Over the last few years, live streaming on YouTube and other video channels such as Twitch, etc has increased tremendously. While the increase, to some extent can be attributed to the involuntary lockdown that the Coronavirus pandemic cause way back in 2019 and beyond. This increment was bound to happen at some point in time because humans always craved new forms of entertainment. But how does live streaming on Youtube work?
A survey conducted by YouTube in 2020 shows that over 70% of YouTubers used YouTube to watch online replacements of live events. The same survey also showed that YouTubers do watch live videos for 10-20x longer than pre-recorded ones.
Another research has shown that 82% of internet users prefer live video to social media posts. If anything, this goes to prove that live video has cemented itself on consumers’ news feeds.
Numbers don’t like, they say. If this survey is anything to go by, we can safely assume that majority of YouTubers prefer watching live streams to pre-recorded videos. And as someone who wants to create video content for people on YouTube, live streaming on YouTube is the way to go!
WHAT EXACTLY IS YOUTUBE LIVE?
Of all the platforms that allow live streaming, YouTube ranks highest on that list, closely followed by twitch. YouTube Live, which previously, was called YouTube channel was first established in November 2008. But in April 2011, YouTube Channel was renamed YouTube live with a complete shift in dynamic.
Back then, YouTube was the one in charge of approving the type of content that should be aired. But right now, anyone with a YouTube channel can live stream to their audience as long as it meets the criteria.
Streaming live on YouTube is the best and fastest way to create a solid relationship/connection with your audience. Live videos are usually unscripted and responsive, and unsurprising, the authenticity is what keeps the viewers glued to their screen.
STREAMING IDEAS
Netizens watch live streams for different reasons, one being that they want to enjoy live entertainment (some believe that live entertainment is the best form of entertainment and not pre-recorded ones).
For avid gamers, they will obviously want to search for YouTubers that live stream games. So you, as a content creator need to create something that will center around gaming… and gaming alone. Live show reactions, podcasts, and live Q&A are others streaming ideas that people are actively searching for.
Therefore, before deciding on the content you’re to stream, you need to ask yourself this important question “who are my target audiences?”
If you have gotten an answer to this, then you’re on the right path.
HOW LIVE STREAMING ON YOUTUBE WORKS
Live streaming on YouTube is not the hardest thing in the world. In fact, it is one of those things you can do in your leisure time. The only people who might find live streaming hard are those who don’t have the necessary tools and gadgets needed and those who have zero content to offer. So they just go live and there’s where it all ends.
Before I go deeper into how you can Live stream on YouTube, I have to tell you this.
As cars depend solemnly on gas (petrol) to function, so do streamers depend entirely on the number of viewers they can amass. I mean, there is no greater embarrassment than going live and having a grand total of zero viewers. What am I trying to say here? try to build a solid fan base first.
Now back to today’s business, how does live streaming on Youtube work?
Step 1
First and foremost, make sure you have your channel and all your equipment set before going live. This step is perhaps the first and most important of them all. Before going live, make sure you’ve already fine-tuned your equipment to avoid unnecessary and preventable issues while streaming live. And if you are new to YouTube, all you have to do is head straight to YouTube.com/verify to register and confirm your account verification. Once you’ve done that, you’re good to go.
Step 2
Enable live streaming from your YouTube panel: Before starting a live stream on YouTube, you need to toggle on the live stream option. On a mobile phone, all your need to do is:
- Open the YouTube app on your phone
- Toggle on the Create symbol at the bottom
- Answer the setup questions
- Then Click on Go Live option at the bottom of the screen
- Wait until they enable your live streaming request (usually takes up to 24 hours)
* Please note that before being allowed to Live stream on YouTube, you need at least 1,000 subscribers.
If you are using a web browser to access YouTube on your PC, all you have to do is follow this simple step:
- Go to your browser and log in to your YouTube account
- Click on the Create symbol at the top. After this, click on Go Live.
- Get your “webcam” ready and select webcam option in the left menu.
- Carefully answer the setup questions.
- Wait until YouTube verify your account
- If you meet up with YouTube requirements, wait for 24 hours to get your live streaming request approved.
Step 3
After getting your live streaming request approved, select a stream type based on your purpose. The good news is that YouTube has afforded live streamers to select the type of recording options they want. These recording options are just there. I will briefly explain every one of them including how to use them.
- Mobile: Going live via mobile phone is becoming increasingly popular in recent years. This is probably due to how easy it is to Live stream on mobile phones. Unlike your PC, you can actually take your phone to every recording location. However, live streaming on a mobile phone is extremely limited. Vlogging or sharing updates from the go are what they are best used for.
- Webcam: This recording option is for those who like to live stream on their computer. All you have to do is place your webcam above your computer such that you’ll only be filming yourself. This option is particularly good for live Q&A sessions and sharing of thoughts on specific topics. Check out our list of the best streaming webcams here.
- Encoder: This option is probably the most populous one in the video live streaming industry. This option affords you the chance to share your computer screen in your live streams. This is particularly good for streaming games, Live concerts, podcasts, etc.
Step 4
After choosing your stream type, the next thing is to create a stream description, title, thumbnail image, category, PG rating, etc. These will help ensure you attract more views and subscribers. A typical thumbnail image should be 1280×720 with a minimum width of 640 pixels and it must be very catchy such that YouTubers will be tempted to click on your streams.
The stream description on the other hand should always include important keywords and relevant links. Aside from the fact that this will help your stream rank higher in search results, it will also assist your audience in understanding what they are watching.
Step 5
After this, you will be asked if you want to monetize your stream, if it’s a strong yes, then click on yes and proceed to the next step which is to customize your live streaming chat section. From there, you can enable or disable live chats.
Step 6
After you are done with all these, you can then start live streaming. Pretty easy right?
Contrary to popular opinions, streaming live on YouTube is not even that difficult and the steps towards starting one are pretty much straightforward. Therefore, if you are planning to venture into this form of entertainment, all you have to do is pick a content niche and stick to that, get a good computer, microphone, webcam, and a strong internet connection, then you’re ready to go live. If you are ready to take the next step and grow your live stream to the next level, check out our tips to become a better streamer.