappe, Switcher Studio VP of Sales and Development Marc Gawith and I talk about authenticity and audience connection with live video. Full video here. Full podcast here.
In the latest episode of the K-Stream podcast, we’re discussing building online communities using tools like Facebook Groups. I spoke with Josh Benson, founder of Howard County Dads, a non-profit organization and community group based in Howard County, Md. which is just outside of Baltimore.
Josh founded Howard County Dads as a Facebook group back in 2018, and has since grown the group to more than 680 members, in addition to an Instagram and YouTube presence. And he’s also turned the group into a non-profit organization helping to support local dads in need and promoting engaged fatherhood.
In this episode, we talk about:
The story behind creating the Facebook group
How Josh has used social media to create a community of dads in Howard County, Md.
Strategies and tactics for keeping group members engaged
Lessons he’s learned in managing a Facebook group over the years, including some of the struggles along the way
What Josh has in store for the group in 2021
Josh and his group have done some incredible work in the community, which also happens to be the community I currently live in. And, as a father myself, it was a pleasure to learn from Josh and hear his experience in creating something special for the dads out there. Hope you enjoy.
Despite a lot of the workforce working remotely at the moment and no longer commuting, podcasts have never been bigger.
According to a recent study from Edison Research and Triton Digital, 75% of Americans are now familiar with podcasting. That’s 212 million people and an increase of 10 million in just one year.
If you think you have something to say and you want to turn it into a podcast, there’s no better time to get started. Plus, the barrier to entry is low.
With tools like Anchor and an iPhone, you’re pretty much all set.
In a recent interview with fitness coach Jordan Syatt, he talked about using an iPhone to record all of his podcasts when he was first getting started.
“If you go back and listen to my first 50 podcasts, you’re going to notice a dramatic difference in the sound quality, and that’s because I was literally just recording them on my phone. My podcast still did very well with those episodes,” says Jordan.
“Regardless of how good the sound quality is…what matters most is what you’re saying, the message you’re getting across.”
With that being said, I’m guessing if you’re reading this, you have some sort of smart phone. And you also have access to free apps like Anchor. That’s really all you need to get started with a podcast.
Now, I also understand how awesome it is buying new gear. Even if you want a high-quality mic, it likely won’t break the bank.
Below are a couple mics that myself and a former colleague, Wallen Augustin, co-host of the Savvy Dialogue podcast, chatted about in a previous episode of K-Stream.
Wallen and his wife have two of the Rode PodMics, as well as the Rodecaster Pro, and their show sounds like it’s done in a professional studio, when it’s really done from the comfort of their own apartment.
They also use Anchor, which allows them to bring in guests, edit the audio, insert sound effects or music, and publish across platforms all from within the app.
This is just the infancy for podcasting, and I can’t wait to see what 2021 brings.
Episode six of the K-Stream podcast features my good friend and former colleague, Wallen Augustin. Wallen is a marketer, entrepreneur and podcast host. He and his wife, Jane, host the Savvy Dialogue podcast, and Wallen has owned and operated his creative production company, Wallen Digital, for around four years, all while maintaining a separate full time job.
We could have likely talked for way more than an hour, but in the time we spoke, we covered:
Starting a production company helping small businesses get their message out
Using lessons from marketing jobs to create compelling video
Shifting from producer to consultant during COVID-19
Starting a podcast
Building relationships through podcasting
What it’s like hosting a podcast with his wife, and more.
Hope you enjoy. Please follow Wallen @WallenAugustin on most social channels, and be sure to check out his website at www.savvydialogue.com.
I had the pleasure of having Christoph join me for my latest podcast. We talked about how to get the most out of your content, how to decide what and where to post, how to determine the best content strategy for your business, why live stream and much more.
In the clip below, Christoph talks about some of the first things he talks to clients about when it comes to developing a content marketing strategy, as well as some red flags to look out for that might signal a client you should stay away from.
For all of my streams or video recordings that involve a remote guest, I use Switcher Studio. Switcher is great because no external software needs to be downloaded for guests to participate.
However, just like with most live streams, issues can arise. For example, I’ve found that if a guest is logged into any sort of virtual private network (VPN) for work, they have trouble accessing the video chat room. There seems to be a level of security that gets in the way of allowing them access.
The other day, I ran into a situation where a remote guest was not able to access the video chat room within Switcher. For whatever reason, he had to be logged into his VPN in order to have internet access at all.
After going through some troubleshooting, we just couldn’t get it to work. However, he regularly used Zoom for work, so we knew it was at least possible to get him on camera. Thankfully, this video was going to be recorded and streamed “live” at a later date. We really only needed to record his video, which I could then import to Switcher later.
I, too, have access to Zoom, so we quickly hopped on that platform, recorded the video, and we were all set.
My point is that you don’t have to force yourself to stick with just one streaming platform. Each platform has their strengths and weaknesses. For example, Switcher is excellent with graphics and b-roll integration, and of course being able to use iPhones and iPads as cameras is great. However, Zoom tends to have better video quality when it comes to remote guests. They also allow you to bring in a lot more guests at the same time.
If graphics or b-roll video isn’t essential to you, then Zoom may be a fine choice.
Of course, it’s great to test. I’ve been trying out Ecamm Live and Streamyard lately, and I’m loving their remote guest capabilities. I’ll be looking more into them, for sure. With Ecamm, you can actually tweak your guest’s camera – adjusting things like brightness, contrast, etc. Amazing.
The costs are relatively cheap, given the capabilities of these platforms. Below are the current yearly subscription costs for the ones I mentioned above:
Switcher Studio Standard: $588
Streamyard Pro: $468
Ecamm Live Pro: $384
Zoom Pro: $149.90
Weigh the pluses and minuses of each, but don’t necessarily limit yourself to one if you don’t have to.
What platforms are you trying or using these days? I’d love to know.
