The world of live video streaming may feel daunting at first, especially when you’re trying to decide which platform to choose from! But just as every social media platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so too do the options available for live video streaming.
In order to determine the platform that will best suit your needs and the needs of your audience, it’s important to know all of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each one.
This guide will walk you through what you need to consider before choosing any live video streaming platform and will allow you to make an informed decision that will lead to success!
1) The quality of the video
The quality of the video is one of the most important features you will want to consider when choosing a live video streaming platform. Depending on what you are using your live streaming for, it may be more important than others.
Some platforms offer high-definition footage while others offer lower resolution options. Make sure that the quality matches your needs before making your final decision.
2) The price
One of the most important factors in choosing a live video streaming platform is price. It's essential to know what you're going to get for your money before you commit. Some providers offer free plans, while others only offer paid plans - and these prices vary greatly, so it's important that you find the right balance between features and budget.
Look into how much bandwidth each provider offers with their basic packages or lower-priced plans, as well as what additional costs may apply if you exceed this limit.
A good rule of thumb is to figure out how many concurrent viewers will be watching your stream at once and then add one more person for every gigabyte required for an hour-long video stream. (e.g., two hundred (200) concurrent viewers would require three (3) GB per hour).
3) The features
The features you need to look for are the most important factors in deciding which live video streaming platform is right for you. Here are some features you should consider when choosing one:
- Connections - Speed and stability of connections, both upstream and downstream.
- Broadcast Quality - Resolution, bitrate, frame rate, audio quality.
- Cost and pricing model. How much does it cost? What's the pricing model? Is it monthly or yearly or by number of viewers?
There are also premium features that some platforms offer like virtual green screen backgrounds, animated 3D logos and more. But be careful not to get swayed by fancy graphics!
4) The ease of use
The first thing you need to consider when picking a live video streaming platform is the ease of use. There are many platforms on the market, but not all of them are created equal.
It's important that your platform be easy enough to navigate so that your viewers don't get frustrated and leave before the stream has even started! - Ease of sign-up: Signing up for a live video streaming service should also be a breeze.
Don't make it difficult for your viewers to follow along with what you're saying because they'll just tune out! - Ease of navigation: Make sure there are only two or three buttons on your screen at any given time.
Too much clutter will just frustrate people and make them want to find another platform. Keep it simple and your audience will love it.
5) The compatibility
While there are many live video streaming platforms out there, not all of them are compatible with the device you want to use. Some have apps for iOS devices, but not Android. Others might work on your computer but not your phone or tablet.
Find a platform that works with the devices you plan on using before signing up for an account.
6) The customer support
The customer support is one of the most important elements when deciding which live video streaming platform to go with. A company that offers good customer support and responds quickly will make you feel safe and confident in your decision.
It can also help provide guidance on what type of content you should produce and what time frame it should be broadcasted in order to maximize viewership. There are many different factors that go into choosing a live video streaming platform, but all can be made easier by considering the customer support.
7) The security
The most important thing you want to consider when choosing a live video streaming platform is security. If your videos are not secure, it could allow viewers to take over the stream and show you something inappropriate or harmful.
To make sure that doesn't happen, make sure the company offers some type of protection like two-factor authentication and content moderation tools. And if you're going to be posting sensitive material (like medical procedures), make sure there's an encrypted tunnel for data transmission.
8) The reputation
The first thing you need to consider before choosing a live video streaming platform is the reputation of the company. A few ways you can do this are checking reviews, looking at how long they have been in business, and reading their terms of service.
For example, if they want your personal information and won't tell you what they're using it for, that's not so good. Another important thing to look at when evaluating a company's reputation is their customer service.
If something goes wrong with your account or you have questions about anything, will they be able to help? And finally, check out who else uses them. Maybe an influencer or two will be enough motivation to use one over another!
9) The user reviews
The user reviews are one of the most important parts of the decision-making process. If other users have had a good experience with the service, then you can expect that you will too. Read as many reviews as possible before deciding.
It's also a good idea to pay attention to when the review was written. Older reviews might not be relevant anymore and it might be worth paying more attention to newer ones.
10) Your specific needs
Live video streaming is one of the fastest growing trends in social media and marketing, with some live video streaming platforms already generating millions of dollars. But before you start broadcasting your life on Facebook or Periscope, there are some things you need to consider.
Do you have a specific need? Are you looking for an affordable option that will also allow you to broadcast in HD? Do want a platform that offers analytics so that you can track your audience engagement? These are just some of the questions you'll need to answer before committing to any particular service.
There's no point in jumping into live video streaming if you're not going to be successful.
