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Livestreaming

Go Live Instead of Recording. It’s Easier.

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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.

Livestreaming

It’s Hard to Pick One Streaming Platform, So Don’t

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person looking at names of streaming platforms

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.

Livestreaming, Tech Tips

Finding the MAC Address on Your Google WiFi

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Not too long ago, I was getting ready to produce a live stream in a hotel. When I have a multi cam setup, I typically use Google WiFi to get all my iPhones on the same network, so i can bring them all in as camera sources.

Ahead of the stream, I had spoken with an A/V person at the hotel to make sure I could connect to their Ethernet.They provided me a cable, and I thought I was all set. However, when I plugged the cable into my Google WiFi, no connection.

I spoke with the A/V person, and after a bit of troubleshooting, he told me he needed the MAC (Media Access Control) address to my Google WiFi in order to give it permission to access the hotel’s Ethernet. I immediately went to Google and searched “Where is the MAC address on my Google WiFi?” Nothing helpful.

After a bit of looking around within the Google Wifi app and on the device itself, sure enough, I found that MAC address on the bottom of the device in very small print. The live stream went on without a hitch.

I’m hoping this article can help future streamers who might be struggling to find that elusive MAC! See image below for where to look.

Livestreaming

Lessons in Live Streaming Entrepreneurship, Knowing Your Why and Bringing Value

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In my latest podcast, I spoke with Chris Carson, founder and CEO of SteadiReadi, a video production and live streaming company based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

We hit on so many great topics as it pertains to streaming, video and running a production company, but one topic in particular that stands out is why Chris gives so much knowledge away for free.

We hear social media and entrepreneur stars like Gary Vaynerchuk preaching this all the time, but it’s easy to debate internally whether or not this concept actually works. If I give this away for free, will it really result in more business in the long run? Will it really open up the door for new professional relationships?

“It has…changed everything for my life and for my business by doing so,” says Chris. “I think that when we all win, we all win. Whatever that looks like.”

Check out the video below for more, and please check out the latest episode of the podcast for the full interview with Chris.

His passion for video and streaming is unparalleled, and I really think that comes across in our conversation.

Livestreaming

Successful Live Streaming Means Being Comfortable with Failure

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In this clip, I talk with CEO and founder of DMVStream.com, B.J. Koubaroulis on how failures paved the way for learning and eventual success for his sports live streaming business. From attempting to stream a lacrosse game using a laptop and Jetpack hotspot, to now running hundreds of feet of ethernet cable from a production truck, B.J. has come a long way in his productions.

In my experience streaming, you absolutely need to be comfortable with the “fail forward” concept. Inevitably, no matter how many times you’ve done it, every stream comes with its own unique setup, challenges and surprises.

But with experience comes learning how to be prepared and better respond to challenging situations, should they arise.

Watch my full interview with B.J. here.

Livestreaming

Starting a Video Production Company, COVID’s Impact on Sports Broadcasting

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In episode TWO of the podcast, I had a chat with entrepreneur live streamer B.J. Koubaroulis. B.J. is the CEO and Founder of DMVStream.com, a product of Synthesis Multimedia Productions.

With a client list that includes ESPN, Fox Sports, CBSsports.com, The Washington Post, among others, Synthesis Multimedia has emerged as the Mid-Atlantic’s top provider of sports multimedia.

In this interview, B.J. and I discuss how he started his production company back in 2007 and how it’s grown over the last 13 years. We talk about his early vision for streaming and how that’s evolved.

We also talk equipment, learning from failure and thoughts he has for anyone thinking of starting their own production company.

Lastly, we look into how COVID-19 has affected his business as well as his thoughts on whether COVID will have a more permanent effect on sports broadcasting.

Give it a listen and let me know what you think! Full video interview below.

Livestreaming

Producing Quality Live Streams From My Basement

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Since COVID-19 forced many businesses to implement telework policies in mid-March 2020, I’ve been producing live streams to Facebook and LinkedIn almost daily. Here’s a look at the short list of equipment I use to keep my streams online and running in high quality.

Of course, I have the standard laptop, mouse, power strip, but specific to streaming, I’ve added a few tools that have put my mind a bit more at ease producing at-home streams for worldwide audiences.

ipad pro on monopod

I’ll first mention that I mainly use Switcher Studio to produce my streams. If you haven’t checked them out, please do. I’ve been using the product for 3+ years, and it just keeps getting better. But Switcher only works with iOS devices, so I use an iPad Pro 2018 as my main production hub.

To help with strain on my neck, I decided to get something that would raise my iPad to eye level, so I bought a Koolehaoda monopod. I also know folks that buy light stands for this sort of thing, but the monopod saved a few bucks. This Ulanzi tripod mount keeps the iPad in place.

To better ensure I don’t lose connection while I’m live, I wanted to somehow get an ethernet connection in my basement. My main home WiFi modem/router is a floor above my office space. I was very close to drilling holes through my floor, but then I discovered the TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter.

This adapter uses the electrical wiring in your home to establish ethernet connections in different areas of the house where you may not be able to simply run ethernet cable. I highly recommend this piece of equipment for at-home streamers. I haven’t had a stream drop since purchasing in August 2020.

And since I use an iPad for my production hub, I need to get an ethernet connection to it. The Anker USB 3.0 Hub with ethernet converter paired with Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter takes care of that. What’s great about this setup is I can also get power to my iPad using the Apple adapter. I could also bring in external audio sources to the Anker Hub if I wanted, as it has three USB ports.

I won’t go into camera setup, as a lot of the streams I produce involve remote guests and not me as an on-camera host, but maybe for another post.

But that’s it! I would consider those items to be my essentials in creating reliable, quality live streams from my basement.

Any questions? What does your home setup look like? Let me know in the comments!

Livestreaming

Video Storytelling After COVID-19

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Remote live video production saves on time and cost. It’s also effective. What will video production and live video look like after COVID-19?

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to present to my local Public Relations Society of America Chesapeake Chapter on remote video production and how you can easily and effectively work it into your content strategy.

I covered live streaming, tools to get started, and my opinion on the outlook of producing video whenever we come out of COVID-19.

As awful as the pandemic is, there have been some lessons learned and innovation in the video space along the way. I don’t see those lessons being forgotten.

Hope you enjoy!

Livestreaming

How to Be Better at Livestreaming

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I had the privilege of recently joining one of the top content marketers in the industry, Christoph Trappe, for a conversation on how to make live streaming easier and more effective. It was a great chat with Christoph as well as Marc Gawith of Switcher Studio.

We talked about live streaming best practices, getting comfortable with going on air, as well as how to re-purpose your streams. Check it out.

Christoph’s website: https://authenticstorytelling.net/

Switcher Studio: https://www.switcherstudio.com/

Livestreaming

Remote Guest Live Stream – Career Coaching

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Full live stream produced from Maryland with the subject matter expert located in North Carolina. Huge benefit of using a tool like Switcher Studio that offers a video chat option allowing the addition of remote guests.

We run a regular monthly series using this format.

Equipment used:

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