How to Stream Stress-Free: 5 Must-Do’s Before Going Live!

How to Stream Stress-Free: 5 Must-Do’s Before Going Live!

In the world of live streaming, ensuring a seamless broadcast is essential, and let’s be honest, better for your health!

I’ve put together five steps to prepare for a stress-free live streaming experience. Whether you’re using Ecamm Live, OBS, StreamYard, or another platform, these tips will help you avoid common mistakes, and help maintain your sanity.

With me? Okay, now first, let’s breathe…

Tip 1: Reboot Your Machine

Rebooting your machine ensures that all system resources are available for your live stream. Computers can accumulate unnecessary background processes and applications that consume CPU and memory, potentially affecting the performance of your live stream. So do these first:

1. Restart Your Computer: Whether you’re on a Mac or a PC, a fresh reboot can clear out any temporary files and processes that might slow down your system.

2. Close Unnecessary Applications: Disable or quit any background applications that aren’t needed for your live stream, such as file syncing services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

Tip 2: Check Your Internet Speed

A stable and fast internet connection is vital for a successful live stream, so focus on your upload speed, as it determines how smoothly your stream will reach your audience, without buffering or dropped frames.

Download is not as important for when you’re live streaming, for your upload speeds, plan on having at least 10Mbps for a HD (1080P) live stream at 25-30FPS (Frames per Second).

1. Test Your Speed: Use tools like speedtest.net or fast.com to check your upload and download speeds. For Ecamm Live users, the built-in speed test feature can help you determine if your connection is sufficient.

2. Optimize Your Bandwidth: Ensure no one in your household is streaming or downloading large files during your live broadcast. This can significantly impact your available bandwidth. So tell your family to ease off on the gaming at that latest NetFlix series 😉

Tip 3: Set Up Audio and Lighting

AUDIO - Ever been on mute during a call? I have. It was really fun…. Clear and balanced audio is crucial for keeping your audience engaged, so check the following before you go live.

Check Microphone Levels: Ensure your microphone is at the right volume, and test with guests if you have any.

Balance Background Audio: Make sure any background music or sound effects are not overpowering your voice.

LIGHTS - Good lighting not only ensures you are clearly visible and professional-looking on camera, but it also helps you look your best!

1. Verify Light Settings: Ensure all lights are operational and positioned correctly.

2. Make sure your colour balance is correct - no point looking orange on camera right? Unless that’s your thing (who am I thinking of right now…) 🍊

3. Charge Battery-Operated Lights: If using battery-powered lights, make sure they are fully charged before going live. Nobody likes being in the dark!

Tip 4: Organize Your Scenes and Conduct a Test Recording

Proper scene setup ensures a smooth flow during your live stream. Make sure your Run of Show (ROS) is correct and that you have everything set up as you expect.

1. Prepare Your Scenes: Set up different scenes for various parts of your stream, such as a full view of yourself, presentation slides, or guest speakers.

2. Rehearse the Flow: Practice switching between scenes to ensure a seamless transition during the actual stream.

Do a test recording - this helps identify any issues before going live, especially if you have guests, you can test their audio and video quality together with any potential feedback or other audio issues.

Run a Test Stream: Use private or unlisted settings on platforms like YouTube to test the quality and functionality of your stream, that way you can see what your audience will see 😀 

Tip 5: Disable Those Pesky Notifications and Prepare for Interruptions

Unwanted notifications can be distracting while watching a live stream, especially if your cryptocurrency values are decreasing! Nobody wants to see your crying face……

1. Activate “Do Not Disturb” mode on all devices, including phones, tablets, and smartwatches.

2. Minimize Interruptions: Ensure that no apps or devices can send notifications during your stream.

Having the right preparations in place can make your live stream experience more comfortable.

1. Stay Hydrated: Keep water nearby to stay hydrated.

2. Check Streaming Destinations: Verify that your stream is directed to the correct platforms and that they are functioning properly.

Hopefully the above tips will help you at least have a checklist ready to prepare for any of your up and coming live streams.

My YouTube Channel has a number of helpful tips and trick for your recorded and live video content - so check it out here and consider subscribing as it help the channel a lot. youtube.com/@neilfarrimond 

If you’re a MAC user, Ecamm Live is 30% off for the month of July! https://www.ecamm.com/zoom/?fp_ref=neilf

And if you want to have a chat about your production needs, the link is below to book a free initial 30min consultation.

Till next time.

Neil.