Podcast, Streaming & Co.

Discover great podcast & streaming kits for your home or studio! Learn more about the world of streaming!

Streaming has long since ceased to be just a trend and has become an integral part of the online and internet world. Especially in times of pandemic, live streaming has become increasingly important on social networks. Solo musicians, bands, podcasters, and influencers use social platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, or Instagram to distribute their content. For newcomers, the question now arises as to what requirements are necessary for live streaming. In our guide, you will learn what you need to consider if you want to start live streaming.

Live Streaming Guide

1. What is streaming and how does it work?

Even though streaming has become a household term, not everyone knows exactly what it means. When people talk about streaming, they usually refer to either "on-demand streaming" or "live streaming."

In "on-demand streaming," video or audio data is “streamed” to computers, smartphones, tablets, or TVs via the internet or specific streaming apps while the files are stored elsewhere. Unlike a download, streamed content can be watched or listened to immediately. However, unlike a downloaded file, streamed content cannot be used offline since it’s not stored on the device — it only exists temporarily in the device’s memory.

In addition to on-demand streaming for movies or music, there’s also "live streaming," where an event is broadcast in real time. Besides sports and gaming, live streaming is often used for press conferences, online training sessions, seminars, or any kind of online event.

During the pandemic, so-called "live streaming concerts" have become a popular alternative to live concerts with large crowds. More and more national and international bands, solo musicians, and DJs are moving their shows online. After well-known metal and dance music festivals had to be canceled, organizers came up with something special — bringing the festivals as digital editions directly into fans’ living rooms.

Thanks to many professionally produced live stream concerts, fans can now enjoy live music online and experience their favorite artists right from home. Especially for lesser-known bands or artists, live streaming offers the chance to build an audience reach that even an in-person concert might not achieve.

A key factor for successful streaming is a smooth and fast internet connection. Anyone intending to stream outdoors or over Wi-Fi should keep in mind that connection speeds can fluctuate. While part of the media is always buffered, if the connection drops or slows down, it results in annoying loading times, interruptions, and poor video or audio quality. For a stable and fluid stream, an upload speed of at least 6–10 Mbit/s is recommended. Remember: the higher the bitrate, the better the stream quality!

2. Live Streaming Platforms

YouTube and comparable platforms such as Facebook Live, Twitch, or Instagram make it possible to share live streams with large audiences.

YouTube

With over 2 billion users, YouTube is the world’s largest video portal and the second-largest search engine, allowing live streams to reach a wide audience. Before starting a live stream, users can configure settings for the camera and microphone, add a title and description, and define the type of publication. Interaction with viewers is also possible through the comment function. To generate revenue via YouTube’s Partner Program, certain requirements must be met, including a minimum of 1,000 subscribers. YouTube also supports 360° video streaming.

Live streams can also be saved and rewatched later. For audio, YouTube supports a transmission quality of 128 kBit/s. Unlike Facebook or Instagram, viewers don’t need an account to watch live streams.

Facebook Live

Since 2015, Facebook Live has been an integrated streaming tool within Facebook. To start streaming, simply click “Live Video.” However, the stream is only visible to viewers with a Facebook account. A comment function allows viewers to like or comment during the broadcast. Videos can also be saved for later viewing.

Twitch

Originally known for gaming content, Twitch is increasingly popular among musicians, especially DJs. Starting from 50 followers, users can apply for the Partner Program to earn income through ads or donations. Only users with a Twitch account can comment on streams, though anyone can watch without an account. Recordings remain available for 14–16 days after streaming.

Instagram Live

Currently, Instagram Live streams can only be started via smartphone, making the platform ideal for spontaneous, short broadcasts lasting up to one hour. Viewers can only watch through the mobile app and must have an account. The advantage is the high interactivity via direct comments. Streams can be saved and remain available for 24 hours before being removed.

Especially suitable for musicians and bands – Stageit and Stagetasy

Stageit serves as a virtual online concert venue for solo artists, DJs, or bands, allowing them to perform paid live shows. Reach can quickly grow through social media integration. On Stagetasy, after registration and confirmation of the gig date, a personal channel is activated. Viewers can support artists voluntarily or via paid tickets.

3. Video and Lighting Setup

Video quality is a crucial part of communication between streamer and viewer and should not be underestimated. While a smartphone or basic webcam can work for live streaming, a good camera is essential for high-quality results. The camera transmits its signal to an interface where all video feeds are managed. A video switcher determines which signal is shown at any time and controls visual effects like transitions, picture-in-picture, or graphic overlays. Common brands include BlackMagic Design, Roland, and RGBLink.

The Atem Mini models from BlackMagic Design offer a wide range of features and are affordable for semi-professionals. Depending on the model, up to four HDMI signals can be connected. These inputs are synchronized, processed with effects, and then synced with the audio signal. The video mixer connects to a PC via USB, where its output is treated as a webcam signal in streaming software such as OBS Studio 26, Streamlabs OBS, Wirecast, or X-Split, and then broadcast to the chosen platform.

To create a dynamic streaming experience or properly showcase a band’s performance, multiple camera angles are recommended. For live concerts, fixed camera placements can capture unique perspectives — such as a drummer’s fills or a keyboardist’s solos — that are otherwise hard to reach. We recommend products from BlackMagic Design, which offer up to eight inputs and outputs.

Proper lighting is equally important for a successful live stream. Today there’s a wide range of lights designed specifically for streaming. For small setups, we recommend products from Elgato.

For larger productions, more powerful lights are needed to achieve proper illumination. The PLL panels from Eurolite are a great choice.

Product recommendations:

LIG0016393-000, LIG0016394-000, and LIG0016395-000

Of course, traditional theater spotlights can also be used for illumination. Background accents are important — adding color to the backdrop is always a good idea.

Product recommendations:

LIG0016694-000, LIG0016937-000, LIG0015729-000, LIG0015652-000, and LIG0017001-000

4. Audio Setup

For streamers, clear audio is essential — viewers must be able to understand you perfectly. A good microphone is therefore a key part of your setup. While a headset mic can be used, it will compromise audio quality. A solid microphone is affordable and greatly enhances your stream’s professionalism.

For live-streamed concerts, instruments can be captured directly or via microphones. These audio signals are sent to a mixer or audio interface, processed there, and then combined with the video signal in the video mixer. The signal is then embedded in the video, converted to the required format, and streamed to the chosen platform to appear on viewers’ devices.

Until the signal reaches the mixer, the setup for microphones and DI boxes is basically the same as in a live concert. However, it’s important to ensure every sound in the room is routed to the mixer or interface. Unlike a live venue where the PA system’s sound can be heard and adjusted in real time, in a live stream, the final mix that reaches the viewer remains unseen.

Unlike a live concert, only the captured signal is heard. If possible, the mixer or FOH position should be acoustically isolated from the room to ensure only the signal in the mixer is monitored. The band can then perform a normal soundcheck, levels can be adjusted, and monitor mixes set as usual.

It’s also advisable to minimize bleed between instruments as much as possible. This is especially important for live-streamed concerts since many viewers will listen on smartphones or laptops. Just like in a studio production, any phase issues will be much more noticeable in this kind of listening environment than at a regular live show.