How Event Livestreaming Benefits Your Business
Blog author
If there’s one thing these past couple of years have taught us, it is that change is inevitable. Whether you are ready for it, change will happen, and therefore it is of the utmost importance to make sure you are able to adjust to anything that may come your way.
In 2020, we saw the world change in unimaginable ways. We saw toilet paper fly off the shelves, freeways with little to no traffic, and lest we forget, lots of bread making. But most importantly, we saw people connect virtually when meeting in-person was impossible.
While nothing can beat sharing an experience with people around you, the world found ways to still connect with livestreaming. Concerts, church services, meetings, birthdays, TikTok challenges, you name it! And as we slowly step into this post-pandemic age, livestreaming services have continued to connect people around the world.
Fast forward to 2022, we have continued to see AV technology evolve and unite people virtually around the world. Most importantly, we have Top Gun: Maverick. And if there is one way to best explain livestreaming, it would be by using a copious amount of Top Gun references obviously.
So, if you are looking to livestream your upcoming events, our Audio-Visual experts at TGAV are ready to be your wingman and fly with you any time (there we go again with the Top Gun references). We’ve put together some helpful tips for livestreaming best practice, so let’s begin with the basics, pilots.
[#section1]What is “Event Livestreaming”?[#section1]
First, let’s break it down. What does “streaming” mean anyway?
Streaming is the process of transmitting data when a person watches a video online. Put simply, it is a way to slowly feed video content so that streamer’s devices do not struggle with having to download the entirety of the video.
So, livestreaming would be…?
Livestreaming is a platform where both the audio and visuals are being broadcast in real-time to an online, internet audience. In contrast to an already streamed video, livestreaming is when a video is sent online without having been recorded or previously stored elsewhere on the internet. Similar to live TV, but easier!
The main difference?
Streamed content is produced, uploaded, and fed to an audience, whereas livestreamed content is being viewed by the audience simultaneously as the creator is producing it.
[#section2]3 Benefits of Event Livestreaming[#section2]
As we mentioned, livestreaming is being used all around the globe, connecting people far and wide. In fact, in some countries, livestreaming is being used more than people drive their cars! Live content earns 27% more minutes of watch time per viewing, nearly 6 more minutes, at 24.41 minutes on average for live video versus video on demand, so it makes sense why we’re seeing such a huge spike in people and companies taking a barrel roll into the industry.
Businesses, churches, musicians and the like have implemented livestreaming services for their events that have been proven to benefit their cause, whether that be generating more money, spreading their message, or sharing their music.
But why not just do the event in person? That would be better, right? Or so they say. Well, in the technology age, that might not be the case and here are some reasons why.
1. Accessibility & Convenience
Like we said, many people are jumping on the livestreaming bandwagon. And if there were two words that would best describe how this industry is growing so fast it would be: accessibility & convenience.
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Accessibility
Livestreaming technology has improved and become more accessible in a very short amount of time, leaving the industry an open field for growth and opportunity. The proof is in the pudding!
We’re sure you have noticed that livestreaming capabilities have been added to all major social media platforms: From Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Periscope to Twitter, TikTok and many more.
Why? It’s convenient.
Convenience
It’s convenient for major social platforms to capitalise on the ways livestreaming can expand their platform’s influence. This way they can take advantage of the open market that has erupted in front of them and monopolise the market share.
But it’s not just a matter of convenience for major social networks; businesses, musicians, churches, social media influencers and the like have all opted to provide a livestreaming option for their given audience because it is not only convenient for them, but also for their audience.
Some musicians now offer livestream links (at a price) to their concerts, giving them the ability to profit from fans who can’t be in attendance or for those just wanting to relive it all over again. This also gives freedom to viewers to access the livestream wherever they may be - at home, in bed, or on the go.
Similarly, businesses and large church organisations have begun offering livestreaming services for their employees or audiences to welcome a larger crowd than an in-person event would be able to accommodate. Livestreaming major conferences or meetings can just as effectively relay the main purpose of an in-person gathering, without, well, the in-person part.
Not to mention, companies, corporations, or churches are minimising their spending thanks to livestreaming technologies by avoiding the logistical nightmares that can come with large scale events. While building community is still a major priority for most companies, many have found ways to do so virtually which in turn, has limited spending on travel, housing, labour costs, and any additional expenses that may arise with large in-person conferences.
2. Personification
In comparison to video recordings or video on-demand, livestreaming provides the opportunity to showcase the authenticity of the event and its attendees. For example, presenters speaking live on camera; they might make a mistake, stutter, or share a chuckle on camera, but it’s these little details that can make viewers feel like they are front row at a live show; making them feeling connected wherever they may be.
Contrary to choreographed or scripted TV, people tend to gravitate towards live broadcasts because the art of human error personifies experiences and makes them more enjoyable.
However when livestreaming, do take caution. Remember, all content being broadcast is fed directly to the audience in real time. Meaning there is no time to go back or make cuts to the content when mistakes or incidents happen. All footage is live and uncensored! Oh snap!
Be cognisant of the content you are capturing and how it will be received by your audience. Mistakes do happen, and so do unprecedented occurrences that maybe shouldn’t be caught on film. Whether that be fumbling over words, forgetting cues, incidents happening on stage, or behind-the-scenes, these are all very probable situations that could occur while livestreaming. With this in mind, approach your livestream prepared for anything that may be thrown your way. It’s better to be prepared for any obstacles as best as you can.
While it's the essence of human behaviour that makes livestreamed content so immersive, it can be a bit of risky business (okay, now that's just a Tom Cruise reference). But it’s important to make sure that what you are capturing isn’t taking away from your audience’s experience. It’s not the camera, it’s the cameraman (if you get our drift).
3. Viewer Engagement
No, we are not talking about the type of engagement that comes during the live finale of “The Bachelor”, although that is broadcast live. We are talking about ways livestreaming has improved audience engagement. Almost all livestreaming platforms have ways of engaging with their viewers in real time.
Many streaming platforms have invested in incorporating engaging features that help keep audiences tuned in for the event being streamed. For example, polls, chat features, emoji expressions, and even tools to generate a cash flow, where viewers can share their thoughts directly with the livestreamer and vice versa.
Some platforms that have included these features into their services include:
It’s these little interactions that help build connections between the livestreamer and their audience, leaving viewers wanting more.
[#section3]The Right Event Livestreaming Equipment[#section3]
Obviously, there’s so much more to share, so check back for Part 2 of event livestreaming for business coming soon!
Over and out, Maverick.
If you are planning a livestream event or need the right equipment for your setup, we would love to help! Contact us at tgav.au or call 02 8850 2223 to chat with one of our friendly AV experts!
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