How do you choose the best platform for your live streaming goals?

It all starts with your why. Realizing the purpose behind even starting a live stream will help determine which platform has the functionality, environment, and tools to help you find success as a creator. Once you know the why, then you start to narrow ideas to niche your audience. If it is gaming, then Twitch and YouTube would be the best fits. If it is educational, then YouTube or Zoom would fit your preferences. If it's business and networking, then LinkedIn would be the obvious choice. Looking more at creativity and entertainment, then TikTok or Instagram would fit the bill. It is all contingent on your target demographics.

Choosing the best platform for live streaming involves considering the purpose of the stream, the target audience, technical features, budget, ease of use, and security. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live are ideal for entertainment and gaming, while Zoom and Microsoft Teams are better suited for education and webinars. Interactivity, video quality, and the ability to integrate with other tools are essential, as is evaluating monetization and privacy options. By balancing these factors, you can select the platform that best meets your needs and provides the best experience for your audience.

This is always the part where strategy and your passion play into how you craft the content. You have to speak on something that you are knowledgeable about but will also remain consistent in doing regularly. This is why having something you are passionate about discussing or teaching helps sustain your content creativity.

Having a well-crafted message and approach to sharing with your audience is one of the keys to stimulating engagement with your viewers. Making them feel welcomed and part of the Livestream is a great way to build an audience that not only engages but supports you as a creator. This kind of relation is key in sales and social selling as a live stream creator.

Every platform has the basic features...video, audio, screenshare and chat. It's important to experiment with each platform and see what features they offer/support. You may find it extremely helpful to have a second camera option (unlike most platforms that only bring in one camera feed). If you want to stream to more than one destination, you need to test those additional streams out with each one and see how the platform handles it. One of the best tools you can dive into is a software encoder. You will be able to produce an experience for your audience that will set you apart from the boring zoom meetings. Adding multiple cameras, overlays and graphics can be easy with the right tool. Check out OBS, eCamm Live, and vMix.

Most platforms have the access and ability to allow you to start small like streaming with your phone. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have some of the best tools to use all from your phone. Using more advanced equipment like DSLR cameras, and XLR microphones, audio interfaces are geared toward larger events or recordings that require editing for commercial use or industry-specific content. They aren't totally necessary to begin live streaming.

Growth is based on many factors like platform, content strategy, and overall performance. Is the objective just growth or is it networking with a purpose? Your exposure stems from whether you are hitting your target audience and remaining consistent with your messaging. Using things like analytics can help you craft and redefine the parameters of how you show and present your live stream, for example, changing the time or day of your stream based on viewership. It lets you see the retainage of viewers and for how long. The numbers can help improve your overall growth.

Technology in Live Streaming is constantly changing and evolving to fit the needs of the creators who use them in their businesses and branding. Understanding the market and which platform will suit your content niche will determine how you choose your streaming software. Is the goal more in-person events? Is it more geared towards presentations? Is it more of a vlog? All of these should help you choose to use Zoom, Restream, StreamYard or ECamm Live.

Choosing the best platform for live streaming (LS) depends on several factors. 1st: consider your specific goals. Are you targeting a large audience or a niche community? Determine the features+tools you need, such as monetization options, chat functionality+analytics. 2nd: evaluate the platform's UI & ease-of-use for both YOU+viewers. Research the platform's reputation/stability/reliability/including track record w/past events. Look at the platform's audience reach+engagement potential. Consider the platform's compatibility w/your desired devices+streaming setup. Lastly, explore the support+community resources for troubleshooting+growth. By carefully considering these factors, you can select the platform that aligns best w/your LS goals.

Facebook is easy to stream with - it can be done via mobile too - and will reach a good sized audience. Do it regularly enough for the algorithm to pick it for extra viewers. LinkedIn is harder to stream through - needing an external platform like OBS and it can’t be done via mobile at this time. However there is a good audience on there who will engage. It’s also worth considering things like Zoom, if you are looking to stream an event to a select audience and don’t want it available for anyone to view, you can control the audience through here. If you’re looking to earn through streams then Facebook has a Stars facility through which people can donate if they’re enjoying the stream.