event live streaming

How to Live Stream Events: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hubilo
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How to Live Stream Events: A Step-by-Step Guide

In a world where everything from casual chats to major conferences happens online, live streaming has become the golden ticket to extending your event's reach. Imagine broadcasting a product launch or a conference to thousands worldwide, and live streaming turns this vision into reality. 

This guide will walk you through the essential steps for live-streaming events, focusing particularly on LinkedIn Live and how Hubilo’s Broadcasting Studio can take your virtual events to the next level.

Understanding Live Streaming and Its Benefits

Live streaming is more than just broadcasting your event in real-time. It’s about creating a dynamic experience that brings together participants from different locations to engage with your content. Here are some key benefits:

  1. Expand Reach and Accessibility: Streaming events live can allow you to connect with global audiences who may not be able to attend in person. It eliminates geographical barriers and opens up your event to a broader audience.
  2. Facilitate Community Interaction: Live streaming allows for real-time engagement. Tools such as live chats, polls, and Q&A sessions foster interaction and keep your audience involved throughout the event.
  3. Hybrid Events: Combining live and in-person elements, hybrid events give your audience flexibility and choice. This model allows for wider participation and helps keep costs down for both hosts and attendees, with virtual attendees joining from anywhere.

Now that you have a fair idea of the benefits of live streaming, it’s time to learn about choosing a suitable live streaming platform.

Choosing the Right Live Streaming Platform

Choosing the Right Live Streaming Platform

The first step in planning a live stream is choosing the right platform that meets your needs. Different platforms offer various features, and your choice should be based on your event type, audience, and goals.

  1. Audience and Goals: Understanding your target audience and your event’s purpose is crucial. Are you aiming to reach a professional network, engage a younger audience, or create a high-engagement environment? Tailor your platform choice to where your audience is most active and what you want to achieve, like brand visibility or lead generation.
  2. Free vs. Paid Platforms: Free platforms like YouTube or Facebook Live might suffice if you're hosting a small event. However, investing in a paid platform like Hubilo can benefit larger, professional events with higher production values. Paid platforms provide additional features such as advanced analytics, branding, and audience engagement tools.
  3. Video and Audio Quality: Always ensure that your selected platform supports HD streaming to deliver professional video quality. Platforms like LinkedIn Live and Hubilo are excellent for high-quality streaming, with Hubilo supporting full HD video and audio for enhanced clarity.
  4. Customization and Multi-Streaming: Platforms with many customization features—like branded backgrounds, custom layouts, and multi-streaming to several social media platforms—are ideal for companies looking to maximize their reach. Hubilo’s Broadcasting Studio supports multi-streaming so that you can simulcast across LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.
  5. Technical Support and Analytics: Advanced platforms provide real-time analytics and technical support, which are critical for measuring the success of your event and troubleshooting any live-streaming issues that may arise.

A robust platform will help create high-quality streams, but the significance of having the right equipment must not be overlooked.

Maximize the impact of your live event with Hubilo’s multi-streaming capabilities and advanced analytics for real-time performance tracking across multiple platforms.

Essential Equipment for Live Streaming

It's essential to invest in the right equipment to ensure a professional livestream experience. The quality of your stream often depends on your video, audio, and setup stability. Here's what you need:

1. Selecting the Right Cameras for Quality Streaming

The type of camera you use will significantly impact the quality of your live stream. Ideally, you want a camera that supports HD or even 4K video resolution, depending on the platform and the quality you want to achieve. Here are some options worth exploring:

  • Webcams: Basic yet effective for smaller or informal events. A 1080p webcam can work well for most virtual meetings and webinars.
  • DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras: For high-quality professional streams, a DSLR or mirrorless camera provides much better image quality and depth of field, making your stream more visually appealing.
  • PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) Cameras: Ideal for larger spaces or hybrid events where you need to cover various angles and subjects without moving the camera physically.

For seamless integration, platforms like Hubilo support streaming in 1080p HD, ensuring that the video output matches the quality of your equipment.

Hubilo

2. Importance of Reliable Microphones and Lighting

Audio quality is just as important as video. Bad audio can ruin a live stream, so you will need a high-quality microphone that delivers clear, crisp sound:

  • Lapel/Lavalier Mics: Great for presenters who move around during their presentation, as these clip onto clothing and pick up audio closely.
  • Condenser Microphones: Excellent for stationary hosts who need high audio quality. Condenser mics capture a rich, full-bodied sound and are perfectly suited for webinars, podcasts, or product launches.
  • USB Microphones: These are plug-and-play and convenient for virtual events where your priority might be portability and simplicity.

Lighting is another critical factor, and if you neglect it, it can result in a low-quality, unprofessional-looking stream. Consider these options for lighting:

  • Ring Lights: These are excellent for providing even lighting and are highly portable.
  • Softbox Lighting: For more controlled environments, softbox lights diffuse light, reducing harsh shadows and providing professional-grade lighting.

3. Using Tripods and Mounts for Stability

A shaky or unstable video can distract your audience and reduce the overall quality of the event. Using tripods and mounts ensures your camera remains steady throughout the live stream:

  • Tripods: Ideal for stabilizing cameras, especially during product demos or lengthy presentations. They ensure that your footage remains smooth, even if there’s movement around the camera.
  • Mounts: If you're using mobile devices or smaller cameras, adjustable mounts or gimbals help achieve stable, smooth video even when you need to move the camera during the stream.

Investing in a solid tripod or mount provides versatility, particularly in hybrid events where the camera might need to follow presenters or capture different angles. With the right platform and high-quality equipment, you can easily stream on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Streaming on LinkedIn Live

Streaming on LinkedIn Live

LinkedIn Live is a powerful platform for businesses aiming to connect with a professional audience. Live streaming on LinkedIn allows brands to engage directly with industry professionals, corporate decision-makers, and potential clients.

Requesting LinkedIn Live Access and Configuring Your Account

LinkedIn Live isn’t available to everyone immediately. You’ll need to request access by meeting the following criteria:

  1. Have at least 150 followers.
  2. Your account should be active for at least 30 days.
  3. Use a third-party tool like Hubilo or StreamYard for broadcasting.

Once you’ve met these criteria, follow these steps to request access:

  1. Connect your LinkedIn account to an approved third-party tool.
  2. Submit your profile for review.
  3. Start broadcasting once approved.

Scheduling and Promoting LinkedIn Live Events

Once you’ve set up LinkedIn Live, it's essential to promote your event to ensure maximum participation:

  • Schedule in Advance: To boost registrations, create a LinkedIn Event and invite your connections. Send out reminders and updates leading up to the event day.
  • Promote with Emails and Social Posts: Platforms like Hubilo integrate email marketing and social media sharing tools to help you promote the event efficiently. Use email invitations to send branded, customized emails and drive engagement before and after your live stream.

Engaging Your Professional Audience During the Stream

One of the key benefits of LinkedIn Live is the high level of interaction it enables. Here are a few ways to maximize engagement during your livestream:

  • Use Q&A Sessions: Answer audience questions live to create a more interactive and engaging experience. Hubilo’s Broadcasting Studio offers real-time Q&A tools integrated into the platform, allowing you to take questions from your audience easily.
  • Polls and Live Reactions: Use interactive features like live polls and reaction emojis to gauge your audience's sentiment and keep them engaged throughout the event.

Incorporating these strategies will help you get the most out of LinkedIn Live, creating a valuable, engaging experience for your audience.

Engage your audience with Hubilo’s real-time interactive features, including live Q&As and polls, to keep participants connected.

Setting Up a Live Stream on YouTube

YouTube Live offers a versatile platform for event live streaming, allowing users to reach a vast, global audience. Before you begin, you'll need to verify your YouTube account, which is a straightforward process that unlocks access to live streaming after a 24-hour activation period. Here are the steps for YouTube Live Streaming:

  1. Account Verification and Enable Live Streaming: First, verify your YouTube account, then enable live streaming from the YouTube Studio. Then, navigate to the “Create” button and select “Go Live” to begin configuring your event.
  2. Configure Event Details: Set up the details for your live stream, such as your event’s title, description, and category. Additionally, choose your privacy settings (public, private, or unlisted) and adjust your stream’s audience settings to comply with YouTube's policies on content for kids.
  3. Security Settings and Customization: YouTube provides various customization features, including enabling live chat, adding monetization options, and scheduling events in advance. You can also take advantage of security settings like stream keys and backup streams for a smooth and reliable broadcast.
  4. Enabling Live Chat and Engagement: Encourage audience interaction by enabling live chat, allowing real-time feedback and questions during your broadcast. YouTube also supports features like polls, Q&A sessions, and Super Chat, further boosting engagement during live events.
  5. Start Your Live Event: Once everything is configured, you can start your live event directly through YouTube Studio, where you’ll also have access to various analytics and audience engagement tools.

YouTube Live’s multi-device compatibility, real-time analytics, and built-in audience engagement tools make it an ideal choice for large-scale live streaming. 

Live Streaming on Facebook

Businesses can use Facebook Live because of its greater flexibility in catering to a broader audience or specific groups, so it's perfect for both public and private streaming. Some of the most important uses are for community-driven events, product launches, and announcements. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Scheduling Your Stream and Choosing the Streaming Method

You can schedule your live stream on Facebook through Facebook Events or directly on your page. Moreover, Facebook allows you to choose between streaming directly from the platform or using third-party software for enhanced features. Consider using Hubilo’s broadcasting tools for professional events to integrate the event seamlessly with Facebook, providing a higher-quality experience.

  1. Adjusting Settings for Captions and Rewinding Options

Facebook allows users to enable captions and rewind the live stream while it’s still in progress. These features enhance accessibility and give users more control over consuming content.

  1. Verify Stream Settings Before Going Live

Before going live, verify all stream settings, including privacy options, engagement features, and resolution. Hubilo’s professional-grade streaming capabilities ensure that your live stream will be broadcast in HD quality without the hassle of complex setups.

Enhance your Facebook Live stream with Hubilo’s high-quality broadcasting tools, ensuring smooth video streaming and advanced engagement features.

Engaging Your Audience on Instagram Live

Instagram Live is best suited for a younger, more interactive audience, making it a great option for product launches and influencer-driven content.

  1. Promote Your Upcoming Livestream

Promotion is key to gaining traction for your Instagram Live event. Use Instagram Stories, countdowns, and reminders to alert your followers about the upcoming stream. This will help you maximize viewership once the event goes live.

  1. Check Interaction Settings Prior to Going Live

Before starting your stream, check interaction settings such as comments, questions, and requests to join. Enabling these features ensures that you can fully engage your audience, creating a more interactive experience.

  1. Start Livestream via Instagram Stories

Starting your Instagram Live session is as simple as going to your Instagram Stories and swiping to the Live option. During the stream, encourage viewers to comment, ask questions, and engage with the content in real-time.

Streaming with Hubilo for Events

Hubilo’s Broadcasting Studio offers a seamless, all-in-one solution for streaming events on multiple platforms. It doesn't matter if you're using LinkedIn, YouTube, or Facebook, Hubilo enables you to integrate your live stream with minimal effort while providing professional-quality video and engagement tools.

  1. Install Hubilo and Schedule Your Event Meeting

Once you install Hubilo, scheduling your event becomes easy. Whether it's a live webinar, product launch, or training session, Hubilo’s 1-click registration and automated reminders ensure attendees are informed and engaged from the get-go.

  1. Set Up Security Settings and Integrate Livestream

Security is paramount for live-streamed events. Hubilo allows you to set up custom permissions, like Single Sign-On (SSO) or magic link invites. Such features ensure your stream is secure without making it difficult for attendees to join.

  1. Begin the Meeting and Stream on Preferred Platforms

Once everything is set, use Hubilo to start your event and simulcast it across multiple platforms. Whether it’s LinkedIn Live, YouTube, or Facebook, Hubilo ensures that your live stream reaches the widest possible audience with minimal technical setup.

Stream professionally and securely with Hubilo’s Broadcasting Studio, offering seamless integration across multiple platforms and real-time audience engagement tools.

Conclusion

Live streaming is a powerful tool for extending the reach of your events, whether you're hosting a product launch, a conference, or a community discussion. Platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram allow you to engage with diverse audiences. 

By integrating tools like Hubilo’s Broadcasting Studio, you can elevate the professionalism and engagement of your live streams while ensuring seamless, multi-platform access.

Ready to take your live streaming to the next level? Request a demo today to transform your virtual events.

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Author
Hubilo

Hubilo is the webinar platform built for marketers that helps you 2X your pipeline. Founded in 2015, Hubilo's powerful engagement features, dedicated client experience team, and custom branding tools have helped create over 12K virtual events & webinars, creating hundreds of millions of minutes of high-engagement experiences and counting. Headquartered in Bengaluru and San Francisco, Hubilo's 200+ employees are dedicated to enabling webinars & virtual events that convert.

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