Live event video streaming makes up about one quarter of global viewing time. It’s become a go-to method for organizers to reach a larger audience and give viewers an immersive experience from the comfort of their own homes. Thanks to advancements in technology, live streaming platforms are becoming more accessible and affordable, making it easier to broadcast their events to a worldwide audience.
However, with so many platforms available, selecting the right one for your event can be overwhelming. Find out more about choosing the best video streaming platforms for your next event below.
Video Streaming Platforms: Features
When choosing the right live event streaming platform, it’s important to consider several things. Here are a few features to take into account:
Number of Viewers
Think about the estimated number of viewers for your event and choose a platform that can accommodate that size of audience. If you’re expecting a very large audience, you may have different requirements to an event expecting a small audience.
The number of viewers that your live event will draw is a critical factor in determining the best platform for the job. Different platforms have different capabilities in terms of handling a certain number of viewers in real time.
Some platforms may have restrictions on the number of viewers. This may impact the quality of the live stream.
Others may have bandwidth limitations, which might result in buffering issues and low-quality streams. These issues could lead to viewer frustration and impact the success of your event.
It is essential to estimate the expected number of viewers. This allows you to choose a platform that can accommodate that size of the audience.
It’s worth noting that some platforms offer different plans or pricing structures. These might change based on the number of viewers. For instance, some charge based on the number of hours streamed. Others charge per viewer or event.
Customized Branding
For many events, branding is essential in giving the event a professional look and feel. Some platforms offer customization options.
These might include customized player branding or logo integration. Features like these help organizers adapt the platform to suit the brand of their event.
Customized branding is essential. This is especially true if the live stream is a representation of a brand or organization because it allows the event organizers to bolster their brand identity. It also gives them more control over the viewer’s experience.
Monetization Options
If your event is monetized, you need to choose a monetization-supported platform. Some platforms offer pay-per-view or subscriptions. Others allow for advertising, which lets organizers generate revenue.
Using live streams to make money is a great way to recoup some of the cost of event organization. For example, the costs of hosting the event and broadcasting expenses.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is another essential factor to consider when choosing a live event video streaming platform. The best platform should be user-friendly and ideally have a straightforward interface.
A platform that’s easy to use is ideal because it eliminates hiccups. This makes the hosting of and participation in the live event seamless.
Additionally, it will minimize disruptions if any technical glitches arise. Ease of use will help the event organizer focus on the content of the live stream. They then don’t have to worry about technical issues, ensuring that the audiences have a smooth user experience.
Analytics and Reporting
Streaming tools such as analytics and reporting are critical requirements when hosting a live event. A good platform offers detailed analytics so you can track engagement. Analyzing this data is also a great way to see where a future live stream could improve.
Streaming tools that offer information on viewer numbers and audience retention are important. Tracking these statistics lets you know how successful your event has been and if you should try it again in the future.
Video Streaming Platforms: Cost
The cost of a live video streaming platform is a very important consideration. With many platforms having different pricing models, the cost can vary depending on the platform and the features you need.
When choosing a platform, it’s essential to consider what kind of pricing model it has. Some platforms may charge a one-time fee, while others may have recurring charges.
It is also worth noting that some platforms may charge fees for specific features. For example, some charge for monetization options like pay-per-view or advertising options.
Additionally, custom branding and in-depth analytics may also incur extra costs. Event organizers need to consider these costs when selecting a video streaming platform. This ensures that the platform fits within their budget.
Organizers should make a list of must-have features in their chosen platform. They should also try to reduce any extra features they may not need.
The best platform should offer the desired features at reasonable prices. It should meet the organizer’s budget without compromising on streaming quality or functionality.
Platform Support
Reliable and responsive technical support is crucial for a successful live stream. Technical issues can arise at any time. It’s important to have a platform that offers comprehensive support to address issues.
Ideally, a platform should provide multiple support options. For example, phone, email, chat, or a knowledge base with troubleshooting guides.
A dedicated support team should be available to answer questions. They should offer solutions promptly. Be sure to check the support hours of the platform, as some may offer 24/7 support.
In addition to direct support from the platform, it may be helpful to look for a platform with a strong and active community of users. This could include forums, discussion boards, or social media groups where users can share their experiences and offer advice and assistance.
Choose The Best Video Streaming Platforms
Live event streaming is a great way to reach a large audience. Video streaming platforms make an event accessible to everyone. So people can enjoy your live-streaming event globally.
But it’s vital to choose the right streaming platform. Consider the features you want and the budget you have before making your choice. To find out more about live event streaming for your school, get in touch here.