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While technical quality is crucial for live streaming, the production value of the content can make or break viewer engagement. Here are ten strategies (aka livestreaming tips) to elevate live streams from good to great, focusing on content and presentation.
“We are at a stage in culture and history where there’s a lot of really high-quality content out there,” said Tom Webster on Episode 705 of “The Business Storytelling Podcast.” “So if you want to grow an audience, I think you have an obligation to do a good job, to make a quality show, to do to make a quality product; you can’t expect an audience otherwise.”
1. Invest in proper lighting
Lighting can dramatically improve the visual appeal of a stream. To take advantage of natural light, position the camera with a window in front or slightly to the side. In my new studio, I will have a window in front of me a smaller window higher up to the right even. Coupled with some other lights, the lighting should be great. Invest in a ring light or other professional lighting equipment.
When starting out, even a small, inexpensive light can make a significant difference.
- Basic setup: A small, portable light – it can provide initial improvement.
- Advanced setup: Larger, professional ring lights offer better coverage and control.
More advanced lighting equipment often offers multiple settings for fine-tuning appearance. Some settings are softer than others.
Positioning is key: experiment with the distance between the light source and the subject.
Read next: Video problems: How to avoid ring light reflection in glasses
But, expensive equipment isn’t necessary to start. Begin with available equipment and upgrade as the stream grows. Start with the camera you have, start with the daylight, and start and then buy more equipment as you need it.
To keep it compact try ring lights that attach to your desk like these.
2. Ensure high-quality audio
Good audio is just as important as good video, if not more so. As narrative audio producer Shane Salk emphasizes on Episode 471 of “The Business Storytelling Show,” poor audio quality can immediately turn off viewers, even if other aspects of the content are good. Invest in a quality microphone and ensure consistent audio levels between hosts and guests.
Good audio should sound like the speaker is in the same room, without distracting background noises. Viewers shouldn’t have to work at listening or be distracted by environmental sounds. Consider using sound panels to improve acoustics and reduce echo in the streaming space.
Authenticity in voice is key. Focus on sounding genuine and natural rather than imitating a “radio voice.” This authenticity can help create a stronger emotional connection with the audience.
“Sounds actually bring us more of an emotional connection to something much quicker than something necessarily seeing it,” Shane said.
3. Focus on content quality
While technical aspects are important, content is king matters. Create a show worth watching by making it interesting, having great conversations, and showing a human side. Engage the audience through storytelling.
Ensure the topic is relevant and unique enough. Several hundred episodes into my show, I make a point to look for new topics or at least new angles. We can’t talk about the basics of storytelling on every episode!
Make questions engaging. Also, don’t just do what everyone does. On my live stream, we fist bump to start the show. It’s fun and gets people’s attention. At the end, we fist bump again and I say “we are out.”
4. Structure the live stream effectively
Livestream expert Ross Brand suggests on Episode 516 of “The Business Storytelling Show” to think in terms of three segments for a stream. One segment might discuss a podcast, another talk about repurposing live streaming videos, and a third about blog integration.
Create a website for your podcast with Podpage
This approach helps maintain flow and keeps the audience engaged.
“So you explore one, and then one that runs its course or you have something to promote going forward,” Ross said. “So you always have something to look forward to. Something to recap, you know, earlier, we talked about such and such coming up, we’re going to talk about this.”
Consider following this format loosely:
- Welcome and introduction to today’s topic
- Key topics to discuss
- Quick summary/wrap
5. Engage with the audience
Interaction is key in live streaming.
“The thing that really makes live streaming special is your ability to interact with your audience,” said Ross. “And so you have conversations with your guest. And then your audience can share comments on the screen. They can even call in and come on to the show. There are so many different ways to engage an audience and make them feel that they’re part of the show, that they have access to you, and that they’re connected to you.”
Actively engage with viewers by acknowledging comments, greeting participants, and answering questions. This real-time interaction sets live streams apart from pre-recorded content and keeps the audience invested in the stream.
For episodic content, consider using cliffhangers to keep the audience coming back. End on a point where both the host and audience are anticipating what comes next. This creates a shared excitement that can boost engagement.
6. Create an appealing background
The background contributes significantly to a stream’s overall look. While some argue for authenticity with a natural background, ensure it represents the desired perception. Consider using a physical backdrop or a well-designed virtual background to maintain a professional appearance.
Here’s my current look:
7. Incorporate visual elements
Enhance the stream with visual elements like lower thirds (name banners), logos, or overlays. These not only add a professional touch but also help reinforce branding and provide important information to viewers. Consider using tools that allow for easy addition and removal of these elements during the live stream.
Read next: How to get livestream viewers on LinkedIn
8. Plan and research
Before going live, plan the content. Consider what the audience might care about, identify unique differentiators, and decide on key points to discuss. Use keyword research tools like Keywords Everywhere or Keywords Insights to identify relevant topics and optimize discoverability.
When planning, follow this model:
- What can be discussed that the audience might care about?
- What’s the unique differentiator?
- What are the key points to convey?
9. Craft compelling headlines and descriptions
Write clear, concise headlines that accurately reflect the content of the stream. Be clear and as thorough as possible. Draw people in. In the description, summarize key points and include any necessary calls to action.
When writing headlines, consider:
- What are the main points of the livestream?
- What is the most important item viewers should know?
- How can the message be conveyed concisely and accurately?
10. Repurpose content
After the live stream, repurpose the content into other formats. This might include creating podcast episodes, writing blog posts, or extracting short video clips for social media. This approach maximizes the value of each live stream and reaches a wider audience.
A typical repurposing workflow might look like this:
- Livestream happens
- Podcast version gets distributed
- Article gets written
- Everything gets distributed via email, social media, etc.
Conclusion
Improving the production value of live streams doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Implement these strategies one at a time. Consistency is key – audiences appreciate the effort put into creating high-quality, engaging live-streaming experiences. Be genuine, share both successes and challenges, and focus on building real connections with the audience. This transparency and relatability can set a stream apart and keep viewers coming back for more.