Blogpost Livestream

published 15-02-2024

Webcast and what you didn’t know..

A webcast, webinar, or livestream might seem straightforward, but how do you ensure it’s a success for everyone involved? With over 15 years of experience in creating, supporting, and organizing livestreams on-site or in our own studio, SoMMedia has a wealth of tips to help make your next livestream run smoothly!

1. Bla Bla Bla is So 2001

While the focus of an online event often rests on content, it’s common to hear, “We need to do a livestream, webinar, or webcast because that’s what everyone’s doing.” True! But remember, your guests, employees, and invitees are investing their valuable time. It’s crucial to make the most of this moment. Provide engaging and substantive content. We’ve had enough of the usual “talking”—ensure your livestream genuinely adds value.

2. Appearance (not yours)

Make an effort to find a pleasant or inspiring location. A plain white office with a view of a hallway and a fire extinguisher doesn’t exactly enhance the experience. While space is important (we need room to move), appearance matters just as much. Think “out of the box”—consider broadcasting from a hall, workshop, truck, parking lot, rooftop, or an external location. There are plenty of options, and at SoMMedia, we can help brainstorm creative solutions.

3. E.H.B.T. (First Aid for Tech)

The highlight of a successful livestream is when the technology works flawlessly, everything functions as intended, and all elements come together perfectly for your online audience. Unfortunately, there are so many buttons and cables to manage that it often causes stress. We see two options here:

Option 1: Prepare everything thoroughly, discussing needs and features well in advance.
Option 2: Partner with someone experienced or a studio where everything is already set up, so you can focus on the content—because that’s where you’re needed!

4. Platform

Teams, GoToWebinar, WebinarGeek, or Your Online Event… there are so many great platforms where your event can be broadcast live, but which one is the best? Each platform has its own pros and cons, and one could practically write a book on the subject.

These platforms bring people together from around the world, regardless of their location. They facilitate real-time interaction, allowing participants to communicate as if they were physically in the same place. This is particularly valuable in times when distance is a significant factor.

Choose the platform that best fits the needs of your event, considering factors like audience size, interactivity features, and technical requirements.