What are some best practices for engaging with your viewers on different platforms during a restream?

Since you can pretty much restream anywhere - stream to where your current audience is first creating a community, then add new streams to where you want to build a new audience.

Always stream to at least two social networks (one not being owned by Facebook) because if all of Facebook-owned social networks go down at once you're in trouble.

When you stream to more than one platform, remember that the people on the different platforms can’t see or engage with the people on the other platforms. Make sure your platforms choices make sense for your content. Also consider driving people to your main desired channel by offering bonus content on that channel and shutting the streams down on the other channels to create a FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) scenario. Sometimes you have to get people out of their comfort zone to get them on the platforms where you want to build your community. Also consider discoverability for replay when you are choosing where to stream, not everyone can catch your live due to other commitments.

Restream, Riverside, StreamYard—options galore for streaming to multiple platforms with a single click. But ah, that tricky 'stream all' button! Pros: + Cast a wider net, reaching more viewers effortlessly + Saves time and streamlines your workflow Cons: x Each platform has its own vibe and audience, risk of diluting your message x Technical hiccups on one platform can impact all streams Remember, when you're just starting out, hitting 'stream all' is like trying to ignite all burners at once—exciting until something goes up in flames! ???? Pro Tip: Start with 1-2 platforms to build your experience and community, adding more as you grow.

I am a StreamYard user and love this tool. It makes my livestream and podcast look and sound professional. It’s easy to use, easy to brand for my show and easy to invite guests to.

Making your audience feel seen, heard, loved and valued should never be underestimated. Engaging with your audience before, during and after a live stream is essential to creating a successful and memorable event/show. When you respond to each viewer's comments and questions, you show that you care about the audience, you care about their thoughts and opinions, and that you want to engage with them on a personal level. Not only that, it brings them into the show and makes them a part of it. By using Streamyard, for example, you can see all the comments from the platforms you are streaming to, which is an added bonus because you can display them all on screen while you are live.

Top Tip: use props, sounds and short video clips to add ‘spice’ to your streams! Engage, engage, surprise and engage! That’s the way to keep your audience watching.

In order to stick to the rules, you’ve got to know the rules. Make sure you read over and understand the rules of each platform. The last thing you need is losing access after having build up a community.

Understanding platform limitations and rules is critical. To livestream on the Amazon Platform you have to be approved via the Influencer program or through their vendor/seller program. At this time Amazon only allows live-streaming at 720p so going live at 1080p or higher is not going to happen. If you are multistreaming while on Amazon remember that purchases can only be made on Amazon so consider the other channels as a way to build awareness and encourage viewers to join you there. Live selling is growing so consider how this can benefit your company and connecting with potential clients in solving their problems.

Live streaming's (LS) an excellent opportunity to connect with your audience in real-time. Encourage participation by asking questions, inviting them to comment & share their thoughts. It's also important to respond to comments & questions during +after the LS to build relationships & create a sense of community. Commenting after+bringing comments on screen LIVE are also ways to engage. One of our favorite engagement strategies is to bring audience comments up on screen. We'll ask a question, then use the audience responses to make them feel more like they're a part of the show. Say Hi! to someone in the comments! The more you include your audience in the LS, the more they feel seen, hear, loved & valued, which builds loyalty & a 'family'