Started YouTube Live Streaming About 8 Days Ago
I finally built up the courage to start Live Streaming. I heard it's a good way to gain subscribers, so I figured I would test it out. I've only done two Live Streams so far, so I really don't have any results to share. However, I'm pretty happy just to be doing it.
I figured there's not much difference between recording a video and posting it to YouTube than just streaming it live. It actually saves me a little bit of work because I don't have to upload the video afterwards. I just need to remember to download the videos afterwards, so I have them saved locally.
Live Stream From YouTube App vs Webcam
I tested live streaming from my phone using the YouTube app versus live streaming from my webcam and it seems like you only get Standard Definition (SD) from your phone while you get High Definition (HD) if you use the webcam option, even if your webcam supports 4k resolution.
I think it might be possible to get 4k resolution by using the "Stream" option and either a software or hardware encoder, but I haven't looked too much into that option.
For now I've just been using my phone's camera to record in 4k as well and intend to upload that footage as a separate video. I still need to look into the Terms and Conditions and make sure it's allowed.
I think the phone video being 4k is enough of a difference to not run afoul of YouTube's content policy. I think I remember reading something in their terms and conditions about not uploading videos of the same thing over and over again.
First and Second YouTube Live Streams
I haven't been using the option to schedule them in advance, I've just been going live right when I wanted to do it. I figured I didn't need the added pressure of a bunch of people watching me.
I've had a couple of viewers on each live stream. Most of them just pop in and out, I really don't blame them because it's probably pretty boring unless it's one of your interests.
I was pretty surprised that the recording of my first live stream received around 500 views the week following the live stream. I do have 857 subscribers, but 92% of the views came from people who were not subscribed to my channel.
After a few more streams I'll probably start scheduling them in advance to give people time to plan their schedules around the time of the live stream. It will be interesting to see if I get more concurrent views by scheduling in advance or if it will just be the same amount of views.
Last words
Overall, I'm encouraged by the results and I'm going to keep on doing it. I plan on looking into software and hardware encoders as well as services that let you stream to multiple platforms at the same time.
I figured if I'm already doing it on YouTube, I might as well sign up for accounts on other platforms to try to increase my reach. It's only a little bit of extra work and there's no real downside to doing it.
Also, at some point I want to integrate live streaming into my other YouTube channel. That one will be a little bit harder to do just because of the nature of the niche, but I think I'll be able to figure out a way to make it happen.
I'm looking forward to the day where I meet the YouTube Partner program requirements and can have my videos monetized again.
Recent Comments
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That's wonderful news to here Thomas!
The first is always the worst! Keep up the fantastic work my friend!
Thank you Jessie! Yes, the second one was much easier than the first and I suspect each one will get easier.
I'm encouraged by your report and your outcome
Well done you for getting this far
I know you will be getting more positive results as you continue
Wishing the best if success on your journey
That’s interesting! I will get the courage …,, one day…, I am building it up!!!!!
Thanks for sharing!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving Day!!!!!
Cheers,
🦃 Maria
Well done for building up the courage. Just a quick question. Is live stream always showing your face (that what I think it probably should be) or can live stream be showing slides of powerpoint and just talking through them without showing face?
Or will this defy the point of building that connection with your audience face to face and defy the purpòse of a live stream?
Just curious as I am thinking of different possible strategies here. For example many webinars are powerpoint based and many don't show face with such especially when considering autowebinars.
What are the rules regarding live stream here? Are you allowed to just live stream a pre-recorded video? Should it always be face to face?
Thanks for clarifying 😊
Schalk
Ps. As a GrooveFunnels member I have access to their live streams feature which I have not even checked out as yet and I know it is such a cool feature, but I don't think I got the courage yet to do face to face live streams or let me rather say in general I am not very comfortable with the idea.
I’m far from an expert, but I think people trust a face more than they do an anonymous powerpoint. However, I really don’t have any empirical evidence to back that up. I just think people can relate more to a face, than they can with a computer screen.
With that being said, I’ve seen a “Live Premiere” option where you can watch something prerecorded with your audience and answer any questions they have in chat.
I haven’t used it, but it seems like it might be a good match for the examples you gave.
If you wanted to stream your screen I think you would need some type of software encoder. I believe a lot of gamers stream their screens, so it definitely is feasible.
I would just find a way to do what you’re comfortable with right now and maybe re-evaluate in the future the face to face stuff.
Many thanks, I will check out the live feature options for sure. Also I am fine with putting a photo in the powerpoint - slide 1 of me as such. That fine so in that way its not faceless as such. Pre-recorded however can work for me - live face to face is a bit of pressure haha.
I absolutely loved this post, mainly because I know I should be doing what you've described and need all the encouragement I can get!
You’ve got this Phil, I know you’ll do great!
I started off just getting everything I needed to do it. I then did a few test runs where the stream was private just so I could get a feel for what I was doing.
I sent myself the link to the private stream and watched it from my phone while I streamed it from my laptop’s webcam so I would know what other people would see.
Eventually I didn’t have any excuse not to do it and just did it. I was pretty nervous clicking the button to start the live stream for the first one I did, but after I started the stream it felt like all the other times when I was recording videos by myself to upload to YouTube.
The second time was a lot easier for me to start and do. I’m sure each subsequent stream will get easier and easier.
It was actually really cool to be able to have some interaction with people by answering the questions they asked in chat by talking to them on video.
Thanks for sharing Thomas!
I just added 2 Youtube channels and I can see how it would be a timesaver to go live stream. I rarely edit my videos so this sounds like a better option! I'll give it a try in the next few days.
Mel
It’s nice not having to worry about uploading the video afterwards.
In the past I’ve recorded videos and never made time to upload them, but you don’t have that problem with live streaming.
Definitely let me know how it works out for you.
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Good morning Thomas,
Thank you for your blog post, it's appreciated.
I appreciate that your blog post is around a year old, I just wondered how your live streaming is going. It would be interesting to know, as it's something that I am thinking about doing. At the moment, I always record my videos and then upload them to YouTube.
All the best.
Roy