Live streaming is now an increasingly popular exercise used by people online to connect with their audiences and share content. Of course, the rise in mobile technology has made it easier than ever to broadcast activities live from your phone.
Whether you're streaming on Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Twitch, or any other platform, live streaming on smartphones is a convenient and flexible way to reach your audience in real-time. It helps you reach them in double-quick time and share your message.
The advancement in mobile technology has offered flexibility in how you can go online anytime, anywhere. The guide below will cover everything you need about mobile live streaming, including how to live stream, set up your equipment, optimize your settings, and promote your stream.
The best platforms for mobile live streaming
Selecting a platform is the first step to becoming a regular in mobile live streaming. With the boom in the importance of social media today, many options are available, including Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Twitch, and YouTube Live.
For your convenience, here's a brief overview of each platform:
Facebook Live: This app is famous for live streaming, allowing you to broadcast to your Facebook page, profile, or group. You can go live on the official Facebook app or use a third-party app.
Instagram Live: Perhaps the most popular way to be seen online today, Instagram Live is a feature added to the Instagram app that allows you to broadcast live videos to your hundreds and thousands of followers. It's an excellent way to engage with your audiences and build your brand.
Twitch: Twitch is perhaps the most used website for content creators from an indoor standpoint, but that doesn't mean the platform, primarily preferred for streaming video games, is not a useful option for on-the-go broadcasting. It is also famous for other types of content, especially ASMR and Just Chatting, which you can stream from your phone using its app.
YouTube Live: YouTube Live is also a feature within the YouTube app that allows you to stream live videos from wherever you are, helping reach your subscribers at all times. It's another great option for engaging with your audience and building your brand.
Mobile live-streaming setup
While using your phone for live streaming is relatively easy, there are some points that you must remember to improve your setup and ensure the best possible quality. Lest we forget, here are the basic requirements to get your streams up and running:
Smartphone: With so many options and brands available today, you can use Android or iOS devices for live streaming.
Internet connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for live streaming. You must ensure a strong Wi-Fi signal or cellular connection to give your audiences the best output.
Camera: Most mobile phones today have built-in cameras and microphones that perform well to a certain extent, but you may want to consider using external equipment for better quality. Like with a tripod/stand or external microphone, a secondary camera with good specs can help take advantage of the best visual settings.
Some highly-helpful tips for setting up your mobile streaming setup are listed below:
Use a tripod or stand: Ensuring to keep your phone steady is imperative to churning out good-quality videos. Hence, you must invest in a tripod or stand to keep your smartphone in place and prevent shaky footage.
Use an external microphone: There is no doubt that your gadget's built-in microphone is more than adequate for basic live streaming, but an external microphone can greatly improve your audio quality. Thus, you must consider investing in a lavalier or shotgun microphone for better sound.
Use lighting: Good lighting is another essential aspect of producing high-quality videos. You can use a ring light or other lighting sources to make sure your footage is well-lit and easy to see.
Use a mobile streaming encoder: Those looking to take your live streaming output to the next level can consider using a mobile streaming encoder. This device provides advanced features like multi-camera switching, graphics overlays, and more to help you spruce up your videos as much as possible
How to live stream from your phone
Broadcasting live from your mobile device is relatively simple and requires following only a few basic steps. Follow these pointers on how to stream on phones:
Download a live-streaming app: Various live-streaming apps are available for iOS and Android devices, with some popular options being Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and Twitch. Once you've chosen the ideal software application, download and install it on your phone.
Connect to a stable internet connection: As mentioned above, a strong and stable internet connection is crucial for a successful live-streaming experience. If your data is weak or unstable, your broadcast might lag or cut out entirely. Hence, connect to a Wi-Fi network or use a cellular connection with a strong signal.
Set up your stream: Most times, it is as easy as following the on-screen instructions to set up your stream. You may also need to choose a title for your stream and select your audience.
Adjust your settings: Before starting the stream, ensure your camera and microphone settings are optimized for the best possible quality. Most live streaming apps use your phone's built-in camera and mic, but if you have invested in external equipment, use them for better quality. Remember to set the camera resolution to 1080p, ensuring your video is clear and sharp. A tripod or stand can help keep the phone steady, while an external microphone improves your audio quality significantly.
Start streaming: Once you're done setting up your equipment and connecting to the internet, you're ready to start streaming. Now, you can simply open your live streaming app and follow the on-screen instructions to begin your stream.
Another important factor for those regularly broadcasting is promoting them to ensure you reach a larger audience. Here are some effective ways to promote your mobile live streams:
Use social media: Social media websites are a great way to promote your mobile live streams. Sharing a post on your various handles to inform your followers about any upcoming stream helps attract more eyeballs, but remember to use relevant hashtags to make your post more discoverable.
Collaborate with others: Teaming up with other content creators is a wonderful way to promote your broadcasts. Find other streamers in your niche and ask them if they'd be interested in collaborating with you.
Send out email newsletters: If you have an email list, push out a newsletter to inform your subscribers about upcoming streams. A helpful step is to include a call to action to encourage them to tune in.
Offer incentives: Incentives are a great way to encourage people to tune in to your live streams. For example, offer a giveaway or discount code to viewers who watch the entire stream, and watch the results unfold.
Cross-promote on different platforms: If you're broadcasting on multiple platforms, ensure to cross-promote on each one of them. For example, if you're streaming on Facebook and Instagram, make sure to promote your Facebook stream on Instagram and vice versa.
Utilize paid promotion: Paid promotions can be an effective way to reach a larger audience. Running ads on social media platforms to promote your live streams can serve you well in the long run.
Engage with your audience: Perhaps the most important barometer of a streamer's success is their ability to engage with their audiences. Communicating with them before the stream can help build excitement and anticipation for the event. Also, remember to respond to comments and questions, and consider doing a Q&A before the broadcast to get people excited.
Utilize these promotion strategies to increase your chances of reaching a larger audience and making your mobile live stream a success.