Streaming on YouTube is often a brilliant option when you’re trying to build a brand or simply to engage more with your audience. However, if you’re a new content creator, you may not yet know how to livestream on YouTube.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the art of using YouTube Live. We’ll look at everything from what it is to what you will require to stream successfully. We’ll also share some hints and tips that will help you make the best of the YouTube Live experience.
YouTube Live is the streaming platform affiliated with YouTube as a whole. It is a built-in feature rather than a third-party provision.
Many of the social media platforms that we all know and love have a dedicated tool or service that allows you to stream live and connect with your audience. In the case of Instagram, that’s Instagram live; in the case of Facebook, that’s Facebook live; and in the case of YouTube, that’s YouTube live.
Benefits of Using YouTube Live
There are many independent and significant benefits to using YouTube Live as a content creator. The foremost, and most obvious, of these is the fact that it allows you to increase engagement levels.
No matter how attentive you are to comments and replying to people reaching out to you, you can’t deliver the same level of engagement when posting standard videos as you would with live content.
Standard forms of content always have a delay before you can respond to people engaging or interacting with your posts. Furthermore, it’s nearly impossible to respond to all the comments and attempts at interaction that you get. With YouTube Live, you can engage with the audience in real-time.
It also offers you additional benefits, like the ability to host virtual events and Q&A sessions where you can answer questions immediately, and it helps users stand out from your competition.
How Many Subscribers Do You Need to Go Live on YouTube?
One of the most common questions that we see regarding YouTube live streaming is, “How many subscribers to go live on YouTube?”
The simple answer is that you require at least 50 subscribers to go live on a mobile device. However, if you’re going live here using a desktop and webcam, there are no limits on the minimum number of subscribers held by a channel before the creator can go live.
It’s worth noting that if you have less than 1,000 subscribers, your live streams will be limited on mobile.
Getting Started
Before you can learn how to live stream on YouTube, You need to ensure that your channel meets all the prerequisites and is appropriately set up to accomplish the task.
First, you’ll need to ensure that your YouTube channel is verified. Typically, this simply means that you need to have a verified phone number connected to your account. This is mainly for the safety of the platform’s users and helps prevent random people from going live.
You’ll also need to set up your channel for live streaming. To do so, navigate to your YouTube Studio, click on Settings > Live, and enable live streaming. If you skip this step, your YouTube channel will not be able to go live.
Once you’ve accomplished these steps, you’re technically ready to start streaming. However, there are also some practical considerations to consider.
For one thing, you will require high-quality equipment like a webcam and microphone. It’s essential that you don’t skimp on this part of the process since the quality of the equipment can make or break the stream.
If possible, you’ll also want to ensure your mobile device or camera has at least a 4K resolution. You also need a good microphone, even if it’s a higher-grade entry-level device. Many live streams have failed due to improper equipment.
It’s also good to ensure that you have access to a high-quality, stable internet connection. Preferably, you will require at least a 10 MBps speed connection.
Planning Your Livestream
One area where creators often drop the ball is in planning. It’s essential to plan out your livestream thoroughly before you go live.
At the very least, you need to choose a topic and do some basic research and preparation to ensure that you know in which direction you’re taking the stream, what you’re talking about, and, in the case of such topics, what your stance is about the things you’re discussing.
Most of the best streamers also go a step further. They might prepare a script for the stream or possibly visuals and other things that they’d like to show the audience during the stream.
As with any other YouTube video, it’s best to prepare a thumbnail that fits your brand as well as an accurate, SEO-optimized description.
Choosing a Stream Type
While planning your stream, you also need to choose what kind of stream you want to run. YouTube offers three main streaming options:
- Mobile: For quick, on-the-go live streams (vlogs, updates). Requires 50+ subscribers.
- Webcam: For simple, casual livestreams (Q&As, sharing thoughts). Ideal for beginners.
- Encoder: For professional-level streams (gaming, concerts, business events). Best for multiple cameras, microphones, and screen sharing.
Technical Setup and Going Live
Once you’ve done all the things discussed above, you’re ready for the final setup and then to go live.
The first thing you need to do is set up and test all your equipment. If you’re streaming from a mobile device, that setup will be fairly straightforward, possibly with a ring light, your device, and a microphone. It’s essential to ensure that all the different elements are working properly.
Before streaming, ensure that all the settings are correct and that YouTube will use your desired settings.
Going Live
Once you reach this point, you’re ready to go live. Make sure that you choose the right settings for your type of content.
Using a Mobile Device or Tablet
- Open the YouTube app.
- Tap the “Create” button.
- Choose “Go Live.”
- Adjust settings for age restriction, live chat, and more.
- Tap “Next.”
- Select “Share screen” to share your device’s screen.
- Tap “Go Live” to start streaming.
- Click “Finish” to end your live stream.
Using a Computer and Webcam:
- Sign in to YouTube on your browser.
- Click “Create” and then “Go Live.”
- Select “Webcam” from the left.
- Add a title and description, and set privacy settings.
- Adjust advanced settings if needed.
- Upload or capture a thumbnail.
- Ensure the correct webcam and microphone are selected.
- Select the appropriate visibility for the stream.
- Tap “Go Live” to start streaming.
- Click “End Stream” when finished.
Using an Encoder
- Sign in to YouTube.
- Click “Create” and then “Go Live.”
- Select “Stream” on the left and click “Create Stream.”
- Install an approved encoder (software that helps you stream).
- Connect any additional hardware, like cameras or microphones.
Tips for Successful Live Streaming
If you want to maintain a successful live-streaming streak, then there are a few things you can do to help improve your chances.
For starters, always ensure that you have prepared thoroughly for each live stream. This means doing a full equipment check, ensuring that your internet quality is stable, and possibly even practicing for the live stream before going live.
Also, while we mentioned it earlier, it’s essential enough to bear repeating: ALWAYS, and we mean ALWAYS, ensure that you are offering the highest possible quality of audio and video.
Next, make sure you keep a consistent schedule. Yes, impromptu streams are okay, but once you set a schedule for streaming as certain days and times, stick to it.
Don’t forget to use live chat features and other tools to help you engage the viewers during your live streams.
Finally, engage your audience both off and on the stream. Ensure that you are promoting your stream on other platforms as well, and try to build a community around your stream and channel.
Conclusion
And there you have it. You now have all the essential information about how to live stream on YouTube.
Remember that it starts with high-quality equipment, as well as a well-considered plan about what you are going to discuss and do in the live stream.
Do your best to remain interactive and engage your audience during the entire process, and always perform post-livestream analysis of the analytics to see where and how you can improve your next stream.
All that said, we realize that it can be difficult to livestream successfully if you’re struggling to find a large enough audience. Fortunately, thanks to tools like TubeKarma, you can build your channel’s audience quickly, organically, and with minimal effort. Try the TubeKarma free trial, and see the results for yourself.
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