When you finally decide to record your live streaming video, there are things you need to prepare yourself for. Aside from preparing yourself mentally to go on camera, you also need to check on the technicalities of live streaming.
What to Remember Before You Record Live Streaming Video
So you finally found the courage to go live and you already have a list of topics that you want to discuss. You may even have practiced and practiced in front of the mirror to overcome your stage fright, but there is still one set of checklist that you need to have before you actually go live especially if you are using your laptop or desktop.
When you’re learning how to record live streaming video, you need to also think about the technicalities to make your show more attractive. Here are some things you need to remember before starting your live broadcast.
Frame Your Shot
Sometimes you can become so overwhelmed about the little things that it is only after you live stream that you realized that your light was too bright and you look like a ghost.
There could also be something unflattering behind you that is shown on camera. When you frame your shot, you can check to see what the camera is seeing which is also what your audience will be seeing. Make sure you pick out your best angle because that’s what your viewers will be looking at for at least the next few minutes.
If you really want to impress your audience, it would be a great idea to use the best camera for live streaming video you can find like a Logitech C920 or C922.
Mic Test 1, 2, 3
Now that you’ve framed your shot and presented your best angle, it’s time to make sure that they can hear you. Scratchy noises must be avoided at all times and minimizing background noise is also important.
You need to make sure any devices that emit sound is placed into silent mode so that there would be no unnecessary interruptions in the middle of your streaming. It would be better to use an external mic and headset to avoid feedback from your desktop.
Someone once said that we have been able to send a man to the moon but everything still goes haywire the moment we try to go live. Make sure that you can minimize or avoid this happening during your live sessions. Your viewers may lose interest if your live videos constantly experience technical difficulties.
- Internet connection — make sure that this is optimized and steady.
- Battery life of your laptop — The rule of thumb is to have 1% battery life for every minute that you plan to be live. Better yet, keep your laptop plugged in to avoid any mishaps.
- Equipment such as lights and microphone — Make sure that all the plugs are in their proper place and that no one can trip on them or no pet can play with them. Since a lot of you guys live stream from your home, you can avoid having your pets, kids, and family members tripping on the cords and plugs by ensuring everything is secure.
Are You Connected?
Now that the basics have all been taken care of, you need to make sure of the most important item on the checklist before you record your live streaming video. You need to be comfortable.
Why does it matter? Well, you don’t want to be sitting in front of a camera, talking to hundreds of people online and suddenly experience a cramp because you’re not seated well. You also don’t want to have to interrupt your show because your leg has fallen asleep or your back is aching.
It’s important to be comfortable in front of the camera, whether you are standing or sitting down. That’s because your audience will notice even the most minute reaction on your face. Remember that they will be staring at your face and even the smallest detail will be seen.
There are other things you should be careful NOT to do when you record your live streaming video. Here’s an article to check out about that.
Improvisation vs Structure
Just because you are going live doesn’t mean you can just talk your way through it without any structure or outline.
Apply the 80/20 rule so you won’t go off-topic and ramble on. Create an outline of your topic including the general subtopics. Then use the remaining 20% to insert random stuff you suddenly come up with while you record your live video. If you apply this rule to your live streams, it will be informative as well as interesting.
Use the Agenda feature in Studio2 so you can a copy of your outline right in front of you on the screen.
Watch this awesome video from BeLive’s own Olena Kovalova on how to make the best live streaming setup.
So, tell us, have you started your first live stream yet? If you are about to, be sure to try out BeLive so you can launch your first live stream on Facebook or YouTube without a hitch.
Need more tips to record your live streaming video perfectly? Join our community and connect with more than 15k members for helpful tips and workarounds.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 13, 2018, and has been edited for quality and other updates.
Kathy Kenny Ngo is BeLive’s Content Manager. She handles all content on the blog as well as everything media and brand related. You may email her at kathy@belive.tv
