YouTube live stream is a powerful way to connect with your audience in real time and provide them with valuable information and insights. It also provides an opportunity for viewers to interact with you directly and build up a sense of trust in your brand that you simply cannot get from a blog post, podcast episode or standard video. If you’re looking to take your online marketing strategy to the next level, you should consider adding a regular live streaming schedule to your repertoire.
Before you start your YouTube live stream, be sure to check the terms of service and privacy policies. Once you have done this, click the “create a live stream” button (the camera icon with a + inside) and select either “go live right now” or a scheduled date for your event. You will then be prompted to choose which device you wish to use for the broadcast. You can use a webcam, external video capture device or even your smartphone.
Once you have selected your device, you will need to set up the software and prepare for your broadcast. Make sure your camera is in a location with good lighting and that you have an internet connection that can support the video quality you’re trying to achieve. If you are using a microphone, ensure it is close enough to your mouth and can pick up your voice clearly. It’s a good idea to test your audio settings and run through the basics of your setup before you go live so that you are ready for your first broadcast.
It’s important to keep in mind that viewer comments only have a short life span, so you should be sure to reply to them as quickly as possible (ideally live if possible) or at least straight after your stream is over. This will help to boost engagement and encourage viewers to come back for future broadcasts.
In addition to replying to viewer comments during a live stream, you should try to engage with your audience in other ways as well. For example, you can add cards to your videos that link to related content on your channel or other websites. You can also include links in the description of your video to attract new viewers and drive more engagement.
Another effective way to promote your YouTube live stream is by sharing the video on social media before and during the broadcast. Be sure to select the most appropriate social network for each promotion based on the type of content you’re posting: Twitter followers may be more receptive to humor and levity than Facebook followers, for instance.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of live streams, it might be worth creating a dedicated page on your website for these events. This will allow visitors to easily find your latest broadcasts and set reminders for upcoming events. It will also allow you to create a more interactive experience for your audience by providing them with a comment box, Super Chat and other features that are only available during live streams. youtube live stream