With over 1 billion hours of video watched per day on YouTube, live streaming through the platform is becoming a highly powerful tool for video creators to leverage in order to reach a larger audience. Live streaming allows you and your audience to connect instantly in real time. YouTube live gives video creators the ability to host vlogs, webinars, and even concerts for their fans; plus you even have the ability to monetize your stream. In fact, according to eMarketer, 63% of millennials have watched live content and 42% have created it, making them the largest group of live video consumers and creators. Additionally, YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for video creators to watch and create live streams on today with it accounting for 16% of the market share. Get started with YouTube live now with these helpful tips on the best ways to use it:
Why You Should Use YouTube Live
If you’re still on the fence about using YouTube live, here are some reasons why you should try it out:
People Go On YouTube To Watch Video
People go to YouTube specifically to watch videos, unlike when they login into other live streaming platforms such as Facebook or Instagram. In fact, a study found that viewers are more likely to watch a YouTube live broadcast over five times longer than a Facebook live broadcast.
It’s Easy And Free To Get Started
The best part about live streaming on YouTube is that anyone can do it. Users can go live instantly on the mobile app and with a recent update, creators can go live on their desktop without any additional equipment.
Communicate With Your Audience In Real Time
Interacting with your viewers during your live stream helps builds loyalty to your content and increases engagement. This can also improve your videos’ algorithm ranking.
You Can Make Money
As a video creator, you want to use as many avenues as you can to make money. Just last year, the live streaming video market was able to generate $30.29 billion dollars in revenue proving its value.
Before You Stream Live On YouTube
Before you go live, you want to make sure you take the proper steps to ensure that you have a successful stream:
Video Quality is Key
67% of viewers say quality is the most important factor when watching a live stream. You can live stream with your phone or the webcam attached to your computer, just make sure the quality is there. It’s important to have a strong internet connection along with good lighting to make your live stream as clear as can be. Don’t forget to test your equipment and internet connection before you start your live stream. You can do this by setting your stream to private so that no one else can see it. Read here for a complete walk-through on how to do this.
Plan Your Stream
Preparation is key. Try to think of potential questions or types of content your viewers might ask to see, or be proactive and ask them directly what kind of live videos they want to see. Set a goal for what you want to accomplish during your live stream and then organize what you’re going to do and say by outlining your key points. This will help you stay on track and have a successful broadcast. Make sure you always promote your live stream across your social media platforms to generate interest and FOMO.
Make Sure You’re Monetizing
If your YouTube channel is set up for monetization, you can earn revenue on your live streams. There are two different ways to earn money, Ads and Super Chat. Just like your normal videos on your channel, YouTube will place ads before or during your live stream and you’ll receive a portion of the ad revenue generated.
The other way you can make money on your live stream is with Super Chat. Your audience can purchase Super Chats and get their message highlighted in the live stream for a certain amount of time. The color of the Super Chat, the period of time it stays pinned in the ticker, and the maximum message length are determined by the amount of the purchase. Remember to always thank the fans who purchase Super Chats during your stream.
While You Stream Live On YouTube
You’re ready to go live! Now that you’ve taken the necessary steps to prepare, here are some tips for success while the camera is rolling:
Alert Your Fans
As soon as you start you live stream you want to “ring the bell” which is a YouTube feature that will alert your subscribers that your livestream has started. They will get a notification in-app and through email.
Utilize Live Chat
With Live Chat, you can see how your audience is reacting to what’s happening in your live stream and interact with them in real time. You can ask them questions, give shoutouts, and respond to their questions all during the stream. This is what makes live streaming so powerful. In fact, 79% of users said the biggest benefit of live video streaming is its ability to create a “more authentic interaction with an audience”.
Check Your Real Time Analytics
While you’re going live you want to make sure that you’re keeping track of the live stream dashboard. Here you’ll be able to see how your viewers are reacting to your live event and make any changes or adjustments necessary. For example, if you see that viewers are leaving or that your live chat isn’t as active, you should rethink your strategy to help increase engagement.
When you begin to leverage YouTube live, dont forget to use our Social Sync and Righs Sync technology. This will allow you to automatically upload your YouTube Live videos straight to your Vydia library, where you can publish and protect it.